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"I have raised animals all my life and presently have several miniature horses and eight
teams of draft horses which we use for pulling the wagons for the tours of the farm and for pulling
cultivating equipment on my 1300 acre organic herb farm at Whispering Springs in Mona, Utah. In our
petting zoo we also have exotic animals such as Bactrian camels, zeeboos from Africa (miniature
Bramas), Watusi cows and bulls, llamas, buffalo, miniature donkeys, pygmy goats, Barbadoes sheep,
and water buffalo.
We have used the oils extensively on many of the animals and are continually making
discoveries. The animals respond extremely well and we feel they have benefited greatly.
In my experience, I have found that animals respond to essential oils much the same
as humans. Animals are not as sensitive to the phenol and sesquiterpene constituents so they
can be applied "neet" or full strength. One needs only to determine which oils are applicable to
the situation and then apply a few drops 3-4 times daily.
The amount for small animals like cats and dogs is like the application for a child:
3-4 drops each time applied. For larger animals like large dogs apply 6-7 drops. For horses,
apply 15-20 drops.
With open wounds or difficult areas, I have used a spray bottle and sprayed oils directly
on location which has made the coverage very easy. After applying the oils, I have found it
beneficial to cover the open wound with AnimalScents Ointment, which keeps the skin
soft and helps promote the healing.
The use of essential oils is immense and there is no right or wrong way. Common sense
and experimentation are the best ways to determine what works. Always be careful of the eyes
and make sure the oils are pure, especially when using internally."
D. Gary Young, N.D.
President, Young Living
November 1997
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AnimalScents Ointment
A wonderfully protective and soothing salve for minor skin irritations, cuts and abrasions. Two of nature's most powerful essential oils, Melaleuca Alternifolia and Myrrh, are available in this rich blend that is effective, yet gentle and safe.
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AnimalScents Shampoo
Cleans, protects, and conditions your pet's coat without sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients often found in pet care products. Contains only the highest - quality ingredients.
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Other animal products are also available. Please see our Purchasing Oils page for important information and instructions on how to purchase.
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Dr. Debra Rykoff on the Uses of Essential Oils
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"Let's start with by far the most useful essential oil -- Lavender. Name any physical and
many emotional complaints and there it is in the description of lavender's therapeutic action. Antiseptic and pain retrieving, this should be the first thing applied for wounds of any kind. We also use it regularly especially with frankincense for cutaneous tumors and sarcoids. Though it's relaxing properties are well known, try it for nausea and respiratory infections.
Lemon is another oil with multiple uses. Its antiseptic and immune boosting powers make it helpful when used in water when away from home as a purifier. Also, it's a wonderful insect repellent.
Peppermint is another oil that goes with us everywhere. Headaches, upper respiratory congestion, GI ailments, fever and pain are all relieved with a few wisely applied drops of this wonderful oil. Now you know why so many horses demand those little candy treats.
The blend Peace & Calming is very relaxing in many circumstances. We use quite a bit on
dogs, cats, and horses. It can help with behavior difficulties, stress from pain or illness (I use it as part of our colic protocol) or fears such as thunderstorms, trailering, shaving, weaning, etc.
Purification is another oil blend. We diffuse it in our offices to decrease circulating bacteria, molds, viruses and allergens in the air. Airplanes, stabling areas and enclosed trailers could all benefit from a quick spray. One full 15ml bottle fits beautifully in a small martini mister. I've also used it around wounds to decrease contamination and on insect bites to neutralize venoms. An added plus, insects HATE the scent.
Panaway does exactly that. Used topically around wounds (not in them) or over damaged muscles or joints, this blend can give very quick pain relief.
Four other oil blends make up my 'must-have' oil kit. Thieves is an extremely powerful antiseptic oil that aids with any infection. Di-Tone, used topically or orally, works very well for abdominal pain and colic. It's equally useful for GI problems and urinary tract pain. Raven is a miracle for anyone with upper respiratory complaints or allergies. Very opening and soothing for the airways, it can be inhaled or applied over the chest. Last, but not least, is Valor. Known as the 'chiropractor in a bottle,' it really helps to realign the spine and keep adjustments holding extremely well. I've also noticed a wonderful use in training horses who have some fear issues. A little applied behind the ears over the 1st cervical vertebrae helps them maintain their concentration and work a bit more boldly.
