The use of aromatherapy is more common and accepted with dogs and horses than any other animal. Essential oils work two ways with dogs and horse depending whether they have a physical problem that needs to be addressed or an emotional one. For a physical problem, you can apply the essential oil in a carrier oil or gel onto the area so the molecules of the essential oil can find their way via the hair follicles into the bloodstream. For an emotional problem, your pet can inhale the molecules of a scent and have it trigger the release of neurochemicals in every cell in the body. That process promotes relaxation and helps relieve fears.

 

Aromatherapy provides a pure scent which stimulates smell receptors in the nose. This scent, by way of the smell receptors, sends a message to the Central Nervous System - a part of the brain which controls all emotions. By using aromatherapy, emotions such as fear, anxiety, grief, frustration, happiness, excitement, joy, peace and the like can all be positively affected and transformed. The hypothalamus of the brain is also affected and converts the brain stimuli into physical functions such as increased or decreased heart rate, anti-inflammatory reactions, and many others. High levels of sesquiterpenes, found in essential oils, help increase the amount of oxygen to the limbic system of the brain, particularly around the pineal and pituitary glands. This leads to an increase in secretion of antibodies, endorphins and neurotransmitters.

 

Also present in the limbic system of the brain, is a gland called the Amygdala. It has been discovered that the Amygdala plays a major role in storing and releasing of emotional trauma. The only way to stimulate this gland is with fragrance or the sense of smell Animals are even more sensitive to aromatherapy than humans, because most animals live in a smell-oriented world and "see" with their nose, not their eyes. Many of us have experienced watching a dog or a horse lifts their nose into the air to breathe in a scent while sniffing excessively or flaring their nostrils to take in the "message they are receiving”. We should not only allow these wonderful creatures the natural behavior of smelling their surroundings while out on walks or rides with them, but also take advantage of the therapeutic effects aromatherapy imparts on them.

 

Why should we use Essential Oils on Pets?

Essential oils are:

• Non toxic all natural elements unlike most other products found on the shelves today. They are not synthetically alterted and do not contain chemicals which could be counterproductive for the animals.

• Easy to use since dogs and horses can inhale the oil directly from the bottle or from your hand. The oils can be applied topically for immediate relief and quick healing of physical injuries.

• Good for bonding with owners. Dog owners can use essential oils to facilitate training and managing behavioural issues. Similarly horse owners as well as riders can help rid the horse as well as the rider of fear and anxiety thus increasing performance and emotional stability. This stability produces a synergestic affect thus improving the relationship owners have with their pets.