When I find an essential oil that I just love, I eagerly get to work figuring out how it can also benefit my horses and dogs. Vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria Zizanoides) just so happens to be one of my go tos! When I think of Vetiver, 2 things come to mind...calm and skin! Let's chat my best Vetiver essential oil uses....
What is Vetiver essential oil?
According to Young Living™ Essential Oils "Vetiver is a perennial grass native to the tropical regions of Asia and is now also cultivated extensively in Haiti. It has an extensive root system, making it a useful plant for erosion control. Vetiver essential oil is steam distilled from the roots of the plant, resulting in an essential oil with a deeply earthy aroma that can support a creative, calm, and focused environment for children and is a great addition to your bedtime routine. An important ingredient in several Young Living skin care products, Vetiver also helps promote the appearance of an even skin tone when applied topically."
What can you use vetiver essential oil for?
Vetiver is known as the "Oil of Tranquility" in India and is used in aromatherapy for relaxation. Vetiver oil benefits for the brain have also been studied as well as its effect on ticks, bacteria, and as an antioxidant.
Vetiver has a wonderfully dark, smoky, and earthy scent. If your a horse person and love the smell of Stubben Hamanol, I think its aroma is quite similar to this! This aroma makes vetiver essential oil perfect for meditation, calmness, relaxation, and quieting the mind.
Many horses that I offer it to, eagerly want to inhale the aroma and choose it over other essential oils. Another favorite is Cedarwood.
You can get started using it with your horses and dogs by simply wearing it as a perfume. Both horses and dogs have a way better sense of smell than we do! When you wear it as perfume, you become a walking diffuser for them. Plus, this will help you remain calm too, and you're half the equation.
You can simply add a drop to the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and offer to your horses and dogs to smell. Let them inhale the aroma for as long as they like, then rub the residue on the back of your neck and pulse points.
It's also fun to create a perfume blend using Vetiver that you can then wear at home or when you head to the barn. A perfume blend will stay on the skin longer, and you can add additional essential oils that can also benefit emotions. Grab my free guide to making your own perfumes HERE.
I often make this perfume blend that adds the additional tranquil aromas of Lavender essential oil and Bergamot essential oil. (Bergamot essential oil can increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so use this perfume under your clothing.)
CALM.ALL.DAY.LONG Perfume Blend
Vetiver essential oil blends well with Ylang Ylang essential oil and Lavender essential oil. So, a few other perfume blends that I like to use are equal drops Vetiver with equal drops of either Ylang Ylang or Lavender. You can add a drop of each of the oils to the palm of your hand, add a few drops of a carrier oil, rub your hands together, and apply to the back of your neck and pulse points. You can also make this in a roller bottle for ease of use and to try different combinations.
10 drops Vetiver
10 drops of Lavender
10 drops of Vetiver
10 drops of Ylang Ylang
5 drops Vetiver
10 drops Lavender
5 drops Ylang Ylang
Add the essential oils into a roller bottle and fill up with a carrier oil. These roller bottles also come in handy for skin care. You can use it on your dogs, horses, or yourself, by simply rolling on the area of skin that needs help.
Diffusing in the house for my scaredy chi's can be really helpful too! Roofers, loud noises, fireworks, thunder, you name it-if it's loud- several of my chi's turn into shaking messes..breaks my heart :(....Running an essential oil diffuser can really support them during these times.
You can diffuse Vetiver alone, but I like to add a few other essential oils that seem to make a winning combo for my chi's....I also use these diffuser oil recipes for times when I have trouble going to sleep.
My go to Vetiver essential oil diffuser blends:
2 drops Vetiver
1 Drops Vanilla
1 Drops Myrrh
2 Drops Vetiver
1 drops Bergamot
1 Drops Cedarwood
2 drops Vetiver
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Vetiver
2 drops Lavender
Vetiver is a thick oil and comes out of the bottle fairly slowly. To combat this and my patience, I took off the orifice reducer and lid and replaced it with an inexpensive glass dropper top. These are available on Amazon and I like to do this with all my thick essential oils such as Myrrh and Sandalwood too.
Making a salve is another easy way to help skin health with vetiver oil. Simply mix 5 drops into 2 TBS of coconut oil. Adding 5 drops of Frankincense essential oil will supercharge your salve. Did you know that a review of research on vegetable oils including coconut oil on PubMed, found that "In many cases, vegetable oils proved to be more effective than synthetic wound-healing compounds used as controls. The fatty-acid components of vegetable oils are assumed to play a major role in the wound-healing process, in particular polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid."
If you're just getting started using essential oils with your dogs and horses, be sure to download my free PDF guides.... everything you need to know like safety and dilution, at your fingertips....click HERE FOR HORSES and HERE FOR DOGS)
The information in this blog is not meant to provide medical advice nor be a substitute for veterinary care.
