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Aromatherapy for Animals and Pets

Much like aromatherapy can provide emotional and physical benefits for humans, aromatherapy can provide similar benefits to our beloved pets and animal friends. It, however, is important to recognize that animals are much different than humans. That's amongst the reasons why medical doctors don't also act as veterinarians and vice versa. (I'm simplifying, but you get the idea).

The same essential oils and blends that we use on ourselves are not always safe to use on our dogs, cats, birds, horses or other pets. Cats, for instance, are especially sensitive to essential oils. Many essential oils, most particularly tea tree, are said to be quite toxic to cats. My understanding is that their systems are not able to safely process essential oils.

Limited information and research is available regarding the safe use of essential oils and aromatherapy with animals. Although I have formally studied aromatherapy (Cert. Aroma 2000, from ACHS), aromatherapy for animals wasn't a part of the curriculum. Like veterinary medicine, animal aromatherapy can and should be considered its own field -cats, dogs, birds, horses and other pets differ extensively.

I tend to be very careful in how I use essential oils with and around my dog and cat because I recognize that I have limited expertise in the area of animal aromatherapy. I avoid aromatherapy completely with my cat. When diffusing or blending with essential oils, I ensure that there is adequate ventilation and keep my cat in another area so that his inhalation of the essential oils is kept at a bare minimum.

		Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals: A Comprehensive Guide to the Use of Essential Oils and Hydrosols with Animals In 2002, Kristen Leigh Bell published the text Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals.  Kristen Leigh Bell is the most recognized expert in the safe utilization of aromatherapy with animals, and her book is the resource that I have the most confidence in when researching safe practices for animals. For more information, visit AromaWeb's detailed book description for Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals.
		Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet's Life Herbs for Pets is well worth its price for information regarding particular ailments/issues and for looking up particular benefits and warnings/precautions about the use of particular herbs for our furry companions. View detailed book description and table of contents.

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