|
Natural
Food for Cats
by White Bear
| "Let
food be your medicine" - Hippocrates |
Food not only supplies energy for growth, metabolism and healing,
but also acts as a medicine. The proper diet for any individual will
help heal and bring the body back to balance.
Juliette de Bairacli Levy’s Natural Rearing principles have
helped many to prevent disease in their companion animals and create
the robust health that only a natural approach can bring. All species
thrive on the foods upon which they evolved.
Cats are carnivores and have evolved on a diet based on raw meat,
mostly in the form of small prey animals such as rodents, birds, and
rabbits. Fresh air, sunlight and exercise round out the natural
approach to cat health. If cats are allowed access to the outdoors,
they will find most of the grasses and herbs needed for
self-medication.
Divided meals fed throughout the day are much preferable to one big
meal, which may cause bloating. Two meals, morning and evening, are
good, but even better would be three or four smaller meals.
A varied diet is the closest to what mother nature provides cats.
In the intestines and stomachs of their prey, wild cats obtain varied
plant matter, including grains, fruits and nuts. Try some of these
occasionally mixed with cereals, minced or crushed for digestibility.
PROTEIN SOURCES
Cats allowed to explore the outdoors will also hunt. Fresh caught
wild game can be an important part of a cat’s diet. This is the best
food your cat can get.
Proteins to offer cats include beef, beef liver and heart, lamb,
chicken, chicken gizzards, turkey, duck, venison (and other wild
game), rabbit, cod, sardines, mackerel, tuna, eggs, and milk
(preferably raw and unpasteurized).
Meats and fish are best fed raw, but may be lightly steamed or
baked.
CARBOHYDRATES
Cats may be fed a variety of cereal grains, including cracked
wheat, cornmeal, rolled oats, rolled barley, millet, and well-cooked
brown rice. Potatoes, both sweet and white, may also be used.
A little raw bran may be added to replace the roughage cats would
obtain from the feathers, hair and skin of their natural prey.
VEGETABLES and FRUITS
Raw greens are vital to health. Cats should be allowed to forage
for their own wild grasses and green herbs. At home, they may be given
any healthful greens you can find, such as kale, collards, dandelion,
watercress, parsley, clover, turnip and mustard greens. Carrots and
other orange vegetables may be shredded for digestibility, or steamed
or baked. Raw minced sprouts and alfalfa powder (about 1/4 tsp. daily)
or sprouts are also good.
Offer a bit of fruit as a treat occasionally, such as apples,
cantaloupe and peaches.
Sea vegetables are extremely nutritious, as they are high in
minerals, including iodine, which promotes healthy hair and skin.
Seaweeds such as dulse and nori may be fed raw if soaked, but thicker
heavier ones like kelp (alaria), wakame and kombu must be thoroughly
cooked. Seaweeds may also be obtained in a powdered form.
MISCELLANEOUS
Food should be warmed to room temperature, neither cold nor hot.
Raw bones are especially loved and beneficial to cats. Never cook
them or they may splinter. Frozen poultry bones will also splinter, so
be sure the meat was never frozen. Feed bones only after a meal, when
they will be mixed with other foods. That way, there will be no danger
of a bone piece damaging the intestines.
Oils should be fed additionally, balanced with oily foods (such as
sesame tahini, whole mashed olives, almond butter, and so on). Feed
the equivalent of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, depending on the size of the
cat.
A balanced and adequate diet will provide needed vitamins. If you
want to use a vitamin supplement, good ones are available in health
food stores. Vitamin C powder may be especially useful, for it can
help to reduce stress and boost the immune system. Approximately 250
mg. per day may be given (depending on the size of the cat), by
sprinkling on the food. Vitamin E is also beneficial. Give
approximately 50 IU daily (or 100 IU every other day). Cats often
enjoy the taste of nutritional yeast flakes. Yeast flakes are high in
B vitamins. If a commercial vitamin supplement is not used, you may
use about 1/4 tsp. of yeast flakes daily.
Fasting allows the body to rest and detoxify. It may be helpful to
fast your healthy cat one half day per week.
SAMPLE ACTIVE ADULT CAT DIET
Breakfast
Bread lightly spread with butter or tahini; or grain and milk
Midday
Flaked cereal with beaten raw egg, olive oil.
