Uses for Camphor With Animals

Camphor is a strong-smelling essential oil originally made from the wood and bark of the camphor tree. According to RxList.com, most modern camphor is made from turpentine oil, although some natural camphor still exists. Camphor is a traditional ingredient in a number of medical treatments for humans and also works well in animals.

Equine Respiratory Stimulant

• According to Drug Information Online, you can stimulate breathing in horses with respiratory problems by injecting camphor in a sesame-oil base. Inject the camphor-based stimulant 48 and 24 hours before strenuous activity in horses with breathing problems.

Liniment

• Camphor mixed with cottonseed or other vegetable oils is also a traditional liniment. Apply this treatment, also called camphorated oil, topically as a mild counterirritant. Camphor liniment is commonly used on horses but also works well on other animals. As camphor oil can be poisonous, you must prevent animals treated with it from licking the affected area. According to the book "Veterinary Herbal Medicine," camphor is also used in tiger balm, a liniment and topical analgesic.

Circulation Stimulant

• Essential oil of camphor and other "hot" herbs can stimulate circulation near the skin. Rub camphor oil mixed with a carrier oil, such as sesame or cottonseed, directly onto the affected area. Camphor stimulates the nerves and increases circulation near the area of application. Do not allow animals to lick the affected area, as with camphor liniments.

Decongestant

• Camphor is often used in human respiratory stimulants, either in a vaporizer or rubbed onto the chest. The vapors open up respiratory passageways and reduce congestion. Camphor also works as a decongestant in animals. However, you should use it only in vapor form to prevent ingestion.

Insect Bite Treatment

• Traditional insect bite treatments often contain camphor, which alleviates itching and reduces the possibility of the animal scratching and causing further damage. Avoid using camphor for itch relief in cats, dogs, rodents, and other animals that clean themselves with their tongues. Horses and other ruminants are at lower risk for camphor toxic effects.