There’s no question that inhalation is the most effective way to use essential oils, especially with animals.
Many studies prove inhaling essential oils is effective for reducing anxiety and pain in people. But there’s a new study out that I think proves that inhalation is best for animals too.
As much as I rely on my intuition, I also rely on science and research, so please bear with me while I geek out on a little science…
A study was published in August 2021 on the effectiveness of inhaling lavender on child burn victims ages 2-7 years. These kids had second-degree skin burns, requiring hospitalization and bandage changes.
The young children were divided into 3 groups. One group inhaled lavender for 60 minutes before dressing changes. A second group inhaled lavender for 15 minutes before dressing changes. And the third group, the control, was offered jojoba oil only to inhale for 15 minutes before bandage changes.
All 3 groups had their vital signs (heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, pain level) measured before the changes, then again 1 minute after and 30 minutes after bandages were changed.
The study found that inhaling lavender significantly lowered pain levels and stabilized vital signs.
However, there was no significant difference between those who inhaled lavender essential oil for 15 minutes and those who inhaled for 60 minutes! This proves that inhaling for 15 minutes is just as effective as 60 minutes!
There are 3 things about this study that I think are relevant to our animals…
1. With subjects this young (all were between 2 – 7 years old), it’s easy to believe that there was no preconceived notion of what they were smelling and how it was supposed to make them feel.
Similarly, animals have no preconceived ideas about what essential oils will do for them. There’s no placebo effect with animals.
2. Lavender was NOT applied to the burn. Inhalation alone significantly reduced the pain.
With millions of more scent receptors than humans, it’s reasonable to conclude that animals would receive at least similar results, probably even better pain-relieving benefits from inhalation.
3. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups that inhaled for 15 minutes and 60 minutes before the bandage changes. This indicates that 15 minutes was enough time to reduce pain. Inhaling longer did not relieve pain more.
This suggests that diffusing essential oils for 15 minutes is just as effective as 60 minutes.
So, what does this mean for our animals?
It means that inhaling essential oils is so powerful there’s no need to apply EOs topically to paw pads or use “drip” methods. Not only does topical applications increase the risk of sensitization and overexposure, it uses fare more oil, and it just isn’t as effective.
Inhalation is the essence of Applied Zoopharmcognosy.
What is that? It’s a way of using essential oils, hydrosols, and herbs with our pets. It’s “listening” to our animals, giving our pets a choice, trusting they know what aromatics they need, and partnering with them through the process.
There’s a bit more to it… like understanding the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, hydrosols, or herbs.
I’ve been using Applied Zoopharmacognosy with Jake, my 13-year-old, 80-pound mixed-breed dog, who has arthritis, hip dysplasia, and GOLPP (Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis Polyneuropathy).
Together we’ve identified several essential oils and hydrosols he likes. They reduce pain and promote relaxation.
I offer one to him to sniff and within 5-15 minutes he’s done. He relaxes quickly, rests more peacefully, and moves more easily.
This study proves that Jake knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t need to inhale longer to receive the therapeutic benefits from essential oils.
Check out this video… Lady Godiva inhaled all the Bergamot she wanted and was done in less than 20 seconds, rather dramatically I might add.
(Lady was offered several essential oils with the cap before this video. She showed interest in Bergamot and that’s what was offered here.)
Dogs aren’t the only ones that benefit from inhalation. And essential oils aren’t the only effective aromatic. Cats and other animals sensitive to essential oils, benefit from inhaling dried herbs or hydrosols. With their powerful noses and highly sensitive nature, these subtle aromatics are powerful healing tools.
Inhaling essential oils, hydrosols, or herbs is an easy and highly effective way to help your beloved fur baby with anxiety, pain, digestive upsets, even chronic diseases.
There are many ways to use inhalation with our pets. Are you looking for easy ways to use essential oils with your dog? Grab your copy of 5 Simple Ways to Use Essential Oils with Your Dog now.
Interested in learning more about Applied Zoopharmacognosy and how to use aromatics with your fur baby? Check out my Aromatherapy For Pets course here
I love this! There are so many things available to help our pets that many don’t think of (or are hesitant to try). Amy, thank you so much!
Hey Beth, Thanks for sharing, and I 100% agree! Do your furry friends benefit from inhaling essential oils? If so, I’d love to hear about it.