Don’t Forget your Pet, when Preparing Holiday Meals!
Sharing a moderate amount of holiday leftovers with your pet can be a great way keep her included in the festivities. There are lots of ‘people foods’ that are fine for most pets to eat, and they can add some healthy variety and extra nutrition to her regular meals. Here are some seasonal holiday ingredients that can be added safely (or amended and then added) to your dog’s usual fare, to make her feel special and part of the family when everyone else is enjoying a feast.
Turkey, Ham, Prime Rib and other meats. These can all be added to your dog’s food in moderation. The key things to remember are that dogs should never be fed any type of cooked bones because they can splinter and damage or impact the GI tract. Too much fat and gristle can be problematic and can lead to pancreatitis, which is very painful and potentially dangerous. Try to avoid prepared meats that have added lots of added sodium, nitrites and preservatives. Whenever you can, choose free-range, natural and grass-fed meats, which are better for you and your pet as well as the animal who provided the meat in the first place.
Green Bean Casserole – a natural creamy sauce with the green beans is okay in small amounts, but don’t include the onion topping. Alternatively, just add some fresh raw or cooked green beans to your dog’s usual food. Most dogs love the naturally sweet taste – just be sure to trim them to a manageable size for smaller dogs.
Sweet Potatoes – these are an excellent source of beta carotene and make a highly nutritious meal addition for dogs. Steamed or baked sweet potatoes are ideal; raw root vegetables can be difficult to digest unless completely pulverized in a blender or food processor. Avoid giving your dog the kind of holiday-themed sweet potato side dishes that contain lots of maple syrup, melted marshmallows or candied nuts.
Cranberries are a great addition to your pet’s meals at any time of year and especially during the holidays. Many dogs enjoy fresh cranberries but cranberry sauce and jelly can be full of sugar and other ingredients that Fido doesn’t need. Dried cranberries are a nice alternative, provided they don’t have lots of added sweeteners. Cranberries contain natural compounds that can help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, so they are an excellent choice for cats and dogs who are prone to urinary tract infections.
Pumpkin & Squash are great foods to share with cats and dogs in moderate amounts. Most pets love the taste of these nutritious, fibrous vegetables. If you’re making a soup, consider setting aside some of the gently cooked cubes of squash before you begin adding wine, cream, onions and other less pet-friendly ingredients to the mix.
Winter Greens like chard and kale are a super source of vitamins and antioxidants. Brussels sprouts and cabbage are also loaded with nutrients, but they tend to cause gas. These can be added raw, lightly steamed or sautéed. Avoid serving your pet large amounts of winter greens that contain lots of added salt, wine, soy-sauce or butter.
White potatoes are fine in moderate amounts. They contain fiber and minerals. Try to avoid serving your pet potato dishes that are prepared with lots of cream, ranch dressing, oil or butter. Potatoes provide a good source of Vitamins B3 and B6, Vitamin C, Potassium, Iron, Copper and Fiber. Potatoes have been associated with some adverse publicity in the past due to their content of glycoalkaloids, which can develop in the stems, shoots and green parts of the skin of potatoes that are improperly stored and where the skin is subjected to excessive or prolonged exposure to light. The shoots and green parts of potatoes should not be consumed by people or animals for this reason and should be removed before serving.
Holiday Foods to Avoid
Stuffing and corn pudding –should be avoided for most pets, because they tend to contain onion and sometimes raisins, as well as ingredients like bread and cornmeal which aren’t very nutritious and can actually exacerbate ear infections and skin problems.
Desserts and Cheeses should be avoided too, because they can cause tummy upsets, especially when eaten in excess.
Relishes, pickles and sauces are also best left out of your pet’s bowl because they tend to contain heavy spices, sugar, onion and other ingredients than can unsettle their GI tract.
The following foods are toxic to dogs and cats and should not be offered in the form of leftovers or people-food additions to her usual meals: onions, chocolate, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins & candies containing the sweetened xylitol.
If you do decide to share your holiday meals with your dog or cat, ensure that you make additions gradually to ensure he or she can tolerate what you’re serving. Don’t allow your pet to gorge excessively either, because this can lead to health problems such as pancreatitis and bloat. If you do have an incident where your pet gets up on the counter or into the holiday trash and consumes a large amount of leftovers, keep a close eye on him. The homeopathic remedy nux vomica can be helpful for the side effects of minor overindulgences but if you notice any sign of bloating, vomiting or other digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation, a visit to the vet office is recommended, without delay.
