Essential oils have been used for medicinal means for hundreds of years and the benefits of using these oils have been proven in informal studies for a decade or so. Many people tout the benefits, both physically and mentally, that comes from using essential oils in their family routines.
There are essential oils for respiratory issues, digestive issues, muscle aches and pains, allergies and more but it makes one wonder – does anyone stop to think what the benefits your pets are receiving from essential oils? Perhaps the oils you are choosing to use in your daily diffusers are actually having a negative reaction on your pets. It is common for medicines, both prescribed and natural, to have an adverse effect on animals.
It is important to know the pros and cons to using essential oils around your pets, as these furry (and non-furry) creatures are members of our families. For some, they are their children and you wouldn’t want to indirectly harm your child, right? So, the topic today is breaking down the pros and cons of essential oils and your pets. Let’s get into it!
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Pros of Essential Oils for Pets
The benefits of essential oils for humans is definitely a long list. While some may experience the effects at a higher level than others; that does not mean the effects aren’t there – it simply means that a person’s natural body chemistry breaks down and reacts to the essential oils in different ways. This is the same for a pet but some of the pros of using essential oils around your pets are:
- Can help repel nature’s enemies, such as fleas or ticks, when used in a diffuser to spits around the room and settle onto the fur of your animal. Varieties that contain germanium and cedar are the most natural parasite fighter you will find in the essential oil varieties.
- Lavender can induce a calming effect on pets that experience separation anxiety or nervous ticks. These should be lightly introduced to the room and only the barest of scents should be detectable to the human nose.
- Animals who suffer from digestion issues may find relief with the right blend of essential oils but before adding anything to your pet’s food; consult with their vet. If you are given the ok for your pet to ingest essential oils to calm down their stomach – always dilute it first! Ask your vet to recommend a dilution method or use a carrier oil (coconut, sunflower seeds, etc.).
It is always important to remember that essential oils will absorb differently in the systems of your pets; so never put them directly on the skin or fur of your animal(s). This can cause chemical burns on your pets and take time, money and medication to heal properly.
If you are concerned about a negative effect on your pet while using essential oils, the ASPCA recommends testing the oil in a well-ventilated room where your pet doesn’t spend a large chunk of time.
Cons of Essential Oils for Pets
As with anything, there are some negative effects that are experienced by even pets when it comes to using essential oils. As with humans, every pet is different and some of the negative effects could include but are not limited to:
- As many animals, especially dogs and cats, have an increased sense of smell; the use of a diffuser and essential oils in the home can cause respiratory issues or allergies.
- If ingested in their purest form, animals can experience nausea, lethargy, and breathing issues. Always store essential oils away from pets and children in a secure place. As humans, we can use essential oils and not ingest them through licking our skin or eating contaminated food, but animals don’t have the same self-control.
If your pet experiences any negative side effects from essential oils, either through ingestion or air exposure, such as nausea, fatigue, anxiety or chemical burns – seek veterinarian assistance immediately.
Conclusion
As we’ve discovered, there are some essential oils that can be harmful to your pets and should be avoided in the areas where they will spend a significant amount of time. Although, on the other hand, we’ve discovered that some essential oils have a positive effect on your pets, similar to that of their owners. These are the essential oils you want to use in the main areas of your home and those areas where your pets are always welcomed. Always watch for negative signs when using essential oils around your pets and keep in mind that they do not understand what can be harmful to them so secure pure essential oils in a safe place.
Now that you want to purchase the proper essential oils for your pets; it is important to know what essential oils has therapeutic effects and how to find the best ones. The use of a diffuser is always the easily and most clean way to distribute essential oils into the air; but always use the lowest setting and place the diffuser in a well-ventilated room to avoid overexposure for your pets.
So, go get some essential oils and start your family, including your non-human members, on the road of better health today!
