Precautions When Using Essential Oil Therapy:
- Following your consultations with a fully qualified and trained animal aromatherapist, you and your pet will be able to work together at home to address the imbalance or dis-ease. But there are a few safety guidelines that you MUST abide by for the health, safety and wellbeing of your pet. For example, cats are highly sensitive to essential oils because cats’ livers have very limited ability to metabolise oils. It is always better to have professional guidance when using essential oils with cats.
- Only ever apply essential oils when you have the clear permission from your pet. Allow the animal to smell EACH oil before treatment. Applying oils to an animal without permission is like being smothered in a perfume you dislike with no way to wash it off. If the animal doesn’t like the scent, stop the treatment as it may have an adverse effect.
- Essential oils must be diluted before they are offered to an animal. Ask your animal aromatherapist to dilute the oils for you using an appropriate base oil eg. grape seed oil 1-2 drops to 5 mls is the highest recommended dilution for dogs; 2-3 drops to 5 mls for horses. Remember more is NOT is better! Store oils in dark bottles with tight-fitting lids, and away from sunlight. Do not leave oils within reach of animals or children, horses have been known to eat them.
- You should ask your animal aromatherapist for advice about each oil you are offering, particularly as some oils may have unwanted side-effects eg. citrus oils are photo-toxic meaning they can increase the skin’s sensitivity to strong sunlight and can burn if exposed within twelve hours of application. Allow your animal to guide you in the application of the oils - this will reduce any chance of adverse reactions. If your animal shows signs of rashes, hives, shortness of breath cease use immediately and contact a professional therapist for advice.
- Do not use the oils for more than 2 weeks without professional advice even if your animal still shows interest. Although natural, essential oils are potent chemicals and should be treated with care and respect. Please check with your qualified Essential Oil Animals Aromatherapist before applying.