Lucy Postins is a companion animal nutritionist, and founder & president of The Honest Kitchen, a producer of dehydrated, nutritionally balanced ‘people foods’ for pets. Www.thehonestkitchen.com
Maintaining Healthy Weight in Dogs and Cats
Companion animal obesity is becoming increasingly common. In the US, The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found approximately 53% of cats and 55% of dogs were overweight or obese in 2010.
As a general rule of thumb, your pet is at a healthy weight if the ribs are easily felt, stomach doesn’t sag and the waist is easily noted when viewed from above. Your pet is overweight if ribs are difficult to feel under the fat, stomach sags, back is broad and flat and the waist is barely visible or absent. If you feel your pet might be overweight, your best bet is to take them to their vet for a screening.
Those extra few pounds do more than provide extra fluff, it places unnecessary burden on their joints, organs and overweight pets are at high risk for: Osteoarthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, Respiratory disorders, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Heart Disease and many forms of Cancer, according to the APOP.
Ever wonder what those pounds would equate to if fido or fluffy was a person?
Obese Cat – 19 pounds, Ideal weight 10 lbs is analogous to:
A 5’4” female adult weighing 276 lbs (131 lbs over maximum normal weight of 145 lbs)
A 5’9” male weighing 321 lbs. (152 lbs. over maximum normal weight of 169 lbs)
Obese Dog – 48 lbs, Ideal weight 20-22 lbs is analogous to:
A 5’4” female adult weighing 317 lbs (172 lbs over maximum normal weight of 145 lbs)
A 5’9” male weighing 368 lbs. (199 lbs over maximum normal weight of 169 lbs)
(data from The Association for Pet Obesity: http://www.petobesityprevention.com/)
What’s causing this trend?
In addition to over-feeding, over-treating and under-exercising, slightly overweight pets are becoming the new ‘normal’. In 2009, the APOP reported that veterinarians noted 44% of their dogs and cats patients were overweight – when just 17% of pet owners would have considered their pets overweight. That means only 40% of overweight pets have owners who, first, recognize there is a problem with their pets’ weight, and can take necessary, life saving measures.
What to do if you have an overweight pet
First, it’s important not to starve your pet —significantly reducing the amount of food they’re consuming may create nutritional deficiencies, and in cats cause Fatty Liver Disease. It’s important to feed your pet a high quality diet, like an Honest Kitchen recipe, give your dog lots of love and exercise and limit treats.
“I believe dogs, like humans, benefit most from eating a diet consisting of a wide variety of whole, fresh and unprocessed ingredients,” said Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of the APOP. “If our ultimate goal is to prevent disease, what we eat and feed today becomes the foundation of our future. There is no better way to sustain health than by combining an optimal diet with daily aerobic exercise.”
In terms of diet, there are several approaches to managing obesity in pets. Conventionally, low fat foods have been used with some success – our recipes Verve™ and Zeal™ are both naturally low in fat at 8.5%.
A newer, alternative approach has been to limit carbohydrate intake to help achieve & maintain a healthy body weight. This is surprisingly, a logical choice for a canine – most people agree now that dog’s GI tracts are not designed to process an overload of processed ingredients or an excess of grain. Embark™ and Love™ are very high protein & fat with low carbohydrate content – ideal for maintaining lean body mass in more active dogs.
Cats have no biological need for grains as they are true carnivores. The Honest Kitchen has two grain-free and low carbohydrate foods for adult cats, Prowl™ and Grace™.
You should also restrict the amount of treats given each day. Reserve treats for rewards only and perhaps just one at bedtime. If you are training a pet, use vegetables such as baby-carrots, broccoli, celery, and other crunchy healthy treats. The Honest Kitchen’s Pecks™, for dogs, contain just .6 calorie per treat and our Wishes™, for dogs and cats, are 100% pure dehydrated Haddock – which is high in protein and low in fat with virtually no carbohydrates.
Remember that a tired dog is a happy dog. You should strive for at least 30 minutes of brisk activity per day. For your feline friends, try playing with feather-dancers, remote-controlled toys or play “find the food.” Divide your cat’s food into small soy sauce bowls and distribute them around your house. This will force lazy cats to get moving.
