Farm Horizons • April
3, 2017 • Page 14
Oil for animals?
Howard Lake veterinarian has become a world expert on essential oil use for pet health
By Starrla Cray
Dr. Melissa Shelton of rural Howard Lake is an internationally known expert on medical-grade essential oil use for animals, earning the nickname“ the oily vet.”
“ That’ s actually on my license plate and one of my websites,” commented Shelton.
She’ s authored two books, has her own line of essential oil products, offers online classes, and has taught in locations across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
Her research on essential oils began a decade ago with her own family. Shelton noticed that her two children had adverse reactions to artificial food dyes, chemicals, and sweeteners.
“ Even the overload of white sugars in jelly would affect my kids,” she noted.
Shelton took a class on natural remedies, which turned out to be about essential oils.
She began using them to treat scraped knees, upset stomachs, and headaches, and saw impressive results. The oils also served as a replacement for air fresheners.
“ I had to make sure that the essential oils would also be safe for use in animal homes,” Shelton noted, explaining that much of the literature in the veterinary community cautions against this, as animals are more sensitive to scents than humans.
Essential exploration
She decided to explore the issue herself, speaking to hundreds of people who had successfully used essential oils on their pets. Her research showed that those with adverse reactions to oils were often using them excessively, or incorrectly.