Taking into account the emotions of your animal

One of the most important lessons to learn when living with a dog or cat is that he or she is a dog or cat, not a human!  Each animal species possesses a unique set of physical, emotional and behavioural characteristics and requirements.  Domesticated animals living in a human-orientated environment often do not have these requirements met.  Such circumstances can trigger a variety of behavioural problems due to emotional and physical stress.  Factors such as an unnatural lifestyle, boredom, lack of stimulation or exercise, separation from owners or their own species, harsh treatment and physical or mental abuse all affect an animal’s overall wellbeing.  Conflict in the home is a common cause of anxiety - animals are very intuitive and extremely sensitive to human emotions such as anger, upset, conflict and depression – they do not understand these feelings are not directed at them and will absorb such negative energies, leading to emotional upheaval.  An animal suffering emotional imbalance will often display inappropriate and often confusing behaviour, such as aggression, destructive behaviour, hyperactivity, compulsive behaviours, self-mutilation or they may become depressed and introverted.  An animal exhibiting such symptoms is reacting to the stressors in its environment and is providing us with a strong indication that something is amiss. 

Many such animal behavioural problems are often treated with blanket programmes of behavioural adjustment without any serious examination into the various factors, both physical and psychological, that are working together within the animal, influencing its emotions and actions.  In order to adequately address behavioural problems these factors must be addressed.  We are then more likely to be able to adequately assist the animal to wellness at all levels, which in turn will alleviate the expression of unwanted behavioural problems.

Flower remedies are made from the flowers of different plants.  They are not extracts but the essence of the flowers, that is, the vibrational pattern (or the molecular energetic behaviour) of the flowers that is imparted to water.  Dr Edward Bach was a highly respected bacteriologist and homeopath of the 1930s.  He was convinced that physical illness and mental states are interrelated, and that people who are treated for emotional problems would become well more quickly, so he developed a process whereby the healing potential of flowers corresponded with the emotions in humans.  Each of the 38 original flower essences that Dr Bach developed had a specific effect on mental, emotional or behavioural problems (reproduced from Herbs for Pets).

Although initially developed for use with humans, Bach flower remedies are equally as valuable in the treatment of animals.  Remedies are very suitable for animals that exhibit behavioural ‘abnormalities’.  By matching the psychological/emotional symptoms of the animal with the basic signature of a flower remedy, healing of past and present negative emotions is able to take place.  When flower remedies are used in combination with a behavioural modification programme, results can be spectacular.

Flower remedies are completely safe and have no known side-effects.  They can be dropped directly on the animal’s tongue or gums, placed in their drinking water or sprayed on the animal or in their surroundings.  I am happy to recommend a Bach flower remedy or a combination of remedies for animal clients undergoing a behavioural modification programme if I believe it will be of assistance in enhancing the programme’s effectiveness and the emotional wellbeing of the animal.

Many animals benefit from a personalised remedy mix, and this can work particularly well when given in combination with behavioural modification techniques.  Remedies are chosen based upon each individual animal’s needs, assisting the restoration of balance and harmony on an emotional level.