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Is It Safe to Give CBD to My Dog?

CBD has become one of the most popular supplements for treating pain, inflammation, and mood disorders. Millions of people use cannabidiol on a daily basis, but is it safe to give to your dog? Some people believe this chemical compound of the cannabis plant can be beneficial for common pet ailments. Here’s what you need to know.

Do Research

Every dog owner should be familiar with CBD and its uses before giving it to their pets. CBD, or cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive compound that is found in the cannabis plant. In many cases, the CBD used in supplements is harvested from industrial hemp. It has been tested on humans, dogs, and cats. The results of these tests are promising, to say the least. CBD may be able to provide pain relief for your pet. It may also help to prevent seizures. Nevertheless, before you decide to give your dog CBD, you should consult with a veterinarian. Also, be aware that CBD testing has been restricted to dogs and cats. You should not give it to other pets.

Dosage

CBD can be beneficial for dogs, but the trick is determining the right dosage for your pet. Understand that too much CDB is not going to have an overdose effect on your pet. It may cause lethargy, but otherwise, your pet will be fine. Still, you need to determine the right dosage of CBD. Exceeding the amount at which the benefits are realized doesn’t make sense financially. CBD has been proven to relieve pain, but you will want to adjust the dosage slowly since your pet is more sensitive to its effects. Start with the lowest recommended dosage, and move upward until you can observe the effects in your dog. This takes patience. CBD is still a new treatment, and dosage can even be difficult for vets.

Monitor Response

The best way to determine the effect of CBD on your dog is to monitor results. You need to keep a journal. In your notebook, record the amount of CBD given to your dog, the times it is given, and your observations of the dog’s response. Doing this will let you know how effective the treatment is. Most pet owners seem to know when a pet is feeling well. You should also consider how your dog responds to specific CBD treatments.

CBD is available in many different forms. Some dogs may respond well to edibles, while others get the most benefit from tinctures or creams. Whatever you choose, know that CBD has the potential to improve the quality of life for your dog. Be open-minded, and see how CBD can benefit your pet.

CBD isn’t the only supplement beneficial for us and our 4-legged friends. For more information, we recommend reading: 8 Holistic Health Treatments That Work on Both Humans and Dogs.

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Why You Should Send Your Dog to Obedience School

Congratulations on your new, four-pawed family member. Arguably, dogs, especially well-trained dogs, are a great addition to anyone’s life. Almost everyone enjoys being around a happy, well-behaved pet. Dogs who are properly socialized can also reduce your risk of being held liable for pet-induced injuries to other people and animals.

Increases Socialization

Many seasoned dog owners can begin to feel very confident about their dog training abilities and be tempted to skip obedience classes. Yes, many basic commands can, and should, be taught at home from the minute you bring your adorable new family member into your life. However, there are some very important reasons for dog obedience classes to be included in your new pet’s training regime. The most important reason for class-based dog training is to instill appropriate social skills in your canine buddy for those times they will meet other animals and humans outside of the home. 

Also, dog training classes are an important bonding time for you and your special friend. Lastly, training your dog to focus on your instructions in a noisy, distracting environment, such as an obedience class, can be invaluable if you want to include Fido or Fifi in your regular activities away from home.

Reduces Aggression

Doggie training courses serve as a focused environment to train with real-life distractions. When you give your dog the opportunity to practice focusing in on you under stressful conditions, you are gaining further control of your beloved canine. Being able to retain control over your dog at home, at the park or, if you are so lucky, at work, greatly reduces the possibility of aggression. A dog that is trained to focus on one person’s commands, no matter the environment, is a dog that will be welcome nearly everywhere. By reducing the chance of aggressive actions, it is less likely that dog owners can be held liable for injuries their dog causes to other people, because, simply put, those incidents are less likely to occur.

Training a Dog Is an Act of Love

Chances are if you choose to have a dog, you want the opportunity to bring your companion along to a variety of your social events, such as on errands, trips to the dog park and other opportunities to create fun memories. Dogs who jump on people or are overly active around other animals and, worse, don’t listen to their master’s commands will rarely be a welcome part of any situation. In some cases, a poorly behaved dog might be asked, along with their human, to leave events. One way to show your dog how much you love them is by helping them become a good canine citizen through obedience training. Both the novice and the experienced dog owner can benefit from structured classes. However, the one who benefits the most from good, humane obedience classes is the dog. 

