Caring for Farmyard Animals With Essential Oils-Biosource Naturals

Caring for Farmyard Animals With Essential Oils*

Caring for Farmyard Animals With Essential Oils If you own a farm, there’s nothing better than knowing that you can use natural solutions to care for your farmyard animals. Essential oils are one such solution. They’re safe, effective, and easy to use.*

Caring for farmyard animals with essential oils can provide several benefits. Here are a few:

Natural health support: Essential oils can support the overall health and well-being of farmyard animals. They can be used to promote healthy digestive and respiratory systems, boost the immune system, soothe muscle discomfort, and aid in wound healing.*
Stress relief: Essential oils have calming and soothing properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety in animals. This can be especially beneficial during times of transportation, veterinary visits, or other stressful situations.*
Repel insects and pests: Certain essential oils, such as citronella and eucalyptus, have natural insect-repelling properties. Using these oils can help protect farmyard animals from pests like flies, ticks, and fleas.*
Antimicrobial properties: Lavender essential oil has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent and care for common infections in farmyard animals. They can be used as a natural alternative to antibiotics in some cases.*
Improved sleep and relaxation: Many essential oils have sedative properties that can promote better sleep and relaxation in animals. This can be particularly useful for animals experiencing anxiety or restlessness.*

It’s important to note that essential oils should be used with caution and under the guidance of a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about their safe use in farm animals. Each animal species and individual may react differently to essential oils, so it’s crucial to start with small doses and observe for any adverse reactions.*

Using Essential Oils With Farmyard Cows*

Using essential oils on farmyard cows can provide various benefits such as promoting relaxation, repelling insects, and supporting overall health. Here’s how you can use essential oils on cows:

Dilution: Essential oils are potent and need to be diluted before applying to cows. Use a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil to dilute all essential oil. A general dilution ratio for cows is 1-2% (1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil).
Topical application: Apply the diluted essential oil mixture to specific areas where it can have the desired effect. For example, lavender essential oil can be applied on the udders to promote relaxation and calmness during milking.
Insect repellent: Many essential oils have insect-repellent properties. Dilute essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, or lemongrass in water or a carrier oil and spray it on the cow or its surrounding areas to repel insects like flies or mosquitoes.
Inhalation: Essential oils can be diffused or sprayed in the air to create a calming or stress-relieving environment for the cows. For this, use a diffuser or spray diluted essential oil in the cowshed.
Consult a veterinarian: Before using essential oils on farmyard cows, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian to ensure the oils are safe for use and to determine appropriate dosages and specific essential oils that suit your cow’s needs.

Pests such as flies, fleas and lice irritate cattle, raising their stress levels. Strongly scented essential oils such as rosemary, cedarwood, scots or black pine, lavender, camphor, anise and eucalyptus naturally repel pests and the stress they bring to the herd. Essential oils have replaced the use of antibiotics as feed additives to reduce stress and disease. Oregano and thyme essential oils, which have anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties, are used, diluted, directly on skin lesions as well as internally. Massage mild relaxing essentials oils like lavender and chamomile essential oils along the inner edges of a bovine’s ears to help reduce anxiety.

Note: Essential oils should never be given orally to cows, as ingestion can be toxic. Always monitor your cows for any adverse reactions and discontinue use if any issues arise. Oregano and thyme essential oils are considered “hot” oils – use extreme caution when using these oils around your farmyard cows. Alway dilute before use.

Using Essential Oils With Farmyard Dogs*

Using essential oils on farmyard dogs can offer various benefits. However, it is essential to use them safely and responsibly. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Consult a veterinarian: Before using essential oils on your farmyard dog, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about essential oil usage for animals. They can guide you on appropriate oils, dilution ratios, and potential risks based on your dog’s specific needs and health conditions.
Choose quality and pet-safe oils: Ensure you select high-quality essential oils as some essential oils can be toxic to dogs, so it is important to identify pet-safe options. Lavender, chamomile, and cedarwood essential oils are generally considered safe for dogs. If you have a dog with anxiery, give him a few drops of lavender essential oil diluted in carrier oil and rub the base of his tail with it. This will help calm him down when he’s nervous or anxious.
Dilute the oils properly: Essential oils should always be diluted before applying them to your dog. Dilution ratios vary depending on the size and health conditions of your dog. A common dilution ratio is 1 drop of essential oil per 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil).
Perform a patch test: Before applying any essential oil blends to a large area of your dog’s skin, perform a patch test. Apply a small diluted amount of the oil mixture to a small area of skin and observe for any adverse reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching. If there are no reactions after 24 hours, it is generally safe to proceed.
Apply with caution: When applying essential oils, be cautious around sensitive areas such as eyes, nose, ears, and genitals. Avoid applying oils to open wounds, cuts, or sores.
Monitor your dog’s behavior: After applying essential oils on your farmyard dog, monitor their behavior closely for any signs of discomfort, irritation, or adverse reactions. If you notice any negative effects, discontinue use immediately.

