For a long time, human beings have been sharing their living spaces with pets such as cats and dogs. Different people have different opinions about owning a pet, and preferences change over a while. One of the major concerns with owning a pet like a cat is that, as human beings, they shed fur regularly. The dead fur is equivalent to dead skin cells in humans and is generally referred to as pet dander. This pet dander can cause mild to severe allergic reactions in some people, making it difficult to own a pet altogether.
Certain individuals’ immune responses to foreign bodies can be aggressive, which causes allergic reactions. The immune system tries to block or kill the foreign body, which it considers hostile, releasing chemical ‘histamine’ in the process. Excessive histamine production can cause itching, redness, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, etc.
When it comes to pets, the danger can enter the nasal cavity of the individual, causing mild to severe allergic reactions. Although several preventive medications are available to control allergies, people are still concerned about the long-term impacts of reactions. Essential oils have gained popularity as alternate medication to treat or subside allergic reactions naturally.
Essential oils: What are they?
Essential oils are plant extracts that find application in aromatherapy, naturopathy, and perfumery. Plant parts such as leaves, barks, roots, seeds, etc., are used to extract oils through a chemical or physical process. The distillation process is the most used method, while certain manufacturers opt for cold pressing, as it does not require sophisticated equipment. Perfume manufacturers prefer extraction with the help of fat (enfleurage).
Essential oils are called as such because they were thought to contain the very essence of the odor of the plant and related flavors. Essential oils contain certain active ingredients that have different beneficial effects on human physiology, and they are used in aromatherapy because of their healing properties. Certain essential oils for cat allergies, general allergies, and other pet allergies contain antihistamine properties that make them an excellent substitute to conventional medication.
Essential Oils for Cat Allergies
Essential oils work in managing the symptoms of allergic reactions rather than eliminating the cause. Since allergies are naturally occurring, one can only suppress them by using substances that can control histamine production and are safe for overall body health. Some of the most popular essential oils for cat allergies are:
- Lavender Oil: Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils with antihistamine properties. It’s anti-inflammatory properties calm the nerves and have a soothing effect when affected by irritation due to pet dander. It is known to reduce skin sensitivity too and helps in easy breathing.
- Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil has a cleansing effect on the sinuses when inhaled directly or through a diffuser. Regular usage can relax the muscles around the nasal cavity and improve breathing. Whenever an allergic individual finds it difficult to breathe due to the reactions, they can inhale the oil in small quantities to help relieve the symptoms.
- Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil has known antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an important essential oil in industrial applications. In aromatherapy, this oil is used to relieve the body of disease-causing germs and soothe the muscles. It is very effective in treating allergic reactions due to its antihistamine properties.
- Roman Chamomile oil: Chamomile has long been used as an ingredient in tea due to its antiseptic properties. Chamomile essential oil can be used topically on the skin or inhaled through diffusion to alleviate the symptoms of allergic reactions due to foreign particles such as pet dander.
- Lemon Oil: Lemon and lemon extracts have been in use for a while now due to their rich Vitamin C content that helps beat common colds and flu. Lemon oil instantly refreshes the atmosphere and helps get rid of foul odor-causing bacteria. A lemon essential oil can help soothe the nasal passage and make breathing easy when it comes to allergies.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is normally recommended to be used topically on swollen areas of the skin. One can easily treat rashes or redness caused by allergic reactions with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that make it excellent for treating a wide variety of allergies.
Essential Oils and Pet Safety
Essential oils for cat allergies, general pet allergies, and inflammation are highly concentrated compounds. These essential oils can be toxic to pets because of the difference in physiology between human beings and animals. While applying topically (mixed with a carrier oil), the pets may find it difficult to stay around you for a while. Diffusers are handy in enjoying the benefits of essential oils in a diluted form, but inhalation can still cause problems to your pets.
Dogs and cats have highly sensitive smell receptors that can make them highly susceptible to the harmful effects of essential oils. Hence, care should be taken to use the diffusers in fairly airy areas or rooms and not in small confined spaces. What may seem insignificant to human beings can be damaging to pets!
Storage is another critical issue that needs to be addressed carefully. Any spill or leakage can lead to high toxicity in your pets. The pets can lick or sniff the highly concentrated oil unwittingly, which can cause them extreme discomfort.
Conclusion
Essential oil manufacturers are propagating their usage because of many health benefits they bring with them. In recent times, focus on research about the healing properties of these oils has also boosted their sales. People are now looking for alternative medications to treat their long-term ailments, and in some cases, even prevent potential diseases.
Several essential oils are available in the market, and you can easily inquire about them from our website. You can choose the essential oil of your choice and read about the benefits and usage directions all in one place. Write to us to know more!
Sources:
- https://cabbagetownpetclinic.com/2020/03/02/how-essential-oils-can-affect-your-pets-health/
- https://essentialoilforallergies.com/pet-allergies/
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/dangers-of-essential-oils-555089
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/essential-oil
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-77039-5
- https://www.essentialoilhaven.com/essential-oils-for-pet-allergies/
