Essential oils can be a huge benefit to our animals – including ferrets, frogs, snakes, lizards and more! In fact, in a healthy environment, animals come into contact with essential oils naturally as they graze, consume herbs, and scratch against trees. We can harness all that plant power to give them amazing tools for their health. Whether you need acute support for a specific need, daily maintenance for overall health, or want to prevent the bumps in the road, there are so many ways oils can help!

OILS & EXOTIC ANIMALS AT A GLANCE

• Start by placing a drop of oil on your hands and allowing your pet to sniff.
• Remember animals have heightened smell, so a little goes a long way.
• Dilute for small animals as much as you would for cats, if not more.
• Water based spray or adding a toothpick swirl of oil to water can be useful (keep fresh water available as well)

For furry animals like ferrets, you can use similar applications as for small cats.

• For other exotic animals, a water-based diffusion or spray method is more ideal. Water animals like lizards, frogs, or turtles absorb oils in the same way as fish – from plant matter within their water. One simple way to do this is to add a drop of citrus oil (Orange, Lemon, Citrus Fresh) to their drinking water (in a large container).
• For exotics in general (furry or not), 1 drop of oil for every quart of water OR for smaller animals or more dilution, you can dip a toothpick into the oil and swirl it in a quart of water.
• For amphibians, 1 toothpick of an oil (Purification is a good one), for every liter of water and allow them to soak.
• Exotic animals tend to like citrus oils, so introducing one of them first will likely allow the animal to prefer other oils.
• When adding oil to your pet's water, make sure to have a fresh water option available as well.
• Misting is a great option for the hairless exotics! For small animals like amphibians, 1 toothpick or 1 drop of oil per 1 liter of water. For larger reptiles, up to 4 drops of oil for every 4 ounces of water.

When it comes to reptiles, remember that like most other animals, they are much more sensitive to scents and tastes than humans. Even handling a reptile (or other fur-less exotic animal) with oil residue on your hands may be overwhelming to some. One simple way to test your animal's response to an oil is to place 1 drop somewhere in the animal's environment and note their reaction.

Reptiles and other hairless animals also have more sensitive skin, so remember to introduce oils slowly and keep them diluted until the animal is comfortable with the oil(s).

SKIN SOOTHING SOAK

• Infuse 1 pint of magnesium flakes or epsom salt with 15 drops Lavender
• Add 1 Tablespoon of mixture to a quart of warm water and soak for stuck sheds, minor injuries, scrapes, etc.

ANIMAL SCENTS LINE Using oils on and around your animals is absolutely ok when done correctly. In fact, Young Living has an entire animal care line that is perfect for our four legged, furry pals!

• Animal Scents ParaGize Oil Blend: a settling, cleansing blend of Ginger, Anise, and Peppermint essential oils great for any digestive needs. This relaxing, soothing blend can be applied to your pet's abdomen or diffused to support your pet with its comforting properties.
• Animal Scents T-Away Oil Blend: So many of our pets experience emotional trauma that can often leave them with debilitating needs. Animal Scents T-Away is our go-to for everything from storm anxiety to more complex emotional issues with our pets. Apply according to animal size, but in general apply 1 drop behind each ear to calm your pet.

THE THREE-STEP SYSTEM FOR SKINCARE: 1. Animal Scents PuriClean Oil Blend: This is the first step in Young Living's three-part system to support pet recovery from minor scrapes and scratches. This prediluted blend refreshes and cleanses your pet's skin and prepares it for healing by moisturizing as well. PuriClean combines the skin-improvement properties of Patchouli, Mountain Savory, and other essential oils so that you can help your pet feel its best. 1. Animal Scents Infect-Away Oil Blend: This is step two of Young Living's three-part system to support your pet's skin healing. This prediluted blend includes Ocotea, Patchouli, Myrrh and other cleansing oils that help guard against harmful contaminants while supporting your pet's irritated coat or skin. Carefully apply according to the size and species of the animal. Additional dilution is recommended for smaller species. You can also put 8−10 drops in a 1-ounce spray bottle with distilled water for a quick skin-cleansing spritz. Best when used as part of a three-part system: PuriClean, followed by Infect Away, then Mendwell oil blend. 1. Animal Scents MendWell Oil Blend: This is step three of helping your pet heal and recover from minor scrapes and scratches. This prediluted blend supports your pet's natural healing process by soothing and moisturizing dry, sensitive, and distressed skin. Plus the aroma of Lavender, Frankincense, Geranium, and more creates an uplifting environment and promotes feelings of health and wellness for your pet.

COMMON FAVORITES FOR PETS

• Fleas, ticks, and pests: Citronella, Tea tree, Citronella, Animal Scents Ointment
• Aches, pains, and inflammation: SulfurZyme, NingXia Red, Helichrysum, Copaiba
• Emotions and trauma: Frankincense, Peace & Calming, Stress Away, Lavender

QUICK TIPS FOR APPLYING OILS

• Apply one drop of your chosen oil to your hands and rub them together. Hold your pet or allow them to sit close to you and get used to them. Do not try to force them to smell your hands or hold them. Let the animal approach you, and if they show interest in the area that has the oils let them sniff/approach at their own pace.
• Try the ‘Petting Method'. Simply apply an oil to your hands and gently “pet” your animal. The animal's hair will actually carry oils down the hair follicle into the skin. Only apply oils to a small part of the animal's coat or body initially.The oils will get where they need to go!
• Always start with 1 drop of diluted essential oil, and apply more often versus using more drops.
• In general, avoid the eye area, unless this area is one of need. According to Dr. Melissa Shelton, DVM, in this case you can use a very diluted ‘eye spritzer' (ex: up to 4 drops of Lavender in 120mL water) to mist around the eyes.

TIPS FOR DILUTING OILS FOR EXOTIC ANIMALS

• When using an oil for the first time or for pets under 20lbs it's best to dilute with a 1:1 ratio or more. That's one drop of essential oil to 4 drops of carrier oil (like V-6 or coconut oil). Apply oil(s) mid-spine to the tail and down the rear legs. Once animals are familiar with oils, they can be applied to the neck, head, outer ears, front legs, and so forth.
• Always dilute “hot” oils like Oregano, Peppermint, Thieves, etc. even more You can always add more oil, so dilute more and apply more frequently versus diluting less.

POULTRY CARE In today's society, many people have a backyard flock, and these amazing creatures can benefit so much from natural practices with essential oils and oil-infused products!

• Use Animal Scents Ointment for cuts and scrapes as needed
• Add 1 drop of Oregano and a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar to a large (5 gallon) water trough

Because of their anatomy, chickens breathe in higher concentrations of oxygen and whatever else is in the air, so diluting oils for them is key! One great way to keep your coop clean and let your chickens get the benefits of oils is to use this Natural Coop Cleaner Recipe:

• 16 oz glass spray bottle
• 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
• 25 drops Lemon essential oil
• Fill halfway with white vinegar, then fill with water.

ANIMALS & SUPPLEMENTS Our animals need the nutritional support of good quality supplements, just like we do! And the same way that we start supplementing to maintain good health before a need arises, we want to do this for our animal friends.

Enter NingXia Red, Mineral Essence, and SulfurZyme. These three really wonderful supplements form a baseline for your pets to help keep them healthy and active. Another really great thing to give your pest is digestive enzymes! Adding a round of Life 9 after antibiotics, oral use of antimicrobial oils, severe diarrhea, or an infection is a wonderful way to support a healthy microbiome for your pets! MultiGreens is a wonderful supplement to include for immune support, viral infections, and neurologic support (especially in the presence of conditions such as feline leukemia). NingXia Red is amazing for SO many things!