Have Pets?... They can benefit from essential oils too :)

So to those who know me, already know these three boys! For those who don't, let me introduce you to my bunches of wrinkles! Meet Sal, Louie, and Frank! Love these boys like they are my babies (because they are!) They sometimes can require a little extra attention to cleaning all the wrinkles, but they love you extra for it! They LOVE essential oils, specially in the diffuser!

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ssential oils can have so many benefits for our pets, but we have to be safe when using them! Here are a few things to remember for safety first:

• ​DILUTE! It is very important to always dilute for topical use with cats/dogs. You will want to start out with your essential oils more diluted then you are used to, using a carrier oil such as coconut, almond or olive. You can always increase the intensity of the essential oil, once you are familiar to how he/she will react to it. Just like us, they have the potential of having a reaction to an oil. So we have to be observant after an application, the behavior will tell you if anything needs to be adjusted! 
• ​A cool mist diffuser is great to use around pets, but always use in a open room, and be sure to allow your pet to have the freedom to roam in and out. 
• Be aware of your pets health, and any medications they may be on. General rule of thumb for essential oil use topically, is to avoid using them if your pet is already using a topical medication or dermal patch. This includes any topical flea&tick preventatives also. Caution should be used around pregnant, nursing or young pets. 
• Do NOT use essential oils in, on or around the eyes, nose, ears, or genitals of your pet. 
• ​In the event of an adverse reaction, dilute with a carrier oil – skin irritation is the most common, and most reactions resolve within 24–48 hours after oil exposure. Discontinue use of an oil if your pet shows signs of distress, drooling, squinting, rubbing their face, vocalization, shaking, vomiting, or diarrhea. ​

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Have Dogs? 

Avoid these following oils:
​Melaleuca (commonly known as Tee Trea), Wintergreen, and Birch. 
​Use caution with the following "hot" oils, such as Thyme, Cinnamon, Oregano, Rosemary, Cassia and Clove. 

​Have Cats? 

Avoid these following oils: 
​Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen, Cinnamon, Clove, Melaleuca (commonly known as Tea Tree), Fennel, Dill, and citrus oils such as Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Orange and Bergamot. 

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So What Essential Oil is Good to Start With? 

So glad you asked that question! :) A wonderfully diverse essential oil to start with for your animals, would be Lavender. 
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​Why Lavender? What is it good for? ​​Well, just like us, animals can get anxious about a change that is occurring in their life, or be stressed about a new move... maybe a new sibling? It can also help soothe "stressed", irritated or damaged skin, as well as ease muscle tension. Lavender is an over all "calm" for the sensory system as well as the physical system. 
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So we know that whenever using essential oils, especially with animals, we DILUTE them before applying topically, right? :) 

• ​Typically for dogs, you could use a ratio of 1 drop of lavender to 20-45 drops of a carrier oil. You could then apply directly over the area of concern, (avoiding the eyes, nose, or genitals). The pads of the paws and in-between the webbing are a great place to apply, as well as along the spine. 
• With cats its typically 1 drop of lavender to 100 drops of a carrier oil if applying topically. You can also apply along the spine, or just by petting gently over the area of concern (avoiding the eyes, nose, or genitals). If you have a diffuser, this method for cats is generally preferred. This way they can roam freely around the diffuser. 

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*Side note, Lavender is also safe to use around small mammals such as hamsters, and guinea pigs (to name a few) as well as reptiles!