Dr Bach enabled us to help our animals too.
As the evenings draw in, the weather changes, the bonfires are being built in readiness for November 5th.
It is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing – Fireworks and for all you wonderful pet owners there is an additional worry. When are animals are fearful of something it is never easy to overcome. There fears are taken on board easily and take a long time to overcome.
It isn’t just Fireworks alone, that can cause a problem, it can be any sudden or loud noise that causes the pets to be startled, this can then set off a fear, if it is a dog or a cat then this can be controlled within the house, however if it is a horse or pony then this can be slightly more difficult
Do our animals really have emotions?
Of course, they can have emotions, they feel pain just like we do, they take on board fear, terror and past experiences, just like we do. However they display it in different ways.
Sadly, they do not have a voice, except a neigh, a bark or growl or a miaow!
So, we are left to interpret these noises and be mindful as to how we can protect them from their fears. So many times I have been told my dog barks and growls, therefore it is aggressive – not true – the dog is simply trying to express itself.
How can we help and understand them?
There are signs and indications that we can all observe, and understand the differences and meanings e.g. a dog will lick it’s lips when anxious and a horse will like it’s lips when its relaxed.
So when we learn to understand the complexities of our animal friends we can then decipher.
If you are taking on a rescue animal of course there are more problems to add to the list, we need to start with learning as much as possible to understand the animal’s past. No matter how old or difficult the more info we have the more easily we can
Take a look at the remedies below as a starting point
Where do we look?
There are 4 basic remedies which will make it easier for them, but the key is to start NOW, the remedies take time take effect.
Rock Rose – is my first this is the remedy for terror – it is the fright and flight mode and especially when looking at horses it is really needed to help reduce the instant flight and panic, it is a calmer to reduce the adrenalin rush and is a hugely supportive remedy. It can help to stop your horse from bolting around their fields and also to keep your pets calm at home as well. If your cat is out on bonfire night, I would like to think it could stop your cat from running into the road in terror.
Aspen – for the fear of the unknown, the animals will not know anything about fireworks, so it is a total unknown and therefore the result of taking this is take away the surprise and panic and fear.
Mimulus – for fear of the known – if your pet is naturally fearful of loud noises then this is very appropriate and much needed – it will allow them to calm down and feel quieter and more relaxed.
Star of Bethlehem – a key part of Rescue Remedy – to help with shock and the adrenalin release, an amazing remedy to take away the fear and trauma relating to bangs and loud noises – this will also create an instant calming effect.
How will you see the effects of the remedies?
The aftereffects of the trauma that can be created by fireworks is also difficult to dispel. In an ideal world you should be giving these remedies to your animals today – I blend them all into one bottle and they can be taken over the next month. You can also then top up the help with the Pet’s Rescue Remedy.
In an ideal world the remedies should be given for at least 2 months prior to the night but something is better than nothing. Every little will help your anxious animal.
There may well be something else that is needed and if so, we can discuss it – but please don’t leave you pet to suffer at this difficult time – give me a call 07739775783
