The recent surge of interest in essential oils may make believe that these are new products, sometimes miraculous, or very dangerous, about which we do not know anything!

The reality is quite different. These essential oils were already known in very ancient times. And they have never ceased to be used since then.

Recent history of the use of essential oils in veterinary medicine.

These old French veterinary textbooks show an evolution in the use of essential oils of plants for animal care, throughout the twentieth century.

In the early twentieth century, essential oils were still used for their known, observed, , physical, chemical, biological properties. Use was external, internal, in fumigations, etc. Some notions about their contained active substances were emerging.   In the middle of the twentieth century, along with the advent of petrochemicals, we focus more on the active substances contained in these oils along with their proven properties. They are still used in preparations realized by pharmacists.   Towards the end of the twentieth century, the essential oils are only known by the actions of the main substances they contain. Only used when nothing else applies.

Over the last twenty years, a science called Ethnobotany has developed worldwide. It studies the plants and their derived products, by considering both traditional uses that were made of them, and their chemical composition studied in the laboratory.

Essential oils and animals.

Many studies are available about essential oils and active substances they contain. Their mechanism of action depending on their mode of administration is much better known, as well as the detoxification mechanisms of their many compounds within the body.

One interesting finding is that the properties of a plant are not derived from a single substance which it contains (geraniol, for example), but from a synergy of all the substances that are present.

We also know better which active substances are unwanted in veterinary care for their side effects.

And, gradually, essential oils are found again in the veterinarian's pharmacy.

The toxicity of essential oils in animals.

Because they contain active substances, essential oils are not without effects. There are also substances known for their side effects, like camphor, thujone, pulegone, which should be either avoided or carefully measured.

You should also know that two batches of an essential oil of the same plant species can have very different chemical compositions. It is necessary to know in detail what is being used in contact with animals, and people!

Some animals, due to their age or to their health, may have an increased sensitivity to the side effects of these active substances.

Before using essential oils for the treatment of an animal, you need to seek advice from a professional.

Natural substances contained in the essential oils are readily degraded in the environment and in the body. Rare reports of poisonings with essential oils mainly refer to transient disorders that disappear without sequelae. This is to compare with repeated poisonings by chemical pesticides and their serious consequences.

The toxicity of essential oils in cats.

Among our domestic companions, the cat is probably the animal that has the most difficulty in detoxifying the elements to which it is exposed in its environment. It shows us that sensitivity to pollution, medicines, food, pesticides and other chemical biocides. And this sensitivity can be very different from a cat breed to another, and from one cat to another.

Write "essential oils are toxic in cats," as it is sometimes posted on cat fanciers' blogs is to admit complete ignorance about both essential oils and cats.

Many catteries have always used fumigations with essential oils, many cat owners spray, diffuse or inhale essential oils without inconveniencing their cats.

Write "essential oils are not toxic in cats" is also incorrect. Some oils and active substances should be avoided. And others trigger no problem only when used cautiously.

The reports of accidental poisoning by essential oils in cats are insignificant compared to the number and severity of reports of poisoning observed daily by other factors, including chemicals, to which the cat is exposed.

As before, precautions are necessary, and it is wise to seek professional advice.

"DIY! Cure your own pet with essential oils!"

Under current regulations, that amounts to use essential oils as veterinary drugs. This cannot be done remotely, through the internet, but only after a visit to a veterinary health professional, with regulated products.

Non-compliance with those rules is the leading cause of domestic incidents observed with essential oils. The sick animal is more sensitive. Broken skin lets enter more active substances in the animal's bloodstream than a healthy skin. The caregiver does not always know what exactly contains the essential oil bottle he uses, or even how much of it to use .

Besides, there is an increase in the number of essential oils retailers who view the animal sector as a business opportunity, and without any science, claiming ingenuity and magic, give free pieces of advice, some of which appear, from the start, wrong.

The formulas of this website.

In order to optimize the spectrum of action of the essential oils, the synergistic effect is increased by combining different plant species.  

The formulations proposed on this website are composed with botanically certified oils (chemotyped), from batches of which we know the composition in active substances, with both the goals of efficiency, and of a full guarantee of safety for people using them, and for animals of all ages, in good health.

However, you need to abide by the instructions. If in doubt, it is recommended to refer to a professional, physician or veterinarian near you.