The Bach Flower Essences have long been a favorite remedy group for emotional as well as physical imbalances. These are gentle, but highly effective, remedies that work on the energetic level to effect profound improvements in our health – and they work equally well for pets. For this reason, we don’t have to consider the placebo effect, because animals are not prone to the power of suggestion.

Administering Bach flower essences to your pet is very easy; simply add a dropperful to the water dish, or on the pet’s food. Or add a few drops to a spray bottle of spring water and sprits it on the pet carrier, litter boxes, or on your hand before you pet your animal on the head. If you give a dropperful by mouth, don’t be concerned with whether your pet has actually swallowed it – contact with the mucus membranes of the mouth or nose is sufficient. Spraying on a cat’s paws will insure that it will be injected on the next face cleaning project!

How Much and When ?

Give only a few drops and give as often as needed. For serious conditions, give every few minutes. Behavioral problems will take a few weeks, given doses several times a day. Some problems will require long-term treatment. Just squirt in the drinking water.

Don’t worry if another pet drinks the water intended for the ailing pet. It can only do him good!

How do you choose a remedy for your pet? Assess your pet as you would a person. Here are some of the most commonly chosen remedies for pets:

Agrimony – stuffing of emotions, allergies, inappropriate types of communicating

Aspen – Fear, as of being left alone

Bleeding Heart – When pups or kittens leave their mother, which causes emotional pain and stress

Celery – Balances immune system when overworked, as in a long enduring infection

Centaury – for meek animals whom others pick on

Chamomile – calming for restless, irritable animals that tend to be cranky

Chestnut bud – helps break bad habits

Chicory – for clingy animals with separation anxiety

Crab apple – for infections, cuts and toxins

Holly – jealousy

Mimulous – fearful of people or other animals

Vervain – hyperactive, over – enthusiasm

Walnut – for transitions, use before introducing new animals

Water violet – for arrogance, loner, recluse, good for most cats

Rescue Remedy – a combination of 5 flower remedies for acute stress from injury or upset. Combined with homeopathic aconite is a great calmer-downer. Wonderful for wild animals who need rehabilitation and for any kind of extreme upset from stress or fear. Be sure to take some yourself while you are helping the stressed animal!