I have 4 canicross dogs and I have found so many benefits using essential oils to support their fitness.
I’ve focussed this post around canicross but this will apply to other sports disciplines too and to be honest to dogs with mobility issues but as I compete in canicross I wanted to focus this more specifically on the sport I do as this is what I know best. I am also an instructor in it so you could say I am obsessed with this sport!
So first off diet - now I am a big raw fan but this is a post about using essential oils so what do I add to the food to support them. Copaiba first and foremost as with its high amount of beta-caryophyllene it's super beneficial for the musculoskeletal system as this constituent binds to the CB2 receptors which are located all over the body not just the system we are interested in learn more about copaiba in my podcast
https://www.thehealthfuldoctor.com/podcast/2022/4/27/copaiba-essential-oil/
Now another one I like as my dogs are getting older is DDR Prime. This proprietary blend is chock full of anti-oxidants which counteract the free radicals that cause inflammation. For my older dogs I also add in turmeric oil too, this oil is rich in turmerones which are also great for inflammation and unlike the other component of turmeric - curcumin is more bioavailable which means it gets easily absorbed by the body. The problem with curcumin - turmeric powder is the body cannot absorb it on its own hence golden paste being popular - which my dogs hate but they like the oils and what's more the turmeric assists in the absorption of the turmeric powder so it is a perfect combo.
Now on race days I feed my dogs a couple of hours after racing rather than before as it helps with the poo situation and you should not exercise a dog within 2 hours of eating as it is risky for bloat. My dogs tend to have a light breakfast 2 hours before generally some overnight oats or an oat biscuit I’ve made for them and with this I give them some terrazyme which is a digestive enzyme which aids the digestion and therefore helps release the nutrients from the food so releasing energy.
This is useful for all dog but especially if you have a dog who is stressed or other some digestive issues as well as other health concerns - full blog post coming soon on this!
So let's move on to aromatic! Now I am a big fan of diffusing and it is very useful for your dogs - getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for us so we give them the best but obviously they need to sleep well too and it might be disconcerting for some being in a different place camping and so on not to mention maybe they don’t like travelling - see my YT on travel
Travel With Anxious Dogs
I love my rechargeable diffuser which helps on the journey and at night all curled up we sleep tight with some Serenity in there. This is such a calming blend and really helps even the most anxious dog .
For the morning routine I like to diffuse wild orange to get us all pepped up - now the great thing about wild orange as well as being an uplifting and invigorating oil also helps calm as citrus oils promote the release of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine making them super effective for keeping us and pooches unruffled! Plus with a drop of insect repelling oils my dogs are all comfy and critter free!
I absolutely love this blend and the benefits for our dogs is huge. It is a gorgeous smelling combination of several oils that all help to get your dog ready for exercise mentally and physically from boosting the circulation so that those muscles are optimised to prevent strains, to pepping up your dog ready for the off.
But it also is soothing to quell any anxiety you or your dog might have and soothing for those muscles that will be working hard.
I also apply it as a post run/ race cool down massage too and in their evening massage as well. As an added bonus the oils such as lavender and peppermint are effective flea and tick repellants too! Making it a very good all round blend - I am going to do a separate post on Aromatouch so do stay tuned!
Dilution can be for <10kg 1 drop in 15mls of fractionated coconut oil (FCO)- apply a couple of drops of the blend to the limbs. For dogs over 10kg a dilution of 1 drop in 5mls of FCO is a good one.
Drop me a message if you would like to book in for a FREE chat to see how essential oils could help your dog.
Or why not watch a recording of my latest class