Agrimony

(distress)

While Dr. Bach chose the phrase “mental torment behind a brave face” to describe the situation where Agrimony is useful, we have found this remedy of help in situations where the animal is showing subtle signs of distress although willing to perform usual tasks and roles in a manner consistent with a non-distressing situation.

One example of this behaviour would be the dog that, after a family squabble, brings his ball to each member of the family and solicits play activity. Clearly, he is distressed about the squabble but tries to distract the participants. Another example of an Agrimony disposition is the obedience dog who, while he performs brilliantly in the ring looking as though he hasn’t a care in the world, may have diarrhoea before or after the event. While he shows a “brave face”, he, too, is distressed.

Aspen

(fear for no apparent  reason)

Aspen is call for when, as Dr. Bach put it, there are “fears and worries of unknown origin.” This is the remedy of choice when there is no obvious trigger for the fear—when you can not say “he does THIS whenever THAT happens.”

 A dramatic example of when Aspen should be used would be the sleeping dog who upon awakening, starts to tremble and salivate in fear. Or the show dog who, although he has done indoor shows numerous times, begins to cower and shake.

When ever there is fear for no apparent reason, Aspen is the remedy to look to.

Beech

(intolerance)

Beech has everything to do with intolerance - intolerance of a particular animal or person, intolerance of a particular situation or event. Beech, used along with Holly (for jealousy) and/or Vine (for dominance) has been used successfully for those dogs who can not get along with another animal.

     Beech is very useful in the training arena as well. Try it when a dog won’t tolerate wearing a collar, or getting into a crate, or holding a down stay next to other dogs.

Centaury

(submissiveness)

        The dog in need of Centaury is a submissive dog. They are usually timid or shy and passive and over-eager to please. Usually these dogs are obedient to a fault and will obey everyone.

     Centaury can be an aid with the pup that fails to thrive due to being bullied out of the way at meal times. It has been used successfully in cases of submissive urination or submissive behaviour (along with Rescue Remedy) when being judged.

Cerato

(insecurity)

Cerato is particularly helpful for those dogs who have difficulty performing tasks that require the dog to think and act on its own.

     Used successfully with hunting dogs where a wasted moment could mean a lost hunt, Cerato aids the dog in acting own its own accord without waiting for prior confirmation from the handler that this or that should be done.    

Dr. Bach called Cerato the healer of “distrust of one’s own judgment” - something that is beneficial to any working, herding, hunting or agility dog.

Cherry Plum

(“tantrums”)

     According to Dr. Bach, Cherry plum is indicated where there is a loss of control. Used together with Crab Apple for obsessive behaviour, Cherry Plum is useful for dogs who lick their paws raw out of habit or boredom.

Because Cherry Plum is recommended for children who have screaming fits, it may be useful for those dogs who also throw “tantrums.”

Chestnut Bud

(repeating mistakes)

Dr. Bach wrote: “This essence is to help us take full advantage of daily experiences…” Chestnut Bud is for failure to learn from experience and, thus, is the remedy of choice for those having difficulty in training with the animal repeatedly makes the same mistakes over and over.

     This is an excellent remedy to employ combined with other remedies when the behaviour has existed for a long duration. Where ever repetition impedes progress, Chestnut Bud is the remedy of choice.

Chicory

(possessiveness)

Dr. Bach’s key words for Chicory are “selfishly possessive”. This is the remedy for all those dogs who aggressively guard their food and toys and who, even with reprimand, will not allow another (man or beast) to approach “their person.”

Chicory is often recommended for children who make constant and unreasonable demands for attention. Thus, if you have a dog who is getting unruly with his attention seeking behaviours, this would be a good remedy to try. 

 If the behaviour has been ongoing and remains despite contrary efforts, use in conjunction with Chestnut Bud

Clematis

(lack of concentration)

Clematis is one remedy that no trainer or competitor should ever be without. Dubbed by Dr. Bach the remedy for “lack of interest in the present,” it can be a saving grace when the animal acts preoccupied and (as Bach puts it) “dreamy.” There is a lack of attentiveness and concentration.

     For the competitive dog in this state, it is recommended that it be combined with Wild Rose (apathy) and/or Hornbeam (lethargy) or Olive (tiredness due to overwork).

Crab Apple

(obsessive or distastes for

   normal behaviours)

This remedy is referred to as the “cleansing remedy” and is of benefit in cases where grooming type activities become obsessive - the dog who licks and chews at his paws, or is constantly nibbling at his fur, for example.

     Crab Apple also has been shown to be helpful in situations where there is a dis-taste for eating or breeding or defecating.

Elm

(inability to cope,

  sudden panic)

Elm is recommended for people who, while usually capable and confident, become overwhelmed with responsibility and lose confidence and the ability to cope with situations.

     According to Bach Flower Remedies for Animals by Stephan Ball and Judy Howard (C. W. Daniel Company Limited, UK, 1999), this remedy is helpful for normally reliable and steady animals that may suddenly panic when about to enter the ring for judging.