Have more suggestions? Leave your comments below!
Urinary Tract Health
Inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra, as well as formation of crystals and infections, is surprisingly common in dogs, and especially cats. The symptoms include straining, increased frequency of urination and the appearance of blood in the urine.
Any time urinary tract problems occur there is a potential risk for serious illness to result, so it’s always important to get a proper veterinary diagnosis before treatment begins. Urinary tract infections can track back towards the kidneys if left untreated, resulting in a really painful and debilitating kidney infection.
Urinary tract or bladder inflammation, infections and crystals can also be extremely painful. Vomiting, lethargy and blood in the urine along with prolonged straining and crying out in pain when attempting to urinate, are serious red flags which signal that immediate veterinary attention is needed.
Infections
Urinary tract infections often require prescription antibiotics, to help overcome the bacterial overgrowth. However, many holistic vets dispute whether antibiotic use is actually justified in many cases, claiming that most bladder problems are not actually caused by infections. Any time antibiotics are prescribed, it’s a good idea to supplement with a probiotic to help replenish any good bacteria in the GI tract that may get destroyed as the antibiotics do their work. Adding a couple of tablespoons of plain, live-culture yogurt to the food can also help.
It’s important for Fido to be able to relieve himself frequently, especially if he’s prone to urinary tract problems. Having to ‘hold it’ for long periods of time can trigger off infections. In addition to making proper arrangements for a pup who’s home alone all day to get out for bathroom breaks, it’s also important to schedule rest stops when travelling. Some pets are anxious outside of their normal surroundings and stress can make the problem worse, as well.
Crystals
Urinary tract crystals do not always signify a medical problem that needs treatment. Crystals are a normal finding in many dogs and are simply a way of eliminating the normal products of metabolism. However, some pets can experience health concerns such as blockages from crystals, which may also develop into stones. Only a licensed veterinarian can determine if a patient needs medical management for urinary crystals. If crystals are detected in the urine, it’s important to diagnose of the type, because they require very different treatment protocols. It’s also important that urinary samples are tested for pH promptly; the longer a specimen is left, the more alkaline the urine can become, which sometimes leads to an inaccurate reading.
The two main types of crystals (struvite and calcium oxalate) are diametrically opposed to one another.
Struvite Crystals are more likely to occur when the urine is too alkaline (or not sufficiently acidic). The approach here is to try to make the urine more acidic, which may dissolve existing crystals and also help to prevent the development of new ones.
Animals with urine that is too alkaline (those prone to struvite crystal formation) can also be susceptible to urinary tract infections. Research is ongoing to determine whether one condition causes the other, or the two things just flare up when the pH becomes high. Antibiotics will help to correct a true infection but they should not be used indiscriminately and it’s not recommended to use them long-term use in an attempt to ‘prevent’ infections.
Calcium Oxalate Crystals tend to develop when the urine is too acidic – or not sufficiently alkaline. Typically these crystals are treated with a product called Potassium Citrate, which acts to alkalinize the urine and dissolve these crystals as well as help prevent the development of more Calcium Oxalate.
Years ago, many pet food manufacturers began adding acidifying substances to their ‘prescription’ foods to help combat Struvite crystals, which at the time were the most common crystals to affect pets. Over the longer term however, these strongly ‘acidifying’ diets caused urine that was too acidic and as a result, the prevalence of calcium oxalate crystals has increased dramatically.
A holistic approach to health is all about balance, and helping the body to heal itself. You can monitor the pH of your pet’s urine yourself if you wish, using pH strips which are now quite commonly available. Any variances in the pH, which may indicate susceptibility to an infection or crystals developing, can be addressed with occasional supplement use, based on whether the urine has become more acidic or alkaline. Left untreated or undetected, crystals can form into stones which are even more difficult to address.
Incontinence
For issues of incontinence, where the dog loses control of her or his bladder, resulting in accidents and leaks, proper veterinary diagnosis is vital. The problem may be hormonal, behavioral or physiological and the treatment will depend on the cause.
Diet & Nutrition
Most holistic vets recommend feeding a good quality commercial food (not one of the ‘prescription’ diets which tend to be full of by-products and artificial ingredients including chemical preservatives) or better still – a homemade diet, along with a supplement that is suited to the type of crystals the pet has.
