Zen This Year

by Sandy Phillips

Have you ever given thought to how valuable your sense of smell is? You know how that distinct scent of pine makes you think of the holidays? How just smelling the pine in the warmer months can make you feel that holiday warmth inside? What about the wafting smells from the kitchen; how those warm cookies and turkey in the oven take you right back to holiday memories in an instant?

Dogs have 50 times more olfactory receptors than humans. If our sense of smell can transport us to memories, then dogs have to experience a very heightened response to smells and are very responsive to those odors. Did you know that we can use those smells to communicate with our dogs and with much success?

With the constant stress we all endure in today's world, from simple street noises to electronic gadgets that sound at all times of the day and night, we can easily get a sensory overload and so can our dogs. That doesn't even include individual canine stressors, like the vacuum or the UPS man. Today's modern dog can be as stressed as their humans. In fact, many will mirror our stress levels as they read it in us, simply out of concern. Aside from doggie Prozac, which is available to them, what can you do to make their lives a bit less stressful?

There are many things we can do, from keeping up with anticipated routines to a healthy living environment and proper nutrition that allows the bodies natural stress responses to function properly. There are also all natural flower essences. They are diluted tinctures made from flowers. Essences have been in use for decades and are gaining popularity for use in pets. In the 1920's and '30s, Dr. Edward Bach discovered the natural healing power of flower essences. He stated that the essences would "gently restore the balance between mind and body by casting out negative emotions such as fear, worry, hatred and indecision, which interfere with the equilibrium of the being as a whole." While flower essences can be taken internally, many play off the sense of smell. It is well known that the scent of Lavender alone can calm nervous dogs and humans alike, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. I have personally used flower essences on nervous horses before competition and dogs for several behaviors, such as separation anxiety and stress with great success. It sounds very simple just to have your dog smell something and viola; problem solved, yes? No, it's not that simple.

Flower essences are considered herbal medicines and their use are best guided, particularly in the beginning, by a veterinary professional or holistic practitioner. They work on the mental, and emotional level and animals seem to be very responsive to their proper use. They also come in a wide variety of grades, so be sure to purchase a reputable brand. With so many essence combinations available guidance is key. Success with essences and dogs depends on a well-informed human.

The administration of essences is simple. With my horses, I dabbed it on the end of their noses. For essences taken internally, it's as simple as placing a few drops on a soft treat and offering it to your dog. Some work well when placed in room diffusers, particularly if you are trying to relieve anxiety or depression in animals. For others, placement on pads or simply rubbing essences through your dog's coat are very beneficial. Paws are very absorptive.

Be sure you have the proper ratios, if dilution is required or that you don't overdo. Like any medications, their benefit comes from proper dosing. Be sure to check with your vet if your pet is on regular medications to avoid any negative side effects or interactions. Again, this is where guidance is advantageous. Also give them time to work, although my horses responded within minutes to the reassuring smell of lavender, some animals need a few doses or dosages have to be adjusted for body size before the maximum effect is seen. Flower essences are just another tool for us to offer our modern dogs as they become even more ingrained in the human life, that can allow us both to live in harmony.