At the end of the day, when we choose to include dogs as a family member, we want the joy of involving them, as much as possible, in our day-to-day activities. A well-behaved dog can be a bigger part of our lives because a dog with good manners will be welcome almost anywhere.
If you liked this article, check out “The importance of setting boundaries with your new puppy”.

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Should You Get Insurance for Your Pets?

Whether you have a dog, cat or lizard, you likely consider it to be a part of the family. Therefore, you will want to make sure that it gets the best possible care if it gets sick or injured. One way to ensure that you can provide good care for your animals is to buy a pet insurance policy. However, is it something that you truly need to spend money on?

Why You Should Get Pet Insurance

You never know when your pet could suddenly become lethargic or start showing symptoms of a serious illness. A pet insurance policy will likely cover most or all of the cost of diagnostic tests or emergency surgery. This type of policy could also pay for routine vet exams and dental procedures that can spot health problems before they spiral out of control.

Your insurance might even help pets when you die. According to Tryon Investments, some life insurance policies allow you to leave money for your pets to pay for their food, healthcare, and another home for them.

The Cons of Buying Pet Insurance

According to Rent.com, there are many different reasons why you might not want to purchase a pet insurance policy. For instance, there may not be enough money in your budget to pay for something that you might not use on a regular basis. Depending on the type of animal that you have, there may be a lower risk of it developing health issues such as cancer or joint pain.

Animals that stay inside or that don’t eat a lot may be at a lower risk of ingesting foreign objects that could cause pain or other problems without warning. Finally, you are still responsible for paying the bill upfront before it is sent to the insurance company. Therefore, it could take weeks before you get reimbursed for the cost of care.

The Alternatives

Instead of buying an insurance policy, you could just put a few dollars a week into a pet care fund. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it is also possible to apply for financing options like a CareCredit account or take advantage of pet charities if you can’t afford to pay cash for a pet’s routine or emergency care needs. Home equity, personal or other types of loans may also help pay for a pet’s medical needs.

Owning a pet means taking care of it from the day it comes into your home until the day it dies. Therefore, it is important that you have a way to pay for its care whether you choose to buy an insurance policy or take out a loan to do so. Find an option that works for you so that both you and your pet can live comfortably.

Here’s another article you might like to read: How to Deal with These 7 Breed-Specific Health Concerns for Dogs

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How to Deal with These 7 Breed-Specific Health Concerns For Dogs

The effort to ensure certain standards consistently show up in some of the most popular dogs has propagated breed-specific health concerns. You can deal with them in a couple of ways. The first is proactive and involves research before you even buy a puppy. You will want to know what issues different breeds are prone to and what the breeder does to lessen the incidence of hereditary problems in their puppies. In the second case, you coordinate with your veterinarian to prevent or ameliorate any conditions that may inevitably arise.

Dachshunds

Dachshunds have exaggerated traits like elongated backs and shortened legs. You will commonly see intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds. Disc problems can manifest as severe pain or even full paralysis. Most dogs will require pain medication and potent anti-inflammatories. Others need emergency back surgery to restore function. Close monitoring of your dog’s weight may help prevent the likelihood of a herniated disc.

English Bulldogs

Selective breeding for exaggerated characteristics has left the bulldog with myriad hereditary problems. Bulldogs suffer from skin, ear and tail infections related to their wrinkles. They may develop dry eye from their optic structure and chronic allergies. Most concerning, however, is brachycephalic airway syndrome from a pushed-in face and snub nose. Their narrow breathing passages and inordinately small nares make it difficult for them to breathe, which puts them at high risk for heat stroke and respiratory failure. To manage bulldogs, ensure moderate exercise, protection from heat, weight control, regular Schirmer tear tests and medicated baths. Make sure you interview the puppy breeder to get early warning about any health concerns you may need to be made aware of.

Doberman Pinschers

The Doberman, with its elegant head carriage, is susceptible to disc disease in the neck vertebrae. They can also fall victim to bone cancer or osteosarcoma, cardiomyopathy (a specific type of heart disease and enlargement), hip dysplasia, bloat and von Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder). Make sure to obtain your Dobie from a reputable breeder and closely follow your veterinarian’s recommendations about feeding. You can manage this breed by monitoring any lameness. Your veterinarian should regularly check bleeding times and echocardiograms, especially before elective surgery. You can avoid hip dysplasia by obtaining a puppy from a breeder who certifies the hips of the parents.

