Essential oils have been used for health and wellbeing for centuries. In fact, well preserved oils have been found in Egyptian tombs. There are also 188 references to essential oils in the Bible!
Essential oils are volatile liquids that are distilled from parts of plants. They aren’t to be confused with essential fatty acids. The best oils have been distilled at low temperatures and low pressure.
The oils are so concentrated that it may take thousands of pounds of plant material to produce just 16 ounces of quality oil.
Pure oils aren’t made in a lab however and don’t have any added chemical constituents. The natural chemical composition of an oil can have an emotional as well as a medicinal impact.
Many oils contain hydrocarbons called terpenes, which can aid in kidney and liver detoxification.
Others contain high levels of caryophyllene, which is an anti-inflammatory constituent. These components make many essential oils a great choice for allergy symptoms.
(Before reading on … are you sure it’s allergies? Click here to find out )
6 Essential Oils For Your Dog’s Allergies
1. Lavender
Lavender is a great analgesic, anti-fungal, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It can be used topically or in a diffuser.
Note that while lavender is very useful, it contains no antioxidant compounds and can oxidize when it’s stored.
These oxidized alcohols can cause allergic responses, so be sure your oil is high quality and hasn’t been sitting in your cupboard.
2. Roman Chamomile
This oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and anti-parasitic properties. It can be used topically or orally.
3. Elemi
Elemi is anti-infectious, antiseptic and works as a sedative. It can be applied topically, orally or it can be diffused.
4. Myrrh
This oil is anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and also has astringent properties. It can be applied topically.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic. It can be used topically or orally.
6. Mountain Savory, Oregano and Clove
These oils can be added for immune support, an important component of allergy prevention and treatment. They can be applied topically, given orally or placed in a diffuser.
(Does your dog have hot spots? Heal him with essential oils now. Click here)
Precautions To Using Essential Oils
While oils are useful and generally safe, they are powerful and can cause a wide variety of adverse effects.
The largest problem with essential oils is that they may contain contaminants that make more serious issues arise.
So you should only use therapeutic grade oils from reputable companies and verify the quality of oils before using them.
Animals have an acute of smell, so in most cases it is best to use oils that are diluted and always provide an escape route.
Watch your dog carefully for signs that he isn’t tolerating the oil, and remove it if he doesn’t seem to like it. Cats are particularly at risk for oil reactions and in most cases I use oils very sparingly on cats.
One drop of essential oil diluted in 50 drops of a pure carrier oil such as grapeseed oil is usually enough.
To reduce the chances of sensitivity and organ toxicity, don’t use the oil for more than two weeks. Then give a rest period.
Oils can be used for longer periods, but it’s best to consult with somebody trained in their use before considering this.
