Articles > Essential Oils and Animals
by D. Gary Young

I have raised animals all my life and presently have several minature horses as well as four teams of draft horses. I also have pygmy goats, barbadoes sheep and llamas at my ranch where I reside. On my 1300 acre herb farm at Whispering Springs in Mona, Utah, I have an animal petting zoo with Bactrian camels, zeeboos from Africa (miniature Bhramas), Watusi cows and bulls, Walleroos (miniature kangaroos), llamas, buffalos, miniature donkeys, as well as horses and goats. As you can see we have a wide varity of animals.

We have used the oils extensively on many of the animals and are continually making discoveries. The animals respond extremely well and we feel they have benefited greatly. In my experience, I have found that animals respond to essential oils much the same as humans. Animals are not as sensitive to the phenol and sesquiterpene constituents so they can be applied "neet" or full strength. One needs only to determine which oils are applicable to the situation and then apply a few drops 3-4 times daily.

The amount for small animals, like cats and dogs is like the application for a child: 3-4 drops each time applied. For larger animals, like large dogs apply 6-7 drops, for horses, apply 15-20 drops.

After applying the oils, I have found it beneficial to cover the open wound with Rose ointment, which keeps the skin soft and helps promote the healing.

I have applied the oils in the following ways.

1. Apply on their paws where absorption is very fast.
2. On cloven hoofed animals, apply on the auricular points of the ears and/or spine or both.
3. Underneath the top lip on the gums and on the tongue.
4. Sprinkle a few drops on the spine and then massage into the skin, just like with humans.

For various problems I have experimented with the following oils:

1. Strangle in horses, I used a combination of the oil blends Exodus II and Melrose together. (4 parts Exodus II to 1 part Melrose.)
2. Ear mites in cats and dogs- purification and peppermint.
3. Ticks and fleas - Tansy and tansy floral water.
4. Tumors - all animals - Frankincense and lavender mixed together, frankincense and clove mixed together.
5. Worms and parasites - all animals - Paraway and Di-tone.
6. Open wounds - all animals-Melrose, helichrysum and gentle care Rose Ointment.
7. Trauma - all animals - Trauma Life, Valor, Peace & calming, Melissa, rosewood, lavender, valerian, and chamomile.
8. Bones - all animals- PanAway, birch (now wintergreen), lemongrass and spruce.
9. Nervous anxiety with horses - Valor, Trauma Life, geranium, lavender and valerian.
10. Saddle sores - Melrose and Rose ointment.
11. Mineral deficiencies - Mineral Essence (liquid tincture, taken internally - may help meet the animals' needs and when met, they will quit chewing on the furniture and other undesireable things).
12. Tissue repair and healing directly on wound - Melrose.
13. May help with pain and stop bleeding - Helichrysum.
14. Healing of wounds and abrasions - Rose Ointment.

Written on November 7, 1997 by D. Gary Young, N.D. President Young Living Essential Oils for the Natural Pet Care Expo hosted by Peggy Hudson Carey at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, Virginia.