A diet that is higher in moisture is always best. More moisture or fluid intake helps to keep the whole urinary tract hydrated and ‘flushed out’, removing toxins like bacteria, and any crystals that may be starting to form.
Dry kibbled ‘pellet’ diets are the worst type of food for pets who have already experienced a urinary tract problem, or who are prone to infections and crystals. Dry food actually robs the system of moisture.
By definition, raw (BARF) and homemade (fresh and cooked) diets are much higher in moisture than their kibbled and baked counterparts. Canned food is another option for increasing the total moisture intake.
Home Remedies
While it’s not advisable to try treating urinary tract infections at home, there are some natural supplements that can help your dog before you reach the vet, or to maintain urinary tract health in between flare-ups. The homeopathic remedy Cantharis (Spanish Fly) is the most popular choice for cystitis.
Cranberries have been shown to contain a compound that prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall and tissues of the urinary tract, so cranberry juice can be added to the food or drinking water. Always choose a natural, pure juice that is not sweetened. Fresh or dried cranberries can also be added to the diet. Blueberries have also been shown to have the same effect.
Herbs can also help to support long-term urinary tract health and provide soothing relief for certain conditions.
• Echinacea tincture is often recommended for acute infections and can be helpful for UTI’s.
• Uva Ursi is also recommended for bladder and kidney infections. It is believed to have an antiseptic action which cleanses the urinary tract.
• Horsetail helps to eliminate urinary tract infections and is especially useful for conditions where blood is present in the urine.
• Marshmallow herb is very soothing and helps to reduce inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract.
• Nettle has a strong affinity for the genitourinary tract. It is a natural diuretic and has a history of use for urinary tract infections and inflammation.
• Corn Silk is a diuretic, demulcent, antiseptic that has long been used as an herbal remedy for bedwetting
Anxiety: How to treat it Holistically
Anxiety is surprisingly common in pets, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes a past trauma or bad experience is to blame, other times it’s a lack of proper socialization during the formative early months. Sometimes, no logical reason for anxiety is known and an individual pet’s genetic makeup and inbuilt character just gives them a nervous disposition.
Some dogs or cats become terrified of strange objects, certain types of people, other animals, unfamiliar places, the dark, or cars. Even with reassurance, they are unable to rationalize what they’re afraid of. Sometimes, this can develop into a serious, life-threatening issue, for example extreme fear of fireworks or thunderstorms leading to a pet bolting from home.
Socialization is extremely important especially between the ages of 12 and 20 weeks when a young puppy’s mind is so impressionable. It’s vital that he have many positive and varied experiences with all sorts of sights, sounds and places and an opportunity to meet lots of different people and pets. Some socialization is also important before age 12 weeks but care should be taken to avoid contact with strange dogs or feces that could carry contagious diseases to which he doesn’t yet have immunity.
In extreme situations, anxiety can lead to long-term stress, which may result in diarrhea and vomiting, compulsive self-licking or destructive chewing and other behavioral problems.
A crate can be a useful tool for fearful dogs (except those who are afraid of confined spaces). It offers a safe place for her to hide in, when she’s anxious. Crate training should be approached carefully and slowly with dogs who have an anxious disposition, so as to gradually build up their confidence to go in and stay there – even with the door closed. Feeding inside the crate, or offering a juicy marrow bone in there, can help the your dog to form positive associations with the crate. It’s also important that a nervous pet have the opportunity to exercise and play regularly in a safe place where she can’t come to any harm. This will provide an outlet for her nervous energy.
There are a number of really helpful complementary therapies that can work wonders in helping to alleviate fear and anxiety. Here are a few recommendations.
Herbs
Chamomile is a very helpful and well-known herb for easing anxiety. It also helps to soothe a tense tummy and alleviates mild GI upset, which may be linked to nervousness.
Oatstraw is a nutritive and nervous system tonic. Oat contains a number of constituents including flavonoids and alkaloids which help to provide a balance between lethargy and nervousness. It can have a calming effect on nervous animals but helps to stimulate the nervous system in those who are debilitated.
Passionflower is a mild sedative, pain reliever and anti-spasmodic. It is calmative and often used for insomnia in people.
