Bark n Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

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Dr. Laura Brown discusses food your pet should over the Holidays! Nov 27, 2019

Show notes

How to Keep Your Pets Safe Through the Holidays The holiday season is one of the most magical and highly anticipated times of the year in most households. It's a time of year when the home is decked out in beautiful decorations, and filled with the scintillating aromas of delicious holiday foods.

But, as exciting and wonderful as Thanksgiving and Christmas can be, special consideration needs to be applied to the family pets during the holidays. With so many new smells and items inside the home to discover, this time of year can be especially dangerous to curious pets. This guide will provide the tips you need to help ensure your pets stay safe throughout the holidays.

Holiday Foods to Watch Out For

Food plays a major role in most family get-togethers over the holidays, especially on Thanksgiving. And, all too often, it's not just the family that overindulges. The family dog also tends to get her fair share. The problem is, not all holiday foods are good for dogs to eat. Here's a list of foods to keep away from your pet this holiday season:

Chocolate
Coffee
Tea
Alcohol
Gravies or leftover grease
Uncooked scraps (meat, fish, and poultry)
Bones (meat, fish, and poultry)
Grapes and raisins
Macadamia nuts
Uncooked yeast dough
Anything containing artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol

After cooking, you should immediately wrap up any plastic, strings, or aluminum foil that came into contact with food, place them in the garbage, and take the garbage outside. Dogs have an incredibly keen sense of smell, and they will try to take these items out of the garbage if they aren't taken out of the home. And should they ingest these items, it could present a wide array of problems.

Poisonous Holiday Plants That Are Dangerous for Pets

The poinsettia is a traditional holiday plant in many American households. But this popular plant contains a sap that can be highly toxic to dogs and cats. The irritating sap can cause extreme stomach upset and blisters in the mouth.

Other common holiday plants to avoid include mistletoe and holly (both the leaves and berries). Each of these can cause severe stomach problems and in some cases even prove fatal to dogs and cats. If you want to decorate your home with holiday plants, then make sure they are well out of reach of your pets or better yet, use artificial versions of the plants.

Dangerous Decorations and Wrappings

Ribbons, strings, yarns, and glittery silver "icicles" can prove irresistible to both dogs and cats. And, while it may be fun to watch your pet play, these items can be extremely dangerous. If these items get ingested, they can cause severe abdominal blockages, which often require surgery to remove. In some cases, the blockage can even prove fatal.

You should also keep any adhesives and glues away from your pet, as well as potpourri. These things contain ingredients that can be toxic to pets.

Candles are another dangerous decoration to keep well away from your pets. Lit candles can cause burns, or, your pet may knock the candle from its stance, causing a fire in the home.

Christmas Tree Warnings Concerning Pets in the Home

The Christmas tree, as beautiful as it is, is one of the more dangerous holiday items for your pets. The tree's needles can prove highly toxic to pets, causing stomach and mouth irritation. Flocking and artificial snow can also produce stomach upset if ingested.

Then, there is the risk of your pets chewing on electrical cords or Christmas light strings. Spraying the cords with a product designed to deter chewing can help in this regard. Also, some lights burn so hot your pet may suffer mild burns should they come into contact with them, so try to use only low-heat LED lighting on your tree.

You should also avoid decorating your tree with real food items like candy canes or using glass ornaments. If you have delicate ornaments that you just can't leave off the tree, be sure to place them high up on the tree to minimize the risk of them getting broken.

Lastly, dogs and cats will sometimes be attracted to the water in the tree stand, especially when tree preservatives are used because these contain sugars. The problem is, the standing water can harbor potentially harmful bacteria or pull some of the fertilizers, pesticides, or insecticides used on the tree into the water. You don't want your pet drinking tree stand water!

Stay Safe, Relax, and Enjoy the Holidays With Your Pet

The holidays can be an overwhelming and hectic time for most families, and the family pet will often feel the stress too. Protect your pet from the above risks, try to relax (especially if you're taking time off from work!), and be sure you spend some quality time with your pet this holiday season. That will be all your pet needs to enjoy the splendor of the holidays!

