Can I Use Essential Oils On My Horse?

Essential oils can be a great addition to your weekly routine with your horse. While you don’t want to apply any of them directly to your horse’s skin, you can use them via aromatherapy—where your horse actively smells the oils, either under their nose or through a diffuser.

Are essential oils harmful to horses?

Essential oils that are safe for horses include, but are not limited to: basil, bergamot, chamomile, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, and tea tree. Please keep in mind that essential oils are VERY concentrated, and horses are more sensitive than humans.

Is tea tree oil safe for horses skin?

Tea tree oil can be found in many products for wound care on horses. This is because tea tree oil’s natural antibacterial effect helps keeps wounds clean and free of infection. While it’s often diluted with other products that form a combined healing affect, tea tree oil itself is a wonderful wound aid.

How do you use peppermint oil on horses?

Depending on the symptoms your horse is having, peppermint oil can be applied along their spine, chest and joints. It can also be defused into the air or ingested through grain or treats.

What essential oils are best for horses?

There are various essential oils that are beneficial to horses, including lavender, tea tree, basil, eucalyptus, bergamot, frankincense, geranium, and chamomile.

How do you use lavender oil on horses?

Equestrians should only purchase 100% therapeutic-grade essential oils. When using with your horse, you can dab the oil on the affected area, the chest for inhalation, or the poll. Begin by wrapping your hand around the bottle with the lid off. Extend the oil to your horse and allow him to sniff.

Can horses have lavender?

A research study at the University of Arizona, conducted by Isabelle Chea and Professor Ann Baldwin, found that lavender has a calming effect on horses and can be used to reduce their stress levels.

What scent do horses like?

Maybe you have a favorite scent that helps you relax: something like eucalyptus, or lilac, or jasmine, or cinnamon. Well, according to a recent study, horses do as well — and it’s lavender.

Is peppermint safe for horses?

“Peppermint-flavored treats made especially for horses and peppermint candy won’t likely cause any problems, especially if they’re given sparingly, such as once a day,” said Whitehouse.

What soothes itchy skin in horses?

Soothing emollient shampoos, solutions and sprays can help some cases. Cold water hosing and ice packs applied to the irritated areas can also lead to an improvement. Shampoos containing colloidal oatmeal and oils such as borage, tea tree, evening primrose and aloe vera can also have palliative effects.

What oil is best for horses coat?

Almost all oils will have a positive impact on coat shine. Cold pressed flax/linseed oil, canola or soybean oil or any oils that have been fortified with omega fatty acids are particularly effective. Despite low omega fatty acid levels, rice bran oil and coconut oil are also good for coats.

What can I give a horse with itchy skin?

Commonly prescribed anti-itching medications include corticosteroids and essential fatty acids. A program that stresses preventive control of parasites in the horse’s environment—including insect control and regular deworming programs—can help eliminate or reduce some causes of itching.

Is cedarwood oil safe for horses?

Occasionally we’re asked: “Is Cedarwood oil toxic to horses?” The short answer is No—when properly formulated and properly used, cedarwood oil is not toxic to horses.

How do you make homemade fly spray for horses?

3. Homemade Horse Fly Spray from Cowboy Way

1. 2 cups white vinegar.
2. 1 tablespoon eucalyptus essential oil.
3. 1 cup water. Add all ingredients to a spray bottle and vigorously shake to mix them. Shake well before every use.

Is oregano essential oil safe for horses?

The Best Essential Oils for Horses
Experts have decided the three essential oils that are best for horses are oregano, lavender and thyme. They are often used as an expectorant and can help relieve congestion. Oregano, however, should never be used for a pregnant or lactating mare.

What oils can I give my horse?

For boosting calories and keeping omega balance in check, canola or soybean oil would be a far better choice than corn oil,” explained Whitehouse. Fish oil has superior fatty acid content, with an omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of 6:1, but it is generally not fed to increase energy consumption.

What does eucalyptus do for horses?

Eucalyptus leaves contain essential oils that can be used for respiratory diseases. They can have an expectorant effect in horses. Eucalyptus leaves can also be used to support the lungs.

What does aloe vera oil do for horses?

Its soothing properties make it effective in treating skin irritation caused by allergies, chafing or minor burns. Horses can also ingest Aloe to aid digestion. With a large amount of digestible fibre, it helps to reduce irritation in the stomach and can protect the digestive tract.

Can you use Vicks Vapor Rub on horses?

Vicks VapoRub, or one of its generic equivalents, works as well for relieving congestion from equine respiratory infections as it does for human. Rub it liberally on the skin of the nostrils (not in the nostrils), under the jaw and along the upper trachea/wind pipe.

What essential oils keep flies off horses?

Natural Fly Control: Unleashing the Power of Botanicals & Essential Oils for Horses

• Citronella.
• Clove (aka clovestem)
• Thyme.
• Peppermint.
• Cornmint (aka wild mint, field mint, Japanese mint)
• Rosemary.
• Geraniol.
• Lemongrass.

Can you put aloe vera on a horse?

Aloe vera is often used by horse owners to address gastric ulcers. This herb is thought to soothe the digestive tract, reduce pain associated with ulcers and promote wound healing.