Dogs and Essential Oils
The sense of smell is the only one of the five senses directly linked to the limbic lobe of the brain, the emotional control center. Anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and joy all emanate from this region.
The scent of a special fragrance can evoke memories and emotions before we are even consciously aware of it. When smells are concerned, we react first and think later.
Through their fragrance and unique structure they
can directly stimulate the limbic lobe and the hypo-thalamus. The limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, memory, and levels of stress. Therefore topical application or inhalation of essential oils can be used to reduce stress, heal emotional trauma, and it can also stimulate the production of hormones from the hypothalamus.
Essential oils have a unique ability to penetrate cell membranes and diffuse throughout the blood and tissues. When topically applied, or inhaled, the effect can be experienced very quickly.
These oils can been used to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses among others. They balance mood, lift spirits, and scatter negative emotions in both animals and humans. They can aid in the reconstruction of tissue and stimulate nerves. Essential oils are distilled
from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and
seeds. They are not greasy and will not stain.
My clients love my “Peaceful Paws” calming blend, used to help dogs having issues with, among others, fear of thunder, fireworks, performance nerves, people, places and things. It can also help take the stress out of being away from home in boarding situations. I often use it when working with rescue dogs by applying it topically during massages.
Peaceful Paws Calming Blend comes in two sizes:
5 ml: $10 + tax
15 ml: $20 + tax
To purchase "Peaceful Paws" or to learn more
about other essential oil blends, please write to massage@skillfulpaws.net
Please remember that massage is never a substitute for veterinary care.
"I wanted to let you know that the
Peaceful Paws Blend you I got from
you has been a HUGE help with my
training clients. I often see dogs with
anxiety about group classes. When
they arrive for class I immediately
apply the oils and within 10 minutes
can see an enormous difference in the
behavior of these dogs. They are
calmer and more able to focus. There
is much less reactivity during class
and the clients are more than grateful.
Several of my clients have purchased
a bottle for themselves and are using
it at home. I have tried other products in the past with minimal results
compared to what I am seeing now.
Thank you so much for all your help"
Natalie McMahon, Urban Dawgy
"I am a 10 year old Lab that has
been frightened of storms since
I was seven weeks old. I would
pace the floor and finally end up in
the bathtub with the shower curtain
pulled for hours on in especially
when it was thunder and lightning.
The first time I tried "Peaceful
Paws", it took about 10 minutes
before I totally calmed down and
settled. Now they can bring on the
Texas storms, there will be no
more hiding in the bathtub for
this Labrador!" - Roc