Besides using individual oils or a few at a time for specific health or emotional disturbances, there is a very powerful technique combining multiple oils and some massage techniques called the Raindrop Technique. Used daily in our practice for its anti-inflammatory, detoxification, and immune modulating benefits, it's easy to learn and well tolerated by humans, horses and dogs. Some of the oils used in this technique, though, are not the best choice for cats.
The oils are applied in a specific manner on the feet, legs and down the spine. A little tough to pick up from lecture, reading or videos, but easy to learn if you see it demonstrated in person once. Having said that, what do we use the Raindrop Technique for on horses? Any chiropractic issues, EPM, West Nile, Founder (acute or chronic) where it really aids in system detoxification, heaves, pneumonia, allergies, stress, and any condition where anti-inflammatory and immune boosting affects will help. Very few problems in horses don't fit the profile. In acute cases like founder, we Raindrop every other day. For maintenance once monthly as an immune system boost may do the trick. In general, Raindrop Technique is a wonderful addendum to the arsenal for home health care.
There are hundreds of different essential oils. My suggestion if you have an interest in oils is to start with a few and get to know them very well. Then, add a few more at a time, for specific uses. By then, you'll probably be as addicted to their healing benefits as we are and be opening new doors to physical and emotional health for you and your animals."
Dr. Debra Rykoff
Holistic Veterinarian
Caroline Ingraham on Essential Oils for Animals
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THE SPECIES
When using essential oils on animals, the particular species you are working with must be taken into consideration.
Horses
Horses naturally eat plants containing essential oils and so have metabolic pathways that enable them to break down these oils. Horses will naturally treat themselves orally. However, essential oils are applied to the skin to treat a variety of isolated conditions, usually by putting the appropriate oils into an aloe vera gel base. For example, wounds are normally treated with yarrow, Achillea millefolium; Sweet Itch (an allergic reaction to the saliva of the Culicoides midge) is treated using peppermint, Mentha piperita to numb the itch and cool the skin; German chamomile, Matricaria recutita and yarrow, Achillea millefolium are used to heal the skin and help with any inflammatory responses, as well as for their cooling effects, and garlic, Allium sativum is applied in order to deter mites and prevent secondary infections.
Dogs
A dog, however, has a different diet, and in the wild its staple food would probably be made up of animals such as rabbits with contents in the gut that are rich in plant materials. Macerated plant oils provide important plant components and natural oils, both of which are badly lacking in the average diets of most domesticated dogs, causing a breakdown of vital communication at a molecular level. The results of working with remedies such as macerated oils and spirulina with dogs have been astonishing. With regard to essential oils, dogs are normally drawn to the floral ones and usually choose to take these by inhalation only. Essential oils rich in monoterpenes are usually too strong for dogs, with the exception of bergamot, Citrus bergamia. This is possibly because the oils pass too quickly through the nasal mucosa.
Cats
Cats are different yet again. In the wild their natural habit is to roll on selected plants, thereby releasing the fragrance which is then inhaled. Cats usually only select floral essential oils for inhalation. The macerated oil of chickweed, Stellaria media, however, is very popular, especially by those cats with skin conditions, and this is normally licked; also powdered clay works well on their wounds. Cats do not have the metabolic pathways to breakdown essential oils, so these should not generally be applied topically, and they are not taken by mouth.
Using Aromatherapy for Horses
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The right to choose...
Animals have an innate ability to self-medicate, if left to their own devices they pick and choose the herbs they need to maintain health. It is not uncommon for a dog to sniff through a collection of 60 essential oils, sniffing the closed bottles, and choose exactly the oil it needs from among them. So acute is this ability. It is best to make use of this ability when using essential oils on animals.
Never apply essential oils without clear permission from the animal. Allow them to smell each oil before each application. To apply oils without offering them first is at best annoying (imagine being smothered in a perfume you hated with no way to wash it off).
If you allow your animal to guide you in the application, the liklihood of having an adverse reaction is extremely low, but in the unlikely event of your animal showing a reaction, discontinue use and contact your holistic veterinarian for advice.
Choose a quiet time when you and your horse are relaxed and can concentrate on the oils (not before feeding time or directly after feeding). Hold the open bottle firmly in your hand about eight inches away from your horse's nostrils, giving him space to come toward or move away from the oil if he chooses. Then, patiently observe the reaction and act accordingly. It is best to have your horse loose in it's stable if possible so it is free to come closer or move away. Take your horse's personality into account when judging his reaction. Horses will want the oils for an average of about 5 days. Once they go off the oils, the treatment is finished and you should see a significant change.
