Essential oils for our pets: good or bad idea ?

1 February 2023

For several years now, essential oils have been popular, both for human and animal use. This liquid is obtained by mechanical extraction, steam distillation or liquid distillation. The benefits of essential oils are recognised by the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products, which defines them in particular for their pharmaceutical uses.

Which essential oils should be used for cats ?

Essential oils may seem harmless, yet. In cats, some can cause :

irritations, such as clove (Eugenia carophylatta) for example,
neurological disorders, such as niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia),
respiratory disorders, such as eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata or globulus).

Some also contain camphorated ketones, such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which can cause liver problems in cats. Unless you’re a specialist, it’s best to avoid self-medication (as with us!) or, better still, to use them on the recommendation of a trained health professional.

In cats, certain essential oils are particularly interesting for their use in inhalation. This particularly applies to :

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) with anti-infectious, antispasmodic, anti-fibrotic and expectorant properties,
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) with antiviral, antifungal and anti-infectious properties,
maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), known for its ability to stimulate the immune system, and its anti-catarrhal, anti-infectious, antioxidant and expectorant properties,
Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.) with its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, and which is particularly interesting for inhalation as it calms cats.

What about ready-to-use preparations ?

There are indeed ready-made formulations on the market. The advantage of these mixtures is that they contain several essential oils and that you can therefore take advantage of their synergy: they are often more effective when used in combination than when used alone. However, always remember to read the instructions carefully, so that you know which essential oils are present in the formulation, and always choose mixtures specially formulated for cats.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.