We all know our favorite family members are our furriest ones (including Grandpa). But unlike Grandpa, it can be difficult for our pets to communicate their needs. So why exclude the benefits of health and wellness from our four-legged friends? That’s where iTOVi comes in.

We know that sometimes it’s difficult to hold a squirming animal while scanning them at the same time. Here are some suggestions:

Wait ‘til your pet is asleep or cuddled up calmly in your arms.
Give your pet a treat before and after a scan so that they associate it positively.
If your pet likes their belly rubbed, this can be a good time to do a scan when they are rolled onto their back, relaxing.
Have someone hold your pet so that they are comfortable, and then have another person scan them.

Try and never force your pet to be scanned. It will make it more challenging to scan them in the future if they associate scanning with fear or dislike. It’s better to introduce the scanner in a calm, mellow fashion so that they associate it with safety and predictability.

How do I apply scan results for my pets?

Not all supplements and oils are safe for pets to use, so what do you do when your pet’s scan comes up with something that is unsafe for them?

Firstly, there are many ways to use essential oils. Many oils have an emotional tie to them, which is really what you’re interested in learning about when it comes to pets. Perhaps diffusing these single oils and blends in your home is enough to create a positive response in your pet. As for supplements, we don’t advise giving them to your pet without discussing it with your veterinarian first.

Dilute! Dilute! Dilute!

When applying oils to your pets topically, it is vital that you dilute them. The quality of essential oils used on pets should be 100% pure. A good rule of thumb for dilution is to use 1 drop of essential oil to every 50 drops of carrier oil. Another recommendation is 3-6 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil. Our favorite carrier oils for pets are almond, coconut, and olive oils. Never apply essential oils to sensitive areas like the nose, eyes, genitals, or ears.

That’s right, iTOVi is safe for pets!

Scanning your pets can be a great way to check-in on them. And while not all supplements or oils are safe for pets, it can still be an excellent way to see what’s going on below the surface, particularly when it comes to unexpressed emotions.

Because of the level of concentration of essential oils, we advise serious caution when using them on animals. We’ll have usage recommendations below, but one rule of thumb if you’re unsure — ask your veterinarian.

How to scan your pet

Scanning your pet might seem like a daunting task, so we’ve put together some recommendations so that this process goes smoothly.

When you open the iTOVi app to perform a scan, it gives you a couple options which are designed for human-use. Our advice is to treat your pet like a baby, and choose the infant option. In most cases, babies and pets will be similarly sensitive to supplements and oils, and so this option will be closest to your pet’s needs.

When scanning, both of the metal sensors need to make contact with your pet’s skin, which means it’s crucial to find a less-fuzzy part of their body to get an accurate scan.

We recommend:

The inner side of the ear (if your pet has large ears)
The tummy
The upper inner leg (by the joint)
The pads of their feet

oils for dogs

Toxic oils for dogs

Clove

Garlic

Juniper

Rosemary

Melaleuca

Thyme

Wintergreen

Tune-in to your pet’s unique needs

senior pets.

A great way to provide the benefits of essential oils to your pets is by diffusing 1-2 drops of oil in a room, allowing it to permeate the space for 10-15 minutes. We advise paying close attention to your pet during this time to ensure they are not bothered by the scent. Stop using the oils immediately if they have an adverse reaction, and always have a way for your pet to leave the vicinity, so they do not feel trapped.

Consult with your veterinarian before using oils if:

Your pet is pregnant or nursing.
Before adding essential oils to your pet’s food or drinking water.
Your pet is a senior or has other health conditions.

Do NOT use essential oils on your pet if:

Your pet has epilepsy or seizures.
Your pet is under 10 weeks old.
Your pet clearly dislikes them.

Essential oil toxicity varies between cats and dogs, and every pet is different. Below we have a list of oils that are commonly known to be toxic for dogs, cats, and then a list of oils that you should never use on any furry friends. The list is incomplete and is a general outline of which oils to avoid without prior consultation with a veterinarian before use.