Hydration and Your Horse

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An average 1,000 pound horse can drink anywhere from five gallons of water a day to as much as twenty or more.  As with humans, weather and activity is a big factor.  Expect your horse's consumption to increase when it is hot or humid even if you aren't working him.  When you are exercising, training and riding your horse, expect even a higher amount of water to be required.

What your horse is eating has a great deal to do with how much he drinks.  A horse on a predominately hay diet will drink much more water than a horse grazing on lush summer pasture grass.

Even with easy access to water, your horse still may become dehydrated.  Keep the water source clean, fresh and cool.  Water sources that are dirty, stagnant or too warm deter your horses interest in drinking.  Take a look at his trough or bucket.  If you wouldn't drink the water that you see and smell, neither would your horse.

Hal Schott, DVM and a professor from Michigan State University, suggests making sure that your horse has access to salt so he can consume what his body needs.  Dr. Schott states that, "adding one ounce of sodium chloride (table salt) to the feed ration twice daily will help replace sodium and chloride lost in sweat and will make some horses drink more".

After exercise, offer your horse salted water then, twenty minutes later, offer plain water.  Studies conducted by Michigan State University proved that offering a saline solution as the initial drink after exercise resulted in a greater total fluid intake and recovery of body weight loss during the fist hours after exercise, as compared to only offering plain water.  Add 1 ounce of table salt to five gallons of water, then 20 - 30 minutes later, offer your horse plain water.  This is particularly effective for horses on long trail rides and when traveling.

I have known several horses who were rather finicky about water when traveling.  Like me, they probably did not like the smell or taste of water that wasn't from home.  

If feasible, and relatively easy for you to do so, consider bringing some water from home with you.  Another idea is to slowly get your horse accustomed to drinking slightly flavored water before travel.  You can do this by adding sugar free gatorade, apple juice or molasses to his water.  This way, when you are away from home, you can add the flavor he likes to the local water and stand a better chance of him drinking well.  Please remember, whenever you use flavored water, always offer a separate bucket of plain water!

K9 Hydration

No matter the season, water is crucial to your dog's health, during the summer months, it is even more important.  A dog's body weight is 70% water, so even a loss of only 5-10% of water means that your dog could suffer dehydration.

How much water does your dog need to drink daily?  Dogs should drink almost an equal amount of water for every calorie they consume.  In general, a healthy dog should drink 1/2 to 1 full ounce of water per pound of body weight each day.  Keep in mind that if your dog is very active or outside in the heat for an extended time, you should provide her with access to plenty of cool, fresh water and a shaded rest area.

 Dogs that are overweight can suffer more from the heat than dogs with an ideal body condition.  Carrying more weight means more stress on the dog's joints and muscles, as well as their respiratory system which they use to regulate their body temperature. Exercise and a portion controlled, balanced diet will help your dog maintain a good body condition and reduce the risk of heat stress.

Brachycephalic dog breeds such as boxers, pugs and bulldogs are especially prone to heat stress because of their facial structure affects their ability to take in air and efficiently pant to cool down, putting them at risk for overheating and respiratory distress.  Keeping these breeds in fit body condition and avoiding excessive endurance activities is crucial for their safety on hot days.

If you are exercising your dog on hot summer days, please be prepared and take extra steps to keep her hydrated.  During exercise, give your dog small amounts of water every 15-20 minutes.  Once activity has ended, do not immediately put a full water bowl down for her.  Wait until she is calm and has stopped heaving panting before allowing her to drink freely.  An overly tired and eager dog may quickly swallow large amounts of water and air which could lead to discomfort or stomach injury.

A Simple and Nutritious Recipe for Dogs

I came across this recipe by Lucy Postins (founder of The Honest Kitchen) and appreciate its simplicity while maintaining the nutritional support our K9 friends need.

Chicken with Yam and Coconut Milk Puree

2 lbs yams - peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes

6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 can coconut milk

4 large boneless chicken breasts

Preheat the oven to 375 (F), and lightly oil a baking dish with olive oil.  Add the cubed yams to the baking dish and shake gently to coat them with the olive oil.  Roast the yams in the oven for 40 minutes, stirring and turning after 20 minutes or so until edges are slightly crisp.  Remove from the oven and blend the yams and coconut milk in a food processor until the desire consistency is reached - it should be thick and hearty.

