Therapeutic grade essential oils are an excellent natural support system for both new puppies and your bitch. Here are a few oils we have used.
- Stress Away : This was invaluable to calm any anxiety, both for mama and breeder. Stress Away is a blend of Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Ocatea, Lavender and Vanilla, which is not an essential oil but an essence. Just a swipe to the back of the neck and inside the wrists did the trick for humans and a drop or so in diffuser for the bitch.
- Joy: This was diffused throughout pregnancy and beyond, as well as a drop over the heart. A wonderful blend that not only promotes bonding, but love and an open heart as well. Contained in this blend is Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Rosewood, Lemon, Mandarin, Jasmine, Roman Chamomile, Palmarosa, and Rose.
- Helichrysum: This single oil was invaluable on the cesarean section incision to heal tissue trauma and stop minor bleeding. A few drops directly on the incision from day one not only expedited healing but also relieved pain. You can continue with this for a week if needed.
- Frankincense: I placed a drop in the palm of my hand and rubbed this on my newborn puppies feet within hours of birth as an immunity booster. This oil affects emotional balance, the immune system, the nervous system and the skin. This oil can also be used on the incision if cesarean is needed for healing.
- Lavender: Well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, again can be used on incision if cesarean is needed.
- Peppermint: If the bitch is vomiting a drop or two of this in diffuser can alleviate the nausea.
- Cistus: Helps to contract and strengthen the uterus. This works well regardless of method of delivery. Apply 1 to 2 drops on the lower abdomen once per day for 5-10 days after delivery.
- Myrrh: This can be applied directly on the puppies umbilical cords, just a drop, for about 3-4 days to promote healing.
- Deep Relief: Often during a C-section the body reacts to the anesthesia by shaking uncontrollably, which can be a common side effect. Anyone that has experienced this knows the toll that it can take on your muscles. Deep Relief is a roll on blend containing Peppermint, Lemon, Idaho Balsam Fir, Clove, Copaiba, Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Vetiver, and Palo Santo. Just a little of this rolled in your hands then massaged on your bitchs’ back will ease her muscles.
- Fennel: This is to increase milk production. You can use it two different ways, directly to the teat (well avoiding the nipple area) or two drops under the tongue. Can put the drops in a teaspoon of honey and allow your bitch to lick. I have noticed an increase in milk supply within hours of application. Word of caution, you should never use Fennel for more than 5 consecutive days.
- Melrose: If you experience milk duct clogs/mastitis in your bitch you can put a drop or two where you feel the clog and then apply a warm compress to drive the oil in. You can repeat as often as needed. Melrose is a blend containing Rosemary, Melaleuca, Clove, and Niaouli.
- Geranium: Occasionally you may find once the umbilical cord falls off, there may be minor bleeding in the area. A drop of Geranium will safely stop any bleeding.
Our Favorite Five EO’s to use for Mastitis Care:
1. Tea Tree
Also known as melaleuca, tea tree oil is one of the best-known antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal oils that exist in the world. It helps to fight the disease-causing bacteria causing the mastitis. It should be applied topically on the infected area, undiluted, or diluted with a cooling oil like coconut oil if you wish.
2. Lavender
Calming, relaxing and soothing in nature, lavender oil is also highly antibacterial and has cleansing properties that will help get rid of the infection quickly. It can be used in the same way as tea tree oil.
3. Oregano
Highly antibacterial, oregano oil has been researched and found to be more potent than many popular antibiotics prescribed by doctors today. Dilute one drop of oregano oil in 1 tsp of raw honey and allow the dam to lick it off your finger or a spoon, or feed to her in a vegetable capsule 1 – 2 times a day.
4. Basil
Another cooling essential oil that can help draw out the heat and infection. I applied 2 – 3 drops of basil oil diluted in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and massaged it firmly into the infected lump.
5. Frankincense
A highly spiritual and grounding essential oil, frankincense can help de-stress and relieve tension in dams who are undergoing anxiety, mental strain or general stress. Frankincense can be applied to the infected teat.
*Please note: Be sure to wash off the areas where you have used the oils prior to allowing puppies to nurse!