Dinner
Meat, with bran, kelp powder, minced greens.
Evening
Light meal (see breakfast)
Jude White Bear lives in Wasilla, Alaska. She offers
Wellness Consultations for companion animals using homeopathy,
interspecies communication (animal telepathy) and other holistic
healing methods. Call 566-3400 or visit www.AnimalHealer.org
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Pet
Food Or Junk Food?
by
Jim Pizzadili
Is commercial pet food fit for animal consumption? Many people
believe that the commercial pet food we feed our animals may be the
leading cause of sickness in companion animals, not to mention
premature aging. Ever wonder why more and more pets come down with
human diseases that animals in the wild never experience, including
allergies?
Cow brains, tongues, esophagi, fetal tissue, diseased and even
cancerous meat, road kill and rancid grain are just a few of the
so-called nutritionally balanced ingredients found in the commercial
pet food we serve our pets every day. A wild animal is very selective
about which parts of a deceased animal it eats. Our pets have no
choice.
Condemned animal parts and animals rejected for human consumption
are routinely rerouted for commercial pet foods. A similar fate
applies to the so-called "4-D" animals. These are food
animals picked up dead, or that are dying, diseased, or disabled, and
do not meet human-food qualifications. These animals and carcasses are
processed straightaway for companion animal consumption. Little goes
to waste. Food processing refuse of all sorts winds up in your
animals' dinner bowls, including moldy grains and meat meal. The
latter is ground-up slaughterhouse discards often containing
disease-ridden tissue and high levels of hormones and pesticides --
the very things that may have contributed to the death of the steer or
hog. When cattle, swine, chickens, lambs, or other animals meet their
ends at a slaughterhouse, the choice cuts -- lean muscle tissue and
organs prized by humans -- are trimmed away from the carcass for human
consumption. Whatever remains of the carcass (bones, blood, pus,
intestines, ligaments, subcutaneous fat, hooves, horns, beaks, and any
other parts not normally consumed by humans) is, according to the pet
food industry, perfectly fit as a protein source for cat and dog food.
More than 95 percent of US companion animals derive their
nutritional needs from a single source - processed pet food. Four of
the top five major pet food companies in the United States are
subsidiaries of major, multinational food production companies. From a
business standpoint, it's a smart idea for multi-national food
companies to own pet food manufacturers. The big food companies thus
have captive markets in which to dump their waste products, and the
animal food manufacturers have a direct source of bulk materials. Both
make a huge profit from selling scraps that originate from places far
worse than the dinner table.
Don't be deceived; stay alert to mass marketing hype. When people
think of pet food, many envision the happy animals on TV commercials
eating pieces of chicken, choice cuts of beef, fresh grains, and all
the nutrition that a dog or cat may ever need. And yet animal remains,
preservatives, synthetic vitamins, minerals, flavorings, sugar, lard
and other hardened rancid fats and cereal make up most of what every
companion animal eats. For this, pet food companies can expect to earn
$12 billion in sales a year.
So, why do companion animals eat this garbage? Pet food scientists
have discovered that spraying the kibble or pellets with a combination
of refined animal fat, lard, kitchen grease, and other oils too rancid
or inedible for humans makes an otherwise bland or distasteful product
palatable. Animal fat is mainly packinghouse waste or supermarket
trimmings from the packaging of meats. Animals love the taste of this
sprayed fat, which also acts as a binding agent to which manufacturers
may add other chemical flavor enhancers. Rancid, heavily preserved
fats are extremely difficult to digest and can lead to a host of
animal health problems, including digestive upsets, diarrhea, gas, and
bad breath.
For years, we have tried to avoid feeding our companion animals
people food leftovers, having been warned by veterinarians about the
heath problems they can cause. If you are a junk food junkie this can
cause as many problems over time as junkie pet food. But if your diet
consists of whole and mostly natural foods, it may be better to feed
your animals from the table. There are also natural food pet companies
that use natural oils, no preservatives, and whole ingredients in
their foods. The Anchorage SPCA operates a little store called Wags
and Whiskers, next door to the SPCA spay clinic. They sell holistic
health foods for dogs and the proceeds go to help keep the cost of
spay and neutering down.
|
Beware
Pet Vaccinations - There Is An Alternative
by
Jim Pizzadili
Instead of blindly following the dictates of society, responsible
pet owners (like parents of small children) should be informed about
the pros and cons of vaccinating.
