Aromatherapy for Animals, Part 2: Stress-Relieving Holistic Blends for Dogs
Happiness, sadness, anger, fear, love — emotions play a pivotal role in our lives. But are these types of feelings an integral part of an animal’s world as well?
In the past, scientists questioned whether emotions affected the lives of animals. These days, however, emotional and spiritual health-consciousness has moved from being exclusively for humans and has advanced into the animal world. Now more than ever, veterinarians realize that aromatherapy offers more than just fragrance and provides immediate, profound and long-lasting results that may positively affect an animal’s overall health and emotional well-being. Today, veterinarians are turning to osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, flower essences and most recently aromatherapy, as holistic solutions to common ailments in animals.
Stress is one of the most common causes of physical illness in animals. While animals are sensitive to their physical and emotional environment, their reactions manifest in ways that must be interpreted correctly by humans in order to be properly diagnosed. For instance, leaving an animal alone for a long period of time, lack of sufficient affection, unhealthy food, an insufficient amount of exercise, the stress of owners, and abandonment are the most common causes of stress in animals and may lead to particular health problems such as fatigue, excessive itching or shedding, panting and even aggression.
Dogs specifically are a bit more emotionally dependent on their owners and require more attention than do cats or other animals. They are in tune with our moods, and seem to show more difficulty in coping with emotional stress and loneliness. Hyperactivity, fatigue and other physical ailments can be interpreted as stress-related symptoms in dogs.
The following recipes are easy stress-reducing aromalchemy blends for dogs. As faithful friends, dogs bring affection, pure joy and loyalty into our lives. Most breeds thrive in the outdoors, running and playing in the freedom of nature.
**We do hope that these recipes help alleviate some of the common stress-related symptoms your loving pet may be experiencing. Beyond these aromatherapy blends, flower essences have been found to be helpful holistic remedies for animals as well. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if stress-related symptoms persist in your pet.
Blend to Relieve Emotional Stress
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with vegetable oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, etc.). Pour a small amount of the blend into your hand. Anoint the spine and head lightly. Repeat as necessary.
- 6 drops of Lavender
- 1 drop of Neroli
- 4 drops of Marjoram
Blend to Relieve Anxiety & Loneliness
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with vegetable oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, etc.). Pour a small amount of the blend into your hand. Anoint the spine and head lightly. Repeat as necessary.
- 1 drop of Rose otto
- 5 drops of Cypress
- 5 drops of Marjoram
Blend to Reduce Nervousness & Hyperactivity
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with vegetable oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, etc.). Pour a small amount of the blend into your hand. Anoint the spine and head lightly. Repeat as necessary.
- 6 drops of Lavender
- 2 drops of Roman Chamomile
- 4 drops of Petitgrain
In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
The Author:
(c) Francoise Rapp. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind. Highlights include aromatherapy classes, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness.
