Dr Jeannie Thomason - Essential Oils Aromatherapy for Animals

equine massage horse aromatherapy essential oils for animals

Dr. Jeannie Thomason
Certified Veterinary Naturopath

The nature of my work as a certified animal naturopath affords me the opportunity to assist animals with a variety of health challenges.

My goal is to always offer the animal’s owner the most natural and affordable way to guide them with their companion animal's health care needs. I’ve encountered a variety of ailments over the years however, more recently and most notably - animals are presenting with such dis-eases that range from digesitve disorders and yeast infections to diabetes, kidney failure and the big "C", cancer.

While my passion is to assist you in PREVENTING health problems in your companion animals, most of my clients have pets who are already ill and have not improved with conventional veterinary treatments.

The naturopathic approach uses the laws of nature and treats the whole animal while igniting the body's own internal healing force. While I always start with the foundation of species appropriate nutrition, I incorporate Young Living products, most notably essential oils into my suggestions to further assist the animal's body in healing and thriving.

What Are Essential Oils? Essential oil are the subtle, aromatic and volatile liquids extracted from the flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, bark and roots of herbs, bushes, shrubs, and tress, through distillation. According to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils thousands of years before Christ to heal the sick. They are the oldest form of remedies and cosmetics known to man and were considered more valuable than gold. There are 188 references to oils in the Bible. Science is only now beginning to investigate the incredible healing properties of essential oils.

Supports a Healthy Immune System
Repel Virus
Repel Bacteria and other microbes
Mood Elevating
Antiseptic
Oxygenating
High in Antioxidants

Pets can suffer from ailments in the same way as humans. If problems such as abscesses, coughs, and cuts do not improve after several days, veterinary advice will be necessary.

Use only pure unadulterated "Genuine & Authentic" or "Grade A" oils. Most people think the words PURE or 100% PURE on the label of an essential oil mean it's a good oil. That is far from true.

More information on essential oil quality CLICK HERE

Hundreds of essential oils are available for use. One that most of you are probably familiar with and one I will never be without is Lavender. It is steam distilled from the flowers of Lavandula officinalis. In addition to being extremely useful medicinally, Lavender has a delicate and beautiful fragrance. It is calming, anti-depressive, anti-inflammatory, and helpful for treating burns. It is extremely useful as a fungicide and germicide. It can be applied directly to the animal's skin, incorporated into sprays and shampoos, and is wonderful diluted in distilled water and/or alcohol for use as a room freshener. To calm down nervous or hyperactive dogs, place a few drops on the dog's bed, crate pad or sleeping area. Also, rub a little on the foot pads. (For car sickness treatment, see peppermint).

Another widely used essential oil is Eucalyptus. There are several hundred varieties of Eucalyptus. I prefer to use Eucalyptus globulus for most purposes. Eucalyptus is bactericidal, antifungal, and an extremely useful inhalant for respiratory complaints. Used in a diffuser (a special machine that vaporizes essential oils), it helps to inhibit the spread of contagious disease and discourages insects. Eucalyptus works exceptionally well combined with Citronella Oil, Cedarwood Oil, & Peppermint Oil to keep insects away.

Peppermint is another oil that I always keep on hand. It is extremely useful to prevent motion sickness and nausea, a very good pain reliever and is also effective in discouraging pests (such as mice) and insects. It's smell is wonderfully cool and refreshing. To prevent car sickness, place a few drops of Peppermint and Lavender on your dogs crate pad or car seat. For your use, Peppermint and Lavender are extremely effective to relieve headaches. Place a small amount on your wrists, temples (don't get into eyes), and under your tongue.

Citronella and Lemongrass mixture with your choice of base oil "carrier oil" or spring water makes a great insect repellent.

Lemongrass or the Purification blend can be used on ringworm and other fungus. Research was published in The Journal of Phytotherapy Research on topically applied lemongrass for its powerful antifungal properties. Lemongrass, is also extremely effective at repelling all kinds of insects.

Grapefruit repels insects especially Ticks.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita) will help itchy skin, dry or sluggish skin and coat and helps fight against skin parasites as well.

Lavender and Marjoram can help tight, cramping, sore muscles, etc. Add a few drops on your palm and rub gently. Excellent for working dogs and people too!

Peace & Calming should help taming tension for your over active dog about to take a trip to the vet or groomer or yourself during a stressful event!

Di-Gize and Para Free dispel worms/ parasites (in all animals)

Peace & Calming, Melissa, Lavender, Trauma Life - Anxiety

Essential oils, are an excellent way to calm dogs who are fearful, agitated and hyperactive. The very nature of these substances is such that they work quickly and do not leave the animal in a drugged or listless state, as common tranquilizers such as Valium do. Unlike herbal calming tablets, which take time to digest, aromatherapy essential oils can be inhaled and quickly begin their work. Or applied to the skin will be absorbed into the blood stream and flow where they need to go. Essential oils work on both the physical and emotional level they release these blocks and allow healing.

*NOTE - The blend called Peace & Calming is being used with wonderful results on many dogs at shows, hunting/trial events, Vet visits, fear of thunder, etc. Here are just a few testimonies on it's use

There are many more essential oils and certainly even more combinations one can use, but as you try a few on your pets and yourselves you can learn to experiment and come up with wonderful concoctions of your own.

When applying oils to your dogs, apply on their paws and/or ear tips where the absorption is very fast, You can also sprinkle a couple of drops on the spine and then gently massage into skin, just like with humans. You can also diffuse an appropriate oil for 15 mins with the dog in the room.

I have received many testimonies about the use of Oils in treating dogs with various problems. click here to read a few. and please, share your stories with me by emailing me ( jeanniethomason@gmail.com )

Using Essential Oils with Cats

Cats are extremely sensitive to phenols so the use of Young Living Oils only are recommended. Some aromatherapists say "Essential oils must not be used on cats however, I have found that if the oils are certified pure, unadulterated, theraputic Young Living Essential Oils, that cats can and do tolerate certain oils being diffused as well as applied in small amounts to their fur (not skin). Please, be very careful with oils and cats! I recommend ONLY Young Living brand essential oils.

Link to Us Links