The vaccination controversy continues to heat up. Mounting evidence
on the harmful life- time side effects of vaccinations, which
compromise the immune system, are making pet owners think twice about
vaccinating, especially yearly. Consider waiting to vaccinate if you
must. Vaccinations are much more stressful on the underdeveloped
immune system of companion animals. Also, these vaccinations are much
less effective at providing immunity before three months of age.
Talk to holistic veterinarians who use homeopathic remedies to
treat animals. If you don't have a holistic vet, ask your naturopathic
doctor. Puppies and kittens can be given homeopathic nosodes beginning
at three weeks of age, if there is a potential for exposure to
Distemper, Parvovirus or Panleukopenia. These nosodes can be used
until vaccinations are given or continued periodically for the first
year of life, if vaccinations are not given.
Booster vaccinations may be completely unnecessary. Studies now
show that many vaccinations are effective for many years and most
probably for life. Vaccinated animals may not need any boosters.
Homeopathic nosodes can also be given periodically if you are
concerned or if you think your animals live a high risk, life style.
Rabies Vaccinations in the United States should be given as
dictated by state laws. Lyssin, the homeopathic nosode, can be given
within a few hours after the vaccination. Clearly, many holistic vets
agree the rabies vaccination is effective for many years more than
state laws require booster vaccination.
|
Pet
Vaccines:
Just How Safe ARE They?
by Kat Berard
Vaccinating
annually, and giving more than two vaccines in one
shot, may create a health risk for your dog or cat. |
Although certain breeds of dogs, such
as Weimaraners and Great Danes, are more susceptible to vaccine
reactions than others, any cat or dog can have an adverse reaction.
This can range from swelling and itching at the injection site, to
severe anaphylactic reactions, seizures, paralysis, and even death.
Secondary responses may include skin, eye and ear problems, food
allergies, and much more.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Executive Board
issued Principles of Vaccination in April 2001. “Unnecessary
stimulation of the immune system [by revaccinating] does not result in
enhanced disease resistance, and may increase the risk of adverse
post-vaccination events.” (See link 1)
What does this mean? Vaccinating annually, and giving more than two
vaccines in one shot, may create a health risk for your dog or cat.
There is much controversy in the veterinary community regarding
which vaccines should be given, when, and in what manner. If you're
concerned about the potential long-term impact and possible health
issues that can result from over-vaccination, be sure to read the DVM
news links (2 and 3) below.
Another excellent resource is the web site of Bob Rogers, DVM, Critter
Fixer Pet Hospital (link 4). He posts extensive information about
various diseases for which dogs and cats are vaccinated; which
vaccines are necessary; which ones can be harmful, and why;
recommended administration schedules; and much more. Dr. Rogers has
been quoted in the Wall Street Journal regarding the vaccine
controversy. He also wrote a letter to the Texas Attorney General in
April 2002, which began: "I assert that the present practice of
marketing of vaccinations for companion animals constitutes fraud by
misrepresentation, fraud by silence, theft by deception, and undue
influence by all Veterinarians engaged in companion animal practice in
this state." Although Dr. Rogers is not against vaccinating, he
is against using vaccines that are unnecessary or have no real
efficacy. The Attorney General responded but has yet to take any real
action; Dr. Rogers continues to pursue the matter. (See his web site,
link 4, for updated posts.)
Other research resources include Vaccinations for Pets, an
article by Will Falconer, DVM (link 5), and Canine Vaccinology,
Part I, by Susan E. Anderson, DVM (link 6)
Titer Tests
Titer tests are blood tests that measure antibody levels against
particular viruses. It takes several days after initial vaccinations
for the body to begin producing antibodies to the virus, so protection
is not immediate. Whether to revaccinate annually should be based on
titer results, your own research, and veterinary advice. Further
vaccinations (as long as the titers are positive for antibodies) do
not increase the animal’s protection, and can potentially cause
vaccine-induced medical problems.
