Essential Oils and Pets

There is so much disinformation out there in regards to essential oils and pets. Especially when it comes to cats. Even the mention of essential oils and cats can send people into a frenzy. According to Melissa Shelton, DVM, "much of what we 'think' we know about cats and essential oils is misinterpreted and outdated. The simple evidence is that in the absence of gross mis-use and overdose of essential oils, they really are quite safe."

(For those so inclined, click here to read the most current research review in regards to safety of essential oils with cats, also pertaining to other animals.)

The key things to using essential oils with any pet, including cats are:

👉The essential oils must be 100% pure, high quality, veterinary grade. Not all oils are created equal! They need to be screened specifically for use in veterinary applications.

👉They must be used in species appropriate doses and regimens. (i.e.,Cats are not small dogs.) Essential oils need to be regarded similarly to how we use drugs.  There are species considerations, dosing considerations, and interval considerations.

Obviously, some research and knowledge on the subject is required. Essential oils are powerful but safe if used in the correct ways. Sound a little too complicated or like too much work? No worries! Dr. Shelton has done all the work for you. You and your pets can experience the wonderful benefits of essential oils by purchasing essential oil products created by Dr. Shelton herself. The specific application and dosing instructions are found on her website for all her products.

Dr. Shelton attained her degree from The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999.  She is the owner of Crow River Animal Hospital in Howard Lake, MN – where her work with the medical use of essential oils for animals began in 2008.  In 2011, she dedicated her practice solely to the research and advancement of veterinary aromatic medicine.  (She prefers to call it aromatic medicine instead of aromatherapy.) Dr. Shelton is devoted to providing accurate, honest, and documented information regarding essential oil use in the animal kingdom - and is a popular speaker at veterinary conferences. 

 In 2014, she introduced animalEO, a line of veterinary essential oil products for animals.  She has presented on the use of essential oils throughout the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada.

She has also authored several books, including The Animal Desk Reference: Essential Oils for Animals and Essential Oils for Natural Pet Care: A Veterinarian's Desk Reference for the Top Health Concerns of Cats, Dogs, and Horses. I have both of these great reference books which sadly got damaged in the flood last year but I am so grateful I was able to salvage them.

I love essential oils and my pets and I have been experiencing the benefits of them for over twenty years.

Please visit Dr. Shelton's website at www.animalEO.info for more information.