Clay is not widely used in Anglophone countries whilst in Francophone ones, nearly every household will have a packet in its cupboard. Clay is part of any good horse stud, agistment properties and equine rehabilitation places and is readily available in saddleries or produce stores in various forms.
Aromatherapy is an excellent natural therapy for horses and dogs, not for cats though. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils as a therapy to certain physical and mental ailments. When essential oils penetrate the bloodstream, they release their components that act on the various systems of the body and promote self-healing.
Animals react well to it and it is easy to use as long as you know which essential oils to use on your pets.
Here are the profiles of the herbs that can be given to horses. Don't forget that herbs are medicine and you should consult your veterinarian when required.
Remember that essential oils are unsafe for cats (can be lethal). Floral waters are best suited for them.
There are many literature on unsafe essential oils but only a little on those unsafe for animals. One rule applies to all though is that if it is unsafe for humans, it is unsafe for animals as well.
It is important to know which essential oils you can use on your dog or horse and to remember that what might suit one, might not be suited for another one.
I have compiled a list and you might find different oils mentioned in various books. This list refers to the main essential oils and is from "Advanced Aromatherapy” by Kurt Schnaubelt and other various sources
Toxicity of essential oils
Common Name
Scientific Name
Comments
Rue
Ruta graveolens
Poisonous, abortive and neurotoxic
Santolina
Santolina chamaecyparisius
Not advisable to use, abortive and neurotoxic
Mugwort
Artemisia herba alba
Poisonous, abortive and neurotoxic
Thuja
Thuja occidentalis
In small doses only and exclusively externally, abortive and neurotoxic
Wormwood
Artemisia absinthum
Do not use, abortive and neurotoxic
Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
Use externally only with extreme caution, abortive and neurotoxic
Pennyroyal
Mentha pulegium
Poisonous in large dose and definitely not for animals, abortive and neurotoxic
Crested Lavender
Lavendula stoechas
Do not confuse with other types of Lavender. not suitable for children and animals, abortive and neurotoxic
Sage
Salva officinalis
Dangerous for children and animals
Spike Lavender
Lavendula latifolia
Has high levels of camphor and is best suited when mixed with benign oils
Camphor
Cinnamon camphora
High levels of camphor. Neurotoxic and induces abortion. White Camphor is relatively safe but should be used in minute amounts
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Caution with children and animals. Blue Yarrow is safe
Rosemary
Rosemarinus officicinalis
Non toxic in small doses. Use Rosemary Verbenone instead and preferably externally or in very small doses internally
Peppermint
Mentha piperita
Non toxic in small doses. Caution with children
Eucalyptus polybractea
Eucalyptus polybractea
Must be mixed with other oils
Eucalyptus dives
Eucalyptus dives
Must be mixed with other oils
Atlas Cedarwood
Cedrus atlantica
External use only. Non toxic
Savory
Satureja spec.
Not for external use
Oregano
Oreganum vulgaris, O. compactum
Hihgly irritant. Best when not used externally.
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Hihgly irritant. Best when not used externally.
Clove leaf oil
Syzygium aromaticum
Hihgly irritant. Best when not used externally.
Juniper
Juniperus communis
Kidney tissue damages. Juniperberriy oil is safe in moderation though.
Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum
Highly irritant. The oil from the leaves is less aggressive
Cassia
Cinnamomum cassia
Highly irritant
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Moderately toxic. Possible carcinogen. French Basil is known to be less toxic
The following oils must never be used with animals (and humans!):
Bitter almond, Boldo, Calamus, Camphor (yellow and brown), Goosefoot, Horseradish, Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Rue, Sassafras, Tansy (the Blue one is fine), Thuja, Wintergreen, Wormwood
Other exotic oils which have not been scientifically proven safe must not be used either.
Photosensitizing oils that must be used with caution if the animal is exposed to the sun after application:
The following table lists contraindications according to Dr. Jean Claude Lepraz as per Kurt Schnaubelt in his "Advanced Aromatherapy" book and from various other resources.
Remedies 4 Pets 