Cut up the chicken breasts into appropriate size pieces for your pet and saute in a pan.  Mix the diced chicken with the yam and coconut puree.

Water Safety

Recently, I came across a pet related statistic that surprised and alarmed me.  In the United States, over 3,500 dogs per year die from accidental drowning in pools, lakes, rivers and oceans.  Pet owners should be mindful of the dangers involved in swimming and boating for their pets.  Even the strongest swimmer can become injured, fatigued or swept away by strong currents and fast moving water.

Canine Life Preservers can aid dogs several ways.  The buoyancy of a good life jacket can minimize fatigue on extended play sessions, allowing you and your dog to enjoy water activities longer. Brightly colored life vests improve the visibility of your dog for boaters, jet-skiers and those being towed behind water vehicles.  In the case of extreme fatigue, strong currents or a blow to the head, a well made life vest can keep your pet afloat and strong handles can aid you in rescuing him or her from the water.

When choosing a life jacket for your dog, remember that a bright color, not usually seen in nature, is your best bet.  Blue, white, and some greens should be avoided.  Red, yellow, orange, and some neon colors are easily spotted from a distance and against the usual outdoor landscape.  Also, it is a very wise act to photograph your pet wearing the jacket.  If an accident occurs, this photo may be a valuable asset in their identification, rescue and return.

My personal favorites are listed below and were chosen based on personal use, customer reviews and durability.  While shopping for your pet's flotation device, think about the kind of activity it will participate in near (or in) the water and how often you will have them in that situation.  Take the time to prepare for your water-based vacation or activities to ensure a safe and happy experience.

K-9 Float Coat by Ruffwear 

Henry & Clemmies canine flotation

EZYdog Personal Flotation

Paws Aboard

Kyjen by Outward Hound

Water safety isn't just for our K9 companions - remember to keep your lake and boat cats safe too!

Quick DIY Meal for Cats

Here's a simple, 1 - 2 portion, recipe for a special meal for your favorite feline.

No cooking required, however, if you prefer to lightly cook this meal, simply brown the meat and veggie mix in a small pan, add cottage cheese prior to serving.  Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

4 - 6 ounces of ground meat (beef or poultry)
1 Tablespoon ground carrot
1 Tablespoon cottage cheese
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/4 Teaspoon kelp powder (optional)

Combine and food process all ingredients - cats need vegetables to be ground for optimal digestion

Yes, I feed my dogs grains.

    That stated, I do not feed my dogs corn based, grain-filled, over-processed commercial kibble. I cook for them. Stews, loafs, meatballs and gravies that are lovingly prepared are added to each meal. The active breeds in my household handle the carbs from grains well and I vary and mix the types of grains depending upon factors like their health, specific physical activity requirements and even seasonal weather.   Whole grains only make up 10% (or less) of any K9 friendly recipe that I prepare.     When fed appropriately and not over-used, whole grains are a cost effective way to include necessary minerals, proteins and long term energy storage in your dogs' diet.  When one type of grain is combined with others, the biological effectiveness of its protein is greatly enhanced because the balance of amino acids is more complete. Cats, however, do not digest grains well; they tend to make a cat's urine more alkaline and therefore can, over prolonged time, cause feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
    Many of us agree that corn, wheat and soy may cause allergic conditions of the skin and coat. The overfeeding of grains (and their high presence in many dry kibble brands) may be a factor in canine obesity which brings on a host of other health conditions including diabetes, hypoglycemia, poor dental health and gastro-intestinal upset.  Diabetic dogs should not be fed grains.
    For those of you who currently cook for your dog, and those wanting to give it a try, here are some basic grain facts.  Please remember to take your dog's health and nutritional needs into consideration, and if you are uncertain consult a small animal nutritionist.
    Oatmeal, barley, quinoa, millet and brown rice are quite acceptable grain choices to incorporate into a dog's diet.  Any grain used should be in whole form (from organic sources when possible) so that it contains the highest amounts of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

    Rolled Oats are highly nutritious and packed soluble fiber which is a proven cholesterol fighter.