Author: Giano Panzarella

What is a Designer Dog with Dr. Ames Grobstein Nov 23, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to Bark & Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk – I am your host Polly ReQua

Today we are talking to Ames Grobstein and today we are discussing designer dogs. Dr. Grobstein is a Veterinarian from Dorr, Michigan. Ames, thank you for taking the time to talk about designer dogs. My girlfriend has a Puggle. It barks like a beagle and snores like a Pug. What the heck is a designer dog?

A "designer" dog (as the media has labeled them) is a cross between two purebred dogs. A purebred dog is one that has been bred over many generations to breed true, meaning each puppy that is born looks and has the same temperament and characteristics as the others. In most cases a standard is written and breeders must follow this written standard. Only dogs that make the written standard are to be bred. Purebred dogs are beneficial in that when you buy a purebred dog you know what you are getting. You know how big your puppy will grow and you know basically what type of care the dog will need. You know the dog's limits, whether it is capable of agility, hunting, search and rescue, police work, herding, flock guarding, or just simply being a companion dog. You have a pretty good idea how much exercise the dog will require. When one breeds purebred dogs great care must be taken to ensure the lines do not become too thin. Even with all the best DNA testing available genetic problems can occur, however with the proper testing these problems can be greatly reduced. To give you a simple analogy, let's say there was a law passed that stated only people with red hair and green eyes with a high IQ could have children, with the end goal being everyone in the USA to be smart with red hair and green eyes. If this were to happen, as you can imagine, our gene pool would eventually become thin, and many genetic problems would occur. This is why it is very important to ask breeders of purebred dogs what types of genetic testing they perform.

What's the difference between a designer dog and a mutt? Generally, a mutt is of uncertain ancestry. A designer dog has documented purebred ancestry, and one knows for sure what it is. The ACHC is the leading registry for designer dogs.

So what's up with these hybrid "designer" dogs? Are they healthier? Hybrid dogs can still have genetic problems because you are crossing two first-generation dogs, however the percentage of hybrid dogs with genetic problems is much lower than purebred dogs because the gene pool is mixed. Breeders who breed purebred to purebred creating a first generation hybrid believe in the heterosis effect and hybrid vigor. Vigor means "physical or mental strength, energy, or force. "Unlike purebred dogs, when you adopt a hybrid, you do not know exactly what the temperament, size of the dog, or exact look of the dog will be.

When you breed two different types of purebred dogs together you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. If you are stuck on a hybrid dog how do you know which one to choose? Read the temperament and care for both breeds in the cross and be prepared for any combination of the two. If everything about both breeds matches your and your family's personality and lifestyle, then you can most likely assume this cross will work for you. If there is ANYTHING about either breed in the cross that you do not feel matches what you are looking for, avoid that cross. Do not assume or take the chance that only the good characteristics will emerge. You may be in for a big surprise and it is not fair to the puppy to chance that.

It is also important to be aware not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. A simple F1 generation cross is said to produce the most hybrid vigor in the dog and the further down the multi-generation chain, the more vigor is lost in the hybrid, but there are some benefits to multi-generation crossing. If you want to greaten your chances of certain traits, such as non-shedding, sometimes it is necessary to move further down the generation chain, risking less vigor.

To help you understand this concept we will use the Goldendoodle as an example. A Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle (usually the Standard Poodle). In general we will call the first purebred "purebred-A" and the second "purebred-B." Note: the examples of the differences in coat only apply to the Goldendoodle hybrid; all other hybrids will vary in their own way depending on what breeds are in the cross.

F1=first generation puppy—50% purebred-A and 50% purebred-B. For example, a Golden Retriever to Poodle cross is first generation, resulting in healthier offspring. In this particular Goldendoodle cross, hair type can be smooth like a Golden, wiry like an Irish wolfhound or wavy/shaggy, they can shed or not shed and pups in the same litter can vary. This is not the best cross for people with severe allergies.

F1b=backcross puppy—25% purebred-A and 75% purebred-B. For example, an F1 Goldendoodle and Poodle cross; this is a Goldendoodle bred back to Poodle— the wavy, curly, shaggy-look doodle (poodle cross) is very consistent in coat types. F1b is the MOST likely of any doodle to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly, and is the easiest coat to take care of.

F2=second-generation puppy—F1 hybrid crossed with an F1 hybrid. For example, an F1 Goldendoodle crossed with an F1 Goldendoodle. In this combination you get the same percentage of purebred-A as purebred-B as you would in an F1 hybrid. In the case of the Goldendoodle, they are more likely to shed.