As they state it, “Rescue Remedy would be helpful for stage fright, but Elm should be an additional consideration.” In addition, they state that Elm may also be helpful in cases where a bitch abandons a litter due to an inability to cope with the pups or the service dog who loses confidence after a gruelling day or training session.

Gentian

(any set back)

There have been many claims about Gorse but simply, Gorse is the remedy of choice when the individual is so despondent that they have given up.

The best application for Gorse is the ill animal. Gorse lifts the spirits, returns optimism, and allows a greater chance for recovery.

Heather

(self-centeredness)

Heather is the remedy for self concern and self-centeredness. In people, the Heather type of person needs company and someone to talk to. In dogs, the Heather type is so over concerned with companionship that he will howl and whine when left in a crate.

He will get over excited when visitors come to the house, jumping up on them and presenting them with toys, etc. He wants attention and will go to just about any length (positive or negative) to get it irrespective of WHO the actual “attention giver” may be.

Honeysuckle

(experienced loss)

Dr. Bach uses the key words “lives in the past” when it comes to describing the situation that brings about the need for Honeysuckle.

Excellent for dogs who have lost an owner or have had to be re-homed, Honeysuckle is the remedy any time there is something in the past that stands in the way of making progress in the present.

Hornbeam

(mental fatigue)

Hornbeam is for mental weariness and lethargy or, as Dr. Bach puts it “that Monday Morning Feeling.”

This remedy is particularly helpful for the obedience dog who, even before the training session, is fatigued.While Olive deals with physical fatigue, Hornbeam deals with mental fatigue.

 The easiest way to distinguish the two is this - with Olive there is a definite reason for the fatigue. With Hornbeam, the fatigue is general as though it is the tiredness at the thought of doing something rather than the effort of actually doing it.

Impatiens

(endless energy)

In animals, the impatiens indications are always behavioural – the toy dog who is constantly running around the house, the dog that can not wait to be walked and pulls you down the street. They are the animals with endless energy – actually too much energy.

    This remedy is particularly helpful for those dogs who are difficult to control before an event (training session, obedience trial, conformation judging, or even a trip to the vet!)

Larch

(lacking confidence)

Larch is for those animals that lack confidence and avoid situations where they may have to perform. An obvious aid for any dog participating in show events, Larch is also helpful for those dogs who have been thru rescue or a shelter situation or have been in an abusive environment.

     Larch has proven helpful in integrating a new member to an existing pack when that new member displays signs that confidence is waning.

Mimulus

(fear that can be identified)

Mimulus is for, as Dr. Bach put it, “Fear of known things.” This is the remedy of choice for dogs who fear something that can be specifically identified.

     It is not often clear to draw a distinct line between Mimulus and Larch and the two are often given together. If there is a lack of confidence but no real anxiety, use Larch. If there is a fear of something specific but the dog is generally confident, use the Mimulus. If there is a general lack of confidence and a definable source of anxiety, use both.

     When there is sheer terror, or the fear is non-specific, look to Rock Rose or Aspen

Mustard

(unexplained depression)

This remedy is indicated for cases of unexplained depression. This is one remedy to use with caution as depression in dogs is often the precursor to illness.

If the dog is showing signs of loss of appetite, lethargy, or has that “head/tail down” look, for no apparent reason, a dose of Mustard AND a trip to the vet would be appropriate.  If the depression is cyclical, use with Scleranthus

Oak

(convalescing)

Animals requiring Oak are strong, stable and resilient—so resilient and strong that, even when ill or hurt, refuse to take the prescribed rest.  

Use Oak when you have a convalescing animal that just refuses to cooperate with crate rest.

Olive

(stress)

Olive is the remedy for exhaustion due to overwork and is of great use following a bout of illness or injury. It is of great assistance for show animals that, along with the rigors of their career, must travel from place to place.

     Due to the stress involved with abused and mismanaged animals, it is also recommended for animals that have been taken into rescue or who have been in a shelter situation

Pine

(general feeling

of being undeserving &

   Unworthy)

Pine is the remedy for guilt and while having a wonderful effect on humans, is often overused in dogs.

The dog that averts its eyes and bows in head after being reprimanded for chewing shoes is not showing guilt but submission and possibly fear. This is NOT the proper time for Pine.

Pine is for deep-seeded feelings of self-reproach that often are not based on a single act, but rather a general feeling of being undeserving and unworthy

Red Chestnut

(before separation)

Most dogs experience some anxiety where their owners or companions are away. Red Chestnut is the remedy for the dog that takes it to the extremes and will often show nervous, fearful behaviour BEFORE you leave combined with an effort to go along or prevent you from leaving.

They are the animals that cry in their crate and Red Chestnut along with Chicory is often recommended for separation anxiety

Rock Rose

(intense fear & anxiety

  related to a specific

  situation)

Dr. Bach’s keyword for Rock Rose is “Terror” and this is the remedy for intense fear and anxiety related to a particular situation.