Valerian is a well-known, safe, gentle and natural sedative, which is useful for nervous anxiety. It also has mild pain-relieving properties and is anti-spasmodic, helping the patient to relax during physical pain and alleviate intestinal spasm or tummy upset caused by anxiety. Some herbalists use it for epilepsy, to help reduce the incidence of seizures. Valerian is not related to Valium in any way.
Skullcap is in the mint family. It’s a nervine herb which is commonly used for jittery anxiety and nervous tension, excitability, restlessness and hypersensitivity
St John’s Wort is another popular herbal remedy for anxiety and stress, since it relieves troublesome symptoms without sedation.
Nutrition
B-complex vitamins are very helpful for stress. Vitamin B12 and Folic acid are especially helpful. The amino acid phenylalanine is also used for anxiety; it helps to form a state of natural relaxation and has a positive effect on mood and behavior.
In Traditional Chinese medicine, fear may stem from weakness of the kidney or heart. Barley and Oats nourish these organs and the nervous system. Adding 1 teaspoon to ½ cup of these thoroughly cooked grains to the diet may help calm an anxious pet.
Flower Essences:
Honeysuckle is useful for more straightforward cases of separation anxiety.
Gorse is useful for despair and grief, especially when an owner has passed away
Rock rose helps to calm terror that manifests as trembling, cowering and panting as though the world might end.
Mimulus helps with fears of everyday life – strange places, the dark, and strangers or crowds for example.
Larch helps to cultivate bravery and courage along with emotional security.
Walnut helps to build up a sense of security and emotional independence.
Chestnut Bud can help as a preventive for a young dog, so that he can learn form his experiences and process new information to assist him in becoming an emotionally stable young dog.
You can add 3 drops of any or all of these flower essences to your pet’s water bowl. Some people also apply flower essence to their pet’s paws or ears.
Homeopathy:
Arsenicum album is very useful for fear and anxiety that are caused by a deep-seated insecurity – those pets who are constant worriers.
Aconite is especially good for animals who bite when they are frightened, especially when going to the veterinarian. Use 1-3 pellets (depending upon the animals size) 30 minutes before a vet visit to calm the animal.
Gelsemium is good for the animal who becomes weak, shaking with fear in the rear legs. Use 1 dose.
Training
If your dog or has developed anxiety or fear about something, gradual de-sensitization is a good approach to help him resolve his issues. For example, if he’s petrified of crowds, start off by introducing him to a very small group of people, maybe as few as two and give him lots of praise and treats in exchange for approaching them and saying hello.
Once he accepts the small group, try to have other people join in the same session, or take him somewhere where he’ll meet a few more people next time. Again, lots of praise and treats are vital as he shows willingness to interact. Try to ignore fearful behavior and don’t pick him up if he’s afraid! You could also try walking on the opposite side of the street to a school as children are arriving or leaving, so he can observe a crowd form a distance.
For fear of loud noises like fireworks, you could utilize the crate, offer something like a marrow bone to keep him occupied and perhaps turn on the TV or play some music to help drown out the noise. Make sure your pet is secure and unable to clamber out a window and come to harm.
Fear of strange objects can be overcome with a similar approach. Drop treats in a trail leading up to the scary item so that he can approach slowly and get rewarded along the way. Don’t force him to approach but gently coax him along. If you sit close to the item he may be more likely to approach. Once he gets really close, you can give an extra special treat and lots of praise so that he starts to form a positive association with the object of his fear.
With many dogs, a rather loud, overly-cheerful, sing-song voice (“Oh my goodness, that was SUCH a BIG LOUD truck, wasn’t it? You are SUCH a brave boy!”) seems to be more reassuring than a gentle “It’s OK, come on…… don’t worry” in a low voice – so see which version works better for your dog.
Also, we’ve just released an herbal tea, Quiet, which promotes calmness and can help alleviate anxiety in dogs and cats. Learn more here.
Energy Medicine
With the higher frequency of side effects from many conventional medicines, alternative remedies are continuing to gain popularity, being more widely incorporated into holistic vets’ medicine bags.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a form of “energy medicine,” which uses remedies made from highly diluted natural compounds that undergo a series of dilutions in water, alternated with a process called succussion (vigorous shaking). Homeopathic remedies may be derived from animal, plant or mineral forms and range in type from snake venom to poison ivy to oyster shells.