Some of my chihuahuas sure are 'nervous nellies'! I'm thankful that I have tools in my toolbox to help calm them down and support their emotions! One of those tools is essential oils and I get asked quite a lot 'what essential oils are best for calming dogs?' Well.. with 7 chihuahuas in the house, let's talk about how I use essential oils to help calm them down when they get nervous and scared or just seem to have some worry.
First, you want to start now...while your dog is calm. Don't wait until your dog is 'sooo nervous' and then dump a bunch of oils on him...thats a recipe for 'not helpful'. You want to introduce essential oils to your dog in a positive way and have them associate positive and loving feelings with them.
Starting now gets your dog used to essential oils in that positive way. If you put on an essential oil and cuddle or diffuse an essential oil during playtime, your dog will associate positive feelings with essential oils. Then when you need them for calming, not only will the essential oil help relax your dog, but it will also bring back the feelings of calmness and love, or fun, that your dog associates with the essential oil, by you anchoring it in during that positive experience. Think about when you smell certain scent and it brings back memories...good or bad!
Next start low and slow....the easiest way is for you to be a walking diffuser for your dog, Dogs have upwards of around 200 million scent receptors and your dog will smell and have benefits just by you wearing essential oils as a perfume. Simply apply a drop of essential oil in your palm, rub your hands together, inhale deeply for at least 5 seconds, (this gets the essential oil into your emotional center so you can remain calm and be a strong leader for your dog) then apply the residue to the back of your neck or wrists. There is also some fun diffuser jewelry on the market that you can google too! You can also apply a drop to leather, clay, or wood jewelry that you already have as well. Just keep in mind some essential oils may darken the area you apply it to...apply the essential oil to an inconspicuous area.
Next, try an essential oil diffuser, that way you can run the diffuser as needed during holidays like the Fourth of July or New Years, when neighbors shoot off those darn fireworks. Or, here, where I live, we have a summer 'monsoon' season. Daily thunderstorms can happen so I usually start the diffuser each afternoon to help with the thunder.
Many essential oil diffusers are on the market, it's best to use one in which the essential oils are dispersed without heat. Essential oils contain many molecules from the plant that it is distilled from, that we can benefit from. Heat degrades essential oils and we want all the benefits from the essential oil! The most common essential oil diffuser that doesn't use heat is an 'ultrasonic diffuser'. You add water and depending on the diffuser usually around 4-8 drops of essential oil. When just staring out, use a low amount, like 2-4 drops, and give your dog an out. Keep in mind, our dogs may choose to be with us even if they are getting uncomfortable, so be sure to watch for signs like watery eyes, scratching, or stumbling that could indicate the essential oil is too much for them. You don't ever want to lock your dog up somewhere with a diffuser running! You can check out one of my favorite diffusers HERE
Sometimes even by wearing an essential oil or having a diffuser going, I have still needed some additional support. In that case, I apply an essential oil topically. Remember, not all essential oils are created equal and if you are going to use them with your dogs, make sure you are using a high quality premium essential oil! Read your labels! You also need to dilute them. My easy button for dilution is to simply add a dollop of a carrier oil to the palm of my hand, add a drop of essential oil, rub my hands together and then pet my dog along the spine. If ya want to follow a certain dilution ( usually 5-10% is adequate for dogs) click HERE for my quick and easy dilution guide). My favorite carrier oil is fractionated coconut oil. It's simply coconut oil processed to stay liquid and it absorbs quickly and doesn't tend to leave an oily residue. I have also used olive oil and regular coconut oil, simply because I already have them in my kitchen.
Now you may be wondering which essential oil to use....Glad you asked:) I'm going to give you a list of my top essential oils to use for calming and relaxation.....Why a list? Because every dog is different and responds to essential oils in different ways. One of my Chihuahuas loves Cedarwood, but another one doesn't, so when he's scared, I bust out the Frankincense, which tends to work well for him. Remember, introduce your dog beforehand to essential oils and associate them with a positive experience. Pick an essential oil from this list and see what happens! If your dog doesn't like it, or it doesn't create the desired effect you're looking for, try another one. Don't be afraid to experiment!
I like to use Young Living Essential Oils™. They have a Seed To Seal™ guarantee (check it out HERE) which insures that I'm using a high quality and premium essential oil that's safe for my dogs. I put an essential oil blend called Valor™ on the list. I find it to be a very grounding and balancing essential oil blend that can work really well for some of my chi's during times of stress. I'm always wearing it during a car ride-haha! One of my chiweenies, JR, loves it.
