Pets can benefit from the use of essential oils as well! One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the animal's sense of smell can be much more sensitive than a human's (dogs are thought to have 20 times the olfactory receptors of a human!)

Essential oils can help to discourage fleas, ticks and other annoying parasites as well as help to heal wounds, burns, and treat colds and flu. In caged animals or animals in stalls, essential oils can be used to clean and disinfect these living areas. Dried herbs (crushed up and mixed with regular bedding material) and essential oils (when mixed with the cage cleaning water) used on the floor of rabbit and hamster/gerbil cages will keep flies and maggots away.

Peppermint oil (approx 15 drops) diluted in a bucket of water makes a great final rinse in your horse's stall if you have problems with mice.

Citronella dotted onto your pet's brush before use will deter fleas. Be aware that a cat's liver functions differently than other animals, so essential oils should NEVER be used directly upon a cat. You can create a spray of 5 drops of essential oil to 30mls of water and spray on the cat's bedding.

If your pet comes home with a small cut or bite, bathe the area with a solution of salt water that has had added to it 2 drops of thyme. Once the wound has been thoroughly rinsed, apply 1 drop of lavender, neat.

Check out Green Valley's essential oil blend "No Fleas Please" for a fast and easy deterrent for these pesky critters!

This is educational information and any opinions expressed here do not replace professional medical advice. If you are ill, see a suitably qualified medical practitioner.