Homeopathic medicine was developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700s. He discovered after many years of work that the more “potentized” (dilute) a remedy was, the more powerful its healing properties actually became. Homeopathy works on the principle of “like cures like,” meaning that the diluted, homeopathic form of a compound can be helpful in alleviating the symptoms that that compound would actually cause in its non-diluted form. For example, the homeopathic remedy Apis Mellifica is made from honeybee venom. In its crude form, bee venom can cause itching, burning and stinging pain. In its homeopathic form, Apis can help to alleviate the burning and stinging pain of hotspots, cystitis, conjunctivitis and insect bites.
Skeptics of homeopathy claim that it cannot possibly work because the remedies are so highly diluted that none of the original compound remains. However, a growing number of clinical trials have demonstrated both the safety and efficacy of homeopathic medicine, and many of these trials were conducted in Europe where homeopathy is more widely prescribed even by conventional and
“mainstream” doctors.
Homeopathic remedies usually come in quick-dissolving pellets, which can be placed directly on Fido’s tongue. Here are five homeopathic remedies that can be kept on hand for Fido’s basic needs.
As always, it’s recommended that dog guardians consult with a veterinarian who is familiar with the use of homeopathy when using this modality.
Arnica montana is one of the best-known homeopathic remedies. It is commonly used in humans, in both topical creams and oral pellets. Arnica is excellent for bruising, muscle aches, sprains and general injuries, especially where the animal is shocked. Animals who benefit from Arnica may be fearful of touch and restless, constantly moving from one spot to another because of their discomfort.
Apis mellifica, made from the honeybee, is used for insect bites and stings that produce sensitive swellings. Animals who can benefit from Apis are those who may be very hot but not thirsty as their pain is often alleviated by cold.
Arsenicum album is a great remedy for diarrhea, especially digestive upset caused by food poisoning, consumption of garbage, etc. The arsenicum patient often feels chilly, and their symptoms are alleviated by warmth. It’s especially useful in younger animals and for those who are anxious, restless and thirsty.
Carbo vegetabilis is made from charcoal and is used for the alleviation of gas. It is a great remedy to keep on hand for dogs who are prone to bloat. Weakness, shock and general exhaustion indicate the need for carbo veg.
Thuja occidentalis is indicated for the treatment of warts and skin complaints. It is also used to help with adverse vaccine reactions, especially those reactions that cause skin problems.
The Flower Essences
Flower essences are one of the most popular natural remedies. Like homeopathics, they’re widely available in health food stores. While
homeopathic remedies are most used for physical conditions (but may also be selected for emotional factors), the forte of the flower essences is in balancing emotional health. Flower essences are liquid extracts made from a variety of individual flowers, plants and trees.
The flower essence system was created by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. The remedies are usually diluted and given orally or in drinking water, or applied to acupressure points.
Glass droppers should not be used to administer these remedies directly into Fido’s mouth. If needed, a remedy can instead be dropped onto the finger and rubbed onto the gums, ears or head.Animals often exhibit behavioral changes in response to underlying
emotional issues, stress, jealousy, aggression and worry. Flower essences can help Fido to feel calm and focused by enhancing and supporting emotional well-being.
The best known flower essence product is Dr Bach’s Rescue® Remedy, a combination of five flower essences. Rescue® Remedy is a
great choice to have on hand for both general and emergency use. Many people have used it successfully as a complement to conventional veterinary care, such as in emergency situations like heat stroke. A few popular individual flower essences that work really well for pets are as follows:
Jealousy: Holly, which is also suitable for those who show aggressiveness relating to past abuse.
Grief and Homesickness : Honeysuckle, for feelings of abandonment when left alone or at a kennel, and in combination with Star of Bethlehem for mourning an owner who has passed away.
Exhaustion and Trauma: Olive and Star of Bethlehem as well as Rescue® Remedy.
Fear: Aspen is especially great for very submissive pets who show nervousness in new situations; Mimulus for fear of known things such as thunder or vet visits; Rock Rose for terror and Red Chestnut for worry that something bad is going to happen.
Neediness : Chicory works especially for those who demand attention, easily feel jealousy and when being left alone causes excessive upset.
Both homeopathy and flower essences have an extremely high safety record, and few if any side-effects, even when used in conjunction with conventional medicine. For those who are open to the possibilities of healing that can take place with these complementary therapies, they are certainly worth a try.