My Weimaraner, Max, was last vaccinated in November 1997. He was
titered for Parvo and Distemper in April 2002, and showed ongoing
protection against these diseases. Max is no longer vaccinated because
he suffered severe, long-term medical problems as a result of the
assault on his immune system from 6- and 7-way vaccines at a young
age. These problems included the onset of aggressive behavior,
seizures, skin problems, ear infections, corneal ulcers, food
intolerances, anaphylactic drug and vaccine reactions, and others. Max
was diagnosed with rabies miasm (exhibiting the signs of the disease
without actually having it ~ see link 7), and treated homeopathically
with great success, but it was a long road back to health. He was
switched to a raw food diet several years ago, and I support his
immune system with various natural supplements.
Max’s Veterinarian wrote a letter detailing Max’s reactions to
vaccines, antibiotics and injectible steroids, and warns veterinary
personnel that extreme caution must be exercised in these areas where
Max is concerned. Every clinic and pet sitter who works with Max
receives a copy. If your pet has reactions to vaccines and/or
medications, ask your Veterinarian for such a letter. Max is no longer
vaccinated for anything, including rabies. (Rabies vaccination is
governed by law in many states.)
The decision about whether to vaccinate, how and when, should be
based upon your own research and upon your Veterinarian’s feedback
to your questions about the risks of over-vaccinating and improper
timing. Consider consulting with a holistic or homeopathic
Veterinarian for natural remedies which can minimize or prevent
vaccine reactions (link 8).
For kittens and puppies, ask your Veterinarian and/or breeder for
the appropriate vaccination schedule. As an example, Weimaraner
puppies can experience severe vaccine reactions. Researchers such as
Dr. Jean Dodds and Dr. John Angles have recommended a specific vaccine
protocol for Weimaraners, and this is the case for certain other
breeds as well (link 9).
Vaccinating Cats
For specifics on vaccinating cats, see Dr. Don Hamilton’s article
(link 10), which also appears in his book, Homeopathic Care for
Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals. If you don’t have
access to a holistic Veterinarian, Dr. Hamilton resides in New Mexico
and is available for long-distance phone consultations (505-666-2091).
See the AVMA’s website (link 11) regarding its Vaccine-Associated
Feline Sarcoma Task Force, which researches the high occurrence rate
of soft tissue sarcomas in cats at vaccine injection sites.
Summary
Vaccinate cautiously. Support your pet’s immune system with a
premium quality kibble (for dogs, Wellness Super5, MMillennia, and
others rated by Whole Dog Journal; for cats, Wellness Dry Cat Food,
Nutro Natural Choice for Complete Care, and others ~ see links 12 and
13). Even better: transition to a raw food diet, and use holistic care
options. Doing so will improve the quality and length of your animal
companion’s life, and can drastically reduce your Veterinarian
bills.
May you and your animal companions
experience the best of health and happiness!
Kat Berard is an
animal communicator, holistic animal care consultant and Bach flower
essence practitioner living in Texas. For more information, visit her
web site at www.katberard.com;
e-mail kat@katberard.com;
or call 210-402-1220.
|
Bach
Flower Essences for Animals
by Chrys Long Ago
| Many
holistic veterinarians prescribe these simple remedies as a
first treatment for many known and unknown presenting
conditions. |
Just as the famous Bach Flower
Essences have for nearly three quarters of a century brought aid and
comfort to humans, so have they calmed, healed and steadied our animal
friends. In fact, many holistic veterinarians prescribe these simple
remedies as a first treatment for many known and unknown presenting
conditions. In thousands of cases worldwide, complete resolution has
occurred after these treatments alone. An added bonus is that we can
administer them without fear of over-dosing or incorrectly dosing
because they are made from the energy essences of non-toxic flowers
and contain nothing that brings harm to the patient. Because the
essences are "energy matched" to the disruption in the auric
body, an incorrect choice falls harmlessly away as unneeded or
unrecognized by the aura.
Since our pets often reflect in behavior or illness (either
emotionally or physically) our own unresolved problems, it is more
than common to find that a complete cure depends on our commitment to
healing ourselves too, no matter how puzzling it seems. It is no
wonder that pets and owners are, therefore, usually prescribed the
same remedies.
As Dr. Edward Bach, the discoverer of the flower essences, wrote in
1931, "Disease will never be cured or eradicated by present
materialistic methods, for the simple reason that disease is not
material." Bach believed disease to originate in a plane above
the physical, and eventually discovered that emotions and mental
states always preceded a person's illness or recovery. He created
flower essences to interface with what we now call the etheric body,
where their rarified, high-vibrational rate would match up to the
emotional origin of the disorder.
