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Lavender
Essential Oil and Dog Aromatherapy
By Bark
n Bath
Lavender
is among the gentlest of all essential oils. Its light floral
scent is said to calm and relax those who smell it; it is also
purported to possess healing qualities, and is often put to use
on itchy skin as a healing aid.
Essential
oils are made by distilling pure plant material. They are different
from
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fragrance oils, which can be made with a variety of artificial
ingredients. In addition to smelling good, essential oils are
said to posses certain therapeutic properties.
Aromatherapy
is the practice of using essential oils (distinguished from artificial
fragrance oils) to treat a variety of physical and mental ills
in both humans and animals. Although the healing properties of
plants have been known throughout history, modern aromatherapy
is thought to have begun in 1937, when French scientist Dr. Rene
Maurice Gattefosse plunged his burned arm into the nearest amount
of cold liquid, which happened to be lavender oil. He was amazed
at the pain relief and rate of healing he experienced after exposure
to the oil, and went on to study the chemical properties of natural
oils.
Still
relatively new to the US, aromatherapy is in common use in France
and other parts of Europe today. The US currently does not endorse
any “certifications” for practitioners of aromatherapy,
but rather requires that those individuals using the oils to treat
others hold some other legitimate certification, such as Massage
Therapist, Chiropractor, Medical Doctor, etc.
Lavender
essential oil is collected by steam distilling aromatic lavender
plants. Lavender grows best in moist, well drained soil, and can
be found in a variety of regions around the world. A variety of
lavender essential oils are available, and are distinguishable
both by their botanical Latin names, and the subtly different
scents of plants grown in different areas of the world. True English
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), can be obtained from Bulgaria
and France, Spike Lavender (Lavandula spica) is available from
the Spanish region, and Provence Lavender, (Lavandula angustifolia)
is available from the French region.
Certified
organic oils are also available, indicating that the plants the
oil was obtained from were grown without chemical treatment. Organic
certification is an expensive, ongoing process that can significantly
raise the cost of the final essential oil, but is desirable to
a growing number of consumers searching for more natural products.
Many
fine books are currently available, providing simple recipes that
will guide the beginner through using lavender essential oil in
the home.
Dog
aromatherapy is a growing field, as these animals usually respond
well to mild, complementary therapies. Although lavender is an
extremely mild essential oil, it should always be properly diluted
before use, and it should be noted that dogs should not be exposed
to dosages that are higher than a mere fraction of that used on
humans. Their skin is highly sensitive and absorbent, and typically
needs to be “babied” far more than ours.
It
is dangerous to use essential oils, even lavender, on cats as
they possess a unique physiology that is unable to rid their bodies
of foreign components in a timely manner. This means that they
are easily poisoned by everyday substances, and should not be
exposed to essential oils or fragrance oils in the home or air,
as well as to a variety of chemical cleaning products.
Many
veterinarians today are educated in holistic treatments such as
aromatherapy, and should be able to provide further information
for you and your pet!
© Bark n Bath.
Reprinted by permission only.
Bark N Bath
Articles
What
to Look for in a Dog Perfume
When
you are shopping for dog perfume, remember to ask yourself what
you are looking for. Obviously, you want a perfume that deodorizes
that dog odor, but don't you also want a product that won't dry
out or irritate your dog's skin? Although the term "perfume"
typically indicates a product made with a high concentration of
fragrance oils suspended in an alcohol base, you should look for
a dog perfume that is alcohol free in order to keep your dog's
skin from drying out. Also, artificial fragrance oils may contain
a variety of undisclosed chemical ingredients which could potentially
irritate your dog's skin. Look for a product which uses natural
essential oil as it's scent.
Do
You Know What's in Your Dog Shampoo?
It is important to choose a dog shampoo which addresses
your dog’s grooming needs without exposing these sensitive
animals to artificial perfumes or detergents. In
today's modern society, we often expose our companion animals
to a variety of artificial perfumes, insecticides, and detergents
found in common grooming products and treatments. While these
products usually do their jobs effectively, some of their ingredients
can cause both allergic and nervous reactions in dogs. You are
left with a squeaky clean, flea free, pina-colada scented dog
that itches like the dickens, and will often rush off to find
some soothing mud to cool her skin and remove the overwhelming
perfumed scent from her coat.
Throw
a Dog Birthday Party!
Dog birthday parties are becoming increasingly
popular. You can celebrate even if you don't know your dog's birthday.
Just choose a date to commemorate the day your puppy joined your
family, and prepare to lavish him with love! You
could celebrate at a dog park, but if you have an appropriate
sized backyard, why not invite your puppy's playmates over for
a fun off-leash day right there?
Have
an itchy dog? Non Chemical Grooming Tips
Many dogs today suffer from itchy, irritated skin caused by a
variety of factors. Their owners often fret that they are suffering
from allergies and take the dog to the vet, who prescribes medication.
However, in many cases, the “itch factor” may have
a simpler cause and solution. Dogs have a more sensitive skin
than we humans do, and are often exposed to a variety of irritants
in their indoor and outdoor environments. Before turning to medicated
products, try these grooming tips, which may help to alleviate
your dog’s irritation.
How
to Create a Unique Dog Gift Basket
If you are looking for a dog gift for a pet lover, and want something
that stands out from the crowd, consider putting together a spa
gift basket for the dog! You will be providing quality products
for the owner to use on their dog's sensitive skin, and giving
the owner the gift of a great smelling dog! Here is how to make
your dog gift set look great!
Treat
Your Dog’s Feet to a “Pawdicure”
Your
dog’s feet work hard to provide traction and shock absorption
to this natural runner. Ensure you keep them in top shape with
a periodic pawdicure and these common sense tips!
Lavender
Essential Oil and Dog Aromatherapy
Lavender
is among the gentlest of all essential oils. Its light floral
scent is said to calm and relax those who smell it; it is also
purported to possess healing qualities, and is often put to use
on itchy skin as a healing aid. Essential oils are made by distilling
pure plant material. They are different from fragrance oils, which
can be made with a variety of artificial ingredients. In addition
to smelling good, essential oils are said to posses certain therapeutic
properties.
Dogs
Welcome: Dog Friendly Hotel Accommodations
If
you are one of the 29 million dog owners who like to travel with
your pet, you will be happy to know that many fine hotels will
now welcome you and your pooch with open arms and luxurious services.
We tracked down a couple of spots in the northwest where your
dog can enjoy the good life. The world's going to the dogs and
we couldn't be happier about it!
Dog
Grooming Tips to Consider
Can you regularly groom the type of dog you want yourself, or
can you afford to have it done professionally? Inquire about the
cost with your local groomer before deciding, and talk to others
who own such dogs. Starting from a young age, praising your dog
during and after the grooming process, and brushing and bathing
on a regular basis will help to ensure that you both enjoy this
time together. Your dog may not enjoy being bathed at first, but
remember that you aren't doing your dog a favor by letting him
get so stinky that you don't want to cuddle him! Dirty skin, matted
hair, and uninspected wounds can also lead to more serious problems.
Praise him effusively, of course, and keep grooming sessions short
when he is a puppy so he doesn't become bored.