You can also create a blend for your diffuser or for a perfume for yourself, using the above mentioned essential oils. I would recommend that first you introduce your dog to essential oils one at a time and see how they respond. Remember, you dont want to overwhelm their nose! Then when you have been using them awhile with your dogs, start with the blends. Here is a favorite blend I use in my diffuser for calming
2 Drops Copaiba
1 Drop Cedarwood
1 Drop Lavender
If you need more help using essential oils with your dogs, be sure to subscribe to 'The Weekly Oiler' HERE
First question you might ask-is why-lol...why do I need a dry shampoo. Let me show you how handy a dry shampoo has been for me and my dogs!
First things first, if your dog seems to always have an odor and he isn't rollin' in anything, you should schedule a visit to your vet. That's not normal, any odor form the mouth or ears should be evaluated and same for if its coming from the skin or coat- you may need to look at what your fur kid is eating. Brushing your dogs hair at least twice weekly does wonders for the coat. It helps to distribute your dogs natural oils throughout the coat, and helps gets rid of dead hair and skin.
So, I'm getting ready to leave for the day, and I go to kiss my snugs goodbye (doesn't everyone kiss their dog goodbye?) and pee yewww! She must have just rolled in something. Well, I've really got to get out the door, but I don't want her puttin' that stink everywhere until I get home, so I pull out my dry shampoo. Don't worry, this DIY dry shampoo only has 3 ingredients so even if you dont have any pre-made, you can whip it up almost instantly.
All you need is baking soda, cornstarch, and essential oils!
Simply mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch, and add about 10 drops of essential oil per 2 cups. If you were making it on the fly, sprinkle a little of baking soda, then a little of cornstarch in your palm, and add a drop of essential oil. There are so many times that this comes in handy tho, that I like to take 1 cup of each, mix it together, and add about 10 drops of essential oil. Then I transfer it to a jelly jar and poke holes in the lid so I can shake it on the coat. An empty spice container works too, or even a bowl and an old paint brush for little dogs.
It's also come in handy 'cause bath time stresses out several of my chihuahuas and sometimes they just start to get that doggie smell. Using this dry shampoo in between baths helps to keep the coat fresh and clean.
Then there's winter...I don't like to bathe in winter, especially my Great Pyrenees. With all that hair, its way too cold and he'd never dry, yet he likes to roll around in the dirt...all.. day..long..I really like using the dry shampoo before he comes in the house.
I like to use calming essential oils that are also good for the skin. My favorite for this recipe is Cedarwood. It's a very inexpensive essential oil too. I also occasionally use Myrrh, and Lavender is a good choice too. Frankincense is also at the top of my list!
So the next time you need some doggie odor control and would rather not on a bath, give this recipe a try!
For more recipes and tips makin' essential oil use easy for the whole family...sign up for 'The Weekly Oiler' HERE
This is one of the most frequently asked questions I get, and the answer is yes...BUT!
But what?!
There are 2 key factors when using essential oils with dogs:
1- Quality
2-Dilution
Lets talk quality:
Not all essential oils are created equally! Currently essential oils are regulated in the cosmetic industry under the FDA. This means that, in my opinion, there is little regulation. A product does not have to contain 100% of the ingredient on the label. For example, you can pick up a bottle with the label Lavender essential oil, yet it may only have 5% Lavender in it.
Creating essential oils is a science and an art. There are many factors that include planting the plant, then harvesting the plant, then distilling the plant. Certain plants need harvested at certain times, or a certain way such as handpicking of flowers. Time in the distiller as well as temperature also make a difference.
This is why you can buy a pure essential oil from 2 different harvests of the plant material, and there can be differences in the aroma. Soil quality and weather even play a role. Due to this, some companies want to standardize an aroma and therefore alter the finished product.
What can you do? For starters, READ the label! This will give you an idea of what is in the product you are buying, and usage recomendations. Avoid any product that has the word fragrance on the label. This is not an essential oil and this simple word can mean the product could contain hundreds of chemicals that are contained in the fragrance.
Unfortunately, reading the label is a place to start, but not a fail safe. Trade secret laws in the cosmetic industry allow companies to not disclose all ingredients, and quality factors such as soil, distillation time, etc. are not reflected on the label. I recommend you buy premium essential oils from a company you trust. Here is a list of questions to ask your essential oil company:
I recommend Young Living™ Essential Oils. They give a Seed To Seal™ guarantee that you can read more about HERE. In fact, I will only use Young Living™ Essential Oils with my dogs because I never worry that I am not getting 100% pure premium essential oil. I've been to several of the farms..even one in Croatia! This open door policy allows you to see firsthand what it takes to make an essential oil and that Young Living™ is dedicated to a 100% pure and premium essential oil. They even have a product line created specifically for pets!
