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Bach Flower Essences and Animals
It can be considered that Bach Flower Remedies are to the emotional body what Homeopathics are to the physical body. The Bach Flowers resonate with the emotional body to re-establish balance and harmony in the physical body. Please note that the suggestions below deal with emotional balancing and are not to be construed as replacement for any needed medical attention whatsoever. While much has been written about using Bach Flowers on humans, the remedies are also beneficial in modifying animal behavior.
Below is a chart which describes some conditions in animals which can be treated by flower essences.
Abuse, neglect, or abandonment Pre- and post-surgical treatment Grief (loss of a human or companion animal) Fear (of loud noises, visiting the vet, people, etc.) Hyperactivity Aggressiveness Jealousy Possessiveness Inappropriate use of litter box (or nonuse) Changes in household Excessive Grooming
Please note that flower essence treatment should never be considered as a substitute for veterinary care. Lethargy, hyperactivity, litter box training, and other conditions, may have a physical basis, and this should always be checked out first. Even if a physical condition, however, is established, flower essences can hasten the healing process.
While some animals are perfectly willing to take a mixture (like the ones you would make for yourself) you must make sure that their mouths, tongues, etc, don't touch the glass dropper, as it may bite the glass dropper with dangerous results. Therefore, do not use the glass dropper with an animal. A preferred method is to put four drops of the chosen flower essence(s) into the animal’s water bowl (for larger animals you can put up to 10 drops). Because flower essences are harmless it doesn't matter how often they drink from it. You can also add new drops each time you change the water. Another method (one which is particularly good for an animal in shock) is to rub flower essences on pulse points, such as the throat or behind the ears. If it's an emergency you can do this as often as every twenty minutes.
Animals respond just as well to Bach Flower remedies as people, and seem to have similar emotional imbalances that can be corrected with the appropriate remedy. The flowers are gathered from nature when they are just at the point of perfection and it is important that the flowers are free from any toxins and preservatives. The remedies are made by leaving the flower out in the sun and the extracted essence is then diluted in water and preserved with alcohol to make a mother tincture. The resulting remedy is then diluted in spring water to make a solution that can be taken by an animal or a person. Flower essences can be a gentle formula for easing stress and aiding your pet in general wellbeing.
