Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q: How much is shipping?

Please read our Order Fullment Process

Q: How long will it take to get my order?

A: We are currently processing orders same day except weekends. You can expect to get your order within 1 – 10 days of your payment.  If you would like UPS shipping please mention that in the Notes Section of the check out page.)  If you have a specific need, please make note of it in the comments section of your order and we will do our best to accommodate your request. You can always email info@k9nwsource.com if you have questions about your order.

Q: How many drops of oil should I use to scent my Q-Tips?

A: It seems like an easy answer, but it is not.  We use very large jars with thousands of cotton swabs, so the amount of oil we use is different than what you would use with a smaller amount of swabs.  Even giving a “formula” would be difficult since each dropper is a different size and how much oil you take into the dropper can be different. You should be training with a varying amount of scent, so no matter how strong your swabs end up, mix up how many you place in your search.  The dog needs only exposure to the experience of varying strengths to gain the understanding, but it is better to not bombard the dog regularly with intense, strong scent.

Q:  How should I store my oils?

A:  Your oil vials should be stored in an air-tight container with the caps, not the droppers.  We recommend keeping the oils upright in your refrigerator. Keep them away from extremes of temperature and never expose to an open flame.  Please store your oils where your dogs cannot access them.  Dogs should not come in contact with the full bottle of oil, as they might accidentally swallow it or break the glass.

Q:  How should I store my scented swabs?

A:  Your scented cotton swabs should be stored at room temperature in an air tight  GLASS container with a secure lid.  Avoid long exposure to sunlight. Please store your swabs where your dogs cannot access them.

Q:  How many times can I use my cotton swabs?

A: Your swabs can be used many times! Remember to always contain them in something (tin, tube, vial, etc.) to minimize contamination of your environment AND of the swabs themselves. Best practice is to remove the clean swabs from their hide container and place them back into the jar of swabs after use so they can “re-cook” and refresh. As long as the swabs are not “contaminated” you can reuse them many times. If you have swabs that have become contaminated with dirt or other substances you might put them into a separate jar of dirty swabs.

The longer scented swabs are outside of an air-tight container the more the odor will dissipate. Odor does not go away but the strength can decrease. If the swabs still look clean but the odor seems greatly reduced you can refresh with new oil.

Q:  I purchased some oils and they have leaked.

A:  All of our oils are shipped with special caps which should prevent any leakage. The droppers are included but we recommend storing the vials with caps for any length of time since the rubber of the droppers can deteriorate by long-term exposure to the oil.  We do not warranty oils from leakage. If oil has leaked in your package please take a photo of the contents of the box. Discard the item that leaked. Most of the other items wrapped in Bubble and plastic bags should be OK if you take them out of the packaging and air them out. We will accept those items back for new ones if nec. PLEASE DO NOT THROW OUT THE WHOLE PACKAGE.
We will only replace whole orders with verification of the damage and return of any goods deemed contaminated.

Q: My Anise oil has solidified, is it defective?

A: At 68F and less you’ll begin to see this product begin to partially congeal.” We’ve even noticed the oil turning to a bit of a crystallization or powdery substance.  Either leaving the vial of oil at room temperature for a few days or a warm water bath and a gentle shaking should reconstitute the oil back to normal.  Use very hot but NOT boiling water. You must wait till the entire bottles contents are back to liquid form. Never heat over an open flame. It may crystalize again depending on how you store your oils. This is normal for Aniseed oil.

Q: The oil I recently purchased smells different than the oil I already had.  Is there something wrong with it?

A:  It is likely that your existing oil and the new oil are from different batches, harvests or sources.  Remember, these are botanicals and like any living thing is affected by many things.  Each season of growing and processing will produce variations, as will using oils from sources in different parts of the world.  Oils can be from different regions, different growing climates and even different countries.  All of this will affect how they smell and look to us. In our experience, thus far, the dogs have still responded to the signature odor of the essential oil. Just remember to use the correct botanical names and all should be fine.  (Also note the oils will degrade over time so it’s best to use them within about 24 months of time.)

Q: I found some oil locally for aromatherapy use. Is there a difference?

A: The oils we sell and those used in the activity/sport of K9 Scent Work are pure essential oils with specific botanical names.  Aromatherapy may involve the same oils but may also use “carrier” oils.  Be certain you are using pure essential oils, nothing cut or blended with other oils.

Q:  How can I clean tins?

A:  Just wipe them with a paper towel.  If they have food or other things stuck to them, I may use warm soapy water. Generally, I just let them air dry or place them in my storage case until the next time.

Q:  My dog ate a cotton swab!  What should I do?

A:  We are not Vets. Please, use your discretion!   If you notice any change in behavior, seek immediate Veterinary attention!  Essential oils are like any botanical and can be harmful in large quantities.

Q:  My dog swallowed a tin!  What should I do?

A:  SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY.  Some dogs may pass a tin, and others may not.  Please seek assistance, and use care in setting out your hides if you have a dog with a tendency to retrieve the tin.
NOTE:  PLEASE PUT MAGNETS INSIDE THE TIN.  The magnets are a more difficult item for a dog to pass in case of accidental swallowing.

Q:  Can I just use oil on other items or by itself?

A:  NO!  Please use a the carrier of a 100% cotton swab with paper stick (no wood or plastic).  The dogs are sniffing for a small amount of vapor of the oil.  We do not wish for them to have direct contact with the oil if possible.  Reminder these are botanticals and are quite potent.  They are not intended for ingestion or direct contact with the skin.