animals, aromatherapy and essential oils

© November 1997 Gary Young

“I have raised animals all my life and presently have several miniature horses as well as four teams of draft horses. I also have pygmy goats, Barbadoes sheep and llamas at my ranch where I reside. On my 1300 acre herb farm at Whispering Springs in Mona, Utah, I have an animal petting zoo with Bactrian camels, zeeboos from Africa (miniature Bramas), Watusi cows and bulls, Walleroos (miniature kangaroos), llamas, buffalo, miniature donkeys, as well as horses and goats. As you can see, we have a wide variety of animals.

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 “neat” 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.

After applying the oils, I have found it beneficial to cover the open wound with Gentle Care Rose Ointment (today we also have Animal Scents Ointment), which keeps the skin soft and helps promote the healing.

I have applied the oils in the following ways:

1. Apply on their paws where the absorption is very fast.
2. On cloven hoof animals apply on the auricular points of the ears and/or spine or both.
3. Underneath the top lip on the gums and on the tongue.
4. 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:

1. Strangle in horses, I used a combination of the oil blends Exodus 11 and Melrose together. (4 parts Exodus II to 1 part Melrose)
2. Ear mites in cats and dogs – Purification and Peppermint.
3. Ticks, fleas and flies – Tansy and tansy floral water.
4. Tumors (all animals) – Frankincense and Lavender mixed together, Frankincense and Clove mixed together.
5. Worms/ Parasites (all animals) – Paraway, and Di-Tone (now Di-Gize).
6. Open wound (all animals) – Melrose, Helichrysum and Gentle Care Rose Ointment.
7. Trauma (all animals) – Trauma Life, Valor, Peace & Calming, Melissa, Rosewood, Lavender, Valerian, and Chamomile.
8. Bones (all animals) – PanAway, Birch (Wintergreen has same properties), Lemongrass, and Spruce.
9. Nervous anxiety with horses – Valor, TraumaLife, Geranium, Lavender, and Valerian.
10. Saddle sores – Melrose and Gentle Care Rose Ointment.
11. Mineral deficiencies – Mineral Essence (liquid tincture taken internally) may help meet the animal’s needs and when met, they quit chewing on the furniture and other undesirable things.
12. Tissue repair and healing directly on wound – Melrose.
13. May help with pain and stop bleeding – Helichrysum.
14. Healing of wounds and abrasions – Gentle Care Rose Ointment.”