Keeshonds

The surge in popularity of the Keeshond after World War II has led to a host of specific health concerns secondary to widespread inbreeding. Keeshonds are overrepresented in the areas of diabetes mellitus, hair loss or alopecia, epilepsy, heart defects and hypothyroid disease. Most of these issues have a genetic component. Therefore, it is important that you become familiar with a breeder before deciding to purchase a Keeshond puppy. Diabetes, seizures and hypothyroidism can be managed with medication.

Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds are bright, beautiful, and popular dogs. Although they suffer developmental bone problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, their eyes are their major complaint areas. Collie Eye Anomaly, or CEA, causes improper eye development. It is commonly linked with colobomas, or holes, in the choroid that supplies nutrients to the retina. Aussies inherit this disease as a recessive trait, and in severe cases, it can cause blindness. Australian Shepherds also show a tendency to develop cataracts. As always, buy your Aussie pup from a reputable and responsible breeder. Genetic tests for the condition can help eliminate carriers from the breeding pool. CEA is difficult to diagnose with 100 percent certainty in puppies. Nevertheless, you should plan on having your Australian Shepherd’s eyes checked after six weeks of age and annually thereafter.

Beagles

Beagles remain popular because their friendly and docile natures enable them to get along with animals and children. Unfortunately, they have a long list of moderate to severe health concerns. A cherry eye, or an inflamed gland in the third eyelid, is unsightly but not life-threatening. Depending on its severity, your veterinarian may not even treat it. Glaucoma, increased pressure in the eyes, is much more serious. Beagles are afflicted with ear infections, epilepsy, disc disease in the mid-back and right-sided heart disease. You should have your veterinarian check eye pressure at least yearly. Keep your Beagle’s ears clean and dry. You still may have to treat them occasionally with ear drops or oral antibiotics. Beagles sometimes have heart disease secondary to structural abnormalities and require surgery. The remainder of their conditions can usually be treated with medication. Uncommonly, a Beagle may need back surgery.

Bichon Frises

The Bichon Frise is one of the most popular dogs because of its gentle personality and small size. It is surprisingly susceptible to orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia. They also suffer from luxating patellas and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease whereby the ball of the hip in puppies degenerates. All of these conditions are hereditary, and they may require surgery. The Bichon also contends with frequent ear infections. More serious diseases that affect Bichons with particular frequency are Kartagener’s Syndrome and diabetes mellitus, sometimes combined with other endocrine disorders. Diabetes may require lifelong insulin administration and blood tests. Kartagener’s syndrome is a respiratory disease with recurring infections from excessive mucus and bacteria build-up. Minor ailments that commonly affect Bichons include allergies.

Unfortunately, some of the most desirable traits in dog breeds are linked to detrimental health problems. Conscientious breeders are more aware of these issues than they were in the past, and they now take steps to decrease the incidence of these issues. You, too, can play an active role in minimizing the risks of hereditary problems in your dog. If your pet does develop breed-specific health concerns despite your best efforts, you can team up with medical professionals to effectively deal with your dog’s ailments.

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Why Savvy Pet Parents Are Giving Coconut Oil To Their Dogs

Coconut Oil is Excellent for Dogs. Check out DOGSBUTTER by DOG for DOG

Coconut oil is all the rave now among health and beauty enthusiasts. It’s no wonder, the oil is a superfood that contains a unique combination of fatty acids which have profound health benefits on humans. The benefits include fat loss, healthy hair, as well as better brain function.

Coconut oil however, is also making waves among pet parents. Dog owners are buying the oil for their pets for many reasons. Here are a few.

  1. To Stave Off Infections

No matter how much you try to keep them away from harm, dogs will be dogs. They’ll always be curious about the world around them. Quite often, this curiosity leads them to harm. They get cuts, hot spots and cracked paws amongst other things from their daily scavenging. Locking them in the house is not the answer. If you want to have happy and energetic companions, you need to give them their outside time.

You can however, help protect them by using coconut oil. Coconut oil contains Lauric Acid. This is a 12 carbon fatty acid that is enzymatically digested to form a monoglyceride known as monolaurin. Both monolaurin and lauric acid are very effective against harmful disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. You can therefore protect your furry friend from infections and allow them the freedom they need for a healthy and vibrant life.

    1. To Help Their Pets Lose Weight

Is your dog dragging around some extra pounds? Dogs love to run around and explore the world around them. If it’s disheartening for you to watch your furry friend struggle with the weight and live a listless life, then you can imagine just how hard it is for them to watch all the other dogs run and play outside.

