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Animal Aromatherapy


What is animal aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a therapy where essential oils are extracted from the flowers, leaves, bark, roots, stems, seeds, or fruit of a plant. The oils are then either inhaled (from the bottle or a diffuser) or diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed into the skin. The same method is used for animal aromatherapy. Documented veterinary remedies date back to the 18th century. Some holistic vets, equine massage practitioners, and animal practitioners offer aromatherapy services.

What are the benefits of aromatherapy for animals?

  • Essential oils are considered antiseptic, antimicrobial, detoxifying, and rejuvenating.
  • They can help with emotional issues such as anxiety, nervousness, stress, and those that are hormone related.
  • Aromatherapy can help with physical issues such as skin problems, joint conditions, digestive problems, respiratory conditions, circulatory problems, and parasites.

    • How does animal aromatherapy work?

    The essential oil or hydrosol is inhaled by the animal or rubbed into their skin. When the animal’s nose senses the oil, the molecules of the oil are sent as electrical impulses which are processed in the part of their brain where memories and emotions are stored. Because of this, the animal’s body releases chemicals such as serotonin, which has a calming effect, noradrenaline, which stimulates and rejuvenates, and endorphins, which help relieve pain. After the molecules are processed by the brain, they enter the bloodstream and make their way throughout the animal’s body. If the oils are rubbed in, the molecules are absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream that way.

    How are essential oils for animals administered?

  • You can select the oils for your pet.
  • You can let the animal select the oils by observing their reaction.
  • The ideal way is to muscle test to see what oils are most appropriate. This is something Kim teaches in her workshops.
  • When the oils are selected, the animal inhales or absorbs them, depending on whether you open the bottle, mist, or combine them with a carrier oil for application. If rubbing on the animal's body, you must properly prepare the oils.

    • What are some precautions to consider?

  • It is best not to use essential oils directly on small animals because the oils may cause them to become sick or possibly die.
  • Some people feel that cats can’t excrete the oils through their liver properly which can cause the cats to become sick or possibly die. Others have used oils with success and have seen no side effects.
  • Some people are concerned about possible miscarriage with pregnant animals.
  • Some oils may test illegal in competition animals.
  • Only professionals should administer oils orally.
  • Make sure the oils you use are therapeutic grade. There is a way to test them.
  • An alternative to essential oils is hydrosols (also called hydrolates, floral water, distillate water), a by-product of essential oils that are created from the water that is left after producing the essential oil through water distillation or steam. They are thought to be the safest to use on small animals, cats, and sick animals.

    • Where can aromatherapy products be purchased?

    Some sources of products that can be used for animal aromatherapy are:
  • Gritman Essential Oils in the US carries essential oils and carrier oils. Kim uses their products.
  • Young Living Essential Oils in the US carries essential oils and diffusers.
  • Pure Essential Oils in the US carries essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils.
  • Prairie Land Herbs in the US carries farm fresh hydrosols. One of their products is pictured above.
  • Essential Aura in Canada carries essential oils, hyrdrosols, and carrier oils.
  • Pure Destiny in Australia carries essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils.
  • Esoteric Oils in South Africa carries essential and carrier oils that can also be used for animal aromatherapy.

    How can I learn more about animal aromatherapy?

  • Take an animal aromatherapy workshop with us. To learn more about the workshop and see the schedule, please click here.
  • We offer aromatherapy consultations by distance for $35. Texas residents must add sales tax. Priority mail shipping is $7. To sign up for an aromatherapy session, please click here.
  • To learn more in depth information about animal aromatherapy such as how to check the quality of the oils, sign up to receive Kim's free e-book, The Lightfoot Way: 10 Secrets to Holistic Animal Care.

    • Animal aromatherapy has helped many pets but with any new product, you should monitor your pet. If your pet is on any medication or you have any concerns, you can check with your vet prior to offering essential oils or hydrosols. Please see the disclaimer. If you have any concerns after you offer animal aromatherapy, consult your vet.


    "For the love of your pet and those that love them."


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