Caring for Farmyard Animals With Essential Oils

If your dog has fleas, mix 2 drops each of lemongrass, lavender and rosemary essential oils in 1 tablespoon (15 mL) carrier oil such as fractionated coconut or sweet almond oil. Gently massage this mixture onto the skin behind their ears once daily for 10 days until all signs of fleas disappear.* Please see our blog article DIY Essential Oil Flea Collar for Your Pet for recipe to make a flea collar with essential oils for your dog.

Roman chamomile, cedarwood, and frankincense essential oils are also safe for dogs. Please see our blog articles “Essential Oils for Dogs” and “Essential Oil Recipes for Dogs”*. These articles will help you determine what essential oils have healing opportunities for your dogs and which essential oils to avoid using. Plus you will find some great DIY homemade essential oil recipes for your dogs. We offer the eight essential oils beneficial for dogs in a specially priced set. You can purchase the set here or at the end of this blog article.

Remember, each dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It is crucial to consider your dog’s individual needs and consult a veterinarian before using essential oils on them.

The charts you see on this page – 8 Essential Oils Beneficial For Dogs & AVOID Using These Essential Oils on Dogs are both available for FREE download.

On cats: It’s best not to use essential oils on cats unless under the direct supervision by an experienced aromatherapist who knows how much to use (and where).

Using Essential Oils With Farmyard Horses*

Using essential oils on farmyard horses can provide various benefits, including promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and supporting overall well-being. However, it is important to use essential oils safely and responsibly. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Consult a veterinarian: Before using essential oils on your farmyard horse, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about essential oil usage for horses. They can guide you on appropriate oils, dilution ratios, and potential risks based on your horse’s specific needs and health conditions.
Choose quality and horse-safe oils: Ensure you select high-quality essential oils as some may not be suitable for horses or can be toxic to them. BioSource Naturals essential oils, absolutes and essential oil blends are pure, undiluted essential oils of therapeutic quality. This is often dubbed therapeutic grade. Our pure essential oils are not diluted with solvents or additives.
Dilute the oils properly: Essential oils should be diluted before applying them to your horse. Dilution ratios can vary depending on the specific oil, the intended use, and your horse’s size. As a general guideline, a 1-2% dilution ratio is recommended, meaning 1-2 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil (such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil). Lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and eucalyptus essential oils are generally considered safe for horses..
Perform a patch test: Before applying any essential oils to a large area of your horse’s skin, perform a patch test. Apply a small diluted amount of the oil mixture to a small area of the skin and observe for any adverse reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching. If there are no reactions after 24 hours, it is generally safe to proceed.
Use appropriate application methods: Essential oils can be applied to horses in different ways. You can use a spray bottle to mist the diluted oil onto the horse’s coat, use a cloth to gently rub the oil onto the skin, or use a diffuser in the stable or barn to create an aromatic environment.
Observe your horse’s reaction: After applying essential oils to your farmyard horse, observe their reaction closely. Look for any signs of irritation or discomfort. If your horse shows any negative symptoms, discontinue use immediately.

Peppermint essential oil is very effective at repelling flies, which can be a big problem for horses. You can rub some (diluted) on the horse’s legs or neck and it will keep them from getting bitten by pesky insects. Peppermint essential oil is also good for horses because it helps relieve pain and inflammation in muscles, joints and tendons.

It’s important to note that just like humans, horses have different sensitivities so you need to use caution when using peppermint essential oil around them and your other farm animals. If you’re unsure whether or not something might irritate their skin then do some research first before applying anything directly onto their bodies.

According to a guide from The Horse Heaven,1 some essential oils safe to use on farmyard horses include:

Lavender: commonly used for its calming effects.
Peppermint: can help with respiratory issues.
Lemongrass: can act as an insect repellent.
Eucalyptus: may help with sore muscles and respiration.
Rosemary: may stimulate circulation and act as an insect repellent.

When using essential oils on horses, it’s important to dilute them properly, as they are potent and can be harmful if used incorrectly. It’s recommended to use 1-3 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Essential oils should not be applied to sensitive areas, such as the eyes or genitals, and use should be stopped if any adverse reactions occur. Some essential oils, such as tea tree, should be avoided as they can be toxic to horses.

Additionally, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils on your horse, as they can interact with medications and have varying effects on individual animals.

Remember, each horse is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It is crucial to consider your horse’s individual needs, consult a veterinarian, and start with small amounts when introducing essential oils.

