What is lavender oil?
Lavender essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers of the lavender plant, Lavandula angustifolia. It has many calming properties and can be used safely in all species. It has been studied and used extensively with animals. Lavender is high in Linalool and linalyl acetate.
Benefits of lavender oil:
Lavender essential oil can be used for all things calming. Whether your animal is anxious or has stress in their lives, is fearful of loud noises, or gets very excited when company visits, lavender may be helpful. It helps relax muscles that are tense and soothes skin that is irritated or damaged.
It is emotionally used to help calm insecurities, fear, tension, and blockages. This oil is excellent to use in transitions such as bringing a new puppy home that may miss their mother, introducing a new horse to the herd, or if you are moving to a new home or apartment.
How to use lavender oil with animals:
Lavender oil can be diffused, applied topically or given internally.
For horses and cattle, apply 4-6 drops along the spine from tail to head, topically directly over the area of concern, or you can give 2 drops twice daily with feed to give internally.
For dogs, dilute 1 drop in 20-50 drops of carrier oil and give one diluted drop internally mixed with food, or apply topically along the spine or directly over the area of concern or between the paw pads of the back feet.
For cats, water diffusion is preferred, if applied topically dilute 1 drop per 100 drops of carrier oil prior to applying to the area of concern or by petting along the spine.
Lavender is safe to diffuse around reptiles and small mammals as well.
