- Aromatherapy
for Animals, Part 2: Stress-Relieving Holistic Blends for Dogs
- by: Francoise Rapp
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.
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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. |
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**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 |
