While VetNaturally™ oils are 100% therapeutic grade, you should still apply them in the safest way possible.
1) Go slow. You can always add more. You can never add less.
2) Watch your pet’s reaction. Just like people, pets have a preference for the smell of an oil and how it makes them feel. One of your pets may love lavender and another pet may not like the smell. It is your job to watch your pet’s reaction and respect the response.
3) Birds, rabbits, chinchillas and other small pets may be more sensitive to essential oils. Diffusion is usually the safest route. Rabbits and other small furred pets can absorb oils via only diffusion, so the quality of the oil and the amount diffused becomes exceptionally important.
4) Skin sensitivity is rare, but a pet may paw at an area where oils have been placed. This can mean they don’t like the scent or that the oils are moving too quickly through their skin. In this situation, it’s best to apply a carrier oil (organic jojoba oil or raw organic coconut oil) to the application site. This will help the essential oil to be absorbed more slowly.
Introducing Your Pet to Oils:
Pets have an incredible sense of smell. If you can smell something even vaguely, chances are your pet can smell it strongly. If you’ve ever been stuck on a plane next to the lady wearing half a bottle of the worst perfume…well, that’s what I imagine it must feel like to a dog stuck in a house with oils they don’t like. Respect their sense of smell and take the time to find out what they do and don’t like.
Here are the steps I recommend for my patients:
1) Start with diffusion. Fill your diffuser with water and 8-10 drops of VetNaturally essential oil. Turn the diffuser on and watch your pets reaction. Does your pet sit around or come near the diffuser? Or do they get up and try to relocate into another room? Most pets truly enjoy diffused essential oil in their home.
If you don’t own a diffuser, use yourself as a passive diffuser. Place a couple of drops of VetNaturally essential oils to your chest or wrist area. Allow your pet to sniff and get to know the new smell.
2) Petting therapy is the next step. Place one drop of diluted VetNaturally essential oil and rub in between your hands. Gently pet your dog or cat on top their shoulder blades. You can dilute essential oil with organic jojoba oil or coconut oil. Adding 5 drops of VetNaturally essential oil to a tsp of raw organic jojoba/coconut oil is a good starting ratio. Remember…you can always add more, you can never add less. Go slow and watch your pet’s response.
3) Diffusion and petting therapy along the back with diluted oils is a wonderful and safe way to enjoy essential oils with your pet.
4) If you choose to use VetNaturally essential oils in more advanced forms, we recommend guidance from a veterinarian who understands essential oils use.
5) Check under the product guide? section to see our favorite ways to use each product.