Barley is high in fiber and easily digestible.

Millet is among the least allergenic of the grains and easily digestible.  It has a warming effect on the system and therefore beneficial to a dog's body on cold, rainy or snowy days.

Quinoa is a complete protein and a superb source of B vitamins and magnesium.

Brown Rice has a flavor most dogs enjoy and is a good addition to the food you make for your pup.  Be careful to not feed too much, as this grain can quickly have your pooch pack on extra pounds. 

  

Topical Flower Essence Fly Repellent

    While working in a friend's thoroughbred facility we often incorporated flower essence remedies in the compresses, poultices and cleansing tonics that we used.  One helpful tip that I would like to share is the rinse tonic that helped to repel flies and bites from other such insects.  It was generously applied by clean sponge after brushing (especially after a bath) and allowed to air dry on the horse.

3 liters (approx. 3/4 gal) water

1 litre (approx 1/4 gal)  apple cider vinegar

6 drops Crab Apple flower essence

6 drops Centaury flower essence

Address the Aggressive Horse with Flower Essences

Bach Flower Essences are unable to solve psychological problems if there are significant shortcomings in the way the horse is managed.  Every horse owner should provide the best possible living conditions for their horse - daily contact with other horses, rest, and a balanced diet that takes into account all the nutritional needs of the horse.  If poor living conditions, constant training and/or competitive stress is kept on the horse, these psychological demands can result in physical ailments.

Aggressive behavior towards people is almost always caused by the fact that the horse has been mistreated, poorly managed, from a hidden painful injury, or simply the result of excessive demands placed on her/him.  In order to successfully treat a horse it is essential to establish the cause of its behavior and then improve the situation.  If a horse has been rescued, or has had several owners, this process may seem fruitless. Nevertheless, do your best to uncover the possible root of the behavior and take appropriate action.  In some cases you may need to take a step back from your current training and handling approach in order to regain the horse's trust using calmness and understanding.  An owner, handler and rider who treats their horse compassionately and learns its unique body language, will provide the horse with the stability and security it needs to accept its surroundings, owner's lead, and thus engage in learning and flourishing.

To support this process, Bach researchers and animal behaviorists recommend the following:

Beech - to increase tolerance and combat aggression

Cherry Plum - to combat inner tension and restlessness

Star of Bethlehem - to deal with physical and psychological shock

Vine - to promote compliance within the horse and combat excessive dominance

In the case that the horse is acting aggressively towards other horses it lives with the addition of, Holly, to the above blend is highly encouraged.

Cats and Dogs need Veggies

   Like me, my fellow Pacific NW gardeners have most likely been making the most out of our recent weather and tackling projects and preparing spaces for a glorious growing season.  While you plan your garden's layout and contents, keep your pets' nutritional needs in mind.  Plant some extra carrots, green beans, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes (for example) for supplementing your pet's diet or feeding as healthy treats.

    For optimum health, holistic veterinarians suggest a cat's diet be made up of 60% meat and 40% vegetables, this balances their digestive tract and helps them find and maintain their ideal weight.  A dog's diet is best composed of 40% meat, 50% vegetables and 10% whole grains or other carbohydrates. (Of course, this formula will vary depending upon your pet's activity level and immediate health needs.)

    Root vegetables are an integral part of our pets' diets as they have remarkable healing properties.  As a holistic health practitioner, I maintain that root vegetables provide stabilizing energy that focuses the brain and strengthens the will.  Because these plants are rich in minerals, vitamins and other important nutrients, they top the list of vegetables recommended in the treatment of cancers.  

    Carrots contain high amounts of the antioxidant known as beta-carotene and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, their essential oil kills parasites and unhealthy intestinal bacteria.  This root vegetable is filled with silicon which helps the body metabolize calcium and strengthens connective tissue Carrots are good for the eyes, ears, skin and lungs.