There are 38 original Bach English Flower remedies, plus a
five-flower combination called Rescue Remedy. Below is a list of their
names and the conditions they treat. Underlined words point out to the
reader the operative emotional or mental state the essence mainly
addresses, although it is widely accepted that most of them do treat
others secondarily.
Agrimony eases mental anguish caused by slow healing
wounds and injury. This is suitable for animals who are sensitive to
their owners arguing and respond with distress. Often long-suffering,
these animals do not like to be alone, are restless, and don't adjust
easily to change. These animals also develop skin irritations,
arthritis and intestinal problems. This essence is said to be used by
vets for urinary incontinence.
Aspen is an all-around remedy for anguish, fear of
the unknown and apprehension. This is the one to use during storms,
earthquakes and (equally traumatic to some) visits to the vet. Aspen
is also good for separation anxiety and bladder and kidney problems.
Beech effectively treats intolerance towards other
animals and even some people. Use Beech when a pet rejects a new pet,
or with two pets who are always fighting. This is also useful in
reducing territorial aggression, arthritis and allergies, and for
treating cats who spray out of jealousy or even overcrowding.
Centaury helps timid animals who are picked on by other
animals and do not defend themselves. Submissive urination
responds to centaury. This remedy also gives incentive to live when an
animal is battling serious illness.
Cerato is used for the indecisive, distracted,
unfocused or flighty pet. It is great for training sessions, shows,
and any situation a pet needs to focus or pay attention. Also used for
anxiety in all animals, and chronic barkers in particular.
Cherry Plum is for fear of losing control. Examples
of animals acting this out are the panicky types who become vicious
when restrained; the birds, horses and dogs who mutilate themselves;
and any animal who seems to be uncontrollable. This remedy can also be
used for grass allergies.
Chestnut Bud helps animals learn to socialize,
acquire basic skills, and even break bad habits. It instills
awareness, and can be used with any form of behavior modification.
Chicory is great for domineering animals who challenge their
owners, demand attention and food, are always under foot and following
their owner around or easily become upset when alone. These animals
are often overly protective of the family, jealous and
possessive. Sometimes these animals are annoyingly affectionate and
need to be in their owner's laps constantly.
Clematis has the effect of stimulating an animal following
surgery, trauma, upon birthing, or while giving birth if exhausted,
and when drowsy but not actually sleepy. It is also good for the
inattentive, distracted or absent-minded.
Crabapple is a cleansing remedy used to relieve toxic states
following surgery, illness or accident. It is also good for open,
festering wounds, body odor, problem coats, poisoning and infections
of any kind. Crabapple resonates to a "toxic" state of mind,
such as poor self-image, cringing and the previously abused and
abandoned.
Elm is for the animal who seems overwhelmed by a demanding
situation such as making drastic changes, coping with too many people
at one time, or too many responsibilities. It is also good for
temporary feelings of inadequacy.
Gentian is helpful for discouragement and depression,
both emotionally and physically. This is my favorite remedy to use
when my animal friends are depressed over the loss of a companion or
during rehabilitation. Do not hesitate to give Gentian for
encouragement!
Gorse can always be given for hopelessness. It
relieves despair, and is important for cancer, injury and
recovery. Gorse improves appetite and speeds healing.
Heather is for the pet who is after your attention around
the clock, and cries when left alone. The type of animals who benefit
from Heather are self-obsessed, habitually underneath you, and insecure.
Holly works for the emotional conditions of envy and
suspicion. This pet is aggressive to boot, likely to bite and kick
and easily give in to anger. Some practioners give holly with Star
of Bethlehem, which is prescribed for the abused. Some feel hatred
is the operative principle at work in these animals and their owners.
However, they are deeply loving and happy when the anger is released.
Holly seems to directly impact the heart chakra.
Honeysuckle relieves anxiety and grief. It helps to
strengthen animals when weakness is caused by illness, and
particularly with cases of loss of blood or when vital signs are
fading. Honeysuckle is also helpful for the loss of an animal's
principle human.
Hornbeam is for mental and physical exhaustion. It is a strengthening
agent.
Impatiens is for impatience, irritability,
nervousness and agitation. It can also be used to treat seizures and
anxiety.
