Post by Allan on Aug 6, 2007 22:52:44 GMT -5
Giving Your Pet A Healthy Sniff
Aromatherapy for Animals
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For many animals, noses are the most sensitive instrument in learning about and analyzing the world. This means our four-legged friends are particularly suited to the health improving effects of aromatherapy because they have more receptor cells that distinguish one scent from another. Whereas we smell the woodsy scent of a forest, they can often detect the individual scents of various trees, the soil and nearby water. But your pet won't get much use out of an air-freshening spray because what animals respond to, and in many cases need, is the scent of all-natural essential oils.
In the wild, your pet would be able to use its sense of smell to pick out herbal remedies from nature's bounty to cure ailments like rashes, insect bites, itchy skin and more. However, in a comfortable house or apartment, they don't have access to those remedies. You can replicate the benefits of nature in your home by offering your pet a few sniffs of essential oils. When presenting a new scent, let your pet guide you. Offer a small amount the oil blend to your pet and watch their reaction. Interest in the aroma, even a simple flaring of the nostrils, means that your pet is craving the hormonal, physical or biological response that the scent will provide. Topically applying the oil to your pet's neck and chest can aid in inhalation and provides a chance for you to bond with your pet through calming massage. However, be sure to use with caution as a little goes a long way with animals. When the ailment has been cured, your pet will tell you by showing no further intere! st in the aroma.
While it may be difficult to find a practitioner of animal aromatherapy, an experienced aromatherapist will be able to suggest the proper use of essential oils for your pet. The International Society of Animal Aromatic Practitioners is a group that promotes aromatherapy for animals and the understanding that animals are aware of their own health needs. They can suggest books, aromatic blends and courses to help you find the essential oil treatments that will keep your pet not only healthy, but happy.
Aromatherapy for Animals
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For many animals, noses are the most sensitive instrument in learning about and analyzing the world. This means our four-legged friends are particularly suited to the health improving effects of aromatherapy because they have more receptor cells that distinguish one scent from another. Whereas we smell the woodsy scent of a forest, they can often detect the individual scents of various trees, the soil and nearby water. But your pet won't get much use out of an air-freshening spray because what animals respond to, and in many cases need, is the scent of all-natural essential oils.
In the wild, your pet would be able to use its sense of smell to pick out herbal remedies from nature's bounty to cure ailments like rashes, insect bites, itchy skin and more. However, in a comfortable house or apartment, they don't have access to those remedies. You can replicate the benefits of nature in your home by offering your pet a few sniffs of essential oils. When presenting a new scent, let your pet guide you. Offer a small amount the oil blend to your pet and watch their reaction. Interest in the aroma, even a simple flaring of the nostrils, means that your pet is craving the hormonal, physical or biological response that the scent will provide. Topically applying the oil to your pet's neck and chest can aid in inhalation and provides a chance for you to bond with your pet through calming massage. However, be sure to use with caution as a little goes a long way with animals. When the ailment has been cured, your pet will tell you by showing no further intere! st in the aroma.
While it may be difficult to find a practitioner of animal aromatherapy, an experienced aromatherapist will be able to suggest the proper use of essential oils for your pet. The International Society of Animal Aromatic Practitioners is a group that promotes aromatherapy for animals and the understanding that animals are aware of their own health needs. They can suggest books, aromatic blends and courses to help you find the essential oil treatments that will keep your pet not only healthy, but happy.