    

    Yams are a cousin of sweet potatoes and rich in Vitamin A.  They are good for providing energy, reducing inflammation, supporting and nourish the kidneys, spleen and pancreas and they also assist with the removal of toxins.

    Sweet potatoes, especially with the skin, are very nutritious.  They are packed with Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, niacin, thiamine, complex carbohydrates and fiber.  They keep the kidneys, stomach and intestines in harmony because the carbohydrates they contain are already in the form of simple sugars.  

    Squash (including pumpkin) is another rich source of Vitamin A, it improves circulation and its seeds help destroy parasitic worms.Pumpkin is also used in pets with diarrhea and helps to balance the pancreas.  It's support of this organ makes it an important dietary addition for pets with diabetes or hypoglycemia.

    Celery aids digestion and has cooling properties that help with inflammation, liver health, and urinary tract infections.  Thanks to its high silicon content, celery is good for bones, joints and connective tissues.  Eastern and Western medical diets strongly recommend celery for high blood pressure and as a gentle diuretic. 

    Green beans contain other vitamins (including C), minerals and dietary fiber.  They offer great support to the spleen, pancreas and the kidneys.
    Peas are full of folic acid, thiamine, niacin, iron, zinc and protein.  They are important to digestion and reduce vomiting, hiccups, gas and coughing.
    Parsley is a fantastic topper for any pet meal.  It is a good source of Vitamin C, and also contains Vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and iron.  It is good for teeth and fights bad breath.  Parsley also strengthens optic and brain nerves, supports the adrenal glands and aids the proper function of the gallbladder and kidneys.  I recommend 1/2 finely chopped teaspoon for cats and small dogs, 1 teaspoon for medium size dogs and 2 teaspoons for large dogs - per day.
    Other common garden veggies that your pet (especially dogs) may like and which are good for their systems include:  broccoli, finely grated beets (Do not become alarmed if their urine or stool turns pink!), cauliflower, white or yellow potatoes, lettuce, and green, red, orange, or yellow peppers.

    Our pets, like ourselves, thrive on food grown, harvested and prepared with love and care.  Let us do all we can to nourish and enrich their lives in reciprocation for the enrichment and joy they bring into ours.  Happy gardening!



   

Star of Bethlehem for the Traumatized Pet

Star of Bethlehem (ornithogalum umbellatum) "For those in great distress, great unhappiness, the shock of serious news, the loss of someone dear, the fright following accident or abuse..." ~ Dr. Bach.

This is the flower of comfort and it helps to clear and rid the system of blockages that have been caused by a physical or emotional shock.  In a positive state, the pet can come to terms with bad past experiences and deal much better with situations that bring back unpleasant memories.  One of its key uses is in equine, canine and feline rescue to help with rehabilitation and emotional healing of traumatized, psychologically scarred animals.  It should be given to any pet with an uncertain past to help with any problems that may have left a mark on the pet's present state of mind.  Even the best cared-for pets can experience traumatic events (transportation accidents, attacks by other animals, separation from known animal companions, death of owner or disorientation due to natural disasters), these occurrences may leave emotionalSadne and psychological hurts and memories for the pet and Star of Bethlehem can help them regain balance and trust.

Some indicators that Star of Bethlehem may be the proper choice for your pet include:

*  Aggression due to distrust
*  Allergies (use in conjunction with other treatments)
*  Fear of new situations
*  Sadness
*  Homesickness
*  Distrust
*  Timidness
*  Shock
*  Still birth
*  Separation from familiar companions
*  Death of owner

Honeysuckle for Separation Anxiety

Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) is a very important essence for our loyal canine friends.  It can help dogs that have lost a friend, companion, or owner, aiding their emotional recovery so that they can move on and a regain balanced life.  This flower essence will help your dog to properly handle the times you need to leave him (or her) behind.  When we leave our dogs they can be unsure of our return, leaving them to feel stressed.  To the dog, this crates the same emotional pain as though their owner had died.    Honeysuckle blends well with Star of Bethlehem and Gorse and, in addition to training and behavior programs, can help them to become more emotionally independent.

