Diagnosis of Lavender Poisoning in Dogs
As the lavender plant is generally non-toxic, if your pet develops symptoms beyond minor episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, it is usually due to a secondary disorder or misidentification of the plant, therefore the symptoms that your pet is exhibiting will direct the diagnostic testing. A urinalysis is likely to be requested at this time as well as a complete blood count and biochemistry profile. These tests will help to detect if there are any imbalances or toxins in your canine’s system. The veterinarian will also complete a physical examination at this time, most likely concentrating on the abdominal area. If the distress is due to an intestinal blockage, the examiner may discover that the abdomen is extremely sensitive to touch and might even find a mass where the foliage has clumped together. This finding will prompt a recommendation for further imaging. X-ray or ultrasound technology may be selected to visualize any obstructions, and a barium study may be included in these tests.
If the symptoms are indicative of a poisoning, you will be asked for further information about your pet’s recent health history and any opportunities for inappropriate eating. Any material that is vomited up or found in the stool will be evaluated to determine its origin and toxicity. Tests to check for other possible pesticides or other plant-based toxins will also be completed at this time in an attempt to uncover the underlying cause.
What Scents Are Safe for My Dog?
No essential oils are truly safe for dogs because they can be easily mishandled, leading your dog to ingest them. However, some scents are safer than others to diffuse. For example, lavender essential oil, orange essential oil, and lemon essential oil are considered relatively safe to diffuse around pets, but you should monitor your pet when diffusing oils in your home. Keep your diffuser up high where your dog can’t get to it.
Since essential oils are natural, many pet parents may prefer them over alternative treatments for a variety of health issues in their dog, including anxiety, skin problems, and flea and tick prevention.2 However, just because essential oils are a natural option doesn’t mean they are safe. Always talk to your vet before using lavender oil for dogs, whether diffusing them in the home or on your pet’s skin.
Depending on your dog, some scents may not be safe for them, especially dogs with respiratory illnesses like allergies and asthma. Since dogs have a more powerful sense of smell than humans, any strong odors can irritate their respiratory system, causing coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Before you introduce a new scent to your home, talk to a vet. You never know how different scents can affect your pet.
Diffusers in and of themselves aren’t technically bad for dogs; what matters is the type of oil you use in them. Some essential oils are more dangerous to dogs than others. Essential oils you should never diffuse around dogs include:
In general, there are two types of diffusers that are commonly used within the home. Passive diffusers are reed and heat diffusers that evaporate essential oils to emit their scent, while active diffusers disperse essential oils by spraying small particles in the air. Both types of diffusers can be problematic for pets, especially if you use oils that can irritate their respiratory tract. However, passive diffusers may be safer for pets because they don’t disperse essential oils through tiny droplets.
When using an essential oil diffuser around your pet, consider the location. You should never diffuse essential oils near your pet or their food or toys. You should also properly ventilate your home and avoid using the diffuser in rooms your pet is more likely to spend time in.
If you’re wondering about candles instead of diffusers, they can cause the same problems in pets. Additionally, dogs may eat candles when they’re not lit, which can cause them to ingest high amounts of essential oils.
If you’re going to use diffusers or candles in your home, always keep them far away from your pet. Monitor your dog’s reaction to new scents and discontinue use if your dog seems to have difficulty breathing when these scents are in the air. Depending on your dog, you may not be able to use candles, diffusers, or even some cleaning products that can irritate their respiratory system.
Of course, all dogs are different, so as long as you’re using your diffuser in a way that’s safe for your pet, your dog might not have a reaction to the scents. That being said, avoid putting essential oils directly on anything in your home because they’re not diluted, and your dog may want to learn about them by smelling or ingesting them, which can be dangerous to their health.
Calming and Comforting Your Dog Anxious Dog
Nothing is more heart breaking than seeing your beloved pet fearful or anxious. Fireworks, thunder, car rides, separation from their favorite person and being left alone are the most common triggers. This often grows worse as they get older when their physical and mental health starts to deteriorate. You may also have a hyperactive dog who has more energy than you can cope with and can be difficult to calm down. With this in mind, does lavender calm dogs?
Well known for its incredible calming properties for humans, lavender oil is one of the best essential oils to calm dogs. It is a natural dog anxiety treatments to use with a nervous, depressed or hyperactive pup – and is also an excellent sleep aid if your dog has insomnia. It can be used to condition dogs to a safe space too.
Lavenders calming sedative-like effects were confirmed in a 2006 study with dogs who had a history of car ride anxiety which found that they spent significantly more time resting and sitting and less time moving and vocalizing when exposed to the scent. Another study on diffusing lavender in a dog shelter showed similar results.
Is Lavender Essential Oil Safe for Dogs?
Is lavender oil safe for dogs? Not only is it safe, it is basically, a multipurpose aromatherapy first aid kit for your fur baby…
Lavender essential oil has long been used by aromatherapists to reduce stress. Renowned as the Queen of Calm, it relieves anxiety, helps you sleep and lifts your mood. You know it gives you relief, but did you know lavender can also help de-stress and calm your anxious dog – and do so safely?
One of the gentlest pet-safe essential oils, lavender oil could quickly become your dog’s new BFF (and yours). It can not only quiet a nervous and agitated pooch, but also help them sleep better – and can even cheer up a depressed pet.
Add to this several other benefits like soothing itchy skin allergies, easing pain, as well as fending off ticks and fleas, and you can see how lavender can quickly become a must-have essential in your fur baby’s first aid kit…