F2b=second-generation backcross puppy—F1 bred to a F1b (hybrid backcross)

F3=F2 hybrid to F2 hybrid

Multi-generation=F3 or higher-generation hybrid crossed with F3 or higher-generation hybrid

To sum things up:

Purebred-A x Purebred-B = F1 Hybrid Dog

F1 x Purebred-A = F1b Hybrid Dog

F1 x F1 = F2 Hybrid Dog

F1 x F1b = F2b Hybrid Dog

F2 x F2 = F3 Hybrid Dog

Dogs are not to be disposed of like old toasters when they do not perform as you wish. They are living creatures. Cross a Labrador with a Poodle (Labradoodle) and you may or may not get a dog that sheds. Most experienced breeders can give you a pretty good idea what characteristics in a pup will emerge as the puppy grows. For example, in the Labradoodle, some breeders are able to tell which coat the pup will have, the Poodle's or the Labrador's, but still, this cannot be guaranteed. Sometimes it is harder to tell what type of temperament the pup will take on, as some characteristics do not appear until the pup is older, past adopting age.

What to expect with an annual exam with Dr. Susan McMillan Nov 17, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to Bark & Wag's 15 minute Vet Talk – I am your host Polly ReQua

Today we are talking to one of our favorite vets, Dr. Susan McMillan, owner of Vet to Pet Mobile Veterinary Service in Burlington, Vermont we will be discussing annual exams for your pet.

Thanks for agreeing to do discuss what to expect when taking your dog to the vet for an annual exam. Welcome Dr. Susan McMillan.

Let's just say you came in for your pet's routine yearly vaccination. Usually this is a good time for the doctor to take a really close look at your pet -- a good time to do an annual physical exam. Written notes on the patient's medical chart are absolutely necessary in order to maintain a good medical history. Computers are an excellent way for the veterinarian to access current information on new techniques, medications and procedures. A good physical exam includes taking the patient's temperature. Normal temperature for a dog or cat varies between 101 and 102.5 degrees; that's a bit higher than our normal temperature. Skin and coat are really excellent indicators of the pet's health status. The vast majority of skin and coat problems are associated with grain-based diets of poor quality and during the physical exam your veterinarian should inquire about the pet's diet. Your veterinarian should examine both ears, too. Many dogs (and cats) suffer from allergies. Skin and ear infections are commonly the result of repeated allergic episodes.

Dental health tips for your dogs with Dr. Laura Brown Nov 11, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to Bark & Wag's 15 Minute Vet Talk – I am your host Polly ReQua

Today we are talking to Dr. Laura Brown, a Veterinarian and owner of Green Tree Animal Hospital in Libertyville, IL as we discuss dental health.

Dr. Brown, thank you for taking the time to talk about dental health with our dogs. Welcome and please let us know more about our dog's teeth?

Vet Clinic Hygiene

Why it is important to have professional cleanings?

How often?

Why is it so important to your pet's overall health?

How it is done?

Home Oral Hygiene

Home oral hygiene can make a tremendous difference in your dog's comfort and health. There are several home care oral hygiene options from which to choose, but keep in mind that anything you can do to help prevent plaque and tartar accumulation will pay big dividends. What really matters is whether or not home oral hygiene will be provided over the long haul – considerable effort applied only for a short period or only occasionally will be of no long-term benefit.

Options for home oral hygiene that have been proven to be of benefit for dogs. Combining several methods will achieve the best results. All methods of home oral hygiene share the goal of preventing or controlling periodontal disease by minimizing plaque (bacterial film) accumulation, and preventing the mineralization of the plaque to form calculus ("tartar").

BRUSHING and TOOTH-PASTES: Brushing your dog's teeth is the single most effective means to maintain oral health between professional dental examinations. This makes sense because the bacterial film known as "plaque" is the cause of periodontal disease. This film is easily disrupted by the simple mechanical effect of brushing the teeth. Frequent (ideally daily) brushing is recommended to maintain optimal dental health. Almost all dogs will eventually accept brushing. The key to success is to be patient and gradual in your approach, brushing mainly the outsides of the "cheek teeth" located under the upper lip. A dog that resists brushing frequently may have painful areas in the mouth that need to be addressed.

