How to Use Essential Oils to Enhance a Pet's Health

Natural remedies are becoming more and more popular these days. But flower essences, homeopathic remedies, and essential oils aren't just good for people. According to Andi Brown, author of "The Whole Pet Diet," essential oils are good for your pet, too.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottles
• Clove oil
• Tea tree oil
• Witch hazel
• Liquid castile soap
• Peppermint oil
• Rosemary oil
• Sage oil
• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• Fish oil
• Almond oil

Instructions

1. Cure that itch.
   Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that has two advantages for people and pets alike: it doesn't sting, and it isn't toxic. Which means you won't hurt your pet if you apply it to a skin scrape, and if your dog or cat licks it off, you won't need to call the Pet Poison Control Center. Apply gently with a Q-Tip or cotton ball after washing, and repeat until the wound starts to heal.

2. Clean those ears.
   Dogs with "droopy" ears such as beagles, basset hounds and cocker spaniels are prone to chronic yeast infections in their ears caused by too much moisture and not enough air circulating in the ear area. Brown recommends a mixture of five drops clove oil and five drops tea tree oil blended with 2 ozs. of witch hazel. Apply to the inside of the ear with an eyedropper once a week. The witch hazel has the same properties as alcohol, but doesn't burn. And the clove oil, in addition to deadening pain, will make your pet smell terrific.

3. Repel ticks and fleas.
   Peppermint oil, according to Brown, is an excellent tick and flea repellent, as are rosemary and sage oils. For a flea shampoo, mix 1/8 tsp. of any of these oils with a cup of unscented liquid Castile soap (like Dr. Bronner's) and wash. For a flea spray, mix the oil with 3 cups of water in a spray bottle and spritz your pet. These smell better than your average flea and tick treatments, and they're nontoxic.

4. Shampoo and condition the coat.
   If your pet doesn't have a flea or tick problem, you can use coconut or sage oil (1/8 tsp. to 1 cup Castile soap) to keep him clean--and with a very shiny coat. If you want to enhance coat softness and shine from within, add a teaspoon (for small pets) to a tablespoon (for larger dogs) of olive oil or fish oil to your pet's dinner.

5. Soften dry skin.
   Brown recommends a light application of almond oil to dry, sore noses, elbows or paw pads. This is especially great in the winter when cold, dry air can chap a pet's exposed skin in no time. Think of almond oil as doggy Chap-Stick. However, because almond oil tends to be thick, Brown suggests that you not apply it to your pet's fur--it will take forever to get out.