Aromatherapy for your pooch shared by Bullie Pups R Us

The use of essential oils for dogs, either in a diffuser in the home, for massage or even in bathing, can help pets to remain calm and relaxed. Here is how aromatherapy works with essential oils.

When odors are inhaled, the receptors in the olfactory bulb signal nerves to carry the information to various parts of the brain. One of these parts is the hypothalamus which regulates the pituitary gland. Another area it is sent to is the thalamus and then is carried to the neocortex, it is here that scent perception occurs.

This is all possible because the molecules that make up essential oils are small enough to be readily absorbed through the mucous membranes in noses and skin.

I get a lot of people requesting information on which oils are good for calming dogs that have anxiety problems or that get stressed easily. Here are some oils I have personally found to work very well for these problems:

NOTE: We only ever use and/or recommend Young Living Essential oils due to their purity and being theraputic grade.

Chamomile is particularly suited to relieving conditions of nervous tension & depression, as well as emotional stress, fear and worry. This is a sweet, slightly herbal & fruity scented oil with wonderful relaxing, soothing properties. Chamomile is an herbaceous plant similar in appearance to the daisy family.Lavender is a fresh-scented oil from the purple-blue spike-shaped flowers of the lavender plant. It is one of the most versatile essential oils and is used to combat stress, anxiety, panic and depression. Lavender also brings about clarity and focus.Both Lavender and Chamomile work well in combination with one another in aromatherapy.

Neroli is one of the better essential oils to act as an anti-depressant and a sedative. It is great for ridding anxiety, and induces sleep. This oil is said to rid nightmares, so use it if your pooch has been whimpering during his slumber. Neroli can also be used as a shock remedy. Although this oil is know as the Orange Blossom it does not have a citrus scent, but more of a spicy and floral one.

Ylang Ylang This essential oil is primarily used as a sedative because it helps lower high blood pressure and a rapid heart beat. This is another essential oil that works well for treating depression. It benefits as an anti-depressant for those with feelings of frustration and anger.

Neroli and Ylang ylang are complimentary and blend well together. Place in your cold air diffuser and enjoy with your pet!   (For more about diffusing, read Here) 

Marjoram (sweet) is a warming oil that works well with emotions and easing stress. (It also has a beneficial action on colds, sinusitis, bronchitis (kennel cough) and asthma. This all sounds good for both dogs and humans alike for the winter season.)

Tangerine a calming essential oil. It helps with occasional nervous irritability and is rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene

Patchouly (Pogostemon cablin)a general tonic that helps the digestive system and is very beneficial for the skin.Blue Tansy The aroma of Blue Tansy oil induces relaxation and can be used to ease nervous tension and stress. It has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties and said to be beneficial for allergies, useful for asthma.Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) contains natural estriol, a phytoestrogen. Helps with mild mood changes, Quickens the senses; supports a positive mood We all agree that stress is a strong emotion. A blend of oils called "Peace & Calming" from Young Living is a gentle, fragrant blend specially designed for diffusing. It promotes relaxation and a deep sense of peace, helping to calm tensions and uplift spirits. When massaged on the pads of the feet, it can be a wonderful prelude to a peaceful night's rest. This essential oil blend helps comfort and relax the nervous system, relieves anxiety, stress and helps to calms hyperactivity - ideal for high-strung breeds, new puppies, greeting guests and even for breeders to use on male dogs when a female is in heat! Click Here for testimonies.See the Aromatherapy For Animals Website for more information and to order any of the oils mentioned

As always, I want to stress to you to only use 100% pure, grade A Essential oils such as Young Living Oils. Purity of essential oil ingredients is a concern, so do your research.