Signs that may suggest the use of Honeysuckle

Problems Adapting

Change of Owner

Problems settling into a new routine

Homesickness

Melancholy

New Beginnings

Separation from owner or animal companions

Death of owner or animal companion

The Wild Rose Cat

Rosa canina - Wild Rose felines exhibit a behavior of "learned helplessness" which is similar to the way humans feel when they have become weary of struggling against life's challenges.  Cats that have been exposed to on-going stress for prolonged periods can bin to shut down emotionally - sometimes losing the will to survive and become resigned to whatever happens.  Often this state is apparent in cats that have been abused for a long time, have fallen gravely ill or are slowly dying without any attention or proper care.
Wild Rose is an important essence for such cats as it kindles an interest in life and surviving.  A frequent use of this particular flower essence is in helping rescue cats who have experienced difficult times, convalescing cats and those of advanced years.  This essence blends well with Oak, Olive, Gentian and Gorse to help restore vitality to a depleted system.

To give you an idea of the powerful potential of Wild Rose, veterinary associates of the Society for Animal Flower Essence Research have found that it is immensely effective in helping injured wild animals to survive the stress of anesthetic and operations.  Often these animals die during treatment, or soon after, not because of the injuries suffered, but from the stress of being transported, placed in an environment they have never experienced and handled over and over by humans.

Indications for the use of Wild Rose

Unresolved negative experiences

Severe Injury

Weakness of Will

Refusal of Food

No desire to be active

Indifference

Weak Immune System

After a Stillbirth

The Hornbeam Horse

Does your horse seem tired to you, or weak and unable to concentrate?  Hornbeam (carpinus betulus) may be the Flower Essence needed to help restore its motivation and enthusiasm.

Horses that require Hornbeam remain curious about new things but remain tired and may appear completely worn out when the first signs of illness occur and take a long time to recover.  They tend to have a tendency towards connective tissue problems mental exhaustion. Hornbeam should be used as a follow up treatment for illnesses and for the horse who is overburdened by work, training or competition.  Hornbeam, the flower of vigor, promotes vitality and hosrses receiving its benefits show renewed motivation and zest for life.

Symptoms where Hornbeam may be indicated:

Problems in old age

Strain

Apathy

Arthritis

Lack of energy

Exhaustion

Weak immune system

Weakness

Lethargy

Tiredness

Boredom if not working to full capacity

After a long illness or overexertion

Flower Essences - Length of Treatment Guidelines

    Generally speaking, Bach Flower Essence therapy should be continued for as long as your pet is showing symptoms that require treatment.  Although some long-standing challenges may require patience until desired change is noticed, the Flower Essences tend to work quickly with notable effectiveness within hours or days.  Therefore, how long you administer a particular essence may vary.  Pet guardians often continue with a chosen essence for two weeks then assess the situation and, if no change is evident, they will consult and determine which essence to administer next.  I do recommend having an outside person (preferably trained or experienced with Flower Essence use) observe the situation.  Often are not as objective as necessary when observing and reporting our findings regarding our own pets.  

    Three therapy timelines have been established:

     

     *  ACUTE THERAPY - This is recommended for critical and sudden displays of disturbed behavior or psychological problems, to be given for an initial period from one day up to two weeks, often with only 1 - 3 essences used

     *  LONG TERM THERAPY - The emphasis is on treating disturbances that have already been in place for a long time.  The Flower Essences are given over a period of several months or even a year.  Usually several flowers are blended and that combination should be reviewed and altered after two to four weeks to determine whether a change is necessary.  

     *  PERMANENT THERAPY  - This approach is applied when a pet shows the tendency to revert to old behavior patterns after taking the chosen essence(s).

Elm flower essence for Dogs

Ulmus procera - Elm 

Dogs can become overwhelmed and mentally taxed by too many impressions happening at once. Those that live in chaotic environments such as big cities or rescue facilities can become confused and unhappy due to sensory overload.  Though, as their guardians we must do our best to reduce the amount of stress a dog has to handle, Elm can help dogs by relaxing their minds in the midst of all the potentially troubling input.