Rock Rose is recommended for anxious trips to the vet, kennelling - any situation that reduces the dog to trembling, salivating, cowering, etc.

Rock Rose can also be helpful in cases of thunderstorms or fireworks when the fear is too intense for Mimulus.

Rock Water

(inflexibility)

Dr. Bach’s keyword to Rock Water is mental inflexibility and, indeed, this is the remedy of choice for those animals that can not adjust to new schedules, new diets, new locations or changes in a training pattern.

 For the obedience animal, it has been found effective for those animals that anticipate commands - showing inflexibility in the obedience routines and the conditioned desire at always do things the same way

Sceranthus

(imbalance)

Star of Bethlehem is for the after effects of trauma, mental or physical. Called by Dr. Bach the “comforter and soother of pains and sorrows, it is an important ingredient of Rescue Remedy.

 Although ideally taken immediately after the event, it is also excellent for delayed effects and, as such, is excellent for use with rescue orphans or animals that have been involved in an accident.

Sweet Chestnut

(despair)

     Sweet Chestnut is the remedy for utter despair and while this is not easy to distinguish in dogs, this is a good remedy to try when there seems to be depression and great distress after a loss.

Vervain

(over active)

     Vervain is the remedy for over-enthusiasm and is indicated for those animals that are very active and excitable and may seem high strung. They find it hard to keep still and always are interested to be involved with what is going on around them.

     This remedy is recommended for the dog who jumps up on visitors, runs from this activity to that, and generally has a hard time settling down

Vine

(dominance)

Vine is the remedy for strong will dominance and, as such, is useful in any situation where dealing with a dominate dog. 

The dog who could benefit from Vine is strong minded and keen to assume authority over the animals (and people) around them.

Walnut

(changes happening)

     Walnut protects against the effects of over sensitivity to change. The change in question could be anything from going to a kennel for a week to giving birth. Any upheaval in life which causes upset is an indication for Walnut. It is the line breaking remedy that eases the transition form the past to the present

 For animals, the remedy is most commonly used during re-location or re-homing however, it is also appropriate when changes occur due to a new addition to the household (animal, baby, visitors) or a significant change in routine or schedule

Water Violet

(distressed but hides)

     The Water Violet type is aloof and standoffish, generally not one to invite or welcome cuddles, petting, or affection. When ill, hurt, stressed or upset, they wonder off and seek isolation rather than attention.

 This is the remedy of choice for the animal that is obviously distressed but hides.

White Chestnut

(restlessness)

The White Chestnut state in animals is one of lack of concentration due to worrying about everything around and then developing a restlessness.

Because it is a remedy for restlessness, it is often recommended that it be used in conjunction with other remedies.

Wild Oat

(uncertainty to new direction)

The key words to Wild Oat are uncertainty and lack of direction and, as such, can be thought of as the remedy for lifestyle changes.

 Wild Oat is recommended for those dogs who, after a show career, are retired to a home or kennel existence. Uncertain about the new situation and distressed that he is no longer travelling and performing, depression and uncertainty could set in.

 In this situation, Wild Oat (possibly along with Walnut (for change), will be in order.

Wild Rose

(lacking enthusiasm or

  interest)

Wild Rose is for any animal that is resigned to a particular situation and, although willing to go through the motions, is lacking in enthusiasm or interest.

The positive potential of Wild Rose is a lively interest in what is going on with resignation giving way to Enthusiasm.

Willow

(poor me syndrome)

Willow is the remedy for resentment and, as such, is effective when a new animal is brought into the home or a situation changes and the animal does not have the status it once did.

It is important to note that the resentment is not to the stimulus but, rather, is a resentment caused by self - pity or “poor me” syndrome.

Rescue Remedy

(shock, terror or           nervousness in the extreme)

Rescue Remedy is a combination of five of the 38 Remedies. These are Star of Bethlehem (for shock), Rock Rose (for terror or panic), Cherry Plum (for hysteria or loss of control), Impatiens (for impatience and agitation which can be associated with pain), and Clematis (for faintness and ungrounded feelings). This combination was specifically selected by Dr. Bach for emergency situations - from accidents and traumatic events to events which cause nervousness and fear. For any situation that causes shock, terror or nervousness in the extreme, Rescue Remedy is the ideal remedy to bring instant relief.

Rescue Remedy can be used on its own or can be combined with any of the other remedies, depending on the needs of the animal concerned. The usual mode of administration is by mouth however it can be applied externally if necessary to the pads of the paws, the belly, on the nose and ears. These are the most delicate parts of the body and it will be absorbed quickly from these areas.

Rescue Remedy Cream contains Rescue Remedy plus Crab Apple for its cleansing qualities. It has been for extremely helpful to promote the healing of wounds, bruised tissue, and skin problems. It can be applied liberally and as necessary and may be used beneath a dressing if required. If the area is left open, it does not matter if the cream is licked. It is completely harmless.