For centuries, essential oils have been used to treat many different human ailments, but did you know that animals can benefit from aromatherapy? Your pets' health problems can be corrected through the use of essential oils as well.

Think of it this way... If a particular condition in a person is helped through the use of aromatherapy, then the odds are, that the same essential oil (or scent) can benefit your dog or cat who is in a similar situation!

There are, of course, a great variety in the bodily woes of humanity and the ways that aromatherapy can help. Take your experiences in treating yourself and apply it to your pets.

A note of caution here, while aromatherapy is a very gentle means of healing, essential oils can be powerful in their effects. Most dogs and cats weigh less than their owners and may have a particular sensitivity to some essential oils. Keep that in mind when you apply any therapy. Here are some common problems and how to treat them:

Dogs and Aromatherapy

Arthritis - In older dogs, arthritis can often be a problem. This condition is as painful for dogs as it is can be for you and I. Take care in touching them...

While their rough and tumble days maybe behind them, dogs still love to be petted and most will enjoy being massaged. And massaging is a good way to apply the following beneficial treatment:

Blend 4 drops of Rosemary, 2 drops of Lavender and 3 drops of Ginger with 30ml of vegetable oil to make a massage oil for your arthritic dog.

Now gently start massaging your dog. Begin at the back of the dog. Massage the oil into the muscles in rhythmic movements as you move inwards from the haunches. Make sure that you spread the oil over each enire leg and also the vertebrae.

This may seem a little messy, but it is nothing to worry about. After you finish the massage, your dog will lick much of the oil off. By then, though, the correct amount of essential oil will have penetrated the skin to reach the affected tissue and bone. Additionally, the oil ingested by your dog from the licking, will be of benefit as well. Some of the essential oil will be spread through its body from the digestive system.

Dogs and Ear Wax. - Dogs often suffer from ear wax - something you may become aware of due to its unpleasant smell. Lavender oil comes to the rescue for this condition. To both remove the wax and to disinfect the ear create the following solution:

Dilute 3 drops of Lavender oil in one teaspoon of Witch Hazel. Place, at least, 4 drops into each ear. (Don't have a dropper? You can use a soaked piece of cotton wool and squeeze the drops out). Gently massage the whole ear and repeat this every day to soften the wax. It can then be removed with cotton wool.

Bad Doggy Breath - If your dog has bad breath, this is usually NOT caused by teeth or gums. More likely your dog has a digestive problem. Peppermint tea is an excellent remedy to use in this situation. Peppermint is an aid to digestion, an intestinal cleanser and a mouth freshener all rolled up into one!

Brew a light cup of peppermint tea and place into drinking bowl. Most dogs will find the taste enjoyable and lap it up.

Related dog resources: Dog Food Secrets and SitStayFetch, The No. 1 Dog Training And Behavior Product.

Cats and Aromatherapy

Abscesses - Cats often get abscesses. And this is usually due to bites from other cats! A cat's teeth are sharp, and when they bite, puncture wounds are produced. There is a vast amount of bacteria in cat's mouth. This bacteria is transfered to the wound which often heals over and seals in a growing infection.

To treat any abscess, put straight Tea Tree oil on to the infected area to help bring it to a head. Any oil the cat licks off the fur and ingests, will also help clear the abscess from the inside. After the abscess has burst and all the poison and pus has been discharged, apply Lavender oil to speed up the healing process.

Cats with Arthritis - If your cat has arthritis, treat your pet in the same manner as described for dogs.

Pets and Fleas - Here is a great Aromatip... Buy a soft material collar and soak it in the following mixture which turns the ordinary collar into an effective and natural flea collar:

Mix 1 drop Cedarwood, 1 drop Lavender, 1 drop Citronella, 1 drop Thyme and half teaspoon alcohol with 4 garlic capsules that have been broken open.

Leat collar dry before putting it on your pet. It should be effective for about a month. Are you looking for holistic therapy in Spain, the choice of Aromatherapy oils is huge.

Related cat resources: Solutions To Cat Behavior Problems and Stop Cat Urine Odor.

As your knowledge of using aromatherapy to treat your personal and family health issues grows, you may discover you are also finding effective ways to keep your pets healthy, too.

Resources for the following essential oils: Lavender, Tea Tree Oil, Cedarwood, Citronella and Rosemary.

About the Author:  Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including: Rosacea, Global Warming, Meditation - The Inner Journey, About Telescopes, and Travel To Alaska.

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