well-oiled pets 3 (how much?)

We’re back with another fact over fear post on using essential oils (EO) with the animals that share our lives! Today, we delve a bit more into how to use the oils – quantities.

The very design of many animals means they may be more sensitive to the effects of EO. For example, animals have more hair follicles than humans and may be able to absorb the oils more effectively as a result. The more hair follicles per square inch of body, the greater EO absorption.

This means that a cat can absorb more EO through its skin than a dog or cow since the dog and cow have coarser hair.

As noted in Animal Essential Oils Desk Reference, if a 160 pound person uses 3-5 drops of EO, then a 1,600 horse would require 10 times that amount and a dog weighing 16 pounds would need 1/10th the human amount.

If that made your head almost explode…first, there’s an oil for that (Rosemary or even Clarity would help) and, second, there are other ways to approach this.

Smaller and exotic animals require less oil and a less intense initial exposure. So, while applying oil directly to the hoof of a horse (like humans applying to the soles of feet), you will want to dilute EO for small dogs, cats, exotic pets. In these cases, diffusion may be a great way to start.

As noted in previous posts, several species are more sensitive to the compounds in some oils so be mindful using “hot oils”/oils high in phenols, sesquiterpenes, eugenols like Clove, Thyme, Oregano, Cinnamon, etc. Please dilute these oils with a carrier oil like V-6 in a ratio of 1 drop EO to 6, 8 or 10 drops carrier oil (depending on size of your companion animal and personal experience with your pet).

Also, citrus oils (Lemon, Lime, Citrus Fresh, etc.) should be used carefully around felines.

Since “how much” EO to use can be confusing, I’m going to refer to the guidelines in the Desk Reference for animals (complete credit to this source for the details below)…
Percentages:

• 90% = 1 drop EO + 9 drops carrier oil
• 80% = 2 drops EO + 8 drops carrier
• 70% = 3 drops EO + 7 drops carrier
• 60% = 4 drops EO + 6 drops carrier
• 50% = 5 drops EO + 5 drops carrier (also called 50:50 = 1 drop EO + 1 drop carrier)
• 40% = 6 drops EO + 4 drops carrier
• 30% = 7 drops EO + 3 drops carrier
• 20% = 8 drops EO + 2 drops carrier
• 10% = 9 drops EO + 1 drop carrier

General Guidelines

• Smaller animals like cats, small dogs, exotics: Apply 3-5 drops of diluted (80-90%) oil per application
  
• Larger animals, including large dogs, goats, pigs: Apply 3-5 drop neat/un-diluted per application (unless high in phenols)
  
• Large animals like horses, elephants, cattle: Apply 10-15 drops neat per application (unless high in phenols)
  

Remember, if you’re unsure please start low and slow — small amounts of oils and consider diffusing.

NOTE: Young Living’s Animal Scents® line makes getting started so easy! From EO for pets to shampoo, your four-legged, feathered and furred friends can benefit from products designed especially for them.

A portion of all proceeds from Animal Scents® products goes to support Vital Ground, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the habitat of grizzly bears and other wide-roaming wildlife.

Finally, always, always, always use only the highest-quality, therapeutic grade, organically raised and thoroughly tested essential oils. Preferably those that are sustainably harvested and follow a strict process like Seed to Seal®.

You can order your oils at www.BlossomWithOils.net, or via link on our Services page here at NourishedPath.net. Please email with any questions: [email protected].
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As always, I’m happy to answer any questions you have and excited to hear how you use EO and EO-infused products to help you and your family (including the non-human ones) live well along the nourished path...

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