Natural Care for Dogs with Essential Oils

I always have  a small bottle of Tea Tree and Lavender oil in my car. Natural antiseptic they both work great on mosquito bites (Yes dogs can get bitten by mosquitos, spiders and other critters), cleaning a wound or remove a “nasty smell” when one of the dog rolls into something “interesting”.

There is more to aromatherapy than using it just for emergency. If you use essential oils for yourself and around  the house, you probably know how powerful they are. For most you only need a few drops in an eight ounce glass. It is always best to add a few drops of essential oils in some water or vegetable oil for better results. No more than 3 to 4 % dilution. However Tea Tree and Lavender are the only two essential oils you can put directly on the skin without diluting in water first. This is why I like to have them in the car or backpack while hiking. Water is not always available.

Put a  few drops in a spray bottle and you have a deodorizing spray and insect repellent. You can spray it on your dog’s coat – never on the face – or his bedding.

Keep in mind that you should not use essential oils on cats and birds. They do not have the enzymes in the liver to process and break down aromatherapy oils.

Tee Tree Oil – A natural antiseptic and cleanser

Tea tree has a bitter taste and a strong smell. If your dog has a tendency to chew or bite his paws or other part of the body, a few drops will stop him for doing it.
You can also use it to gently clean the ears, hot spots and minor skin conditions.
Sometimes a dog will keep licking an area. A few drop of Tee Tree will stop him from doing that.

Lavender – Ease tension and natural antiseptic as well

If your dog has a tendency to be anxious, a few drops on the fur while you are brushing or massaging him will help ease the tension. Remember your dog’s nose is very sensitive and one or two drops might be enough.

Essential oils are not to replace traditional medicine and a visit to the vet. If your dog excessively licks some part off his body, bite or chew his paws or keep getting ears infections something else might be going on. You must take him to your vet and have him check over.

Tags: Health and Wellness, natural remedies for dogs