A variety of products safe for pets are available in the marketplace. If you use a brush and a dentifrice, AVDC recommends pet-specific toothpastes. These come in flavors that dogs accept, such as poultry and seafood. Avoid human toothpastes as they often contain abrasives and high-foaming detergents that should not be swallowed or inhaled by dogs.

Toothbrushes designed for dogs are soft and angled to assist in brushing the back teeth. Some dogs prefer finger brushes. A variety of "dental wipes" containing different products are available. The single-use wipes are rubbed daily on the outside of the teeth to remove plaque.

CHLORHEXIDINE ORAL RINSE and GEL: Chlorhexidine is the most effective anti-plaque antiseptic. Chlorhexidine binds to the oral tissues and tooth surfaces, and is gradually released into the oral cavity. It is safe for pets and rarely causes problems, though it does have a bitter taste if palatability enhancers suitable for dogs are not included. Some dogs may object to the taste of products containing chlorhexidine while others accept it with no difficulty. The rinse is applied by squirting a small amount inside the cheek on each side of the mouth. The gel is applied by smearing it onto the teeth. The tongue and lips will spread the rinse or gel around the mouth.

DIETS and CHEWS: Several "dental diets" have been shown to be of benefit in decreasing dental disease. Some employ a specific kibble design and others include a chemical anti-tartar poly-phosphate ingredient.

Rawhide products and chew treats can be helpful if chewed daily, and some rawhide chews and biscuits contain an anti-tartar ingredient. Palatability is important – chewing every day is the ideal.Dogs are carnivores – they chew on bones in the wild. However, AVDC does not recommend cow hooves, dried natural bones or hard nylon products because they are too hard and do not mimic the effect of a dog tearing meat off a carcass. These hard products are associated with broken teeth or damaged gums.

Chew toys are only of benefit if they are played with frequently and over the long haul – you can increase the dog's willingness to chew by smearing palatable peanut butter or soft cheese on the product.

Pet dogs should be monitored while chewing a chew treat or toy, as they may swallow large pieces, leading to a variety of digestive system disorders.

What to do if your dog is itching? A listener question with Dr. Susan McMillan. Nov 07, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to Bark & Wag's 15 minute Vet Talk. Today we are talking to one of our favorite vets, Dr. Susan McMillan, owner of Vet to Pet Mobile Veterinary Service in Burlington, Vermont as we answer a question from a listener about suggestions for her poor dog, Pepper, who has seasonal allergies.

Kersti Moss, Professional Dog Trainer from Dog Training Camp USA discusses how to keep your dog calm when the doorbell rings Oct 27, 2019

Show notes

Tips for Controlling Your Dog's Barking at the Door

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC's 7-day-a-week training support service By Hilarie Erb, AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer

Would you like to be able to hear the doorbell without your dog getting into a frenzy? It is a natural and sometimes even desirable reaction for dogs to alert their people when someone is at the door. But you can teach them that everything is okay and that they can stop barking when you want to open the door.

First, think about what you do when the doorbell rings. You don't realize it, but you have already taught your dog that it's a very exciting thing because you drop whatever you are doing at the moment and rush to the door…every single time. This is an excellent example of how consistency makes for good dog training! You have reinforced Fluffy's natural watchdog instincts. Now let's make a conscious effort to use consistency to your advantage.

Place Command
- Teach your dog to go to her place, such as a comfortable bed or rug that may be in sight of the door but still a cozy spot. Enlist the help of a friend or family member. Ask them to ring the doorbell several times while you ignore it. Calmly sit or continue doing whatever it is you are doing. When the dog quiets down, lure her to the place and reward with a delicious treat. Repeat as often as needed until your dog understands that when the bell rings, she gets a treat for getting on her bed. Let your helper know that they don't have to wait at the door for you to let them in. It might be a while until you get to the point where you actually open the door.When the dog learns to associate the bell with getting a treat on her bed, it's time to graduate to opening the door. If the dog gets up, do not open it. Just calmly direct her back to the place. Again, lavishly reward so that she knows staying calm and away from the door makes you dish out goodies. You still may not get the door open, but you are getting there.

Wireless Doorbell
- A great way to speed up the process, and to save friends and family a lot of standing around on your front porch, is to get a wireless doorbell kit. These are inexpensive and you can make the doorbell ring yourself with the button that you have in your pocket, unbeknownst to your dog. You can ring the bell all day long and throw a treat to the special place. When you reach the point where your dog automatically goes to his place when it rings and you go to the door, pretend that you are talking to a person at the door. Soon you can invite real live friends to help and actually come inside.

