07/03/2025
With fireworks just around the corner, um I mean here, consider the stress it causes your animals. If you don't already have Bach flower Rescue Remedy get some. Other flower essences have similar products, I love the Green Hope Farms animal collection, https://www.greenhopeessences.com/find-essences/animal
Add two drops to the water bowl and keep it topped up with water. The remedy will remain effective for 3-4 days. Start things well in advance of the festivities. If the animal doesn't drink much, such as healthy cats, you can dose them different ways:
1. add a couple of drops to each meal
2. drip a couple of drops on their body - I use the neck or head
3. drip a couple of drops onto a gum, in the side of the mouth, without opening the mouth.
Always ask first, by showing them the vial. Dogs tend to be more communicative, but all can show approval by licking, rubbing or pawing the vial. Cats can be indifferent. Either way, DON'T dose them if they turn way, show disapproval (flattened ears, hiss, growl, dropped tails, walk away, etc.). Bear in mind that the above methods are by-passing choice. So be aware of the effect it has, to continue. Forcing them is counter productive to healing.
As the Bach flower remedies are preserved in brandy, it's easier on the animal to dilute it in water first when administering it via the mouth. However, when they need it, they don't seem to care.
Be calm yourself! Dogs, in particular, look for calm, able leaders. Our emotions have a strong influence on our animals. So take it yourself if you need to. Stress can, and does, cause pathology, often fatal. Animals naturally try to escape from frightening events. Our captive animals can't, causing no end of problems.
Have a safe and harmonious July 4th holiday weekend with your furry ones and stay cool! π