Using K9Aromatherapy to reduce stress (like training, aromatherapy is limited)
Behavior is very complex and it becomes even more difficult when engaging with individuals that are unable to verbally communicate (i.e. our canine friends.) Science tells us our Dogs are capable and do communicate with us. For the most part, pet dogs have evolved to understand human communicative gestures, that is, non verbally. We know from our canine science friends that Dogs suffer from mental illnesses (just like humans) and many of the mental illnesses are brought about by fear, anxiety and prolonged or chronic stress. Sometimes conditions develop due to poor or no exposure to the environment, poor training or sometimes the dog is predisposed genetically. What is important here is that your dog relies on you to help them learn and by finding the right qualified professional and using compassion and patience behaviors can improve. If your dog is presenting sudden or extreme behaviors that are concerning please first contact your Vet to ensure there are no underlying medical causes. If not, then consult with a qualified Veterinarian, a DVM Behaviorist, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or Certified Behavior Consultant to aid with training. Individuals in these professions are trained specifically to help provide you and your dog relief. Consider we should never remedy behavior modification without the use of humane and force free training and if necessary prescription behavior medication. Your AAHA.org approved Vet, DVM Behaviorist or CAAB will be able to help you determine if your dog needs medication and discuss options with you.. See Boston K9 Concierge Resources for links.
Essential Oils to always avoid with Dogs and People (toxic):
|
Anise
Birch Bitter Almond Boldo Clamus Camphor Cassia Chenopodium Clove Leaf Crested Lavender |
Garlic
Goosefoot Horseradish Hyssop Jiniper Mugwort Mustard Oregano Pennyroyal Red or White Thyme |
Rue
Santalina Sassafras Savory Tansy Terebinth Thuja Wintergreen Wormwood Yarrow |
Epileptics & Essential Oils to Avoid
The following list of essential oils should be avoided if your dog suffers from partial or full seizures. Note: I use Rosmarinus officinalis in two of my blends. You should not use Forest Dog or Play Spray products if your dog has a history of seizures. On the topic of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) According to Dr. Jean Dodds "Rosemary is commonly added as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to commercial pet foods. While likely fine for most dogs, it is a neurotoxin that can promote seizures in vulnerable dogs. Oregano is also a powerful neurotoxin and should not be fed to epileptics." Always read labels before using any product on your dog. While there is evidence in human and mice trials that rosemary oil aids in promoting memory it is an excititory stimulator. According to Dr. Nicholas Dodman, seizures are root cause for many canine aggressive behaviors and partial seizures may go unnoticed as they may occur at night while sleeping. It is recommended you see your veterinarian if your dog presents sudden or unusual behaviors and avoid this Rosemary with dogs experiencing seizures.
- Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum): both Aniseed and Sweet Fennel are very similar in their stimulat-ing properties. Both should be avoided in use with epileptics.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgaris): both Aniseed and Sweet Fennel are very similar in their stimulat-ing properties. Both should be avoided in use with epileptics.
- Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis): terpene ketones chemistry caused epileptic crises in laboratory rats (1). Highly stimulating oil not recommended for use with epileptics.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) highly stimulating oil and camphor-like not recommended for use with epileptics.
- Sage (Salvia officinals): high in thujone content and very stimulating essential oil not recom-mended for use with epileptics.
- Spike Lavender (Lavendula spica/latifolia): camphor-like odor, very stimulating essential oil not recommended for use with epileptics.
Why Use Essential Oils
Evidence suggests all natural essential oils contain powerful and active compounds that the body understands and can thereby process. When used correctly they become an effective part of integrative medical care and Behavior Dog Training Modification Plan. The blends I've engineered were specifically developed for use in Olfactory Therapy to safely support emotional and physical modality (or changes) that when combined with reward based training leads to improved behavior changes over time. There are times when we are trying to interrupt a behavior (focus on something else) when words, food, a toy doesn't work. I'm sure we've all been faced with the dilemma. Using scent allows us a safe, humane and effective alternative to "interrupt" focused behavior and redirect our furry friends.
Social communication using scent and Olfaction (the Jacobson Organ )in dogs, is arguably the most important part of their being. Smell and subtle body posturing (tail and ear carriage among many other body pats) allow dogs to communicate with each other and us. So powerful and important is the ability to scent in dogs that we can use it to safely change their emotional state. Over the years I have successfully used Reward Based Behavior Training methods supported by Science in conjunction with the application of essential oil blends to help dogs reduce anxiety and improve unwanted behaviors. When using our safe and natural essential oil blends specially formulated in conjunction with a Positive Reinforcement Training Plan a reduction in dogs stress levels and improved learned behavior is observed. For dogs exhibiting sudden behavior changes or extreme stress, which may or may not include physical harm please always consult your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Behaviorist (http://www.dacvb.org)
Social communication using scent and Olfaction (the Jacobson Organ )in dogs, is arguably the most important part of their being. Smell and subtle body posturing (tail and ear carriage among many other body pats) allow dogs to communicate with each other and us. So powerful and important is the ability to scent in dogs that we can use it to safely change their emotional state. Over the years I have successfully used Reward Based Behavior Training methods supported by Science in conjunction with the application of essential oil blends to help dogs reduce anxiety and improve unwanted behaviors. When using our safe and natural essential oil blends specially formulated in conjunction with a Positive Reinforcement Training Plan a reduction in dogs stress levels and improved learned behavior is observed. For dogs exhibiting sudden behavior changes or extreme stress, which may or may not include physical harm please always consult your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Behaviorist (http://www.dacvb.org)
A Rose is not always a rose....Important considerations
Nature in its true form may be healing or harmful. Like all things its best to work with a professional and consult with your veterinarian before using any natural remedy no matter your assurance.
We DO NOT use Birch, Anise or Clove in any of our products. This is especially important to Scent Work Trainers. We also do not use any essential oil listed below.
All blends are made in a facility with nut oils. Some product blends may contain hazel, almond, sunflower, jojoba and or coconut nut oils. There are no artificial or chemical ingredients in products.
Our products should not be used on Cats or dogs under 12 weeks of age. They should not be used on sensitive areas of the body including but not limited to nose, mouth, eyes, and private parts. Products should not be used by pregnant women or pregnant dogs, These are topical blends only. Keep out of reach of children and dogs. Blends are safe when used as topically as directed. Products are made to order and good through 1 year from date of formulation.
We DO NOT use Birch, Anise or Clove in any of our products. This is especially important to Scent Work Trainers. We also do not use any essential oil listed below.
All blends are made in a facility with nut oils. Some product blends may contain hazel, almond, sunflower, jojoba and or coconut nut oils. There are no artificial or chemical ingredients in products.
Our products should not be used on Cats or dogs under 12 weeks of age. They should not be used on sensitive areas of the body including but not limited to nose, mouth, eyes, and private parts. Products should not be used by pregnant women or pregnant dogs, These are topical blends only. Keep out of reach of children and dogs. Blends are safe when used as topically as directed. Products are made to order and good through 1 year from date of formulation.