Now let's talk more about dilution:
There are 3 ways we can use essential oils with our dogs:
- Aromatically
- Topically
- As a supplement
If you are using a premium 100% pure essential oil such as Young Living™ you can use all 3 methods with dogs. I recommend you start with aromatically which is simply allowing your dog to inhale the aroma. You do not need to dilute because you are not putting the essential oil on.
To use essential oils aromatically, you can:
Wear as a perfume. It is the easiest way to get started using essential oils with your dog. Their sense of smell is much more than ours and this allows your dog to get comfortable with the different aromas.
Use a diffuser-ultrasonic diffusers are generally best as they do not use heat to disperse the essential oil and the diffuser dilutes the essential oil as it is misted into the environment making it a safe way to use. Always provide your dog an out if they choose to not be near the aroma, and keep in mind that some dogs will choose to stay with us even if the aroma is one they don't like or causing some irritation. Watch your dog for signs of discomfort such as itching, watery eyes, coughing, or sneezing.
If you do not have a diffuser, you can make a spritzer to mist the area. You can also drop several drops onto cotton balls or wooden clothespins and stash in strategic areas as well.
You can also let your dog smell from the bottle, you don't even need to open it....remember they have an amazing sense of smell!
Now let's talk about putting essential oils on our dogs. This is where dilution really comes into play. Why would we want to do that? Because essential oils are powerful extracts from plants and have properties that can be beneficial to health. The molecules are also very small meaning that they are quickly and easily absorbed thru the skin, making them ideal for use.
Since essential oils are so concentrated, after the initial investment of purchasing the essential oil, they can be very cost effective, as you only need a drop or 2 diluted to be effective. You want to start low and go slow. Applying a small amount more frequently rather than a large amount all at once.
If your dog is older, maybe a bit stiff, or recovering from an injury, essential oils can support the muscle and bones. Essential oils can be used for skin and coat care, or even for a minor owie or irritation. Applying essential oils along your dogs spine can be done to support general health. Essential oils are not a substitute for proper veterinary care and should never be used in lieu of veterinary services.
It is of the utmost importance that you are using a high quality premium essential oil and that you dilute it properly for application before you put the essential oil on your dog! How do you dilute? You simply mix the essential oil with a carrier oil (olive oil or coconut oil work well and you probably already have them in your pantry). For more info on carrier oils click HERE.
How much do you dilute? Depends on the essential oil being used, your dogs size, age, and health. Some dogs will need more dilution and with some dogs, you can use less. For my dilution guidelines, click HERE.
You can also use an essential oil products that are specifically labeled for use with pets and follow the instructions on the label, such as Young Living's Animal Scents™ product lIne. This product line includes essential oil blends and essential oil infused products created specifically for your pet. They are a safe solution that can be used for grooming, comforting, and treating your fur kids.
Not only is this product line specifically formulated for pets, a portion of all proceeds from the Animal Scents™ products goes to support Vital Ground, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the habitat of grizzly bears and other wide-roaming wildlife.
To learn more about the Animal Scents™ line, click HERE
Using essential oils with your dog can be safe, fun, and effective if you use a high quality premium essential oil, dilute, start low and go slow, and observe!
If you are ready to get started using essential oils with your dog, click HERE and grab my free guide to safely get started!
Let's head to what I like to call 'The Doghouse' today... (basically my house....full of dogs...lol)
One of my dogs has trouble with allergies. He is under veterinary care and we have a whole regime for him. One of the things that I have found to be really helpful, is wiping him off after he comes in from outside. So, I'd like to share my super simple and easy, DIY dog wipes, that I make for him. These also work great if you are trying to keep a clean house and want the whole household to 'wipe their paws' before coming in...with your help, of course :)
Grab:
- A glass container with lid (you can use plastic, just make sure it's a heavy duty PET plastic, 'cause remember essential oils degrade plastic, so you need a heavy duty plastic that can stand up)
- Cut up an old t-shirt/blanket/towel/etc. into rags the size of the container and enough to fill the container 3/4 way full (once you do this initially, you will keep re-using the rags so it gets easier-lol!)
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 TBS carrier oil (I like fractionated coconut oil (aka-FCO)
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
Then:
- Add the rags to the container.
- Add the FCO & Lavender essential oil to the water, give it a stir, pour over rags, and let it sit until rags soak up water.
Ta-da...
Leave them by the door and when your dog comes in from outside....take one out..squeeze any excess liquid out and wipe your dog off.
You can then throw the rags in the laundry, re-using them over and over, and your laundry gets a nice scent boost!
For more recipes like this, click HERE and join 'The Weekly Oiler'. Essential oil recipes, tips, tricks, and hacks for you, your dog, and horse, delivered straight your inbox every week!
Also, if DIY isn't your thang....I got you! Young Living's™ Seedling™ Baby Wipes works wonderfully instead! Check them out HERE
