Essential Oils and Pets

Today, let's talk fur-babies!

If you're anything like me, then you firmly believe pets are part of the family.

<--- This perfect 4 legged baby, well, that's my first born.

He's 4 years old, 96 lbs., lives to fetch a ball, and chases invisible rabbits when he sleeps.

I brought him home at almost 6 weeks old, and I knew before he even stepped foot on his brand new, plush, memory foam, climate-controled, 15 layer bed that I wanted to provide him with the absolute best out there.

Some call it overboard.

I call it "momma bear."

Much like we read ingredients and labels for things we put in and on our bodies, it is a good practice to do the same for your pets. They can't speak for themselves, so it's important to remember that you are their advocate.

Providing better options for your pets can be costly- as the "better" marketed brands know their niche and bump up that price tag. However, it doesn't have to be. With a little research on food, and pennies per drop with essential oils, caring for your best friend in the most holistic way can be simple and affordable.

First, let's talk food, then let's talk day to day solutions.

I have 3 basic rules I follow when searching for a great choice in providing Beau with exactly what he needs in a food:

1- Being able to pronounce the first 5-10 ingredients: NO bi-products, NO fillers, and NO corn. Any food with "limited ingredients" is a good sign, and we chose grain free simply because some dogs have a grain allergen and we didn't want to take a risk feeding into it if Beau has one.

2- Nutritional break down: I look at the percentages of crude protein, fat, fiber, and vitamins. Anything over 25% crude protein is considered sufficient for your large to medium sized field/ working/ sport dog. You'll want a mid-low percentage of fat, good amounts of fiber, and a pretty sufficient list of vitamins and omegas.

3- Cost: I would love to have $100 to spend on Beau every week as well as feed him real meat, but that's simply not realistic. If you're thinking of making a switch in your dog's food, always consider the best option for your budget.

As a phenomenal tool, use this site and compare all your options: Dog Food Advisor

It has a pretty extensive list of brands, which they rate on a 5 star scale. It also gives you the breakdown of all the ingredients, how they work in your dog's body, any controversial ingredients, and a "bottom line" breakdown. You'll want to have 4-5 star option for your pet.

What we use: we chose Canidae Grain-Free Pure (Buffalo flavor) for our love-bug to eat as an "adult" and it's offered on Amazon Prime for $59 with subscribe and save- which is great since we know we're going to need it monthly. Extra bonus- it also has pro-biotics, which really aid in Beau's proper digestion.

However, when Beau was a puppy, he ate Wellness Core for his first 2 years, which is super high in protein & fat for a growing boy. The only reason he no longer eats Wellness it because it's a little more pricey and he doesn't need that higher fat and protein content anymore.

Choosing a stellar food is just the beginning-

It goes without saying staying up to date on shots, vet visits, and heart worm prevention are other key responsibilities of being a pet owner.

However, for those day-to-day things, did you know you can use doTERRA Essential Oils on your pets?

You totally can!

Let's start with these important safety announcements:

First- these uses with EO's for your pet is with doTERRA and doTERRA only- I cannot validate results with use of any other brand, and put simply, I don't recommend it. If you're curious why, I encourage you to check out my page 'Why doTERRA' first, then come back here.

Secondly- you must dilute with a carrier oil. Diluting allows their body to slowly absorb the oil, and take in all the benefits. 1 tbsp for every 1 drop with dogs, and 2 tbsp for every 1 drop with cats. Our favorite is coconut oil!

Third- your pet may not want or need the oil. Animals are special; they have this unworldly intuition and can tell you a lot without saying anything at all. Before you ever use any EO's on your pet, try this trick: unscrew the cap of the oil you're wanting to use. Let your pet come up to it and smell. If they hang around a bit and sniff more or try to lick, you're good to go! That's their way of telling you their okay with it. If they back away, that's not the oil they need or that their body wants so try another one, or just don't use at all.

Lastly- although 100% safe, if putting diluted oils directly on your pet makes you hesitant, pets can reap benefits from EO's aromatically as well (diffuser). Just always diffuse in an open area where they can always leave the room if they want.

For more extensive safety protocols, as well as a list of oils to avoid with pets, use THIS

Now to the fun part- how we use different oils with Beau (and how you can, too!)

Lavender- often referred to as the "Swiss army knife" of oils, Lavender is great for so many things. Mostly, think calming.

Beau REALLY loves car rides.

We can't say the word "car" or "field trip" without him getting instantaneous zoomies and darting towards the door. He never wears a collar, unless we go out- so dropping a few drops on his collar before we head out the door seems to take those zoomies down a notch and therefore, he chills out and we all have a much more enjoyable car ride.

Another option is to dilute with coconut oil and rub on the pads of his feet. However, this way he tends to lick it right off...

Frankincense- One of his favorites, apparently...

A while back, we had a really scary seizure with Beau. All his vitals came back normal from the vet, but we aren't willing to take anymore chances. (I'm happy to report it's been a 1-time deal)

At least once a week, we'll drop 1-2 drops down his back (spine) to help support a healthy cellular function, boost his immunity, and keep that nervous system strong.

Another option is to mix fractionated coconut oil with 1 drop and pour over food- he never notices, but totally reaps the benefits!

Vetiver- again with the intuition, Beau knows when we're going out of town. Those sad puppy eyes hit you like a ton of bricks!

Right when we're about to leave, he sometimes gets anxious and paces around the living room. Half the time it's because he doesn't know if he's going with us or not...(gets me every time).

We love to drop 2 drops of Vetiver into coconut oil, rub our hands together, and just love on him. Lots of hugs and kisses, all while rubbing him down with our mixture to help ease those anxious feelings. More than ever I wish dogs could talk!

TerraShield- look at that tail wag!! Probably because he thinks it's time for a walk.

In the Summer months especially, we love to take Beau on hikes and long walks in the meadow near our house. TerraShield, doTERRA's outdoor blend, is a ready to go and pre-diluted convenient spray that will keep the bugs, ticks, and fleas far away.

It is so easy to use- spray yourself and pet down in 30 seconds, and out the door you go. Worry free!

Another good habit to get into in colder months is to make a this soothing mixture, keep in a mason jar or glass container, and rub on dogs (only) when those winter temperatures dry out their skin. It is also bug-repellent, which you can soak their collar in and just use that, too! Feel free to double up the recipe to make as much as you need.

4 tablespoons FCO (fractionated coconut oil)

3 drops of Cedarwood

2 drops of Lemon

2 drops of Thyme

My last suggestion is to check out Dr. Janet Roark, DVM on Facebook. She's my & the doTERRA community go-to for education with essential oils and use on all sorts of animals. She's a practicing vet in Austin, Texas who uses EOs in her practice, answers the most FAQs about essential oils and pets, and she posts great educational tools. Best of all, guess what brand of oils she uses- doTERRA!

Give your fur babies the love they deserve- after all, the love they give you is unconditional!

Naturally,

Nicki