Regardless of your dog’s energy level or history, we all want our dogs to be well-adjusted and content. Enter aromatherapy to the rescue. I’ve always been curious about aromatherapy and have tried just a little bit on myself. When I met Vicki Rae Thorne of Earth Heart® Inc. a few years ago, I learned that there are many effective applications for animals as well. Vicki has been helping animals for decades after initially formulating a product for herself. Read on to learn how she has helped pioneer the industry and how her products can help you and your pup.
DRS: How did you get started in your pet business?
VRT: It was love at first smell when I attended a weekend intensive on essential oils in 1992. I’d been diagnosed with fibromyalgia after a whiplash injury 4 years earlier, and was inspired to start making massage oils and bath salts to address my constant pain and stress. Because I was pregnant and had a 5-year-old at home, everything had to be safe for everyone, and I apply that same level of responsibility to formulating for dogs.
In 1999, I was approached by a kennel owner who wanted help with calming her canine visitors. The dogs missed their families and felt anxious, agitated, angry or depressed. The formula now known as Canine Calm® was developed to diffuse in the kennel – and it helped from day one!
DRS: I love that you were willing to explore possible applications for animals and it worked! How does your business help both animals and people?
VRT: A happy and heathy dog brings peace of mind to pet parents. Topical aromatherapy products can support the human-animal bond, facilitate behavior modification and improve health. An added benefit is that the remedies you are using with your dog can have the same effect on you!
DRS: I love that. Do you have a personal or professional relationship to animal rescue?
VRT: Giving back has been part of the Earth Heart brand, supporting the efforts of over 100 rescues, shelters and other charitable organizations with product donations for raffle or silent auction. Our 2018 sponsorship of Anderson Animal Shelter is also personal.
In June of 2017, we met a black wiry-haired little dog, the only dog in the shelter that day. While all the other dogs went to an adoption event, he’d been left behind to recover from some minor medical issues. He stole our hearts.
A big brown eye was peeking out between the kennel bars, and as we got closer we could see exuberant tail-wagging. He licked each of us through the bars so we asked to meet with him in the greeting room. I found out later that all three of us independently noticed a little black paw – the magic paw – reaching under the kennel door as we walked away, and I think that was the moment we all knew. We’d previously met with several dogs who were more interested in toys than us. Not this little guy – we tossed the ball, he looked at it, turned away, walked up to each of us and snuggled in. What I’ve been told about humans being chosen by the dog proved to be true.
His shelter name was Scruffy because he’s a wired-haired terrier mix. On the drive home, we started a list of cool names like Otis and Einstein. A couple of days later, I unconsciously called out “Toby,” and he came running down the hallway to my office. The name fit.
I wanted to give back locally this year, which is why I’m a sponsor. The shelter experience is fulfilling for a number of reasons – they help find good homes for lost or abandoned dogs, reduce overpopulation through spay/neuter programs, offer quality medical programs, training and micro-chipping.
Toby wasn’t micro-chipped until he arrived at the shelter. Although we don’t know his story, we can tell he was well-loved and socialized. I can’t help but wonder if our joy is at the expense of a family losing a beloved dog due to that omission. It’s why we sponsor Lost Pet Prevention Month.
DRS: Toby’s story is beautiful. You have such a big heart to wonder about Toby’s previous family. I say we trust that Toby was meant to be your baby and as such propel you to potentially save other families from heartbreak via Lost Pet Prevention.
Can you offer a few professional tips to my readers?
VRT: Since there is no regulatory agency that grades essential oils, “therapeutic-grade” or “medical-grade” is merely a marketing ploy. Claims of an essential oil “cure-all” are false; your dog’s age, temperament, health, rescue status, symptoms and scent preferences all contribute to which essential oils are appropriate to use.
Pure essential oils are highly concentrated, and whether inhaled or topically applied, they must be diluted before using. Undiluted or high percentages of essential oils can overwhelm your dog’s sense of smell, cause systemic sensitization, and irritate the skin or lungs.
Using a diffuser is diluting in air. Be sure to diffuse in well-ventilated areas for short periods of time: 15 minutes 1-2 times daily can be sufficient. Place diffusers away from bird cages and fish tanks, and make sure that cats can easily leave the area.
DRS: Very helpful. Thank you. What’s next up for your business? What can we be looking for?
VRT: Our essential oil blends are now available in coconut oil-based roll-ons, and a blend for PTSD and other trauma is nearly ready for release.
Our customers continue to ask for cat remedies, so I’m working on a non-essential oil line for cats and dogs.
DRS: Super cool. I love that you are addressing PTSD and kitties! Where can we learn more about you and your business?
VRT: Visit EarthHeartInc.com or contact me at vicki@earthheartinc.com or 847-551-1806.
DRS: Is there anything else you would like for people to know about you or your business?
VRT: Earth Heart practices Responsible Aromatherapy™:
— Situations (and dogs) are unique: Using a highly diluted product allows you to control the amount and frequency of dosage to use the least amount needed for the desired result.
— Resource protection: Diluting essential oils prevents the overharvesting of plants from both overuse and exploitation of depressed economies.
— Protect physical health: Some essential oils are irritating to skin and mucous membranes when used in high concentrations.
— Less is more: Trained (certified, registered, clinical) aromatherapists promote minimal exposure to prevent sensitization through controlled dosage and dilution.
— Cost effective: Diluting essential oils is not only safer, it’s also more affordable.
My aromatherapy and herbal certifications are through Jeanne Rose Herbal & Aromatherapy Studies, and I’m a long-standing member of the American Herbalists Guild, the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, and Women in the Pet Industry Network
Earth Heart® has built a reputation for designing safe, affordable and effective natural remedies for people, places and pets. All products are made in the USA, puppy-friendly from 10 weeks, and responsibly formulated with 100% pure essential oils to be safe and easy to use at home or work and while traveling. Earth Heart® is a proud sponsor of IJA Rescue Me Rodeos, Anderson Animal Shelter and Lost Pet Prevention Month.
DRS: This is so important. Thank you for this education, Vicki. I think we all tend to think “More is Better” and I love that you are reminding us that Less is More with essential oils, especially for our voiceless friends who we are trying to help, not harm.
And thank you again for your contribution to What to Expect When Adopting a Dog. You are making a difference to Pets People and the Planet and I am so grateful for your support and our connection.