Larch is beneficial for low self-esteem, for it can improve
confidence. Larch is an excellent choice for the abused.
Mimulus can be helpful to release identifiable and
non-threatening fears. It is great for fear of thunder,
lightening, noise, other animals and people, and even abandonment.
Mustard is for sudden depression, melancholia, and
those who have given up hope of recovery.
Oak rebuilds strength after any physically stressful
event. It is also for those who have lost a body function, or for a
long, chronic illness.
Olive is used for mental and physical exhaustion,
especially when worn down by a long illness. It is good for
detoxification and support while cleansing. As it lends deep comfort,
Olive is also good to give to birthing animals when labor is slow and
taxing.
Pine is for the pet who cowers and constantly tries to
please. It can also be used to relieve guilt and perfectionism,
and is appropriate for the animal left behind or given away.
Red Chestnut can be used to treat fear for one's loved
ones. It is good for those animals overly anxious about their
young; for separation anxiety or the fear that the worst is about to
happen; and for dread.
Rock Rose is the big gun for panic or terror after
trapping, car accidents, nightmares, or any panic phobia.
Rock Water may be effective with stubborn animals who
resist change and breaking bad habits. These animals are
"stuck" in routines and may have arthritis. This remedy is
also helpful when new members join the family.
Scleranthus is for imbalances, such as hormonal or
neurological imbalance, or lack of coordination. It is helpful for
strokes, seizures, motion sickness and mood swings. The mental
condition that responds to Scleranthus is indecisiveness. Yes,
your pet can be just as indecisive as you!
Star of Bethlehem is good for all cases of shock. It
is excellent for kennel boarding, weaning, and change of environment.
It is also helpful for abused pets, and those from the pound. Use Star
of Bethlehem for surgery, birthing and anything threatening the first
chakra (issues having to do with security, survival, etc.)
Sweet Chestnut is for extreme anguish and suffering
on all levels. Use this remedy when there is complete despair. It is
also helpful to prevent burnout in performance animals, or wild
animals in captivity.
Vervain is for the high-strung, hyperactive, intense
animal -- think dogs who are barkers, cats who cry and are ceaselessly
active, race or show horses who have endless energy. Vervain will calm
even the so-called hyper breeds.
Vine is appropriate for the domineering animal
difficult to train. It is helpful for the "boss cat" or
alpha animal in any species who is strong willed and tyrannical.
Walnut is the "transition" remedy that
protects those subject to change at any level, from rearranging the
furniture to locating out of state. It also aids healing and offers
protection from pollution. Walnut helps with allergies to grasses and
many other pollens.
Water Violet is suitable for the animal who seeks solitude
when ill, and is aloof by nature. For cats, it helps the need
for solitude to balance with the pleasure derived from interactions
with people and other animals. This remedy is good for pets socialized
late in life, or who carry the blood of wild species (wolf-hybrids,
wild-caught mustangs and feral-born cats and dogs).
White Chestnut is for general anxiety, as well as an
inability to focus. Use White Chestnut with a cat or dog who worries
about her adult offspring.
Wild Oat treats depression caused by boredom. It is
for the animal who withdraws into him or herself after competition.
This animal engages in destructive behavior such as feather plucking,
chewing the barn and fencing, destroying furnishings. Wild Oat treats
the feeling that life is unrewarding.
Wild Rose is for animals who seem to lack enthusiasm. It is
great for patients with apathy.
Willow is used to help treat resentment. It is for
the animal who shows its unhappiness with inappropriate urination and
defecation or destruction of property. Willow targets the feelings of
bitterness arising from unfair treatment.
Rescue Remedy is named for its calming and stabilizing
effects during crisis. It is a combination of the following five
remedies:
Impatiens
Clematis
Rock Rose
Cherry Plum
Star of Bethlehem
Once the five are combined, Rescue
Remedy is an essence in its own right and is different from its
original parts. Use Rescue Remedy on its own or in combination with
others.
Dosage
Bach Flower remedies and essences can be dosed as follows: For horses
and dogs, use 3 to 4 drops per day sublingually, as needed. In crisis
or acute situations, give 3 drops orally every few minutes until the
condition stabilizes, or as per your muscle testing (yes, pet owners
can accurately muscle test their animals, and should practice when no
crisis is happening in order to establish confidence. If you are
unsure, take larch.) For cats and birds, put the essences directly
into water bowls; allow the alcohol to evaporate.
