This post is an aromatherapeutic tutorial and DIY recipe of aromatherapeutic protection that complements any veterinary-approved pest preventatives (spot-ons, collars and chews).
IMPORTANT: Animals process plant compounds differently to humans so just because something does wonders for us means nothing. Your vet's blessing is always advised.
If your pet is on medication, you never add herbs in any form without consulting your vet due to possible interactions (couunter indications include seizures, needing to use blood thinners, etc).
Hydrosol therapy- the most gentle form of aromatherapy.
Hydrosols are water-based aromatherapeutic tools that are the safest 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. Unlike essential oils, hydrosols are practically 99% water as they are merely a byproduct in the oil destillation process- they keep the good stuff, but in in a
When it comes to hydrosol therapy, you ideally use you use up to three herbs, as 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!
1. Lavender
Great for getting rid of any funky smells, treating 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.
2. Geranium
A very effective hydrosol against a broad range of insects. Specifically for fleas and mosquitoes, you can add a splash of lemongrass.
3. Chamomille
Whenever there's itching involved. You can use both German (Matricaria Chamomilla) and Roman (Anthemis Nobilis or Chamaemelum Nobile). For pets and babies, I always prefer the Roman Chamomille, it has a somewhat sweeter scent and I found they prefer it... they both have a soothing and calming effect, yet are quite different plants and therefore, differ in key chemical compounds. The Roman one is more used for muscle spasms and nervous system calming, while the German type is more commonly used for soothing the stomach and general inflammation.
4.* Rosemary
Rosemary 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.
5. Cedar
While a very efficient pest reppelent, it can irritate the lungs so when it comes to more sensitive and especially allergic dogs, I would first try if geranium does the job.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS: tea tree, eucaliptus, citruses, pennyroyal, eucaliptus, oregano, clove, cinammon, peppermint and oregano.
Option 1: SHAMPOO ENHANCEMENT
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 witch hazel as a carrier. You can also make the spray with hydrosol (recipe 1) and with essential oils (recipe 2) which will smell better, but don't forget to use the coffee filter before spraying it on your dog.
NOTE: since they are both chemical preservative free, they are best kept in the fridge and used within 2 months.
Recipe 1- Hydrosol Mix
Mix 50 ml of Lavender hydrosol, 35 ml of Geranium hydrosol and 15 ml of Cedar hydrosol.
Recipe 2 - Fragrant Water-Based Spray
Once more, please STAY ALERT OF ANY SIGN OF A NEGATIVE REACTION:
- Sneezing!
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Squinting
- Hiding
- Agitation
- ANYTHING UNUSUAL.
As always, looking forward to your comments below.
With gratitude to Lejla Ljubenković, my aromatherapy guru, for the knowledge with which I created this spray, as well as all her creations and friendship. Her creations are available on www.aromateadrops.rs, including courses and personal consults (feel free to send an inquiry to lejla.ljubenkovic@gmail.com).
