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Stress-Relieving
Holistic Blends for Dogs
by
Francoise Rapp
Happiness, sadness, anger, fear, love -- emotions play a
pivotal role in our lives. But are these types of feelings an integral
part of an animal's world as well?
In the past, scientists questioned whether emotions affected the lives
of animals. These days, however, emotional and spiritual
health-consciousness has moved from being exclusively for humans and has
advanced into the animal world. Now more than ever, veterinarians
realize that aromatherapy offers more than just fragrance and provides
immediate, profound and long-lasting results that may positively affect
an animal's overall health and emotional well-being. Today,
veterinarians are turning to osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, flower
essences and most recently aromatherapy, as holistic solutions to common
ailments in animals.
Stress is one of the most common causes of physical illness in animals.
While animals are sensitive to their physical and emotional environment,
their reactions manifest in ways that must be interpreted correctly by
humans in order to be properly diagnosed. For instance, leaving an
animal alone for a long period of time, lack of sufficient affection,
unhealthy food, an insufficient amount of exercise, the stress of
owners, and abandonment are the most common causes of stress in animals
and may lead to particular health problems such as fatigue, excessive
itching or shedding, panting and even aggression.
Dogs specifically are a bit more emotionally dependent on their owners
and require more attention than do cats or other animals. They are in
tune with our moods, and seem to show more difficulty in coping with
emotional stress and loneliness. Hyperactivity, fatigue and other
physical ailments can be
interpreted as stress-related symptoms in dogs.
The following recipes are easy stress-reducing aromalchemy blends for
dogs. As faithful friends, dogs bring affection, pure joy and loyalty
into our lives. Most breeds thrive in the outdoors, running and playing
in the freedom of nature. Historically, dogs have been able naturally
purge their system of illness in the wilderness, by carefully choosing
specific plants their systems need, such as blackberries, raw carrots,
etc. Now a domestic animal, most dogs have lost this natural instinct,
and are becoming less resistant to illness, yet still face the daily
causes of stress.
**We do hope that these recipes help alleviate some of the common
stress-related symptoms your loving pet may be experiencing. Beyond
these aromatherapy blends, flower essences have been found to be helpful
holistic remedies for animals as well. Be sure to consult your
veterinarian if stress-related symptoms persist in your pet.
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Blend to Relieve Emotional Stress
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Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with
vegetable oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, etc.). Pour a small amount
of the blend into your hand. Anoint the spine and head lightly. Repeat
as necessary.
-6 drops of Lavender
-1 drop of Neroli
-4 drops of Marjoram
**********
Blend to Relieve Anxiety & Loneliness
**********
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with
vegetable oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, etc.). Pour a small amount
of the blend into your hand. Anoint the spine and head lightly. Repeat
as necessary.
-1 drop of Rose otto
-5 drops of Cypress
-5 drops of Marjoram
**********
Blend to Reduce Nervousness & Hyperactivity
**********
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with
vegetable oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, etc.). Pour a small amount
of the blend into your hand. Anoint the spine and head lightly. Repeat
as necessary.
-6 drops of Lavender
-2 drops of Roman Chamomile
-4 drops of Petitgrain
| (c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Permission is granted to reproduce this article in your print or electronic publications, providing you use the article in its entirety, including the brief bio trailer, all links and references within. Please let me know if you use this article by email to
francoise@aromalchemy.com.
This article was originally published by Francoise Rapp in "The Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to healthy mind, body and soul through the use of aromatherapy. Join her for many aromatic moments to come by subscribing at
www.aromalchemy.com/education.
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