If you were to search the web for "essential oils for dogs", you are likely to come across a myriad of articles that mention a list of oils that are safe for dogs and another list that are toxic to dogs.
In an effort to get an unbiased perspective, we looked into articles written by those with years of animal toxicology experience. Based on findings from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in collaboration with vetSTREET, "many of the substances [used in essential oils] are volatile compounds, which means they can be potentially toxic to pets at certain concentrations." In general, each pet reacts differently to these substances, so it’s always recommended that you talk to your veterinarian before using them around your furry family members.
Typical research on essential oils refer to the use of them in diffusers. In these scenarios, a pet can inadvertently inhale, lick or eat these essential oils, or the oils can even be absorbed through your pet's skin. Keep in mind also, "safe to smell is not safe to soothe". Dogs and cats have a much better sense of smell than we do, and what smells good to us may be overwhelming for them. Some scents can be irritating to pets who have more sensitive respiratory tracts and the inhalation of essential oils is not recommended.
It is important to note, essential oils when used in pet care products are generally constituted in greatly diluted amounts. This leads us back to the initial statement above "[essential oils] can be potentially toxic to pets at certain concentrations". When the oils are diluted with other ingredients, they are generally safe to use according to label directions. The appropriate ratio for large to medium pups is 1 drop essential oil to 10 drops base oil or for small dogs it’s one drop essential oil to 25 drops base oil. Diluting the oil is important because the strength of essential oils are based on the human body which would equal a 100 pound dog.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Never apply 100 percent essential oils from aromatherapy products on your pet, especially on broken skin. | Essential oils should also never be given orally, because many of them can damage the liver. If your pet has ingested essential oils, call your veterinarian immediately. | You should avoid using essential oils for puppies under 10 weeks of age. | If your dog is pregnant or prone to seizures you should consult your vet before using essential oils for aromatherapy. |
For more details from the ASPCA regarding essential oils, click here.
source | 📷 images: nikitabuida, nenilkime
]]>If you were to turn around and look at your dog now, chances are he might be napping. Did you know the average dog sleeps about 12 hours a day? And larger breeds sleep more than smaller ones. While humans typically spend a majority of their day awake, dog follow a different, non-binary pattern.
Here are some fun facts:
|
So what does this all mean? Make the most of your time with fido everyday - take walks, play with them, keep them active. The stimulation allows him to have better sleep because their bodies can get ready to sleep faster and allows them adequate rest.
Keep in mind the time spent is only 20% of their day. Make the most out of it…and trust us, we know you'll benefit from it too.
source | 📷 images: playbarkrun, catherine rene photography
]]>Are you ready to cover your furry friend in something warm for winter or simply looking for a way to have them sporting the latest trends? If you said yes and is struggling to get started with some outfits for your pup, here are some tips to get you started.
These simple tips will expand your travel options and raise your tail wagging status.
📷 images: pawsture
]]>CHARLIE wrap - Handcrafted, one of a kind
Small, portable, functional AND cute! Say goodbye to tangled cables and hello to simplicity with our uniquely designed, pup-inspired CHARLIE wrap. This size is ideal for small-to-medium jobs like phone charging cables, multiple thin cords and even dog leashes.
]]>