You can help your pet lose fat naturally and boost his energy levels by giving him some coconut oil. Unlike other fats, coconut oil is transported to the liver where it is converted into energy. It is not stored as fat around the body. If your furry friend is overweight, he will lose weight naturally and feel more energetic as a result of increased levels of energy. Before you know it, he’ll be shooting down the road.

  1. To Improve Their Dog’s Appearance

Dogs are the most interesting of creatures. They get into fights, sleep in the sun without a care in the world, and try to squeeze through spaces that are too small for them. This is all fun until they start developing cracked paws and infected cuts.

Coconut oil provides an inexpensive alternative to taking your dog to the vet for pricey ointments and antibiotics. It has the ability to improve the content of lipids in the skin as well as enhance moisture levels.

Coconut oil can also be very effective in the prevention of hair loss and damage. When applied to the skin, it acts as an effective sunscreen. It blocks about 20% of the ultraviolet rays from the sun. Applying coconut oil to your dog’s coat will protect his fur from sun damage.

  1. To Prevent Allergies

If your pet is suffering from allergic skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or flea allergies, give him coconut oil on a regular basis. At times, allergies might not be very visible; some might cause your pet’s feet to itch and he might try to lessen the discomfort by chewing or licking his paws frequently. Look for any signs of discomfort to know whether your dog is suffering from allergies.

Use the Best Products on Your Pet

Not all coconut oil products in the market have numerous positive effects. It is therefore important to scrutinize the products you buy to ensure you get the best for your pet. Here’s what we recommend:

1 Coconut Oil specifically for dogs. There are several brands on the market but we like the one from SunBeams as not only is it the best value for money (its twice the size as the other leading brand) but it’s also 100% pure, certified organic, raw, extra virgin, cold-pressed and unrefined.

2. If your dog doesn’t like the oil then you can try Coconut Chips/flakes that mix in nicely with food.

3. If your dog is crazy about peanut butter, get him DOGSBUTTER. It is made with natural ingredients including coconut so he’s bound to love it! Many dogs don’t like eating coconut but cannot resist peanut butter. The product also contains ginger which offers amazing benefits when combined with coconut. Together, they will boost the immunity and digestion of your canine companion.

Your dog is your best friend, why not get him the absolute best?

 

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5 Easy Steps to “De-Ticking” Your Dog

by Cate Burnette RVT

If your dog spends any time outside, whether it’s playing in wooded areas around your house, out in the tall brush or grass of surrounding fields, or even around the closest woodpile, checking him for ticks needs to be on your list of things to do when he comes inside.

The tick, one of the nastiest-looking parasites out there, sucks your dog’s blood for nourishment and, when full, can look like an extra-large, puffy, brown or gray skin tag. Known to attach themselves to any part of the body, including inside the ears, between the toe pads, in the armpits, and inside the folds of the genitalia, ticks are responsible for such deadly diseases as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. Not only can these diseases prove fatal to your pet, they are transferable to humans if a tick also bites you.

So how do you safely get rid of the revolting creature if you happen to find a tick on your dog? Here are 5 easy steps to walk you through the process.

1. Put on a pair of surgical gloves (you can find these at your local pharmacy) and grab hold of a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a commercial tick remover.

2. With the heads of your tweezers, grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible, making sure not to accidentally pinch the skin. If you’re using a tick remover, press the remover against the skin near the tick and slide the notch under the tick’s belly and head.

3. Use the tweezers to pull the tick out of your dog’s skin in a steady, straight motion, making sure that you remove the entire tick, since any part left behind can cause infection. With a tick remover, continue sliding the remover until the head of the tick is caught in the small end of the notch and the entire pest is pulled free.

4. Drop the tick into a small pill bottle or similar container with several milliliters of isopropyl alcohol and mark the date on the container. The alcohol kills the tick and preserves it, just in case your pooch later begins to show symptoms of a tick-borne illness and your vet needs to identify or test the tick.

5. Clean the tick bite area with a disinfectant and apply a small amount of triple antibiotic ointment.

Of course, the easiest and most effective way to deal with ticks on your pup is to regularly use a flea-and-tick preventive. Veterinarian-recommended products, such as Frontline® or Advantix®, have been shown to effectively and safely protect pets from external parasites. For added protection, you can try an all-natural, 3-in-1 spray containing no pesticides or chemical poisons that works as an adjunct to your regular preventive. Gentle on a dog’s sensitive skin, a quick spritz of this blend of natural ingredients ensures that your pooch is fully armed against unwanted pests when he’s outdoors having fun.

