Mildly scented, fragrant, sweet-smelling, piquant, pungent, essential oils come in all flavors. Obtained from the essence of certain plants, these volatile oils are used in perfumes, cosmetics, incense, as a flavoring in food, and cleaning products. Essential oils are also often used in aromatherapy, and for healing purposes, not just for humans but for pets too. Pets’ immune systems are different, and sometimes more vulnerable than that of humans, but on the other hand, their olfactory senses are so much more powerful than ours. So if you decide to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils for your pets, ensure they are diluted very well in a good carrier oil of your choice before using them. Exercise utmost caution when using essential oil for all your pets, and avoid them completely for young ones less than ten weeks old.

Three essential oils that can be used for pets (after consulting and getting the approval of the veterinarian) are:

Frankincense

• The essential oil obtained from the boswellia sacra tree is frankincense.
• It is a mood-relaxer for pets and makes them tranquil.
• This can be used as a de-stressor for anxiety-prone cats and dogs, and especially those experiencing respiratory difficulties.
• If your pet suffers from stiffness, swelling, and or pain because of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, Frankincense essential oil can be used to reduce such inflammation and pain.
• Although research is still being carried out, this essential oil seems to possess beneficial effects in reducing cancerous tumors and can even strengthen the immune system in pets.

Lavender

• The essential oil of the lavender plant has some fantastic healing qualities.
• It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory; so ideally can be used on pets who have skin issues like itching or dermatitis to bring about some relief.
• Bathing your pets in water to which lavender essential oil is added will help reduce allergic reactions because it works effectively as an antihistamine. It will also enable them to sleep more peacefully, and hence heal more rapidly.
• For pets that are hyperactive and nervous, dilute a drop of lavender essential oil in a diffuser with some water and place it in the room they visit frequently. Inhaling the soothing scent of this oil will certainly calm them. But ensure that if they feel like getting away from the smell, there is a doorway open for them, do not lock them up in one place with the diffuser.

Clary sage

• Like lavender, clary sage also calms the nerves of anxious pets. Use it as a thinly diluted spray on your pet, or spitz it around your pet’s bedding so he can get fitful rest.
• When added to your pet’s regular liquid soap or shampoo, clary sage has the potential to improve the quality and texture of his scalp and coat.

Other essential oils that are pet-friendly are cedar and palmarosa, and lemon and eucalyptus, albeit the last two in minuscule amounts.

Some essential oils you must avoid using on your pets are basil, cinnamon, citronella, clove, garlic, menthol, nutmeg, orange, oregano, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, spearmint, tea tree, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang.