Written by Mary Ann Green, Holistic Practitioner
Mary Ann Green is a trusted energy practitioner, human nourishment coach and animal intuitive. Her journey through CPTSD, disordered eating and caring for loved ones, including companion animals, led her to certifications as a Pn1 Sports & Exercise Nutrition Coach, Reiki Master, Master Life Coach, Healy and Animal Reiki practitioner.
As promised, we’re back with Part 2 of The Well-Oiled Pet, designed to provide facts and dispel fears about using essential oils (EO) with the animals in your life.
In the first article of this series, we explored some necessary factors to consider when supporting the well-being of your animals with EO, such as species-specific sensitivities, cautionary compounds, the simplest ways to introduce EO to your animals and the importance of using the highest quality, organic, therapeutic-grade essential oils.
Here, we delve deeper into what to expect when incorporating EO into your animals’ care routines.
Quality is crucial
Within 20 minutes of topical application, inhalation or ingestion, the compounds within an essential oil can be found in every cell in your animal’s body, including their brain.
High-quality oils enhance well-being, while low-quality oils (non-organic and chemically based) detract from it and give the body “one more toxin” to have to try and process.
Unique to animals
Unlike humans who have some 5 million olfactory receptors, dogs can have in excess of 220 million, as explained by Julio E. Correa, Extension Animal Scientist, Associate Professor, Food and Animal Sciences, Alabama A&M University, in “The Dog’s Sense of Smell”. The Dog’s Sense of Smell, Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities.
In fact, most animals have a much stronger sense of smell than their human family members. This, combined with their sizes varying greatly within and between species, means we have to be mindful when using EO with our non-human loved ones.
Making the introduction
As noted in the first well-oiled pets piece, the easiest way to introduce your animals to oils is by YOU wearing them and spending time with your pets/livestock or through cool-air diffusion.
These methods allow animals to get familiar with new scents and provide an exposure that is low and slow.
Even with these methods, your animal may not be receptive to the scent of an oil. If this happens, you have options.
You can try mixing the EO with something they like and see how they respond. Another option is to diffuse the oil for a day or two in an area close to their primary space in the house or barn, providing time for the animal(s) to adjust to the scent. Additionally, you can dilute it with a carrier oil.
The detox-effect
While overuse of oils is not typically toxic or dangerous, it can start a detoxification process that may appear intense and can leave you feeling like something is wrong with your pet. In herbology, we called this the ‘healing crisis.’ Things often look worse before getting better because the body is clearing out to reboot and restore (as always, if you have concerns, please contact your animal care provider).
Please note: As quality EO are distilled, they have no allergens. However, true reactions to products can happen if an EO contains low-quality oils, a carrier oil the animal is allergic to (i.e., almond oil), or something synthetic. This is especially true of blends.
According to the essential oils animal desk reference:
Essential oils have been known to digest toxic substances, so when they come in contact with chemical residue on the skin, the oils start to work against them. It’s important to eliminate any synthetic products, if possible when using essential oils around animals.
Unfortunately, our canine companions are often heavily exposed to toxins in shampoos, flea/tick treatments, routine immunizations, medications, etc., and they require some detoxification. Another reason why it’s best to start with the lower exposure modalities mentioned above.
What to avoid
Another way to enhance your pet’s health and wellbeing, as well as reduce the chances of deep detox, is to avoid products containing ammonium or hydrocarbon-based chemicals. These products contain quaternary compounds like quaternariums and polyquaternariums that can be fatal if ingested.
Of special note is benzalkonium chloride, which is used in many products, even those marketed for pets. This one can be fatal!
Additional compounds that pose a toxic threat to our animal friends include:
formaldehyde
FD&C colors
talc
all types of parabens
titanium dioxide
thimerosal
Mercury
sodium lauryl sulfate
aluminum salts
propylene glycol
methyl isobutyl ketone*
methylene chloride*
methyl ethyl ketone*
The *last three noted above can react with some compounds inherent in EO and result in skin irritations (also true of humans who use personal care and beauty products that contain these chemicals and then use EO).
However, concern with these toxins goes much deeper than skin reactions. The chemicals are actually stored in the animals’ (and our) fatty tissues, where they are able to leach into the body. Topical application of EO can pull them out of the system which can be uncomfortable.
So, again, focus on low and slow exposure when starting with EO.
Facts over fear
While this may seem daunting, it highlights the incredible benefits of embracing a "clean" approach for the animals in your life and how detox can support their long-term well-being.
Beyond skin irritations, a more intense detox may leave your pet with an upset belly or generally appearing “low energy.” (If you’ve ever done a juice cleanse or other types of detox, you’re probably familiar with the “slump” before the “wow” as the body clears things out and then gets the boost).
You can make this process easier by:
Making sure your animals have access to plenty of filtered drinking water
Reducing the amount of EO you’re using around/on your pet (quantity)
Using single-source oils (vs. blends)
Combining the EO with a carrier oil (olive, almond, or coconut oil, etc.)
Of course, you can stop using the oils for a few days, make sure you’ve reduced/eliminated their exposure to chemicals, and start again focusing on “low and slow” – fewer oils, less quantity, and less exposure built up over time.
I know one of the first oils I introduced to one of my beloved dogs was Peppermint (great for GI upset, soothing and a bit uplifting at the same time). He was not a fan of the scent, which is intense for a being whose sense of smell could be 1,000 times more powerful than mine, so we started with a drop rubbed into my palms (complete with me waving my hands in the air for a second to help diffuse it) and then me simply sitting beside him for a bit.
For years, he played hide and seek under the kitchen table with some EO and blends (Thieves, for example), but he was great with me adding a drop of Lemon Vitality to his bowl of water every day and enjoying a healthy lifestyle as a well-oiled pet.
As we continue this journey, we’ll explore quantities/percentages for use, usage tips and more!
For more tips on using EO with animals:
Seeking support?
Not sure how to get started? Let's work together to uncover your animals' unique needs and preferences! Contact me today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier and thriving pet. Your furry friends will thank you. Plus, stay tuned for Part 3 of this exciting series!
Read more from Mary Ann Green
Mary Ann Green, Holistic Practitioner
“Never follow anyone else’s path, unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost.” ~Ellen DeGeneres (maybe not even then)
A holistic health practitioner and nourishment coach, Mary Ann Green melds modern science, ancient wisdom, personal experience and insightful senses into an artful practice empowering clients to discover and walk their most nourished path.
She believes all beings have an innate tendency towards wholeness. All beings have an inherent desire to live their fullest lives. However, Green knows that not all have the same backgrounds, experiences, or skills to support the well-being of body, mind, and spirit. This is the genesis of the NourishedPath.net.
