the journal
Disclaimer - I am not a veterinarian or doctor just a fur mom that loves her pet and found research that put my mind at ease. I always recommend you do the same.
If you are anything like me, your pets are very much a part of your family. I know with my dog Jackson I am very careful what I feed him, that he gets enough exercise and even that he is not feeling lonely or stressed out when I'm gone or he's in a strange environment. That's why when the question of essential oils being safe for our pets came up I went scrambling for any information I could find on the subject.
The answers I found were twofold. Yes, most are safe but no, some are to be avoided with cats and dogs. Also, it matters how you are using them, topically, internally or aromatically, how they're diluted, and most importantly what brand oils you are using.
It is perfectly safe to use whatever oils you like in your diffuser. As long as the room is well ventilated and your pet has a way to leave if he/she feels the need.
Now let's talk about what not to use topically and internally on your pets.
For dogs avoid - Birch, Melalueca (Tea Tree Oil), and Wintergreen.
For cats avoid - Basil, Citrus oils (Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime Orange, Tangerine), Birch, Cinnamon, Clove, Dill Fennel, Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Oregano, Peppermint, Thyme, Rosemary, Spearmint, and Wintergreen.
Aside from that list I feel comfortable using carefully diluted pure therapeutic grade essentials oil from doTERRA on Jackson as needed but not daily. My favorites are Lavender for calming during storms, loud noises or unfamiliar company that might stress him out and DigestZen for occasional stomach issues or inconsistent bowel movements. Again as needed and not daily.
Now let's talk about how to apply and how to dilute.
I found a number of dilution charts on Pinterest and while I did not research their accuracy, I found most have the same ratios listed. Still I would error on the side of the less essential oil to carrier oil side of the charts until you see how your animal reacts or check with you vet.
As far as application goes, I pre-measured and diluted my oils in a roller ball and labeled them for pet use so that I would feel safe each time I used the oils on my dog. For Jackson who is around 20 pounds, I used 5 drops of doTERRA essential oil in a 10ML roller ball and topped off with fractionated coconut oil and I rub the mixture on the back of his spine being careful to avoid his eyes, ears, nose and genitals.
And lastly, brand does matter. I wouldn't use essential oils that are less than 100% therapeutic grade oils from doTERRA on myself and I wouldn't use them on my animals. I am not recommending these protocols for any other oils.
Here's a recipe I found for a natural flea collar that I have been using that has worked well without any side affects on my dog. Again, all animals (much like people) are different and may react differently, so monitor for signs of irritation.
FLEA COLLAR RECIPE
In a 5 ML glass bottle add the following doTERRA essential oils and top off with fractionated coconut oil
5 drops Lemon
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Cedarwood
Place drops all along a cloth collar and let soak in for 30 minutes before placing on your pet. Repeat monthly.
I hope you found this information helpful. I found good information here and here.
If you are interested in getting started with doTERRA essential oils, here is a link to the oils I used to make these pet friendly recipes.
Have you used essential oils on your pets? Which are your favorites? Let me know in the comments.
XO, Patty
If you are anything like me, your pets are very much a part of your family. I know with my dog Jackson I am very careful what I feed him, that he gets enough exercise and even that he is not feeling lonely or stressed out when I'm gone or he's in a strange environment. That's why when the question of essential oils being safe for our pets came up I went scrambling for any information I could find on the subject.
The answers I found were twofold. Yes, most are safe but no, some are to be avoided with cats and dogs. Also, it matters how you are using them, topically, internally or aromatically, how they're diluted, and most importantly what brand oils you are using.
It is perfectly safe to use whatever oils you like in your diffuser. As long as the room is well ventilated and your pet has a way to leave if he/she feels the need.
Now let's talk about what not to use topically and internally on your pets.
For dogs avoid - Birch, Melalueca (Tea Tree Oil), and Wintergreen.
For cats avoid - Basil, Citrus oils (Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime Orange, Tangerine), Birch, Cinnamon, Clove, Dill Fennel, Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Oregano, Peppermint, Thyme, Rosemary, Spearmint, and Wintergreen.
Aside from that list I feel comfortable using carefully diluted pure therapeutic grade essentials oil from doTERRA on Jackson as needed but not daily. My favorites are Lavender for calming during storms, loud noises or unfamiliar company that might stress him out and DigestZen for occasional stomach issues or inconsistent bowel movements. Again as needed and not daily.
Now let's talk about how to apply and how to dilute.
I found a number of dilution charts on Pinterest and while I did not research their accuracy, I found most have the same ratios listed. Still I would error on the side of the less essential oil to carrier oil side of the charts until you see how your animal reacts or check with you vet.