Even if your dog is well-trained and calm when the doorbell rings, if you are expecting lots of visitors, say Halloween trick-or-treaters or party guests, the best and safest thing to do is to put your dog in his crate that is in a quiet room. Give a special treat such as a food-stuffed toy or chew so he has a special party treat to enjoy too.

Dog Training Camp USA offers services to fit the needs of all our clients. There's our classic Training Camp program, Group Classes where you can interact with other dog lovers, and Private Consultations for those who prefer individual attention. If you aren't quite sure which service will fit you and your dog, give us a call at 919-401-9050 and we'll be happy to assist you in selecting the perfect service. We Travel To You!

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514 Daniels Street, Suite 232 Raleigh, North Carolina 27605
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Animals and Emotions Webinar with Cindy Myers on 10/23. Cindy is an Animal Listener & Intuitive Coach. hs an animal intuiitive and Oct 20, 2019

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Dear Polly,

I'll be hosting my next Animals and Emotions webinar next Wednesday, October 23rd at 6 PM PST.

This is a completely free interactive webinar that focuses on animals and their emotions.

In this Animals & Emotions webinar, I will be answering questions, showing off some live demos and lots more.

Remember, this is a free webinar! Register HERE to receive your webinar link and event details.

If you have any questions, please drop me an email. I love to listen!

The Happy Listener,

Cindy

Cindy@BeAnAnimalListener.com BeAnAnimalListener.com

You have a new pet, how do you find a Veterinarian? Dr. Susan McMillan gives tips. Oct 14, 2019

Show notes

What to look for when searching for a Vet for your pooch with Dr. Susan McMillan, owner of Vet to Pet Mobile Veterinary Service in Burlington, Vermont.

Well, you have taken home your new BFF, now what? Just like humans today's pets are living longer and having healthier lives. This is due to the availability of high quality veterinary, preventive care, and all of us pet owners' careful monitoring our animals. Today we are going to be talking to Dr. Susan McMillan about tips that can help you find a vet that will become your pet's health care provider?

Susan, Welcome to Bark & Wag's 15 minute Vet Talk – It is a pleasure to have you on the podcast today. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your practice before we begin on the top tips when looking for a vet.

Where to look for a veterinarian

Ask a friend Animal-owning friends are generally good sources of information. Ask them why they chose their veterinarian. If you believe their expectations of service are similar to yours, you may want to schedule a visit to the facility to evaluate it for yourself.

Breed clubs and special interest groups If you have a purebred dog or cat, area breed clubs or rescues can be a good source of information. They have often established a strong relationship with a practice that is very familiar with the potential health-related problems for the particular breed. If you have a non-traditional (i.e., not a cat or a dog) pet, special interest groups in your area may be good sources of information about veterinarians who have special interest in and experience with your species of pet.

Directories and the Internet The business pages of a phone book or yellow pages can be sources for contact information on local veterinarians, but the printed books may have fewer resources than online formats.

Many state or local veterinary medical associations maintain lists of area practices.

A word of caution about review sites: although online review sites can be valuable for picking out a restaurant, we don't recommend you rely on them when choosing your veterinarian because the reviews may not reflect the average client experience. Personal references, such as the others we've listed here, are more reliable sources for finding a veterinarian.

Your current veterinarian If you are relocating to another city or state, ask your current veterinarian if he or she can recommend a practice where you will be living. Many times they have colleagues in other towns whose practice policies and services are similar to theirs. Your current veterinarian should also provide copies of your pet's medical records to the new practice to ensure your pet's medical history is available to the new staff.

When to look for a veterinarian

It's a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before acquiring a new pet. In fact, your veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, family needs and expectations, work schedule, and lifestyle.

If you have recently moved to a new area, locate a veterinarian before your pet actually needs one. Don't wait until your pet becomes ill or requires emergency care – and remember, the Internet can be a great source of information, but it's not a substitute for veterinary care. It's best to have secured a doctor's name and number and become acquainted with the practice and staff before you need to find them during an emergency. Consider scheduling an initial visit soon after arriving at your new home. Your new veterinarian can suggest ways to help your pet become accustomed to your new environment and can inform you of any health risks unique to your area.

