My Norwich, Kate, like many dogs, dislikes going to the vet. I can certainly see why – from her perspective it is unfamiliar and scary and she gets poked with needles! She doesn’t understand why we can’t just go to the park instead. Fortunately, I have flower essences to help her feel better about the experience.

One of the best known flower essence combinations, Five Flower Formula, is very helpful in this type of situation. Five Flower Formula, also known as Rescue Remedy, was developed by Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician and homeopath, in the 1930’s. He created a new healing system called flower essences that work primarily on mental and emotional conditions. He developed Five Flower Formula as an emergency remedy to treat stress and trauma. It is recommended for any crisis situation to help calm and ease confusion and panic. This formula, like all flower essences, can be used with complete safety and without any side effects by anyone, including animals.

Flower essences are easy to administer and impossible to overdose. In urgent situations, give 2 drops by mouth as often as needed. For instance, give every few minutes when you are on your way to the emergency vet. For more stable or chronic situations, give 2 drops twice daily. Drops can be given on food or treats, or placed in drinking water. You can also pet them into the coat or add drops to a misting bottle of water and spray around your pet. Of course, flower essences cannot substitute for appropriate veterinary care, but they can be a very supportive adjunct as there are no contraindications with any other types of treatments.

Many other essences have been developed since Dr Bach’s system was created over 80 years ago. There are hundreds if not thousands of essences available and it can be quite challenging to decide which to choose for any given situation. Fortunately, several systems have developed essence combinations for specific circumstances, like Five Flower Formula, to make flower essences easier to use. The Alaskan Flower Essence Project makes essences in the pristine Alaskan wilderness, and several of the combinations in this line are particularly helpful for dogs and their owners.

Animal Care was designed by a veterinarian specifically for animal rescue situations. It is helpful for dogs that are being re-homed or those coming out of abusive or neglectful situations.

Guardian can be used to help a dog feel more secure when in busy or unfamiliar surroundings, such as boarding kennels, shows, traveling or moving. It can help dogs who are over-reactive to stimuli such as strange noises or new people.

Travel Ease was created to address the stresses of air travel, but helps in any travel situation. It helps counter the stress of confinement and crowding and the enervating effects of noise and vibration.

Pregnancy Support is helpful for all phases of pregnancy – from creating a supportive environment for conception, to a healthy birth for mom and pups. It assists in the healthy bonding process and is highly recommended for first time mothers.

There are many other excellent combinations available, but the ones listed above can provide help in a broad range of situations. Five Flower Formula is available as Rescue Remedy in many health food stores; the Alaskan essences are less widely distributed but are available online.