Dogs

Why Is My Dog Staring at the Wall

Why Is My Dog Staring at the Wall – Is it Something Serious?

By Shakir Malik

Watching someone stare at the wall for a long time …

Why Is My Dog Staring at the Wall – Is it Something Serious? Read More

Not all dogs love a doggie road trip, and many dogs become quite distressed, anxious, or over-excited when traveling in the car. Lavender has a lovely calming scent and can be used very effectively to soothe an anxious dog. The use of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been attributed to aiding in relaxation, sleep, anxiety, restlessness, depression, and headaches in humans for a very long time. A number of studies on our favorite furry friends have also shown wonderful results when used on them. A 2006 study conducted in Ireland and published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association evaluated the effectiveness of lavender odor as a treatment for travel-induced excitement in dogs. The researchers found that lavender scent-exposed dogs were significantly more likely to rest, sit, and less vocal than those who were not exposed to the scent. The American Journal of Veterinary Research published another study in 2009 that investigated the effect of topical application of undiluted lavender oil on autonomic nerve activity in dogs. The researchers found that when dogs were treated with lavender oil (3.6 drops were applied to the inner pinnae of each ear), their mean heart rate was significantly lower. We know that lavender is wonderfully relaxing, but... How does it help our dogs in the car? We've compiled six simple ways you and your dog can use this brilliant plant to make time spent in the car less stressful and more enjoyable. #1 Dog collar Apply 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil directly to your dog’s collar, or on a bandana placed around their neck. #2 Lavender spray Purchase or make a lavender spray and give the car upholstery a quick spritz to infuse it with a lavender scent. #3 Car aromatherapy diffuser You can now purchase some fantastic little aromatherapy diffusers that connect to the USB port in your car (or anywhere else that has a USB port). You just fill the cartridge with oil and it will intermittently disperse a puff of soothing lavender all around the car. Voila! I purchased mine from a health food store for $39.95. There are a number of lavender-scented car fresheners on the market, however, I don’t recommend these, as the fragrance is most likely synthetic and not pure essential oil. #4 Lavender infused piece of fabric in the car Put a few drops of lavender essential oil on a handkerchief or piece of fabric and hang it somewhere in the car. If your dog travels in a crate, you can hang the fabric on the crate door. #5 Apply directly to the dog The abovementioned study used undiluted oil, HOWEVER, I would recommend diluting the oil at a 1:4 ratio. Add 1-drop lavender to 4 drops carrier oil such as olive oil before applying. Place a few drops of the diluted oil onto your hands and then massage into the tips of your dog’s ears, abdomen, neck, and back. Be careful not to apply too close to their nose or eyes, as they may find this bothersome. It is also recommended to conduct a patch test to check for sensitivity and discontinue use if any irritation occurs. #6 Dried lavender sachet Place a sachet of dried flowers in the car and allow the scent to diffuse throughout. A Word of Caution Essential oils vary significantly in both quality and price. The general rule of thumb is – you get what you pay for, so please, please, please don’t use cheap fragrance oils as a substitute. You certainly don't want cheap, synthetic oils around you or your pooch, as they're made of petrochemicals and a variety of other nasty elements.

6 Ways to Use Lavender in the Car to Calm Your Dog

By Shakir Malik

Not all dogs love a doggie road trip, and many …

6 Ways to Use Lavender in the Car to Calm Your Dog Read More

italian dog names

999 Popular Italian Dog Names Inspired by Food & Everything

By Shakir Malik

Italian names are unique, charismatic, and soulful. When you name …

999 Popular Italian Dog Names Inspired by Food & Everything Read More

best dog training books

10 Best Dog Training Books of All Time

By Shakir Malik

It is definitely a big day for anyone when a …

10 Best Dog Training Books of All Time Read More

Spiritual Names for Dogs

95+ Mystical, Cosmic & Spiritual Names for Dogs

By Shakir Malik

Are you looking for spiritual dog names that sound cosmic? …

95+ Mystical, Cosmic & Spiritual Names for Dogs Read More

bland diet for dogs

Easy Bland Diet for Dogs to Get Them Back on Track Quickly

By Shakir Malik

Has your dog undergone some surgery, or has some mild …

Easy Bland Diet for Dogs to Get Them Back on Track Quickly Read More

Game of Thrones Dog Names

49 Wondrous Game of Thrones Dog Names that are Lit AF!

By Shakir Malik

Finally, the winter has come. A show which has unusual …

49 Wondrous Game of Thrones Dog Names that are Lit AF! Read More

How to Know If Your Dog is Happy

How to Know If Your Dog is Happy | 14 Tell-Tale Signs

By Shakir Malik

How to know if your dog is happy? It sounds …

How to Know If Your Dog is Happy | 14 Tell-Tale Signs Read More

harry potter dog names

275+ Magical Harry Potter Dog Names

By Shakir Malik

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Then I’m sure you …

275+ Magical Harry Potter Dog Names Read More

Why Does My Dog Have Scabs

Why Does My Dog Have Scabs? + What to Do About It

By Shakir Malik

What to do when your dog has crusty scabs on …

Why Does My Dog Have Scabs? + What to Do About It Read More

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