Pay a visit

When deciding on a veterinary practice, first schedule a visit with the veterinarian to discuss your pet and ask questions about fees, services and payment policies. You may want to visit several practices before making a final selection.

Considerations when visiting a veterinary practice

Different pet owners have different needs, and their reasons for selecting a veterinarian for their pets will differ widely. The following list includes some considerations for selecting a veterinarian who is a good fit for you and your pet. Not all of these considerations may apply to your situation.

Office hours

What are the regular office hours? Are they compatible with your schedule?
Will they accept e-mails or appointments electronically (if that is your preferred scheduling method)?
Who covers the practice when the doctor is unavailable?
Do they have after hours emergency coverage or do they refer emergencies to a local emergency clinic?
What is the average wait time for making a non-emergency appointment?

Professional staff

How are telephone calls handled?
Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian?
Does the staff dress and act professionally?
Do you feel comfortable talking with the doctor and/or the veterinary technician?
How do the staff and doctors interact with your pet? Does your pet seem comfortable with the doctor and staff?

Fees and payment

What methods of payment are accepted?
If you have pet insurance or are considering pet insurance, does the hospital accept your pet's insurance plan?
Are payment plans or financial assistance options available if you need them?

Services

What is the range of medical services that the practice provides, and does it suit your needs and expectations?
If you own an exotic or non-traditional pet, is the veterinarian able and willing to provide care for your pet?
Does the hospital have educational materials for pet-owners on a variety of topics?
Are there non-medical services such as boarding, grooming, and training classes available?
If necessary, does the veterinarian have a network of specialists for referrals?

Emergency care

How are emergency calls handled during regular office hours and after office hours?
Is there an emergency facility in your area should you need it?

Facility

Is facility clean and orderly?
Are there any unpleasant odors?
Can you take a tour of the non-public areas?

Professional affiliations

Are the veterinarians members of a professional veterinary association such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and their state or local veterinary association?
What is the hospital policy regarding continuing education for the professional staff?

Remember that veterinarians care as much about you as an owner as they do about your pets. They are available to give you the information and resources you need to take the best possible care of your animals. By taking the time to select the veterinarian that you feel confident can provide for your needs as an owner and the medical needs of your pet, you will establish a satisfying and rewarding partnership.

Allergies and Essential Oils with Cristi Eckert, Owner of Natural Pet Wellness. Oct 07, 2019

Show notes

Essential Oils and Pets: A Quick How-To

You love to share essential oils with your family, so it makes sense that you want to share them with your pets as well! Before you begin using essential oils for pets, you need to know the answers to some important questions: Can you use essential oils on dogs, cats, and other pets the same way you use them on yourself? How much should you use? What is the best way to administer oils for topical and internal use?

Check out our quick and easy how-to guide for tips and info that will answer your questions about essential oils for dogs, cats, and other animals!*

It is important to note that animals cannot tell us if something is working or not, so it is our duty to exercise due caution and approach using oils on animals safely and responsibly.

Please note that these are general recommendations for use. If your veterinarian suggests other usage, defer to your veterinarian. If your pet is pregnant, nursing, or has a medical condition, consult a veterinarian prior to use.

Basic Guidelines

There are some general tips and suggestions you'll want to keep in mind as you share essential oils with your furry friends.

Do not use essential oils on and around cats or dogs under 8 weeks old because they are developing at fast rates; it is easy to mess up the proper dilution for each breed.
Animals are generally more sensitive to essential oils than humans are. It's best to heavily dilute essential oils and use them in moderation.
Every animal is different, so carefully observe how your animal responds to essential oils. Use common sense and good judgment as you try different methods.
Be especially careful to not get essential oils in an animal's eyes.
If diffusing, always allow cats access to areas where they can avoid the diffused oil.
With all animals, avoid using high-phenol oils—such as Oregano, Wintergreen, Clove, Mountain Savory, and Thyme. This is especially important with cats.
Use special caution with cats and essential oils. Avoid applying citrus oils topically, diffusing the scent around cats, and having your cat ingest them.

Essential Oil Acclimation

Your pets may need some time to adjust to the new scents and sensations of essential oils. Use these tips to introduce your pets to essential oils in an easy and comfortable way.