Using Essential Oils With Farmyard Chickens*

Chickens are also very sensitive to essential oils so be very careful using them around your farmyard chickens. If you use too much or the wrong oil, it could harm your chickens’ health. When using essential oils on farmyard chickens, it is essential to proceed with caution and follow proper guidelines. Here are some general recommendations:

Consult a veterinarian: Before using essential oils on your farmyard chickens, it is best to consult a veterinarian experienced with poultry care. They can provide guidance specific to your chickens’ needs and help ensure their safety and well-being.
Choose high-quality essential oils: Always select high-quality essential oils. Ensure that the oils are pure and do not contain any additives or synthetic ingredients that could be harmful to the chickens. BioSource Naturals essential oils, absolutes and essential oil blends are pure, undiluted essential oils of therapeutic quality. This is often dubbed therapeutic grade. Our pure essential oils are not diluted with solvents or additives.
Dilute the oils properly: Essential oils should be properly diluted before use. As a general guideline, a dilution ratio of 1-2 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil) is recommended1. Thoroughly combine the oil mixture before applying it to the chickens.
Spot test first: Before applying the diluted essential oil to a large area, perform a spot test by applying a small amount of the mixture to a discrete area of the chicken’s skin. Monitor the chicken for any adverse reactions or signs of discomfort. If there are no negative reactions within 24-48 hours, it may be safe to proceed2.
Apply topically or diffuse: Essential oils can be applied topically or diffused in the chicken coop. For topical application, apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil mixture to the chicken’s vent area, legs, or feet. Avoid applying near the eyes, beak, or other sensitive areas. Alternatively, you can use a diffuser in the coop to disperse the essential oil aroma in the air3.
Observe chicken behavior and reactions: After applying essential oils or diffusing them in the coop, monitor the chickens’ behavior and reactions closely. If you notice any signs of discomfort, agitation, or respiratory distress, immediately remove the essential oil and consult a veterinarian.

Essential oils can be used safely with chickens to help with various issues, but it is important to use them correctly and with caution. Some essential oils that are safe to use with chickens, according to backyard chicken experts at Backyard Poultry,1 include:

Lavender: for its calming effects and insect-repelling properties.
Peppermint: for respiratory support and insect repellent properties.
Thyme: to support respiratory health.
Eucalyptus: to help with respiratory issues.
Citronella: to repel insects.

It is generally recommended that essential oils be diluted and applied using a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil, to ensure that the concentration is not too strong. Backyard Poultry experts suggest mixing one to two drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, and then applying the mixture to the chicken’s legs or feet where they can absorb the oil through their skin or feathers. Essential oils can also be added to chicken coop bedding and nesting boxes for insect control or to help with respiratory issues.1

Always use caution when using essential oils with chickens, because incorrect use can lead to accidental poisoning. It’s recommended that you consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils on your chickens, especially if they are younger than 8 weeks old, as they are more susceptible to the toxic effects of essential oils.1

Remember that each chicken is unique, and their individual sensitivities may vary. Start with small amounts, closely monitor their reactions, and discontinue use if any negative effects occur. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of your chickens.

Please keep in mind that the information provided above is general guidance, and it is essential to consult a veterinarian experienced in poultry care for specific advice regarding essential oil usage on farmyard chickens. Please see our blog article “Natural Essential Oil Alternatives for Backyard Chickens” for additonal guidelines for using essential oils on your chickens.*

Sources:

Herbal Fly Spray for Horses & Cows*

Creating a DIY fly spray using essential oils can be a natural and effective way to help repel flies and other insects from horses and cows. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of homemade fly sprays can vary, and it’s always recommended to use caution and consult with a veterinarian before using any new product on your animals.

Here’s a simple recipe for a DIY fly spray using essential oils:

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1 cup apple cider vinegar
20 drops of essential oils (choose from safe options like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, or lemongrass)

Instructions:

Mix the water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.
Add the essential oils to the mixture and shake well to combine.
Label the bottle with the ingredients used and the date of preparation.
Test a small area on your animal’s skin for any signs of sensitivity or irritation before using the spray more extensively. Reapply as needed, typically every few hours or after the animal gets wet or sweaty.
To use the fly spray, shake the bottle before each application and spray a light mist over your horse or cow, avoiding sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, mouth and genitals.

Remember, homemade fly sprays may not have the same potency or longevity as commercial products, so it’s important to evaluate their effectiveness and consider other fly control methods to ensure the well-being of your animals.

Please always consult with a veterinarian regarding the specific needs and considerations for your horses and cows when using homemade fly sprays or any other fly control measures.

Note: Be cautious when using essential oils on cows, as their skin may react differently compared to horses. Consult with a veterinarian or livestock specialist to ensure you are using essential oils safely and appropriately for cows.

Using Essential Oils Safely With Your Farmyard Animals*

When using essential oils on farmyard animals, it’s important to consider the animal’s sensitivity and health. Some essential oils are toxic to certain animals and can even be harmful to humans.

To keep your animals safe from unnecessary harm, make sure you know the following:

What kind of animal you’re working with (horse, cow, goat).
The age of the animal(s) in question–younger ones tend to be more sensitive than adults.
Available resources on how each specific oil affects that type/age/sex/species of farmyard creature.

Additional Sources:

*All statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA, AKC, USDA or American Horse Council and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.