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Home Dental Care: Your Solution to the General Anesthetic Dilemma

February is the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Pet Dental Health Month – the time of year when pet parents are urged to take their dogs and cats into their local vet clinic for a dental check-up and annual cleaning. Periodontal disease – an infection of the teeth and gums – is the most common clinical condition diagnosed in domestic pets…and it’s also completely preventable with regular vet exams and daily at-home care.

Many caregivers dismiss a veterinary dental cleaning because of the risks involved with general anesthesia, either through personal fear, or because of some prior health issues that would increase the risk of surgical complications for their animal.

To avoid both the risk and the expense of general anesthesia, as conscientious pet parents, we can perform regular dental brushing at home to stop the disease before it takes hold in our dogs’ mouth and gums.

What is periodontal disease and what does it look like?

Periodontal disease occurs when the bacterium in your dog’s mouth breaks down the food particles left behind after eating into a sticky, yellowish plaque that begins adhering to the outer surfaces of the animal’s teeth. Minerals in canine saliva cause the plague to harden to a substance called tartar that resembles gray or brown concrete around each tooth.

Once subgingival tartar begins to form under the gumline, your dog’s gums typically become red and inflamed, and begin to recess from the tooth surface. The teeth loosen and bone loss around the tooth root routinely follows. Untreated periodontal disease can result in bone infections and jaw fractures.

Not only does your dog’s breath smell from the accumulation of bacteria and infection, but untreated animals often suffer from cardiac disease and kidney problems caused by the oral bacteria travelling through the bloodstream and infecting various body organs and systems.

What are the risks of anesthesia for my dog?

During a routine veterinary dental cleaning, dogs are anesthetized to allow the veterinarian to probe under the gumline for tartar and any abscesses or infections. For most animals, the risks of anesthesia are minimal. For other dogs, however, age, illness, and prior bad experiences with anesthesia can deter a veterinarian from recommending a dental cleaning…even when the procedure is considered necessary for the animal’s health.

Because of various disease processes, and changes in their cardiovascular systems and respiratory functions, older dogs are often vulnerable to complications under general anesthesia. Conversely, very young puppies can be at increased risk for hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and slower-than-normal drug metabolism.

Some breeds are also prone to anesthesia complications. Greyhounds typically have longer sleep times than other dogs, and the brachycephalic breeds with their pushed in snouts (Boston terriers, pugs, English bulldogs, etc.) are more disposed to upper airway obstructions.

Temperament also plays a role in anesthesia issues. Excitable, aggressive dogs often require a higher dose of pre-anesthetic drugs that can lead to longer down times. On the other hand, quiet or depressed animals may require less sedation or anesthesia, necessitating a higher level of electronic monitoring while asleep.

What can I do to prevent periodontal disease and keep my pet from undue anesthetic procedures?

If you know general anesthesia can be problematic for your dog for any reason, taking care of your dog’s teeth at home on a regular basis can save you the expense and worry of that annual dental cleaning by prolonging the time in between procedures.

Most holistic veterinarians recommend daily dental brushing with a natural doggy toothpaste containing organic ingredients such as tea tree oil, with its fresh smell, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties, and potassium phosphate that reduces tartar build-up.

During the times you can’t brush, you can run gentle, alcohol-free dental wipes over your pet’s teeth and gums to get rid of bacteria and food particles and freshen the breath. Sodium bicarbonate and pomegranate extract in the wipes work to clean the teeth and reduce plaque and gum disease, while organic peppermint serves as an astringent.

Further treatment can include a regular dose of all-natural pro-biotic anti-plaque spray to reduce the oral bacteria causing your dog’s plaque and bad breath. Free from any flourides, added detergents, or synthetic colors or flavors, a spray of this type used on a regular basis can stop tartar build-up before it starts by killing off the bad disease-causing bacteria with added pro-biotics. In addition, fruit concentrates high in antioxidants in the spray reduce inflammation and promote healthy gums.

Remember…if you have one of those dogs at risk for anesthetic complications, regular at-home teeth cleaning can help your pooch enjoy a long, healthy life without submitting to a veterinary cleaning every year…and it saves you money.

