Exotic pets such as birds, reptiles and horses are much loved by their owners. And we want to give them some of our oily goodness. Here is The Best Essential Oils That Are Safe for Pets (Part 2)!
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Do you have horses, reptiles or birds? Then this article is for you! We know that essential oils for pets can be okay, but which one can they have, and which ones are harmful to them? How can we use them around our pets or even on our pets? Yes, there are many frequently asked questions by pet owners. This guide can help you navigate how to use essential oils for pets (part 2).
Do you also have dogs, cats or rodents? Don’t worry about them; they can have essential oils too! You can read about that The Best Essential Oils That Are Safe for Cats, Dogs, and Rodents here!
First Things First
Disclosure Statement
Please keep in mind that I am not a vet. I am speaking solely from experience with essential oils and hours of research. It is your responsibility to make sure your oils are safe for your pet. Also, it is always the best idea to consult with your vet before making any decisions.
Safety First
Please keep in mind that not all essential oils are safe for your precious pets, so I advise only using high quality, not ones you typically find in drug stores or on Amazon. Ones from these stores are often watered down, laced with toxins and chemicals, and can actually harm you and your pet.
Essential Oils for Horses
Horses are huge, strong and majestic. Of course, essential oils are strong and potent, but there are many oils that you can use on your horses. The below essential oil for horses can be used topically on their skin. Or these oils can be used aromatically by holding the bottle by the horse’s nose. Let them smell it first, and if they seem to enjoy it, proceed. If they seem bothered by it, choose a different oil.
Some Essential Oils Safe for Horses:
Lavender
Frankincense
Basil
Lemongrass
Melaleuca/Tea Tree
Chamomile
Peppermint
Clary Sage
Eucalyptus
Bergamont
Geranium
Citrus Oils (These are good for aromatherapy only. Citrus oils like orange and lime are photosensitive so they can harm the horse’s skin when in the sun.)
Some Essential Oils Toxic to Horses:
(Horses can have almost every essential oil, but it is recommended to use these for mainly aromatherapy or in small applicational doses. These are very strong and can cause irritation. Again, consult with your vet before using.)
Yarrow
Pennyroyal
Birch
Wintergreen
Thyme
Oregano
Cinnamon
Clove
Cassia
You may also enjoy learning about DIY essential oils Detox Your Body products!
Diluting Essential Oils for Horses
Even though horses are far bigger than we are, they still need essential oils diluted. The recommended dilution is 20 drops of essential oil for 2 oz of a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or almond oil. You could also dilute essential oils with aloe vera. It is also recommended for your horse not to use essential oils internally. (Source)
Essential Oils for Birds
Birds add a colorful aspect to our lives. Whether you have an African Grey Parrot that mimics everything you say or a small parakeet that does tricks, you want to make sure your little beauties stay safe while you use essential oils.
Because birds are native to the outdoors, they are exposed to many different types of leaves, fruits, tree barks, etc. Therefore, they can handle many different essential oils when used properly. (Essential oils are a plant-based substance.) Listed below are just a few that they can have.
Some Essential Oils Safe for Birds:
Wild Orange
Lemon
Lavender
Peppermint
Frankincense
Grapefruit
Eucalyptus
Oregano
Helichrysum
Cedarwood
Some Essential Oils Toxic for Birds:
Arborvitae
Wintergreen
Melaleuca/Tea Tree
Diluting Essential Oils for Birds
When you are diffusing an oil or a new oil brand for the first time, make sure to keep an eye on your feathered friend for the first 5-10 minutes into the process. After that, they should be good to go.
It’s not recommended to apply essential oils directly onto your bird. Instead, mist them with water and essential oil from a glass spray bottle.
It is advised doing a 1:4 ratio with one drop of essential oil for 4 oz of water. Then spray your bird 2-3 times during the day. And because birds have a weak taste, you can also sneak a drop into their water. (Source) (Source)
Essential Oils for Reptiles
Reptiles (more specifically snakes) freak a lot of people out. I personally think they’re cute, but many people love these scaly, pointy, slimy pals. Reptiles are more sensitive to essential oils, so there are not as many that are good for them.
Some Essential Oils Safe for Reptiles:
Wild Orange
Lemon
Lavender
Frankincense
Grapefruit
Some Essential Oils Toxic for Reptiles:
Eucalyptus
Pine
Tea Tree
Cinnamon
Thyme
Clove
Garlic
Birch
Wintergreen
Peppermint
Pennyroyal
Diluting Essential Oils for Reptiles
It is preferred for your reptile not to have essential oils applied topically and they definitely can’t ingest them. You can diffuse essential oils around your scaly friend. And you can also water mist them by putting four drops of the essential oil you want with 4oz of water in a glass bottle. Please don’t use plastic or anything else because the essential oils will eat away at the bottle. That could potentially be deadly for your little pal. (Source)
And so…
All in all, these exotic pets can have many different essential oils. Click here if you are ready to shop for essential oils for your pets. And please feel free to ask questions, and I’d be happy to help you get started.
Did you find this information helpful? Let me know in the comments, and feel free to share this with your pet loving friends.
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You can pin these for your specific pets.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.