Almost all pet parents come across situations where their happy dogs are stressed out. Quite a few times you must have encountered situations where nothing seems to be effective in calming your dog. Some dogs with extreme anxiety stop responding to medication well. But other than traditional ways, there’s a new concept that has arisen and seems to be working very well on dogs – Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the practice of essential oils extracted from plants and flowers and using them in small dosages for health benefits and stress relief, mostly those issues that medicines aren’t effective for, or if the dog isn’t reacting well to them, or even if pet parents are not particularly in favour of too much medication. It is commonly being used for itchy skin, anxiety or phobias, and ticks/fleas, viral or bacterial infections, etc. on dogs.
You can either use essential oils in diffusers, adding few drops to the bath, or through products that contain essential oils like sprays, shampoos, lotion, massage oil etc.
Ensure that you check your dog’s response to the oil by making it sniff it a little and noting the reaction. If your dog rubs against you or wants to lick the oil, which means it likes that particular scent and it can be used. But if it turns away or sneezes, then try other scents, because dogs react differently to different scents.
Most commonly accepted scents and essential oils are:
- LAVENDER – effective in cases of anxiety, because it can have a calming effect.
- CHAMOMILE- can be used for easing muscle cramps, teething ache, itching, and can be mixed with lavender to treat ear infections.
- NIAOULI- can also be used for skin allergies and ear infection.
- PEPPERMINT- effective for getting rid of ticks
What Is Canine Massage Therapy?
Canine massage therapy is a form of alternative therapy that promotes a dog’s health. It is proven that the touch given to a dog through massage can improve not only a dog’s physical but also his emotional well-being. Massages are great for dogs who suffer from nervousness, anxiousness and hyperactivity.
Canine Massage benefits include:
- Relaxation.
- Blood Circulation, bringing oxygen to the circulatory system.
- Pain relief
- Improved flexibility, Helps joints increase range of motion.
- Cleansing toxins through lymph glands.
- Improved immune system.
- Reduced age-related issues.
- Reduced arthritis and hip dysplasia discomfort.
- Muscle tension, soreness, weakness and spasm relief.
- The skin gets additional nourishment from oils.
PAPA PAWSOME caters a variety of massage oils that are perfectly natural and acceptable by dogs for their relaxation and aromatherapy. Check them out here.
Keep in mind that –
- Don’t use essential oils undiluted on puppies under 8 weeks old for medium to large breeds, and 10 weeks for small breeds, pregnant or very old dogs.
- Use most essential oils preferably in products and not directly because products use them in correct quantities. If you want to use them directly, make sure to consult a veterinarian.
Watch this video of dogs getting massages.
They are so happy it’s absolutely adorable.