Most of the time, I just apply the oils to my hands and pet my pups. There are times when I apply to myself while taking care of my pups or even let them smell the bottle, with the cap on. Don't forget the good for everyone method of diffusing your essential oils. (Never burn or heat, always cold diffuse - water)
All of these methods are useful. This is because the olfactory system is a direct link to the brain. As can be seen in the graphic, the locations of the brain and the receptor cells are close so that the scents that are received can be interpreted quickly.
With that being said, that direct connection affects the body differently than if you applied to skin or even ingested it. When essential oils are applied to the skin or ingested, first they are absorb through skin or mucous membranes, then into the circulatory system traveling to all other bodily systems, finally being secreted through organs, ie skin, lungs, kidneys, and/or bowels. This process can last approximately four to eight hours. When inhaled and the olfactory system is stimulated, it affects the limbic system resulting in the effects upon the hormonal and/or autonomic nervous system, ending right into the brain. This process is longer lasting and has less barriers to go through ie skin, organs, membranes...
Due to the fact that canines' primary source of communication with the world around them is through their sense of smell, the portion of the brain controlling smell is about 40 times larger than that of humans. Although this is so much larger in canines, their brains are about one tenth the size of a human's brain. This goes to show how important scent is to dogs.
Another factor is the length of the snout and skin folds surrounding the area, including the length of the ears. This is why breeds like Bassets and Bloodhounds have longer ears. It helps to stir up and collect scent particles sweeping them up into the nose. According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) a dog's ability to smell is approximately 1,000 times keener than us. The two chambered nasal cavity allows for around 220 million olfactory receptors - humans have approximately 5 million. Of course the receptors vary per breeds, but the point is that they have an extremely fine tuned sense of smell. So when you are told "a little goes a long way", this is particularly true for introducing and using Young Living essential oils with dogs.
Each dog is likely to have preferences too. I have two, an Old English Sheepdog (M) and a Pit-mix (F). My boy only likes a few near his face. This means I often will put only a drop or two into my palms, rub them together, and pet him. He is always open for pets, so this is a good trick for me with him. Now my girl on the other hand enjoys most Young Living essential oils I have put in front of her. She even likes the Vetiver and Valerian combo I put on my feet at night. There is a reason why it's on my feet HAHA!
Overall, my message is that when introducing an essential oil to your pup, do not force them and take it slow with the top of the bottle on. This will help when you are adding it to yourself or onto their body. Do not overwhelm them and there is generally an alternative you could try instead. My boy loves StressAway but not Peace & Calming or Gentle Baby! I know, I shake my head too at the head turn from Peace & Calming. But don't worry, I get it on him through my snuggles. :)
Graphic credited to: www.petpooskiddoo.com
