Safe and Effective Essential Oils for Dogs

You can use essential oils to treat a wide range of canine health problems -from motion sickness, digestive problems, to rheumatism, and many more. How-ever, take note that not all essential oils are safe for dogs, and not all breeds of dogs can use essential oils. This chapter provides you a list of some of the safest and most effective essential oils that you can use for your pets, but it is highly
recommended to consult your veterinarian before using any of them.

 

Cardamom
Cardamom oil is extracted from the seeds of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). It has diuretic effects and also known for its antibacterial benefits.
When used in pets, cardamom essential oil can treat cough, soothe nausea, and re-store their appetite.

Chamomile
The name chamomile originated from the Greek word for earth apple. There are different varieties of chamomile, but the two most common are German and Roman. These varieties grow all over Asia and Europe, but also propagated in tem-perate areas such as Australia and North America. In most places, chamomile may grow along the road and in open areas as weeds.
Chamomile is among the most commonly used herbal remedies for canines.

It has different range of uses, with several beneficial health properties. It can be used as a tincture or a tea to soothe the digestive system. If your pet has indigestion or flatulence, or if he vomits, the carminative property of chamomile can offer imme-diate relief. In these cases, an infusion of chamomile tea can be used (see Chapter 4 for the recipe).

Frankincense
Frankincense Oil, also known as Oil of Lebanon or Olibanum Oil, is regarded as a sacred oil because it is used by ancient civilizations to connect a person to the spiritual world. In the modern times, this essential oil is used to boost the immune system.

There are several species of Frankincense that are grown in various parts of the
Middle East. The common specie is the Boswellia carterii from Oman and Somalia.
If used among dogs, Frankincense oil can increase blood supply to the brain, com-bats brain fog, helps the body to recover from infection, improves brain health, and boosts mental clarity.

Geranium
Geranium essential oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of Geranium plant (Pelargonium odorantissimum). The primary components of this oil are myrcene, menthone, geranyl acetate, geraniol, alpha pinene, limonene, linalool, and citronellol. The strong antibacterial properties of geranium oil prevent bacteria from developing on the wounds of your pets. This oil can also boost canine im-mune system, which allows the body’s defensive mechanism to focus on the inter-nal dangers, instead of being weakened by the toxic attacks on the skin. Geranium oil is commonly used in canines to treat fungal ear infections and skin irritations. It also works as an effective oil that repels ticks.

Ginger
Ginger oil is extracted from the root of the ginger plant (Zingiber officinale). It has been used for thousands of years for its culinary and medicinal properties, especially by the early civilizations of Indians, Chinese, and Greeks. Aromather-apists use ginger oil for pets primarily to calm the stomach. Many veterinarians also use ginger oil to relieve any type of digestive upset such as indigestion, flatu-lence, nausea, and diarrhea.

Helichrysum
Helichrysum oil is extracted from the flowers of the Helichrysum plant, which is also known as Immortelle, Curry Plant, or Everlasting. This essential oil is known for its antibacterial properties, and also helps to reduce bleeding. Recent studies also show that Helichrysum oil can restore damaged nerve cells and speed up the healing process of damaged skin cells.

Lavender
Lavender oil is extracted from the Lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia). It comes with a floral, sweet aroma that is calming and refreshing. Lavender’s aroma can be used to soothe your pets before bedtime. It is also a natural insect repellent, so it can repel ticks, fleas, and other insects without killing them.

Marjoram
Marjoram essential oil is extracted from the dried or fresh leaves of the mar-joram plant (Origanum marjorana). The primary components or marjoram oil are alpha terpinene, cymene, linalool, linalyl acetate gamma terpineol, sabinene, gamma terpinene, terpinolene, and sabinene hydrate.

Marjoram oil provides a warming effect, which is effective in calming emotional and sensitive canines. This essential oil also aids in soothing frayed nerves and in relaxing the nervous system. It also relieves stress and anxiety, and aids in calming hyperactivity among strong breeds. It also has beneficial effects against sinusitis,
asthma, colds, and even bronchitis or kennel cough.

Niaouli
Niaouli essential oil is extracted from the fresh leaves and tender twigs of Niaouli plant (Melaleuca viridiflora). This plant is native to Australia and several nearby regions. The analgesic property of this oil makes it a great pain reliever for canines. It gets rid of pain by numbing the nerves in a specific area of the body. It is effective for dogs who are suffering from earaches, muscle and joint pain, and also pain caused by sprains. Niaouli oil also stimulates proper circulation of blood as well as lymph; hence, preventing the accumulation of uric acid in the joins and bringing warmth to dif-ferent parts of the body. Another health benefit of this essential oil is that it relieves pain from arthritis, rheumatism, and gout especially to older canines.

Peppermint
Peppermint is a cross-species between spearmint and watermint. It originated in Europe where it is widely used for its medicinal effects. Unlike other essential oils, the different health advantages of peppermint essential oil have been scruti- nized and proven by the scientific community; hence, doctors commonly prescribe peppermint oil for different health conditions.

When used for pets, peppermint oil can stimulate proper digestion. Its carminative property helps in getting rid of gas.
This essential oil is also a great tonic for dogs with low appetite, and it aids in the treatment of nausea, motion sickness, and upset stomach.

Vetiver
Vetiver essential oil is extracted from Vetiver plant (Zizanoides muricatus), also known in India as Khus Khus. This grass has a mild musky smell that can soothe the mind and body. The calming effect can provide relief from inflammation in both the nervous and circulatory system. Vetiver oil is also a great antiseptic, which you can use to wash the wounds of your pets.