Conscious Choice: Herbs for Pets

July 1999 | Herbs for Health

Herbs for Pets

by Meg McGowan

It’s natural that those of us who routinely use herbs for self care would want to use herbs for our pets as well. We must remember, though, that what works for humans does not necessarily transfer to pets, and in some cases what is helpful to humans can be harmful to pets. For example, Nelly Grossjean, in her book Veterinary Aromatherapy (The C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd., Saffron Walden, England), advises that cats’ skin and fur is too sensitive to ever be massaged with essential oils. Instead, she largely recommends using essential oils for cats via a diffuser. She recommends applying only a drop or two of essential oils topically, usually in a diluted form. An animal’s keener sense of smell should also be taken into account. Dogs especially can be overwhelmed by strong scents. What we find pleasant may make them miserable.

Also, certain herbs may be entirely inappropriate for pets. It is generally known that cats cannot tolerate aspirin; it is toxic to them. For the same reason, white willow (Salix alba) which contains salicin, the base compound of aspirin, should not be used to treat cats. On the other hand, lavender (Lavendula officinalis syn. angustifolia) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oils cross over as a key components of an herbal first aid kit for both humans and animals. A single drop of lavender essential oil is all that is recommended for treating cysts and abrasions which have been thoroughly cleaned. An abscess may be brought to a head with a drop of tea tree oil. (Note: since this column was written it has come to light that tea tree oil can be toxic to cats. Please read more before you try it.) Then, after it has drained, a drop of lavender will help speed healing. Lavender can also be used to treat burns on pets after flushing the area with cold water. For bothersome ear problems, Valerie Ann Worwood advises diluting a drop each of lavender, tea tree and chamomile (Athemis noblis) essential oils in a base of one teaspoon warm olive oil. Massage the mixture into and around the ear.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) treats digestive troubles in dogs as it does in humans, soothing an upset stomach. It is always important to ascertain that the problem is not a symptom of more serious distress such as accidental poisoning or swallowing a foreign object. Cats are generally not fond of strong mints — though they love catnip and catmint (Nepeta spp.) which are mint relations. Mint leaves and lavender seeds can be strewn over bedding for either cats or dogs, however, to discourage fleas.

For further flea discouragement, Aura Cacia recommends adding two drops each of tea tree and lavender essential oils and one drop of cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) essential oil to two gallons of water for a pet bath. Tea tree, lavender, and cedarwood oils all repel insects. Lavender and cedarwood also are effective for neutralizing pet odors—but only on full-grown pets. Never use essential oils on puppies, kittens, or pregnant pets. Even on adult animals, they caution, you should only use small amounts of well-diluted oils.

For eliminating pet odors that linger in the house, Aura Cacia suggests using a pet freshening spray to treat pet bedding and sleeping areas. Combine two drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), five drops juniper (Juniperus communis) and ten drops lavender essential oils with eight ounces of water. For a general room freshener combine eight drops of cedarwood and four drops of tea tree essential oils with one ounce of water in a spray mist bottle. Shake well before spraying. Both sprays are most effective if made in small batches and used within a relatively short period of time to ensure freshness and potency.

Burt’s Bees carries a Furry Friends line of natural pet products, including a ready-to-use deodorizing spray with cedarleaf and lavender oils. The same essential oils are used in their beeswax deodorizing candle, which provides an easy way to clear the air of lingering pet scents. Other items in the line offer natural alternatives to chemically-laced pet products. Burt’s Bones contain garlic to help keep a dog’s intestinal tract free of parasites. The company’s breath freshener takes the bite out of doggy breath with a combination of chlorophyll, peppermint oil and vegetable glycerin. The rosemary, rue, comfrey and citronella in their Oat Straw Pet Soap ensure a healthy coat, reduce itching and scratching, and deter pests. Hot Spot Ointment soothes problem areas and promotes healing with lavander oil, vitamin E, and extracts of calendula and comfrey root.

If pests persist, try Speck’s Flea Away, a blend of pennyroyal, bergamot, scented geranium, lavender, comfrey and other botanical extracts created by Kirklands’ Wood. Located in White Plains, Georgia, in an effort to employ women displaced by NAFTA, the company has worked with the University of Georgia in creating its line of herbal pet products.

And then, go on to spiritual well-being. Aroma Pet offers aid in dealing with both physical and emotional challenges in a pet’s life. From Bergamot Blues: Feel Good Remedy to Ravensara Rub: Immune System Revival Remedy, each treatment is available in a supportive cluster of products — as a mist, a topical, a synergy, and a flower essence. The Pet Mist can be used in the environment and on the coat. Pet Topical can be used directly on troublesome areas. Pet Synergy is a concentrated blend of essential oils, which may be used in a diffuser or for cleaning elements within the pet’s environment. Pet Flower Essence may be added to drinking water or used directly on the pet.

While pets can be treated with individual homeopathic remedies matched to their condition, Frontier Natural Products Co-op has added blends to their homeopathic line that address concerns specific to four-legged creatures — excess barking; coat, nails, and hoof; excess saliva; fleas and ticks. Other pet formulas cover more universal afflictions — anxiety; arthritis; hypersexuality in both males and females; indigestion and gas; motion sickness, and skin problems. Each of the twelve pet formulas comes in a liquid form for easier administration and faster absorption into the body.

Turning to herbs rather than synthetic drugs and chemicals for pet care benefits not only your pets, but yourself, your family, your home environment, and the environment at large. For most people, part of the reason for owning a pet is to make a connection beyond the bounds of human experience. Natural pet care respects the earth and our pets, deepening that connection.

Resources

Aroma Pet, 800-677-2368

Aura Cacia

Burt’s Bees, Inc., 800-849-7112

Frontier Co-op

Kirklands’ Wood, 706-486-4630

DISCLAIMER: Choosing a holistic approach to medicine means choosing personal responsibility for your health care. Herbs for Health offers a doorway through which to enter the realm of herbal healing, an invitation to further investigation on the part of the reader. It is in no way intended as a substitute for advice from a health care practitioner.

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