In honor of National Pet Day, here is a simple topical recipe to make and keep on hand for the paws of your best bud.
Massage a small amount of the balm into paws or noses that need moisturizing in the cold months. Or maybe after a long walk, your companion needs some TLC. Romps in the woods come with running into many sticks and rocks so after washing the affected area, smooth over a little of this balm.
Yes, you can use essential oils with your pets. For the recipe above, I added in a blend called “T-Away.” You can eliminate it if you feel more comfortable as the balm will still be a help to your pet.
Directions
Melt the first four ingredients together in a double boiler or pan over low heat. Once combined, remove from heat and add in the essential oils, if desired. Store in an airtight container. I like to use a small mason jar.
There are a few key points to remember when it comes to essential oils and pets:
- Quality matters! Find a reputable company that you can trust. For me, I always turn to Young Living.
- Start slow! The sense of smell for animals is much stronger than for humans. Animals are sensitive to certain smells and may find a new smell too intense.
- When diffusing, make sure the space is open so your pet can leave if he doesn’t enjoy the smell. Keep a door open so he can move into another room.
The shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil, and Vitamin E oil I like to purchase from Your Oils Tools located in Hooksett, New Hampshire. They have wonderful products for quality and price. Have them shipped right to you!
The Pink Lily Pad and Two Tadpoles 