Animal PsychAromatica- Essential oils and natural management for horses, dogs and cats

What is APA?

Cat smells hydrosol

APA is a natural health system founded on the use of essential oils for animals, it works on the psyche of the animal to reduce stress and increase health using aromatic extracts, behavioural management, natural nutrition and owner education. This holistic approach to animal wellness fosters an internal and external environment that leads to balanced health. APA teaches animal guardians how to use essential oils safely for horses, dogs & cats and better understand and provide the natural needs of all our essential animals. Click here to find out which essential oils your pets need. Or browse the library to learn more about how essential oils can help your pets. For courses & workshops go here.

How can APA help you and your animals?

Essential oils are a safe and effective solution for many common health and behaviour problems in domestic and captive animals, such as:

Stress, Allergies, Arthritis, Cushings Syndrome, Excema, Hormonal Problems, Metabolic Syndrome, Sweet itch, Skin problems, Laminitis, Aches and Pains, Injuries, Immune disorders, Sarcoids, Warts, Aggression, Disobedience, Phobias & Fears, Separation Anxiety, Spookiness, Stereotypical Behaviour.

APA uses an animal's instinctive ability to choose substances it needs to be healthy,(known scientifically as zoopharmacognosy); you, the guardian, provide your horse, dog or cat essential oils that support the body's natural ability to self-heal. Working together like this, in a way an animal understands, enhances the bond of trust between you.

APA philosophy and tools

APA grew out of my work in animal aromatherapy. As I worked with essential oils and various animals, I came to understand that most of what we call disease could have been prevented if we had taken care of the early signs of stress in the body or mind. By understanding what causes stress in the body and mind we can create a healthy environment and prevent illness before it happens. If you want to know more about APA and the tools I use read on below, if you need help for your animal you can arrange a private consultation here.

1. Essential Oils and aromatic extracts for animals

Zoopharmacognosy in action as horse 'self-medicates' on wild hedgerow Essential oils are potent extracts of aromatic plants that have been used for the promotion of health for centuries, nowadays many vets also recognise their usefulness in animal welfare. Essential oils contain ingredients that animals would normally ingest freely in nature but are deprived of in a domestic environment. As well as essential oils, APA uses hydrosols and macerated herbal oils in its pharmacopeia. A natural, non-invasive aid to total well-being, aromatics have proven highly effective in supporting the body's natural healing mechanism and the relief of physical, behavioural, and training problems... read more

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine and kinesiology for animals

The chinese medical tradition goes back 5,000 years at least and contains much wisdom. TCM has a very holistic outlook on health and APA uses some of its principles, particularly the 5 Element Theory to help understand the client, the presenting problems and which essential oils might be useful. Kinesiology is a more modern system that also includes elements of TCM and allows us to interface directly with the body's meridian systems to help understand the root of the problem... read more

3. Natural Nutrition and Management, horses, dogs, cats

Cat with a mouse in its mouth - natural nutrition Many problems, including itching skin, bad breath and behaviour problems arise because domestic animals eat an unsuitable diet, high in fats and sugars, preservatives and other additives, or low in trace nutrients. Our animals also live in an environment which causes them psychological and physical stress; lack of company, exercise or clear rules all contribute to stress levels. There are many simple ways animal guardians can change how they manage their animals to increase health and well-being.... read more

4. Animal behaviour & inter-species understanding

Animals can become stressed if they are incorrectly trained or if they are punished for natural behaviour. Most of the time behavioural problems in horses, dogs and cats disappear when the owner understands the root of the problem and explains what he/she wants from the animal in language it can understand.... read more