I do only own a dog. I do only have six children. I am only one person amongst hundreds of thousands of essential oil users, so what do I know? Would you believe me if I told you that I don't always know everything, who really does? You can become certified and educated but that does not even mean you know all there is to know. If you do know everything ... can we be friends? I spend far too much time researching...
Hopefully you have caught onto my sarcasm. I actually enjoy doing my research and learning, be it on my own or with someone's guidance. My guidance comes in the form of my bosses, co-workers, friends, like-minded people, and the many other people that have experience. The wide-web provides us all with a double edged sword. It can provide a fountain of information, but not all is correct. Some of it is bias, some is just foolery, some is to scare you.... as of yesterday, Dr. "Website" diagnosed me with an incurable disease that I cannot even pronounce due to symptoms of achy muscles, congestion, and a headache.
Anyway. Since I began my journey incorporating essential oils into my life, I have heard some interesting things. Some of those things cause wonderment while others cause me concern. Many of the things I have learned about animals and essential oils have been from my bosses and other long-time users. They have used Young Living essential oils with horses, birds, cats, dogs, and many other species of animals.
Think of it like this... say your gallbladder needs to be removed. Are you going to go search Dr. "Website" for a tutorial? Are you going to hunt down that "I'm not a doctor in real life, but I play one on TV", or would you like to get your gallbladder removed by a knowledgeable doctor that has done it many times previously? Personally, I will go with the last option. My bosses are knowledgeable with many years of applying essential oils into their practices with animals along with their personal use.
When I first got my puppy, he was having intestinal issues. I knew I wanted to try a holistic option first, so I asked my boss. In two days, my pooch was good to go, literally. I went to the veterinarians to find out the best food for him, the best shot schedule, and all things canine because they know not only through experience but through education. We talk about the options and the outcomes. Shouldn't this be the type of relationship you want with your beloved pet's doctor? Someone that knows you, knows your values, knows different options, and takes everything into consideration to help you make the best informed decision.
As with anything that you put into and onto you, your family, or your pets, following directions are important. Essential oils are not something to just haphazardly ingest, apply, or diffuse. A doctor does not dilute an antibiotic, it is prescribed at a different dose dependent upon the recipient. The frequency of doses is dependent upon the need and the subject being administered to. These rules are just as important with essential oils as they are with any medication. Everything has a set of instructions for a reason, to keep us all as safe as possible. When you find a vet that uses a diverse set of modalities to help you keep your pet healthy, feel free to ask them questions. Voice your concerns, present your questions, and together come up with a game plan that best suits your pet.
If you do not discredit aspirin due to hearing something negative, you should not be doing that with other things either. I get very disheartened when people tell me that I shouldn't be using this or that on my dog, myself, or even my children. Just like many things in my life, I have sought out doctors that share a mutual belief, but can direct me safely in my own journey. My bosses and fellow essential oil users allow things to work complementary to one another. They have successfully used Young Living essential oils in their practices for many years, but began in their personal lives. Never have they ever directed someone to use any method that was harmful.
One veterinarian has cats, dogs, and a bird in the clinic. Diffusers are on in each room. Each room may have a different oil diffusing, but it is known what works for each animal. This is because of research, hands-on experience, and knowing issues and what to look for. My own dog does not want to be near a bottle of Raven or Eucalyptus, but does not mind being in the room with us while it is diffusing. Always keeping the door open as an option for him to leave, I give him the choice. Even being in the room for a little while, I believe that he is getting benefits just like myself and my kids. If you are unsure of what you can diffuse, how close it can be to your pet (such as a bird or cat), then you need to be responsible and research. Ask someone with experience. Ask your veterinarian. If they do not know, express your desire to learn more and ask for a reference.
I have heard vets talking about being a client's chiropractic vet for their horse, but not the regular vet. This is actually nice to hear because it shows the complementary nature of all modalities. Just like I have a chiropractor, family doctor, and I use essential oils. The same can be true for your beloved pets! What I am trying to say is that I know vets that have successfully used Young Living essential oils with various canines, felines, equine, birds, and other animal species. I trust my people to keep me steered in a safe direction, shouldn't you feel the same?
My family would like to make additions to our family in the future. Not the human kind, but feline, and I will continue to use my Young Living essential oils. I will practice safety. That is the name of the game; safety. Don't be scared into inaction or intolerance because of someone else's bad experience. We do not know the complete story nor all of the circumstances. It was worth it for me to try essential oils, it may just be worth it for you too.