Articles by MaRiLa Veterinary Clinic discussing Alternative Veterinary Medicine Topics
http://www.naturespathwaysonline.com
Essential Oil Use during Fluid Administration
When the Animal is Jittery and Resists:
If you have a high-spirited, jittery animal that won't be still to receive the application, apply Peace & Calming and/or Valor on yourself first. As you approach the animal, it should react calmer as it perceives the aroma. Kneel down or squat beside the animal and remain still for several minutes, so that it can become accustomed to the smell. As the animal breathes in the fragrances, it will become calmer and easier to manage.
The essential oils that are the most helpful: Lavender, Peace & Calming, Trauma Life, Gentle Baby. Diffusing these oils into the environment for 15 minutes prior to the pet being placed in the area is helpful. Most of the essential oils are safe to use with fluids and with conditions that need fluids therapy.
The following are links on how to administer Subcutaneous fluids to Dogs and Cats:
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/dog_fluids.aspx
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/cat_fluids.aspx
Areas to Apply Essential Oils on Animals:
For non-ungulate animals (not having hooves) such as dogs or cats, oils (neat or diluted) can be applied to paws for faster absorption.
For hoofed animals, sprinkle a few drops on the spine or flanks and massage them in. Also apply on the gums, tongue, or underneath the top lip; also apply on the frog and cornet bands of hooves. These are all good locations for oils to be applied to cows, horses, etc. (all animals with hooves). Oils can also be applied to auricular points of the ears.
How to Administer Essential Oils - Internally:
For internal use (ingestion), essential oils can be put into a capsule and mixed with the feed. A few drops could be added to gravy on food when administering to dogs or cats.
On large animals, the animal's bottom lip can be pulled out and (for example, in the case of a horse) 10 or 15 drops of oil put in. The animal will feel the effect quickly because capillaries in the lip will carry the oil into bloodstream immediately.
For a large dog, 1 to 3 drops is sufficient. When treating animals with essential oils internally, make certain the oils used are pure and free of chemicals, solvents, and adulterants. Always seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before allowing the animals to ingest essential oils.
Other Helpful Tips:
• When treating large animals for viral or bacterial infection, arthritis, or bone injury, generally use the same oils and protocol recommended for humans.
• For applying to large open wounds or hard to reach areas, it helps to put the oils in a spray bottle dilute with vegetable oil (olive) and spray them directly on location.
• After an oil application to an open wound, cover the wound with Animal Scents Ointment to seal it and protect it from further infection. The ointment will also pre vent the essential oils from evaporating.
• There is no right or wrong way to apply essential oils. Every animal is a little different. Use common sense and good judgment as you experiment with different methods. Observe carefully how the animal responds to the treatment.
• Take special care not to get essential oils in the animal's eyes.
• Quality protein is vitally important to promote healing, which makes the use of organic feed essential. Unfortunately many commercial feeds contain bovine byproducts that have high risk for BSE disease and make them unfit for animal care. Avoid these at all costs. Enzymes are also essential to maximize digestion and protein assimilation.