Dogs - Fireworks advice
Happy New Year for your Pets too
Bach Flower Remedies deal with emotional states like fear and shock, so they are a great way to help keep pets calm during our more explosive celebrations.
Fear is the most obvious emotion pets experience when the firework displays start. There are five ‘fear’ remedies in Dr Bach’s system. The first to consider is Mimulus, the remedy for everyday fears of specific, named things. When this kind of fear becomes extreme it shades into terror and panic, and at this stage we would select a remedy called Rock Rose.
Sometimes animals have been traumatised by a bad firework night experience in the past. Every year they become uneasy as soon as the first explosion happens. Star of Bethlehem, the remedy for shock and trauma, can be helpful.
But the most often used remedy for animals – especially during any major celebrations with fireworks such as New Years Eve night – is the crisis formula developed by Dr Bach in the 1930s. Best-known under the brand name Rescue® Remedy, Dr Bach combined its five ingredients to help people – and animals – cope in emergencies. Not surprisingly the ingredients include two of the remedies already considered: Rock Rose for terror and Star of Bethlehem for shock.
The best way to give remedies to animals is via a small treat, in the food bowl and/or water bowl. I prefer to put either a combination of chosen drops two drops of single remedies and/or four of Rescue Remedy into a small cup and pour a little boiling water over to evaporate the brandy they are preserved in (not good for animals). This then forms the remedy which you can put into a dropper bottle or keep in the cup and cove. Give 4 drops at least four times a day. Otherwise the dosage is the same as for people.
When to use the crisis mix and when to one or more single remedies? – If you know your dog or cat is always anxious about loud noises, give Mimulus as the correct, exact selection. But if you’re not sure, or just want something to help when things get too much, use Rescue Remedy.
What else can you do to keep pets calm during a firework party? Here are some tips:
• Take the dog for a walk during daylight hours rather than the evening - there is less chance of hearing works.
• Keep pets inside and draw the curtains.
• Do something to mask the noise, such as turning the TV or the radio up or putting on some drum-heavy music to drown the bangs.
• Remain calm yourself (take some remedies!) - animals will sense nervousness in you and that will make them more on edge themselves.
• Don't make too much fuss of a pet that shows nervousness, as this reinforces the feeling that something is wrong. Remain calm and act normally, or start some normal play activity with your animal - that's much more reassuring than making a fuss.
• Provide a safe, comfortable hiding place if the animal wants to use it. Cats sometimes prefer somewhere they can hide away; dogs mostly prefer to stay with the family, so give them that option.
If you would like a combination remedy for your pet in preparation for New Years Eve or any upcoming celebration for a small donation:-
For Paphos, Limassol and Pissouri contact:
Barbara Jones (BFRTP) Tel: +357 25 22 20 32 Mob: +357 99 33 5984
Practitioner and Trainer for Level 1, Dr Edward Bach Centre, UK - Certified Training Practitioner email:barbarajonestherapies@yahoo.com web: www.barbarajonestherapies.com www.effectivelearning-cy.com
or Larnaca and Nicosia contact:
Hatzy Joyce (BFRP) Tel: +357 99 66 70 39 email: hatzyjoyce@yahoo.com
web: www.hatzyjoyce.com.uk
Article adapted from advice regarding firework celebrations on the Bach Centre web site: www.bachcentre.com