Essential Oils and our Dogs

Judea and her bed are on the floor where substances accumulate.

I love using fragrances in my home but must admit that I never gave much thought about the effects that these smells might be having on my precious dogs.

While surfing the internet, an article popped up and caused me great alarm. The candles, home fragrances, and essential oils that I have been using may be harming my beloved dogs who I want to take the very best care of and protect them. To think that I could be doing something that would hurt them was - is- completely unacceptable.

Because of this concern, I did some additional reading and came across some lists. In addition to the lists, I came to realize just how much more my pups are exposed to these scents and possible toxins more than we humans the caretakers.

Dogs have an amazing ability to smell things many times more than we do. They are also lower to the floor where the scents drop They are also on the floor where the residue of the sprays, diffusion, and burnings collect and then get on our pets coats. As our animals lick themselves, they actually ingest these possibly dangerous, even toxic, substances.

I found the following list on a link provided by iHeartDogs.com

“Some oils that are generally considered safe for dogs when used correctly are:

• Cardamom - Diuretic, anti-bacterial, normalizes appetite, colic, coughs, heartburn and nausea

• Cedarwood - helps to repel fleas, ticks, and dog lice

• Chamomille - promotes relaxation and calming

• Frankincense - has helped in some cases of cancer. Works on the immune system. Has reduced tumors and external ulcers. Increases blood supply to the brain (although it can worsen hypertension so use caution)

• Lavender - can help with relaxation and motion sickness

• Spearmint - helps to reduce weight. Good for colic, diarrhea, nausea. Helps balance metabolism, stimulates gallbladder.

Essential oils that can be safely used with cats in the correct dosage

Remember that cats are much more sensitive to essential oils than other animals. Oils used with cats must be highly diluted and some oils should be avoided altogether. Use therapeutic-grade oils. Do not use essential oils designed for aromatherapy. Do not use oils on cats daily. Use them sparingly and only on an as-needed basis. Always give a cat an escape if you're using a diffuser for yourself.

Some oils that are generally considered safe for cats when used correctly are:

• Cardamom

• Cedarwood

• Frankincense

• Geranium

• Helichrysum

• Lavender

• Myrrh

Essential oils that can be toxic to pets (especially undiluted)

For cats, avoid using:

• Citrus Oils

• Clove

• Basil

• Birch

• Cassia

• Cinnamon

• Clove

• Fennel

• Melaleuca (tea tree)

• Oregano

• Peppermint

• Thyme

• Wintergreen

For dogs, avoid using:

• Anise

• Clove

• Horseradish

• Juniper

• Thyme

• Wintergreen

• Yarrow”

I hope that this gives you a better awareness of something we might be doing that could potentially harm our wonderful pets.

Deaf Dog to the Rescue

The love between a dog and his human has no boundaries or limitations. When I see, hear about, or read an amazing story of our deaf pups that is inspiring, I am compelled to share it with as many others that I possibly can. Like the message in our book, Hogan’s Hope, my prayer is that by doing this, the myths and barriers will be broken through and discarded. This story is copied from the wonderful writing of Katherine Rodriguez for BREITBART news.

by Katherine Rodriguez December 30, 2018

Deaf Dog Hailed a Hero for Saving Couple from House Fire

A deaf dog is being hailed as a hero for saving the lives of a couple who escaped a fire that broke out in their New Hampshire home on Saturday.

The Barnstead Fire Department told WMUR that the home burst into flames around 4 a.m. Saturday. Once fire crews arrived at the scene, the flames fully encased the home and the surrounding structures.

Fire officials said none of the smoke detectors in the house were working, but the deaf dog alerted the house residents to the fire in time for them to escape.

“Without the working smoke detectors and without that dog, it is unlikely they would have made it out of the building,” said Deputy Fire Chief John Drew.

Firefighters spent an hour-and-a-half putting out the two-alarm fire. Drew added that two of the firefighters on scene went to the hospital for treatment and were later released.

Even though the couple and the dog survived the fire, several other pets did not, and the house was completely destroyed.

Firefighters are currently investigating the cause of the inferno.

Other deaf dogs have proven to their owners that they really are man’s best friend by rescuing humans in their time of need.

In April, a deaf and blind dog in Australia remained by a three-year-old girl’s side after she wandered away from home. The dog stayed with her until she was found.

Courtesy of BREITBART Katherine Rodiguez