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Could You Welcome a Homeless Dog into Your Family?

by EcoWellDog– The Natural Leader in Grooming & Wellness

If you met Leo, you’d find it hard to believe he has no home and no family. Leo is a beautiful 12 month old Border Collie mix with the sweetest nature. He loves cuddles, and all he wants is to be someone’s best friend. Leo is currently living with a foster carer until his new forever family comes along.

There are lots of adult dogs like Leo in animal shelters and foster homes all around the country. When you are thinking of bringing a dog into your family, why not contact your nearest rescue group and give a dog like Leo a second chance at life?

Choosing Your Dog

One of the benefits of adopting an adult dog is that there are few surprises. You know how big he will get, and how long his coat will be. This allows you to make the right choice of dog for your family.

Leo has the typical Border Collie coat, and needs regular brushing. He loves to go for runs and walks so is best suited to an active family who loves to go hiking or running. Anyone who adopts a dog that loves the outdoors as much as Leo does, really needs to have the Dirty & Hairy OUTDOOR spray. Regular use will keep his long coat clean and smelling fresh between baths. You may not be into exercise, and be reluctant to spend more time on your dog’s hair than you do on your own. If that’s the case, then think about adopting a quieter dog with a short coat that is easier to look after.

Bringing Him Home

If your dog was kept in a shelter environment, his coat may be dirty and have a bad smell. A dog that has been living with a foster carer tends to be cleaner because he has been allowed inside their home. Either way, it’s a good idea to give him a bath before you bring him indoors. A gentle wash with Bubbles n’ Beads will clean his coat, and the micro beads of conditioner will leave it soft, shiny and healthy. Give him an after-shampoo massage with Ruff to Smooth leave-in conditioner and your new dog will smell and feel great, and be a delight to cuddle.

Easing the Transition

Leo is a very even tempered, adaptable dog and nothing seems to faze him. However, your new dog may have quite a different temperament. Don’t be surprised if he is a little nervous at first. This is not the time to throw a welcome home party for him; that can wait until he is more comfortable in  his new home.

Keep a bottle of Sleepytime Tonic on hand for those first few weeks, and put a few drops of this honey flavored liquid in your new dog’s mouth twice daily. Its all natural herbal ingredients and Bach Flower Remedies will reduce any anxiety and help him to settle quickly into his new family.

If you can give a forever home to Leo or a dog like him, you’ll be rewarded every day with a loving loyal companion who seems to really appreciate what you have done for him.

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The Benefits Of Lavender And Eucalyptus Essential Oils For Dogs

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses natural oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being. This is now an important part of everyday life for many people, and some are even extending its use to their four-legged family members!

Aromatherapy works via the senses, and in addition to the positive effect of touch that your dog will receive when you treat him with oils, he will benefit from their smell. Since your dog’s nose is much more sensitive to smell than yours, it’s not surprising that this form of holistic therapy is gaining popularity amongst pet owners.

After being applied to the skin, the oils evaporate and are inhaled. Their aromatic molecules enter the nasal cavity, sinuses and lungs, and are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Essential oils are also considered to possess “vibrational energy” – this is supposed to have a positive healing effect on the emotional states of the body and mind.

There are hundreds of essential oils available, all of which can have different effects on dogs. And just as is the case in people, different dogs react differently to any one type of oil. Although many are used on dogs, two of the most popular essential oils are lavender and eucalyptus.

Lavender Oil
Lavender is considered to have a variety of benefits for dogs, and is especially noted for the following properties:

  • Calming, sedative action: It is an excellent oil to help calm dogs that are fearful, agitated, hyperactive or anxious.
  • Flea and tick control: Although it doesn’t kill fleas and ticks, it can be useful in helping to repel them.
  • Skin therapy: It can help to provide some relief when applied to dry, itchy skin.
  • Fragrance: In addition to its medicinal benefits, its fragrance makes for an effective way to control pet odor.

Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus is also very widely used for its numerous benefits, and is especially noted for the following properties:

Flea control: Like lavender, this can help to repel these parasites.

  • Skin therapy: It can be useful to help soothe skin after insect bites, stings, and skin rashes.
  • Antiseptic qualities: Its disinfectant properties can be useful for skin problems and also when cleaning bedding.
  • Respiratory therapy: Its inhalant properties help to combat respiratory problems such as sinus infections and bronchitis.
  • Fragrance: Eucalyptus can also be very effective against pet odor.