Administering Elm over a period of time, it is also a helpful aid when socializing puppies when they are introduced for the first time to things they will have to deal with in life such as busy streets, rooms filled with people, crowded kennel or daycare situations and group training classes. As a training aid, Elm blends well with Walnut, a remedy that supports confidence and courage.

Dosage:
4 drops, 4 times daily

* PLEASE REMEMBER, do not administer flower essences directly from the glass dropper *

Agrimony for Cats

Agrimonia eupatoria - Agrimony can help any cat suffering from outside stressful influences and combines well with two particular flower remedies; Impatiens and Walnut.
The combination of these three flower essences can be very helpful to ease the stress of temporary situations like confinement while traveling or transporting, kenneling, quarantine or when being introduced to a new home.

Alone, Agrimony helps our feline companions handle the sometimes problematic human world.  Cats are very affected if they live in an environment of perpetual conflict filled with shouting, arguing and upheaval.  If unable to distance themselves physically, they will try to keep out of the way while waiting for calm to return.  When this cycle repeats, cats will develop chronic stress, which may present itself in nervousness, confusion and even depression.

I am aware of cases where the use of Agrimony has lessened chronic licking and biting from flea reactions, settled the endlessly pacing animal, improved the recovery time of slow healing wounds and reduced noise sensitivity.

Dosage:

4 drops, 4 times daily

RESCUE REMEDY

    

Possibly the most well known Bach Flower Remedy is the Five Flower/Rescue Remedy.  This effective combination is intended for all emergency situations such as shock following accident or injury, bee stings, tic bites, collapse, severe fright and other instances of acute fear such as noise sensitivity.  It is a blend of Star of Bethlehem, Rock Rose, Cherry Plum and Impatiens, all capable in their unique ways of significantly reducing the psychological distress of traumatic or emergency incident.  Readily available in health and nutritional markets as well as many grocery stores, Rescue Remedy is an effective "go to" blend and I recommend keeping a bottle handy at all times - carry it with you, toss a bottle in your back pack or saddle bag, should the need arise,

you will be grateful that you did.

    Dosage recommendations:

Dogs and Cats - in acute or extreme instances -  

 4 drops four times an hour until the situation has improved -

In other circumstances, a total of 16 drops per day which may be divided evenly into 2 or 4 administrations of 4-8 drops

Horses 

Foals and Ponies - 6-8 drops four times daily

Large horses - 8-10 drops four times daily

In acute or extreme instances, administer 8 drops four times an hour 

until the situation has improved

    

Cherry Plum Flower Essence for Horses

As I exercise my dogs this time of year, I cannot help noticing all the trees, plants and flowers preparing to burst open sharing their joy and stories.  This is a time of new beginnings - when better to review and adjust our own healthy lifestyle plan as well as that of our beloved working and companion animals. Through my next several posts, I will share knowledge and application of Bach Flower Remedies in the hopes that you look seriously at their implementation as a tool for your supporting your pets' needs.

Prunus Cerasifera, cherry plum, is the right flower for horses who have had an accident or a similar frightening experience, for mares following a stillbirth as well as for foals who have been separated from their mother too early.  Their life force seems diminished and the animals are often highly-strung and tense.  

Cherry Plum, the flower of composure, helps to promote inner peace.  The horse becomes more balanced and the violent outbursts are not as strong or even disappear altogether.  Horses that need Cherry Plum are under a great deal of pressure from within and are prone to temperamental outbursts. Suppressed fears can suddenly burst forth in a violent manner:  the horses in question are unpredictable and can be dangerous in this panic attack state.

Some behaviors that are positively influenced by Cherry Plum include:

Aggression towards other horses

Viciousness (i.e. during grooming)

Bucking

Irritability

Muscular tension

Nervousness

Jumpiness

Rearing

Excessive protectiveness

Sudden temperamental outbursts

Unpredictability

Trembling with tension and agitation

After traumatic experiences (accident, shock)

Dosage and Dispensing 

You will need:  pure or filtered water (do not use alcohol, vinegar or sparkling water), a 20 ml or 

30 ml dark glass bottle with a dropper lid or pipette, the concentrate of the selected flower essence.