Wear essential oils throughout the day, so your pets will be exposed to the aroma as you hold them, play, or cuddle on the couch.
Diffuse essential oils in spaces where your pets like to relax. Keep in mind that dogs tend to stay in a room with their owner even if something is bothering them. Closely watch for signs of irritation—such as whining, sniffing, nervousness, and excessive scratching—while diffusing around them.
When diffusing essential oils around cats, be sure to only diffuse in areas that allow the cat to leave if it doesn't want to be there.
Apply an essential oil to your hands and let your pets smell them, so they can explore the scent on their own terms.
If your pets are jittery or resistant to essential oils, try applying an oil to yourself and staying near the pets for several minutes, so they can get used to the aroma.

Dilution for Topical Application

Your animal's size affects the amount of oil you should use and how much you should dilute for topical application.

For cats, small dogs, and other smaller animals, use a carrier oil—such as V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex—to dilute the essential oil before application. We suggest a 9:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil.
For medium sized dogs dilute 4:1 carrier oil to essential oil.
If you're using essential oils on medium-sized animals—like large dogs—dilute 3:1 carrier oil to essential oil.
For very large animals—including horses and cattle—start with a 1:1 dilution on the back and, if desired, move to the directions indicated on the bottle.

Topical Use

Once your pets are used to essential oils, they'll better handle topical application. Keep these tips in mind as you experiment with using essential oils on your pets.

We recommend applying to the back for dogs and cats, being sure to rub your hands together until they are no longer shiny before rubbing the essential oil on the pet.
For animals with hooves, apply to the spine and flanks, avoiding the face. Apply oils to places that allow them to evaporate and breathe. Do not apply oils under any tack or saddles.
For easy and comfortable application, rub oils between your own hands until they are no longer shiny and then apply by stroking the animal.
For easier application in large or hard-to-reach areas, combine essential oils with V-6 or water in a spray bottle.
Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, avoid daily use of essential oils with cats.
Use Animal Scents® Ointment to soothe irritated skin or to help with the occasional scrape or burn.

Internal Use

Animals can ingest essential oils, but you need to follow some general rules before you serve up an oil-infused meal for your pets.

We recommend consulting with a veterinarian prior to administering oils internally to your pets. You should not attempt to mix oils with food unless directed by a veterinarian.
If you choose to mix essential oils with your pet's food, keep in mind that the smell may make the food undesirable to the pet; this is especially true for cats.
If you apply oils to places on their body they can lick, they will likely consume some of the essential oil as they groom and play. Make sure you dilute heavily, so the amount your pet licks is minimal.
Never force your pets to consume essential oils or food mixed with essential oils.

Supplemental Products

Young Living also offers a full line of animal-specific products, including essential oil blends made just for animals, cat treats, dental pet chews, and Animal Scents® Shampoo. Click here to find something your pets will love!

Looking for even more ways to show your furry friends some love? Check out our animals and oils infographic and our DIY paw balm for more pro tips!

Contact Cristi at naturalpetwellnessinfo@gmail.com

Cindy Myers, Animal Intuitive, discusses a horse that had an issue when being transported. Sep 29, 2019

Show notes

Cindy Myers Ambassador to Animals, Humans and Spirit

I've always been a good listener. However, twenty years ago, I would have found it hilarious if you told me that I'd be working as an intuitive energy healer while living on an alpaca farm! But, here I am with a herd of 24 alpacas, 3 dogs and 3 cats working as a Medical Intuitive! I believe that the sum of our life experiences can lead us to our true calling in life. There are many paths to finding our way to our authentic selves.

It took many years, multiple and diverse career paths, and tough life challenges to finding my true calling. The life lessons were invaluable that led me to this meaningful life. I learned about frequencies and Radars while working as an Engineer for the Navy and now I am a Radar! I learned all about stress and how harmful it is to our body, mind and spirit while being my mom's caregiver through her final years. And there was an amazing gift I created out of the house fire I experienced due to an arsonist. Losing my belongings led me to discovering myself. And I found the courage to embrace and pursue my calling of intuitive energy work. It is an honor and humbles me to do this work for people and their animals.

I love sharing my intuitive abilities with both animals and humans. I look forward to helping you restore your energy balance so you can live an abundantly joy filled life!

https://yourenergyhealer.com/

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