The dog is considered man's best friend. For many owners, their four-legged friend is not just a pet, but an important member of the family. Accordingly, a lot is done to improve the well-being of the dog.
This is also noticeable, among other things, by the growing interest in methods from alternative medicine, such as Bach Flowers for dogs. Many owners hope to find alternatives to conventional medicine and to do something good for their four-legged friend. In the following, we will explain where Bach flowers come from and what it is all about. You will also find out whether Bach Flowers are useful for dogs and what effect you can expect.
What are Bach Flowers for dogs?
Actually, Bach Flowers were not initially intended for dogs, but for people. The inventor and namesake of the so-called Bach Flower Therapy was the British physician Edward Bach.
In the 1930s, he developed a concept with 38 different essences. In addition to pure rock spring water, this includes 37 different flower extracts.
Bach's basic idea was that for the successful treatment of a disease it is not enough to counteract the symptoms, but that attention must also be paid to the patient's state of mind.
For his Bach Flower Therapy, Bach selected a number of plants, each of which he assigned to different emotional states. To produce Bach Flower essences, the plants are boiled in spring water or placed in the sun for a few hours.
The enriched spring water is then diluted with brandy and can be taken by adults. Bach Flower remedies for dogs and children are also available without alcohol.
Using Bach Flowers for dogs correctly
In order for Bach Flower remedies for dogs to develop their effect, it is recommended that the drops be used over a longer period of time. First successes should appear after about two weeks. Up to three months should even pass before Bach Flower remedies develop their full effect.
The dosage depends on the complaints to be alleviated and the size of the dog. Usually, however, 24 drops are used as a guideline for the application.
These can be administered to the dog throughout the day. If a dog is to be treated permanently with Bach Flowers, the recommended dosage is usually lower.
Possible areas of application for Bach Flowers
If you decide to treat your dog with Bach Flowers, you can choose from various flower essences for this purpose. Which preparation is the right one depends on the exact nature of the complaints.
Bach Flowers are primarily intended to help dogs to relax. They should counteract behavioural problems and help the four-legged friend to a more balanced mind.
Bach Flowers for dogs are recommended for the following problems, among others:
In addition, Bach Flowers for dogs are also available as so-called Rescue Drops. This special mixture is said to have a supporting effect in case of traumatic experiences, such as allergic reactions or injuries.
Are Bach Flowers for dogs useful?
Of course, at first glance it sounds promising to improve health and well-being through natural products such as Bach Flowers for dogs. However, so far there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the flower essences.
As clinical studies in humans have shown, the effect of Bach Flower Therapy is limited to a placebo effect at best. It is therefore at least doubtful that treatment with Bach Flower remedies for dogs is associated with any significant positive effects.
Sick dogs must be taken to the vet
Bach Flowers are basically only intended to support the orthodox medical treatment of the dog. Nevertheless, the use of the flower essences carries a certain risk that some owners trust the effectiveness of Bach Flower Therapy and consider a visit to the vet unnecessary.
For the dog, however, this can have fatal consequences. After all, a prompt start of treatment for many
dog diseases is crucial for the success of the therapy.
If you notice possible symptoms of illness in your four-legged friend, a visit to the vet should therefore always have priority. After all, Bach Flower remedies for dogs can replace neither medicines nor other treatment measures.
Do Bach Flowers for dogs have side effects?
Bach Flowers for Dogs are homeopathic preparations. Side effects are therefore not to be expected from the administration of the flower essences.
Theoretically, there is a risk that Bach Flowers may cause allergic reactions or intolerances in dogs. However, the concentration of essences is so low that such problems are extremely unlikely.
Our natural tranquilizer for dogs
At Bellfor we have always attached great importance to digestible products. This applies to our dog food as well as to our food supplements. Accordingly, we consider natural products to be a good choice for calming nervous, anxious or stressed dogs.
For this reason we have developed Shiimun Calm, a special dietary supplement for dogs. Carefully balanced ingredients such as green tea, shiitake mushrooms and brewer's yeast guarantee good effectiveness and excellent tolerance.
Shiimun Calm can support your dog in a natural way to master stressful situations and increase the well-being of your four-legged friend.
Our conclusion on the subject of Bach Flowers for dogs
As you can see, Bach Flowers for dogs should at least be enjoyed with caution. Even though we generally prefer the use of natural active ingredients, there is unfortunately no scientific evidence to date regarding the effectiveness of Bach Flowers.
However, as the essences are very much diluted anyway, you should at least not expect that the administration of Bach Flower remedies will lead to undesirable side effects in your dog.
