This post is more of a DIY recipe of aromatherapeutic protection that complements any veterinary-approved pest preventatives (spot ons, collars and olar chews).
Hydrosols are water-based aromatherapeutic tools that are the safest and most gentle form of care therapy for pets because they bring the desired therapeutic benefits without the risks that are involved with essential oil use due to their high concentration of chemical compounds.
Ideally, you use up to three as when it comes to herbs, a carefully made synergy makes each component far more potent that when used individually (hence the saying 1+1 is greater than 2, as in this case it's more like 11).
PLEASE, never put essential oils directly on your pet's skin. I've seen far too many reccomendations where a drop of lavender oil is to be put in a water-based spray. Guess what, oil does not dilute itself in water so those drops remain - hence if a dog ingests it by licking, toxicity occurs. While generally safer than other oils, it contains compounds like linalool that can cause skin irritations, vomiting, lethargy, respiratory distress!
IMPORTANT: Animals process plant compounds differently to humans so just because something does wonders for us means nothing. Asking your vet is always the safest way to go.
- Lavender- get rid of any funky smells, treat small cuts and scratches (anything more significant is to be carefully cleaned by a veterinarian). My favorite is to add hydrosol to the natural shampoo (one that doesn’t contain synthetic chemicals). Depending on your pet, you can use up to a 30% ratio of hydrosol to shampoo. Their coats will shine and my favorite one is to combine it with rosemary that does a great job in keeping fleas and ticks away.
- Rosemary is a great pest repelent that helps with itching. You can also mix it into the shampoo, but I love most using it as a coat rinse. However, it should NEVER be used on dogs with a history of seizures.
- Geranium Hydrosol is very effective against a broad range of insects. Specifically for fleas and mosquitoes, we can add a splash of lemongrass.
- Chamomille - whenever there's itching involved.
Option 1: shampoo mixture. There is only point in adding it to a natural shampoo (free of synthentic chemicals, silicones, parabens, and so on). Depending on your pet, you can use up to a 30% ratio of hydrosol to shampoo.
Option 2: coat rinse. Effective only if air-dried. Depending on your dog's size, I use a teaspoon of hydrosol to 1l of water. Alternatively, you can use an cold-brew infusion.
Option 3: spray. Use it before walks and focus on areas pest-loving areas: the belly, around the ears, and between the legs. Since it won't contain additives and you don't want alchohol, I use alchochol free with hazel as a preservative and carrier. You can also make the spray with essential oils (it will smell better) that you will remove with a coffee filter- please see HOMAROM recipes below.
NOTE: since they are both chemical preservative free, they are best kept in the fridge and used within 2 months.
Pet Protect Hydrosol Mixture (100ml):
Mix 50 ml of Lavender hydrosol, 35 ml Rosemary or Geranium hydrosol and 15 ml of Lemongrass hydrosol
Pet Protect Fragrant Water:
- Glass Spray Bottle 100ml (if possible, blue glass is ideal).
- Distilled Water (approx. 3-4 tablespoons)
- Emulsifier: 1-2 Tablespoons Witch Hazel (crucial for blending)
- Essential Oils: 20-30 drops
Combine Oils and Emulsifier: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of witch hazel into a small glass jar or directly into your spray bottle. Add 20-30 drops of essential oil mixture- 10 lavender, 5 roselmary/geranium, 5 lemongrass - use the extra 10 drops to boost the scent of your liking.
Initial Sit Time (5 min - 1 hour): Let this mixture sit for at least 5 minutes to an hour. This helps the oils fully dissolve in the carrier.
Add Water: Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
Second Sit Time ("Curing"): Close the bottle and shake well. Let the spray sit for atleast 48 hours before its first use in a cool, dark place. ( I go for two weeks), This resting period enables the scent to fully harmonize.
Note: you wanty to shake the bottle gently every other day to encourse the oils to ‘infuse’ into water.
Slowly pour the mixture through the coffee filter. This will trap any solid plant matter and separate any unwanted debris.
IMPORTANT: STAY ALERT OF ANY SIGN OF A NEGATIVE REACTION:
- Sneezing!
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Squinting
- Hiding
- Agitation
- ANYTHING UNUSUAL.
AVOID : tea tree, eucaliptus, citruses, pennyroyal, eucaliptus, oregano, clove, cinammon, peppermint and oregano.
