You asked for it and now it's here! So excited to talk to you all about oils and pets! That's right, you can use (some) oils on your pets. We are going to address oil safety, loving your babies naturally, and all the extra goodies too!
Myth: Oils aren't safe for pets
I wouldn't trust just any brand of oils for my fur and feather babies but Young Living and their Seed to Seal promise makes all the difference. Seed to Seal means the from the time the seed is planted until the bottle is sealed, we as consumers are welcome to see the process.
This does not mean that ALL oils are safe. Some oils are not safe for pets, and that is why we have created this blog to help you navigate how to keep your fur and feather friends safe and healthy, holistically.
Signs to be cautious for:
Drooling
Vomiting
Tremors
Difficulty walking, wobbliness
Respiratory distress (wheezing, fast breathing, panting, coughing) - The Spruce Pets
Seed to Seal
"Seed to Seal is our commitment that helps ensure that with every pure essential oil and Young Living product your family uses, you’re enjoying the benefits of our global resources, industry leadership, and over two decades of innovation. The result? A pristine final product that you know has been created with conscientious Sourcing, Science, and Standards—the three pillars of Seed to Seal."- Young Living
- YL farms and partner farms abide by strict standards.
- YL selects the strongest seeds from strong thriving plants. They will not over-produce for quantity or stock needs. They only produce what the healthy plants will provide.
- Pest Control: All plants are hand-weeded and use oils on plants to avoid the use of toxic chemicals.
- Plants are harvested at peak times to ensure quality oils, down to the hour.
- Distilleries are on site to prevent contamination and process without chemicals.
- Every batch has several tests to pass and done 3 times each by YL and outside parties. If it doesn’t meet their standards because of weather conditions or for any other reason, it does not get used.
All of these factors make a huge difference in quality and effectiveness.Â
Check out more about their Seed to Seal promise at www.seedtoseal.com
Pet Safety
Animals have an heightened rate and amount of absorption, due to hair follicles. Therefore, you should always use a carrier oil when you apply an essential oil.
Dilution Guide:
Cats: 8 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of EO
Dogs under 25 pounds: 5 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of EO.
You can always dilute further to begin.Â
Remember:
The three most important things when being cautious on behalf of your pet while using oils are to check are:
QUALITY of oil (not all are created equal)
Letting your pet CHOOSE the oils (as silly as it sounds)
Providing a way OUT. (LISTEN TO YOUR ANIMAL. If you are diffusing or using oils for yourself while your pets are around, make sure there is an open door or window so they can leave.)
Do Not List
Dogs
Here is a list of essential oils not to use near or on dogs:
Anise
Birch
Bitter Almond
Boldo
Calamu
Camphor
Cassia
Chenopodium
Clove
Garlic
Goosefoot
Horseradish
Hyssop
Juniper
Mugwort
Mustard
Oregano
Pennyroyal
Red or White Thyme Rue
Santolina
Sassafras
Savory
Tansy
Tea Tree Oil
Terebinth
Thuja
Wintergreen
Wormwood
Yarrow
Dogs also tend to prefer inhalation and licking methods.
Cats
Here is a list of essential oils not to use near or on cats:
Wintergreen
Peppermint
Citrus (including lemon )
Tea tree
Pine
Eucalyptus
Cinnamon
Pennyroyal
Sweet birch
Clove
Ylang ylang
-List Reference: The Spruce Pets
"Cats don't have metabolic pathways to break down most essential oils. Essential oils can still be safe to use. Be sure to let them choose their own oils. Cats are even more discerning than dogs. This means your cat will probably tell you exactly what he/she wants. If you have any concerns you can consult your veterinarian."- GROworkspace
In Case of an Emergency
"Essential oils and animals can be a harmful combination. Just like poisoning in humans, the key to reacting to poisoning in your pet is to act fast. Don’t delay contacting a professional. Seek medical treatment immediately. Call your veterinarian, or contact the Pet Poison Helpline at (800) 213-6680.
If you can’t reach your vet or their office is closed, bring your cat or dog to an animal emergency medical center. The sooner the better. Acting fast will improve your pet’s prognosis!
Be sure to also follow these tips for essential oils and animals:
If the oil is on your pet’s fur or skin, wash it off immediately.
Don’t give your pet any treatments without a vet’s approval.
Take the oil with you to the vet so they know what they’re dealing with." - Found Animals
Tips + Uses
Lavender
Known as "the Swiss army knife of Oils," lavender can be calming to you and me, it can be to your animal as well. It's great for soothing skin and even to repel bugs.
DIY Soothing Skin Gel
- approximately 2 oz. of water-based gel (aloe vera)
- 5-20 drops of essential oils (max of 5 different oils)
**make sure you collaborate with your animal about which oils!
- whisk together and you are done!
Apply this calming gel to underbelly or any sensitive skin areas when needed. (Recipe Credit: GROworkspace)
Cedarwood & Geranium & Frankincense
Cedarwood: Calming and grounding.
Frankincense: Calming, grounding, and soothing. Great for rashes or bruising.
Geranium: Mix with Cedarwood and Lavender for an outdoor spray. Supports healthy skin. Can be balancing and grounding.