Remember to keep your droppers
clean in order to avoid contamination. For more information, consult
Reference sources. Good luck!
Dear Wellness Reader,
Since I wrote the article on
Bach Flower Essences for animals, I received several questions from
pet owners. I hope the following will be both elucidating and
rewarding.
1. How To Choose
The big question is when to choose the essences from the Materia
Medica list based on symptoms, and when to choose strictly by muscle
testing. If you've tried muscle testing or dowsing the essences on
your own, you may have noticed that often a flower causes a positive
reaction, and you know you should use it, but the Materia Medica
doesn't fit the problems you are treating. The first time this
happened to me was when a shelter cat suddenly had her third eyelids
up about one-third across her eyes – an early warning of illness or
infection in cats. I went home and tested the whole list of BFEs for
her and only two were reactive: Red Chestnut and Rock Water. Weirdly
enough, neither one specifically treats her symptom picture, but I
faithfully bought them, tested her for how many drops of each to give
and for how long, and miraculously her symptoms not only never
progressed to an illness, but completely resolved in 2-1/2 days with
her never missing a meal or an opportunity to play with toys!
This was a case of combining
remedies. The combinations you make through testing, create remedies
of their own, specific to you and case sensitive. So not only are the
essences useful singly when treating known conditions such as fear of
thunder, they can combine to create endlessly personal prescriptions
with spectacular results. In these instances, we can treat cases where
we don't know what's really wrong and are giving what the animal seems
to need based on the testing.
2. Muscle Testing Problems
First, see Diane Stein's Natural Healing For Dogs And Cats. She's
written a whole chapter on muscle testing the flower essences.
Personally, I dowse with a pendulum, which is less fatiguing for me. I
also drink a lot of water when dowsing, and you will too, especially
if you aren't getting clear or quick answers. Water conducts the
energy of the electro-magnetic field and all the information it
contains. You should be getting answers through muscle testing and
dowsing even while asking the questions, and they should be
unquestioningly distinct.
3. Emotional States
Over time, Dr. Bach developed through both his intuition and sharp
powers of observation what he called the list of Pathologic Emotional
States. These are a list of twelve emotions he felt his flower
essences remedied. They are:
1. Fear
2. Terror
3. Mental torture or worry
4. Indecision
5. Indifference or boredom
6. Doubt or discouragement
7. Over concern
8. Weakness
9. Self-distrust
10. Impatience
11. Over enthusiasm
12. Pride or aloofness
Noticing that anger, hatred and
others were not on the list, I consulted my teachers, who told me that
this was a list of the basic or "pathological" emotions, and
that ones I might see as missing are actually caused by the original
emotional conditions. Therefore, these emotions are not treated
themselves, for the flower essences work by eliminating the causative
emotions only. For instance, anger and hatred are usually arising out
of fear, indecision, impatience, pride, etc., so the BFEs are brought
in on the causative level of healing. Anger, hatred, greed, envy,
etc., are a second generation, not a first generation or causative
emotion.
4. When Testing
You may choose to muscle test or dowse this list for your pet to
determine the pathologic emotion underlying its disease or symptom
picture. If so, test yourself as well with the question, "What
pathologic state in myself links to my pet's illness/behavior -- Is it
1. fear; 2. terror...and so on. Just dowse the list on paper. Then,
test for the remedies that you need to correct in yourself. In this
way, you are breaking up the bridge between you and your animal that
is supporting its disability. You want to disconnect whatever you've
plugged into that relationship that is negative (even if unknowingly
on your part), and the Bach Flower Essences address the emotional
component. In this way, both you and the animal are being treated for
the same problem, just on different ends of it.
I hope you benefit from using
flower essences of all types, and as questions come up for you I will
respond when you contact me at AK Wellness.
Chrys Long-Ago
Chrys Long Ago lives
in Anchorage, where she began her career as an animal communicator in
1991. She continues to give readings by phone and can be reached at
333-8888.
Reference
materials:
Heal Thyself by Dr. Edward Bach
The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs and Cats by Diane Stein
Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats by Diane Stein
The New Natural Cat by Anita Frazier
Natural Cat Care by Celeste Yarnall
Healing Your Horse by Meredith Snader
Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
by Richard H. Pitcairn
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