People often ask me what is the most important thing to do for the health of their performance dog (well, really any dog)? Is there something you can do to support their immune system, brain function, soothe aching muscles and tummy upset, help prevent cancer and support their emotional development? Wouldn’t it be great if all of that came in a safe, natural substance that didn’t require you to put a multitude of pills and potions in their food or wrap in a special treat and beg them to take?
Well, there is such a thing that is as simple as flipping a switch. Filling the air with medicinal or therapeutic grade natural plant extracts called essential oils can do all this and more. Some of you may ask “how can “Super Sleepy Time” lavender scented oil from the store at the mall help with the separation anxiety of my dog?” Simple – it can’t. Essential oil products that are sold in most public stores – even health food stores, are just for scenting the air with fragrance. This is NOT what I’m talking about. Using natural plant extracts (essential oils) for simple and complex health issues is not only a safe natural option but a very effective solution. Many of you are still not believing – not convinced that by simply diffusing essential oils into the air – many health problems will be effected. How can this be true? Well, one of the fastest ways to get anything into our bloodstream and entire body is by inhalation. Most of us know someone with asthma, right? What do they do for a life-threatening attack? Reach for their inhaler! By inhaling their medication, it gets it into their body very quickly preventing the symptoms from progressing further. Still not convinced? You might find this an interesting read.
Aerosol drug administration, also known as inhalation therapy, or in some cases, nebulized drug therapy, is the method by which drugs are dispersed into the lungs or bronchial airways in the form of tiny droplets. Drugs are generally delivered by two means. The first is via a device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer is a mechanical pump (of which there are many types) that produces a fine mist in which the drug is dispersed via an appropriate nebulizer-compatible face mask. This fine mist is inhaled deep into the lungs for maximum effect. The second method of delivery is via a hand-held, nebulized aerosol device. These devices, also known as “puffers,” use the effects of a pressurized gas to create and disperse the drug into a fine mist or spray, which is then inhaled. * excerpts from the Encyclopedia of Nursing and Applied Health.
An essential oil diffuser is just such a device. An ultrasonic diffuser is a great 
option for households with animals. Ultrasonic vibrations carry the oil to the surface of the water. At the surface, the energy of these vibrations causes the water and the essential oils floating on the surface to change into vapor and float away. People and animals inhale this essential oil infused vapor that carries small molecules of essential oils into their lungs and throughout their body. Simple huh?
So if turning on a diffuser filled with essential oils can do all this, why don’t you know about it? Pure, natural plant extracts cannot be patented making them less desirable for a drug company to spend valuable research money proving their effectiveness. Why would they prove a natural substance would be just as effective (and without harmful side-effects) as a drug they have the patent on and can sell for very high margins? I’m not necessarily against drug therapy, but just find I can solve many health issues without them.
So what essential oils would I use? First, I’d only use ones that are of medicinal grade. They have done their homework and loads of testing and can guarantee the highest quality available. We all want that for our pups, right?
Here are some basic uses of some such oils:
Frankincense: a fabulous oil that is rich in history. This oil is a fantastic gentle yet powerful anti-inflammatory, pain reliever. Many of us in the holistic health world are familiar with Boswellia. Well that IS frankincense. It helps with brain function – especially important as we age and it also helps with depression and calming the mind. The most exciting thing currently being researched world-wide – it is very effective against all forms of cancer! Wow! Why not diffuse this oil to prevent cancer before it even happens?
Peppermint: this stimulating essential oil can help with tummy upset, gassiness (hey Lab owners!!!), relieve deep nerve pain, stimulate brain function and help create clear thinking. Don’t know about you, but I could use buckets on the agility course 
Lemon: This essential oil can help with mental focus (again – super helpful in performance events), balance body pH and is anti-microbial. Diffusing it can also improve the mood as it is used to help issues of depression. It is great to use on those winter days in Wisconsin when everyone is locked up inside days on end. Depressed puppies and people love this oil!
Orange: This is a favorite of pets and their people since it is a very effective odor remover! I have several dogs and cats that live in my home and try as I might, it can still smell a bit “doggy.” Diffusing this essential oil rids the air of offensive odors and purifies it – not poisons it with heavy chemical aerosols. It is a great choice to purify the energy around aggressive dogs.
The list really is endless. I’ll keep blogging about my experiences but wanted you to learn about the invaluable method of diffusing. I have several diffusers going in my home all the time! When selecting a diffuser, be certain it is specifically designed for essential oils and does not heat the oil. Heating the oil will destroy the health properties.
Essential oil therapy is an excellent complement to a good quality natural diet, clean water and proper exercise.