Using The Oils
Direct application of the concentrated oil: For flea and tick control, add a drop of the oil to the back of your dog’s neck, and a drop to the base of the tail. Additionally, for an effective way to freshen his bedding, add a couple of drops when you wash it.

Dilute application of the oils: You may wish to dilute the oil, either for milder complaints or if you prefer to try low concentrations initially. If so, add 15 drops to a small spray bottle filled with water. This can then be sprayed on your dog’s skin for flea and tick control, skin healing, or relaxation.

Adding it to your dog’s bath water is another effective way of applying a dilute form of the oil to his skin for flea and tick control. It can also be sprayed onto bedding or furniture for odor elimination, or even used as a room freshener.

Alternatively, add a few drops to a carpet shampoo before cleaning household rugs. If you don’t feel like playing chemist, you can buy products specially formulated for dogs that contain these oils. We recommend Only Natural Pet’s line of products that have shampoos, conditioners sprays and balms that contain the highest grade essential oils.

Use the concentrated oil as an inhalant: If you are using eucalyptus for your dog’s respiratory problem, add a couple of drops of the oil to a handkerchief and hold it close to his nose so he can inhale the oil vapor.

4 Important Points About Essential Oils

  • Never give them by mouth or in food
  • Keep them out of reach of cats
  • Do not apply to open skin wounds
  • Do not use on pregnant animals

Overall though, aromatherapy is a natural and safe treatment option for your dog if you are looking to try an alternative to chemical products for various ailments. And you don’t even need to mess around with the oils themselves – Try a “Between Baths Spritz” which is a lavender-based product that is ready for you to spray on your dog’s skin. This product is natural and safe, and can be very soothing for your dog’s sensitive areas. And no mixing required!

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Healing Essential Oils for your Dog

You may already be aware of the many benefits of aromatherapy and the use of essential oils for humans, but did you know that your dog can also benefit from the use of essential oils as well? In the last few years there has been an increasing trend towards natural health for animals. In fact, many veterinarians have begun to use natural therapies within their practices that include homeopathy, osteopathy and aromatherapy.

Essential oils can provide incredibly powerful detoxifying, antiseptic and revitalizing effects. At the same time, essential oils can help to increase resistance to disease and strengthen the immune system. In addition, essential oils are also excellent for controlling pet odors and purifying the air from dander, dust and other allergens.

If you are interested in using essential oils with your dog, but you aren’t sure which ones are best, there are a few that you should focus on.

Lavender

Lavender has been recognized for centuries as an excellent choice for calming and soothing. In addition it can provide relief from itching. Lavender is extremely safe and gentle. Overall, this is a must-have for your dog’s health, particularly if he suffers from skin irritations. If your dog does have allergies, you might consider the Cain and Able Lavender shampoo, which is very gentle and soothing, especially for pets with sensitive skin and allergies. This is an easy way to provide your dog with the benefits of all-natural lavender.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a wonderful natural insect repellent that also helps to promote circulation. It is also good dermatitis, hots spots and to help reduce flaky skin. A great way to treat your dog using this beneficial essential oil is through the use of a spritz. The oils will have maximum contact time with the skin and the refreshing smell will make your dog smell like a candy cane!

Niaouli

Does your dog suffer from wounds? If so, this essential oil is a must-have. It is known as a powerful healing agent that does not irritate the skin. Even if your dog does not suffer from frequent skin irritations, this is a good product to have on hand for first-aid purposes in case your pet should ever experience a wound.

German Chamomile

This particular this essential oil is wonderful to use for allergic reactions, stings and burns. If you have a dog that has a tendency toward allergies, it is a good idea to make sure you always have some of this oil on hand.

Eucalyptus

Refreshing eucalyptus not only wakes you up but it’s also an all natural anti inflammatory and flea repellent. A wonderful oil to add to your arsenal. Try a spray on product for best results.

For a comprehensive list of essential oils for animals pick up a copy of Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals by Kristen Leigh Bell.

When choosing essential oil products for your best friend, make sure you choose products that are mild and do not contain any artificial colors, synthetic perfumes or other ingredients that would dry out your pet’s coat. The purest essential oils will help to nourish your dog’s coat and leave it shiny and clean without stripping away natural oils.

Along with using topical grooming products that contain essential oils, the oils can be carefully mixed with carrier oils (like sweet almond oil) and then massaged into your pet’s skin or their paws. In addition, you can also use them with a diffuser so that your dog can breathe them in or use a mist to spray around your dog’s environment. Have fun!