Keep Pets Calm Using Aromatherapy

As pawed by Sunny from Mission Pets, aromatherapy for your dogs can help with cold weather or storms, travel, unfamiliar house guests, parties, over excitement and too many treats – all these can wreak havoc on your dog, and on you. Aromatherapy can be a simple and effective tool to help you and your dog stay healthy during this hectic time and beyond.

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic inhalation and topical application of pure essential oils to restore or enhance health, beauty and well-being. Essential oils can be used singly or in formulations for specific purposes such as restlessness, upset tummies, respiratory illness and immune support.

Essential oils are volatile oils that are produced within the seed, flower, leaf, bark, root or resin of aromatic plants. They can be extracted by steam distillation, cold-pressing, and carbon dioxide or solvent extraction. Essential oils are highly concentrated – 200 pounds of lavender tops are distilled to make one pound of lavender essential oil – and so it is accepted practice to dilute essential oils before use to avoid problems such as skin irritation or overwhelming the sense of smell. This is especially important with remedies for dogs, because they have a more acute sense of smell than humans.

Diluting essential oils can be as simple as using a car or room diffuser, or placing one drop on a favorite bandana or blanket. Ready-to-use products are also available for purchase, but check all labels to be sure these products use pure essential oils, and not fragrance oils. Synthetic fragrances, such as peach, apple or strawberry, are not therapeutic, and can actually cause problems, such as headaches, agitation or allergic reactions.

Because dogs respond well to scent and touch, calming sprays and massage or grooming products containing pure essential oils, can be physically applied to create a bonding experience and potential behavior modification. This provides comfort for dogs that are fretful during storms, fireworks, travel, competition, adoption, veterinary or kennel visits, bath time and holidays. It is helpful to introduce aromatherapy during a nonthreatening time to help associate the scent with comfort.

Essential oils such as lavender and orange can have a calming effect, while tangerine can help relieve malaise. Bergamot has been used for anxiety, and ginger for stomach upset. Plants historically used for respiratory and immune system health include frankincense, bay leaf, ravensara, lemon and thyme.

Because dogs love to smell things, aromatherapy is ideal for use with them. As with any home remedy, it is important to know the use and safety guidelines, and to recognize when it is time for professional help from your veterinarian. |

For more information, visit: Earth Heart Inc website

Vicki Rae Thorne, certified aromatherapist and master herbalist, founded Earth Heart™ in 1996 to help others learn how to use herbs and aromatherapy as an integral part of everyday health. Earth Heart™ Inc. has a long-standing reputation for providing quality products using pure essential oils and other plant-based ingredients. Products are designed with the same loving care you give your family …including your dog.

About; Mission: P.E.T.S. (Passion, Education, Togetherness, Salvation) is a FREE online magazine for dedicated animal lovers. Created by Camille L. Adams, to fulfill a childhood dream, Mission: P.E.T.S. is dedicated and solely interested in enriching and saving the lives of animals, together, with YOU. Through passion and education, Mission: P.E.T.S. is sure that we can make a difference. Our mission is to provide knowledge, awareness and fun for our viewers and our readers. We are completely dedicated to the world of animals, bettering the lives of both animals and the people who love them. In our quarterly e-zine, you can get how-to tips from the experts on proper care, safety & training techniques. Learn how to deepen the bond with your companion animals, read about volunteer organizations & rescue efforts, (and find out how you can help). Open your eyes to unique & alternative wellness techniques and so much more! Best of all, this wealth of knowledge is absolutely, 100% FREE! We invite you to share your ideas, stories and photos with us! And check out our online shop. A % of all profits go to animal rescue and other worthy non-profits. For your FREE subscription, please go to our website here.

Betty Smook from nose to tail she is the TOP Dog Paw Blogger with Bark Buckle UP (with a little help from Christina "Pet Safety Lady"). Betty the Editor for Bark Buckle UP®Paw Blogger group work with the founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” and first responders nationwide teaching pet safety. Betty has appeared on TV morning shows throughout California with Pet Safety Lady showing how easy it is to just Buckle UP every time. Pet Safety Lady has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations and impressions the first year, she has directed and produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle UP the whole family.