If you are using one flower remedy, add two drops of the concentrate for every 10 ml of water. When blending more than one flower add three drops of each flower to 30 ml of water.  Store the bottles should be stored at room temperature, away from light and kept away from electrical appliances such as computers, microwaves, cell phones and televisions.  Properly stored, your mixture (and the original concentrate) have a long expiration time of a year or more.

Bach Flower Remedies work on energy not by means of prescribed methods.  Higher doses do not have a greater effect than the quantities recommended. Since the essences are absorbed most efficently through the mucous membranes of the mouth, please note:

*  Do not give your pet the flower remedies with food or water but instead, place directly in the mouth or on a piece of apple, carrot or dry treat

*  Administer the dosage before feeding times

*  If your pet is receiving any other treatment (homeopathic medication or other) leave a gap of 15-20 minutes between the two

Initially intense physical or psychological reactions to the remedies MAY occur. Though this is not the usual case, it is important that I share the existence of the possibility. This is a positive sign that the energetic qualities of the remedy is in action.  First reactions may include a need for more sleep, restlessness or a lack of interest in normal activities.  In extremely rare circumstance, diarrhea is present.  These effects pass very quickly (usually within 1-2 hours) and give way to effective healing.Of course, if any physical response or change concerns you, notify your veterinarian.  

Basic Dosage Guidelines for Horses

Foals and Ponies   2-3 times daily, 2-5 drops

Large Horses   2-3 times daily, 5-8 drops

As symptoms fade, do not abruptly stop administering the flower essence, instead, gradually reduce the amount given.  For example, if you are giving 5 drops twice daily, reduce it to 4 drops twice daily for the next two days and then reduce it to 3 drops twice daily for two days, 

then  2 drops twice daily for the final two days.

Flower Essences for the Animals in Our Lives

      The holistic approach to health, disease and healing is based on the concept of perfect unity of all things, and the utter uniqueness of every system contained within it.

      Flower essences are herbal infusions acting on the body's inner health and harmony.  They are highly effective, non-toxic herbal preparations made from wild flowers.  Flower essences are 100% safe and widely available.  They do not contain material doses of plant chemicals and can be used alongside any form of medication without any risk of adverse interactions.   Animals respond well to them, sometimes showing signs of improvement within minutes.  Their purpose is mainly in helping to heal negative emotional states and moods that cause suffering, or are the result of suffering.  These states include emotions like sadness and despair, fear and anxiety, hostility and defensiveness, and the effects of emotional trauma past and present. Bringing balance in these areas is a major factor in developing our pets' sound mind and body health.

     Living beings are very much energetic in nature.  Every molecule of a living organism vibrates at a particular electromagnetic frequency, and has a very real, yet unseen, bio-electrical field, which surrounds, penetrates and permeates the physical body.

     Energy underlies and dictates all physical relationships between thing, and is crucial to the existence and stability of matter.  What we sense with our five physical senses and feel with our our emotional capacity, is a reflection, a by-product of an unseen energy realm.  By activating positive energy, flower essences can have a dramatic effect on the immune system.  They are not intended to be used instead of consulting a vet when your pet is ill but rather to balance out disharmony that can lead to an illness or which are triggered by illness.  

     Once the state of mind becomes stable, the body's ability to heal itself improves and the illness can be healed more easily and more rapidly.  Flower essences regulate negative vibrations and produce a harmonious balance.  If a situation arises in which a pet needs to be calmed - for example, following a shock, a negative experience or because of deep-rooted psychological disturbances - giving the correct combination of flower remedies can be invaluable.  Anxiety and aggression can be eliminated, self-confidence can be re-established and symptoms of shock involving feelings of grief or jealousy can be alleviated.  

    

     My knowledge and training of this healing system is based upon the research and wisdom of Dr. Edward Bach, who is credited as its creator. I have used, with marked success, flower essence remedies on horses, dogs, cats, birds and, at one time, an iguana!  Each animal I worked with exhibited either anxiety, apathy, fear, restlessness, stress, depression or grief and after treatments were noticeably more psychologically balanced and engaged with their life, activities and work.