Signs of a keen interest: smelling oils intently for a long time, the lip curls (flehmen), follows the aroma around, tries to nibble the bottle (horses have been known to try to eat the bottle, so be sure to hold it securely!) When this level of interest is shown, offer the oil(s) at least twice a day to the horse.
Signs of a moderate interest: A few sniffs, looks away then returns to the bottle, ears forward, slightly flared nostrils, easily distracted. Offer oils once a day.
No interest: Turns away from the aroma, ears back, walks away. Do not apply the oils.
Observe your horse's nostrils carefully, as they may be taking in small amounts at a time. The oils a highly volatile and just being near the opened bottle, the molecules in the air are entering the horse's bloodstream. The horse may pull is head away, but still be taking in the aroma through their nostrils (this may indicate that you are holding the bottle too close, and that the horse wants that oil but at a slightly farther distance). The aroma simply may be too strong at a close distance.
Applications...
Your horse might just smell the oils, possibly going into a trance-like state. In this case, just hold the bottle there until your horse moves away from the bottle. If you are unsure if the horse is still smelling it, move the bottle from side to side to see if the horse follows it.
If the horse wants to lick the bottle or behaves orally, dab a small amount of oil on your hand and allow him to lick it off (be careful not to get bitten). Repeat this two or three times.
Your horse may indicate that it wants the oil dabbed onto a particular spot by pointing with his head, stomping a foot, moving into you with his body. In this case, just rub a little oil into the appropriate area.
Your horse's reaction to each oil will change from time to time or over a period of days, this is normal. You should expect a keen reaction to at least one of the oils at first. This reaction will diminish day by day until there is no further interest. Once the horse has shown no interest in an oil for three days, do not offer it for 2-3 days, and then try again. If there is still no interest, do not offer again as there is no longer a need for this oil.
Additional Specific Applications
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I have also applied oils successfully in the following ways:
Apply on their paws where the absorption is very fast.
On cloven or hooved animals, apply on the auricular points of the ears and/or spine or both.
Underneath the top lip on the gums and on the tongue.
Sprinkle a few drops on the spine and then massage into skin, just like with humans.
For various problems, I have experimented with the following oils:
Strangles in horses: I used a combination of the oil blends Exodus II and Melrose
together (four parts Exodus II to one part Melrose).
Ear mites in cats and dogs: Purification and Peppermint.
Ticks, fleas and flies: Tansy and Tansy floral water.
Tumors and melanomas: Frankincense and Lavender mixed together, or Frankincense
and Clove mixed together.
Worms/parasites: Paraway and Di-Tone.
Open wounds: Melrose, Helichrysum, and Gentle Care Rose Ointment.
Trauma: Trauma Life, Valor, Peace & Calming, Melissa, Rosewood, Lavender, Valerian, and Chamomile.
Bones: PanAway, Birch, Lemongrass, and Spruce.
Nervous anxiety: Valor, Trauma Life, Geranium, Lavender, and Valerian.
Saddle sores: Melrose and Gentle Care Rose Ointment.
Mineral deficiencies: Mineral Essence (liquid tincture taken internally) may help meet the
animal's needs when met, they quit chewing on the furniture or wood and other undesirable things.
Tissue repair and healing directly on wound: Melrose.
May help with pain and stop bleeding: Helichrysum.
Healing of wounds and abrasions: Gentle Care Rose Ointment.
Makes animal's coat shiny: Rosemary and Sandalwood.
Animal birthing: Gentle Baby.
References & Recommended Reading
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(Click on the images for more information about each book)
Additional References can be found on our Essential Oil References page.
The information on this site is not meant to diagnose or prescribe for you. This information is not intended to be used as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Cheryl McNamee-Sutor is a certified mentor hoof groom, wholistic bare hoof specialist, horse trainer, reiki practitioner, and an educator and distributor of therapeutic-grade essential oils; NOT a licensed doctor or veterinarian. If you are sick, injured or otherwise unhealthy, please consult with a licensed doctor.
Licensed Holistic Doctors Licensed Holistic Veterinarians Disclaimer and Terms of Use
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