As far as application goes, I pre-measured and diluted my oils in a roller ball and labeled them for pet use so that I would feel safe each time I used the oils on my dog. For Jackson who is around 20 pounds, I used 5 drops of doTERRA essential oil in a 10ML roller ball and topped off with fractionated coconut oil and I rub the mixture on the back of his spine being careful to avoid his eyes, ears, nose and genitals.
And lastly, brand does matter. I wouldn't use essential oils that are less than 100% therapeutic grade oils from doTERRA on myself and I wouldn't use them on my animals. I am not recommending these protocols for any other oils.
Here's a recipe I found for a natural flea collar that I have been using that has worked well without any side affects on my dog. Again, all animals (much like people) are different and may react differently, so monitor for signs of irritation.
FLEA COLLAR RECIPE
In a 5 ML glass bottle add the following doTERRA essential oils and top off with fractionated coconut oil
5 drops Lemon
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Cedarwood
Place drops all along a cloth collar and let soak in for 30 minutes before placing on your pet. Repeat monthly.
I hope you found this information helpful. I found good information here and here.
If you are interested in getting started with doTERRA essential oils, here is a link to the oils I used to make these pet friendly recipes.
Have you used essential oils on your pets? Which are your favorites? Let me know in the comments.
XO, Patty
Just before Memorial Day I switched out my Spring decor for a few patriotic touches in the dining room hutch. I love pulling out a few things from my stash and making each holiday a little special in the cottage. Gone are the days when I decorate the entire house for each season (I have definitely entered a phase of less is more) but I can't resist adding a bit here and there.
Our dining room is the hub to the rest of our home. It sits right in the middle and you must pass through it to get to every other room. Our big white hutch sits smack dab in the center of the room, making it the obvious place to transform as the mood strikes.
I haven't been buying new seasonal decor for a few years now relying more and more on things that I hold near and dear like these little pails in red, white and blue, a pair of adorable Adirondack chairs that were gifted to me by my SIL and twinkling lights from the Target dollar bin.
The hutch will stay this way until August when I will add a few summer sunflowers to begin the transition to fall. But I'm getting ahead of myself now. I think I'll just slow down and savor all that summer has to offer for a while.
Do you still change out your decor for each season. Are you an all in kind of girl or just a touch here and there? I've been both and have nothing but encouragement for those of you who spread so much joy to those of us who get to take in all your hard work!
XO, Patty
Our dining room is the hub to the rest of our home. It sits right in the middle and you must pass through it to get to every other room. Our big white hutch sits smack dab in the center of the room, making it the obvious place to transform as the mood strikes.
I haven't been buying new seasonal decor for a few years now relying more and more on things that I hold near and dear like these little pails in red, white and blue, a pair of adorable Adirondack chairs that were gifted to me by my SIL and twinkling lights from the Target dollar bin.
The hutch will stay this way until August when I will add a few summer sunflowers to begin the transition to fall. But I'm getting ahead of myself now. I think I'll just slow down and savor all that summer has to offer for a while.
Do you still change out your decor for each season. Are you an all in kind of girl or just a touch here and there? I've been both and have nothing but encouragement for those of you who spread so much joy to those of us who get to take in all your hard work!
XO, Patty
I have always been a natural skeptic when it comes to non traditional ways of doing things so coming to the realization that essential oils could really make a difference in my life took a while. As my life has taken a turn toward a more self sufficient and natural wellness lifestyle in the last couple of years, I have begun to investigate alternative ways to alleviate some of the physical and mental things we all deal with as we age.
In an effort to create a healthy lifestyle I am growing more edibles in the garden, cooking healthier meals, and taking walks, as a part of my daily routine. Scheduling quiet time every morning and getting a good nights sleep are also an essential part of this equation. While these things have certainly helped on me on my journey to personal wellness, I still found myself dealing with the occasional headache, sleepless night and increasing aches in my hands and feet.
That's when I turned to essential oils. After asking my more "natural" minded friends and family I found that the name that kept coming up was DoTerra. So when Angela - A Parisienne Farmgirl - asked me if I used essential oils (specifically Doterra essential oils) I knew it was time to do some research and give them a try. I purchased the Home Essentials Kit shortly after because I knew if I was going to legitimately give them a try I needed to go all in. I was a little skeptical as I rubbed Deep Blue on my hands and felt relieve within five minutes and dismissed it as a coincidence. But when I repeated the application the next day after a long session pulling weeds in the garden and it worked again, I knew I was on to something. If one oil worked so well could the others do the same.
The answer is definitely, yes, they do. And now I can say essential oils are a big part of feeling better both emotionally and physically and I can't ever see going without them again.
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