DIY Collar for Dogs
1 cup of water
5 drops Lavender
2 drops Citronella
1 drop Cedarwood
2 drops Geranium
Mix in a bowl, put in your pet's collar, soak for 5 minutes, remove from liquid, and then let it dry before using.
***Make sure you listen to your animal and that they approve of the whole concoction first. (Recipe Credit: GROworkspace)
Images Compliments of: GROworkspace
Citrus Freshâ„¢
"Citrus Fresh is relaxing and calming and it smells SO good. Think citrus with a hint of mint.
Ever tired of that "dog" or "cat" smell?
Fresh Litter Box
To help with pet odors, diffuse this blend around the house or wherever the litter box is located. You can also create a spray and use it on your furniture. If you notice your pet is avoiding the Citrus Fresh spray, you can either use that to your advantage (to keep the cat off the couch) or switch to a different oil to freshen the air such as Purification, Lavender, or anything else you enjoy.Â
Freshen the Air
To create your room freshening spray, add 20 drops of Citrus Fresh or your oil of choice to distilled water in a 4 oz spray bottle." - GROworkspace
Animal Scents
"Young Living has its own line of products designed specifically for animals! It contains oils, shampoo, cat treats, dog chews, and more!Â
DID YOU KNOW!?
A portion of all proceeds from Animal Scents products goes to support Vital Ground, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the habitat of grizzly bears and other wide-roaming wildlife."- GROworkspace
Supplements for your pets!
"*While these products are not labeled for ingestible use in animals, I know many members have used these to support their pets' overall health. Here are some of the popular ones our members have used.
This class wouldn't be complete without talking about one of our most beloved products. NingXia Red is 25% NingXia Wolfberry puree, which is a wellness-supporting superfruit with an incredibly high antioxidant rating. Antioxidants make for an unfriendly environment for free radicals. If you don't know the effects free radicals have on your body, you should google it.
This dietary supplement helps support normal blood sugar levels, provides support for normal eye health, cellular function, and energy levels. It’s a supplement that provides overall support to your animal to help them be their best selves.
Other favorites are Sulfurzyme, Omegagize, and Agilease:
Sulfurzyme capsules - Ingredients help to maintain the structure of proteins, protect cells and cell membranes, replenish the connections between cells, and preserve the molecular framework of connective tissue. *Be sure to purchase the capsules to avoid added sweeteners.Â
OmegaGize³™ - combines the power of three core daily supplements-omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D-3, and CoQ10 (ubiquinone). These supplements combine with our proprietary enhancement essential oil blend to create an omega-3, DHA-rich fish oil supplement that may support general wellness. Used daily, these ingredients work synergistically to support normal brain, heart, eye, and joint health.
Agilease - Does anyone have old dogs that like to be active!? This is good for pets that may experience a natural, acute inflammation response in their joints after exercise. AgilEase™ is a joint health supplement that’s perfect for healthy individuals (and pets) who are looking to gain greater mobility and flexibility through the reduction of inflammation." -GROworkspace
Oral Hygiene
"You need to clean your pearly whites, and so do your pets. Dentarome Plus toothpaste is safe to use with dogs.Â
****IMPORTANT**** Thieves Dentarome Ultra and Thieves AromaBright Toothpaste contain xylitol which can be toxic to dogs.Â
Effective brushing unbinds bacteria-laden plaque from the surface of teeth. Rinsing afterward is a key step to make sure that bacteria leave your mouth for good. Since you can't make your doggy swish and spit, lead your pet to water for a drink after brushing.Â
DIY - Pet Oral Care SpritzerÂ
Add one capful of Thieves Mouthwash to a 4 oz bottle and fill with water.Â
For fresh breath, spray in your pet's mouth once a day. "- GROworkspace
Pet Friendly Essential Rewards
'"What is one thing you wish you had known in the very beginning?" Whenever we ask our members this question, do you know what they say? They say, "I wish I had known about Essential Rewards earlier." SO, I don't want to miss sharing all the perks of one of the best programs we have for our members.Â
Essential Rewards is an optional program, but you are definitely going to want to join the ER bandwagon because it is the best way to save money while you replace the toxic products in your home and reorder products as needed.
It is similar to those cool monthly subscription boxes you see all over your FB feed, except for one major difference: you can customize your wellness box EVERY. SINGLE. MONTH. You can also change your process date, which makes it very convenient to get what you want when you want it.
With every ER order, you will get a % back in points to use on future products AND free gifts for ordering on the rewards program.
Most of our members join ER right away with their Premium Starter Kit. Only NEW members can use their PSK as their FIRST Essential Rewards order. New members receive a free gift from YL and $10 back in ER points when they make their PSK their FRIST ER order!'- GROworkspace
Young Living
Premium Starter Kit
Skip the mini kit and upgrade the full-sized kit for the best deal!
It includes all the oils above, plus a diffuser, Ningxia Red packets, Thieves Hand Purifier, and Thieves Spray!
Essential Rewards
Reap all the benefits of membership when you click "YES" on both boxes when you enroll for Essential Rewards!
Happy Switching,
Lauren
References: Young Living, GROworkspace, The Spruce Pets, Found Animals
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or veterinarian. I am not here to diagnose, treat, or cure any of your (or your pets!) illnesses. The content I cover is for informational purposes only.