Well for some reason I keep getting emails asking questions.  I guess it's because I'm so wise and can give good advice. 

Dear Gandalf, 

Sometimes I get scared when I see a big shadow go across the window.  Why am I afraid of a shadow?   Something out there is making me scared.

Signed, 

Scared of Shadows

Dear Scared,

That shadow that goes across your window is probably a bird of prey circling your house wanting to eat you and you have reason to be scared.  They are big nasty birds that eat us smaller birds so keep away from the window....don't look at them because they can hypnotize you and make you open the window and leave your safe home. You really have to watch if your human takes you outside for some fresh air.  Watch the sky and scream as loud as you can if you see that shadow.

Dear Gandalf, 

My feet hurt!

Signed, 

Hurting Feet

Dear Hurting Feet, 

I bet your perches are all the same size.  If only we could teach our humans that we need different sizes to stand on, climb on and rest on.  I myself like natural tree perches of all sizes. 

I don't go into cages very often so my slave has made a soft bed out of blankets for me and I like the way it feels on my old feet and legs. My vet says that I have arthuritis, whoever he is.

Dear Gandalf, 

My human keeps putting toys in my cage and they are scary!  Why do they do that?

Signed, 

Afraid of Toys

Dear Afraid, 

If only we could get our humans to let us get used to toys before they put them in the cage.  I like mine hung outside the cage for awhile before they go into the cage.  That way I can get used to them slowly.  The only thing I like to do fast, is bite!

Well, this has made me tired and cranky so I'm going to go to my nice soft bed and hum myself to sleep.  If you must. send me your questions to wiseoldbird@yahoo.com and as always Arrrgggggghhhhhhh!

This is a very brief overview of the benefits of essential oils and pets.  For the purpose here "pets" that I am referring to are dogs, horses and birds.  Note that I didn't say cats.  Cats are very sensitive and the use of essential oils must be very carefully monitored.  Even with this small distinction there are numerous considerations between them. 

Essential oils are a product of steam distillation and are extracted from flowers, seeds, leaves, stems roots and bark of herbs, bushes, shrubs and trees.  According to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts essential oils have been used for thousands of years before Christ to heal the sick.

 Many of these same oils can be used with our pets to provide both physical and emotional benefits and the benefits are many.  Essential oils provide a natural solution for managing many problems.     There aren't the many side effects you will find in medications and in many cases use of an essential oil is cheaper and they won't leave your pet drugged or listless!  Some of the issues that can be helped with essential oils are joint conditions, digestive issues, respiratory and circulatory issues and parasite relief, anxiety, nervousness and stress.  

 Of course, that doesn't mean you run out and buy every essential oil you can find.  You have to do your homework.   Essential oils are powerful medicine.   You must determine what your desired outcome is and choose an essential oil that will help with that.   So, learning the components of an essential oil will be helpful.   Lavender is a great essential oil to start with.  It is a well-established traditional remedy and has several uses.  It can be used on burns, cuts, scrapes, skin conditions, insect bites and stings.   It is often used to decrease nervousness, anxiety and panic. 

The other consideration when choosing an essential oil is the quality of the oil.  Not all oils are created equal.  For the most part oils that you find in the grocery store are not suitable for the healing arts.  The oil that you choose must be unadulterated.   Watch for words such as "fragrance oil, "or "perfume oil." Anything less may contain pesticides, chemicals and synthetics which definitely impact healing. 

So how do we use essential oils? 

The two main ways to use an essential oil with a pet is to dilute it with a carrier oil (grapefruit, jahoba, almond or apricot) and apply it directly to the skin or with the use of a diffuser.  The safest way to use an essential oil for your pet is to use a diffuser.  Diffusion is the process of dispersing essential oils so that their aroma fills an area.  When a diffuser is used the odor is inhaled by the nose and carried directly to the limbic system in the brain.  This is the part of the brain that deals with emotion, instinct and regulation of many body systems.  It allows for relaxation which in turn allows for healing.  As with humans emotional and painful memories get "stuck" in the body and disrupt the flow of energy leading to illness or disease.  Use of essential oils opens up the mind and allows for release of these emotions.   Just one sniff can quickly change a mood.  Depending on the essential oil used the brain releases chemicals such as serotonin (calming effect) and endorphins (pain).

 For birds a diffuser is the best choice.  Birds have air sacs all over their bodies which allow for absorption throughout.  One should start with diffusing an oil for 3-5 minutes per day and gradually increase over time.   This is good advice when starting any oil with any pet.  Animals have a very sensitive sense of smell so it is important to always dilute the amount of oil you are using, even in a diffuser. When dealing with other types of pets you can allow them to smell the oil before you use it. Believe it or not they will often let you know which oil they need or want by sniffing or licking it.  If they walk away from it don't use it.  If you are diffusing in your home and one of your pets starts sneezing, whining, pacing or has watery eyes stop the diffuser. 

Of course, using essential oils is not a panacea.  It requires time and patience. It is important to always look at the whole picture when dealing with any disease issue as there may be other factors to consider such as diet, past trauma etc.  However, use of an essential oil is often a first step in promoting a healthy body and allowing the healing process to begin.