If alternative or complimentary medicine for your animals appeals to you, this is definitely a book to stick in your pet medicine collection. This book presents a nice overview behind the theory of Bach Flower Remedies. The remedy information on each flower is presented first as it would be in a human, then expanded and explained for its usage in animals. The book has individual chapters on dogs, cats, horses and farm animals; there is also anecdotal evidence presented for uses in other animals – rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, buffalo, and fish. The dosage information is clear and easy to understand.

This book is not going to teach you how to splint a broken animal leg or deal with other physical emergencies, but it is a good reference on dealing with pet emotional issues. You are encouraged to discuss the Bach Flower Remedies with your veterinarian and use them in appropriate ways for your animal. While the authors give anecdotal evidence that severe trauma was assisted by usage of the remedies they (and I) caution against relying solely on the remedies in those types of situations. One important thing they are very clear on that should be reiterated: Bach Flower Remedies use brandy (alcohol) as the carrier. The remedies are meant to be diluted before use. You should check with your veterinarian to find out what dilution strength would be acceptable (if at all) for your particular pet.

One of the things that really pulled me into this book was the introduction on personalities. They talk about the evolution of thought regarding animal thinking, minds and personality. They do not anthropomorphize animals, but they seem to understand the scientifically unproven, intangible things all pet owners know and believe about their animals with regard to thought. They draw on animal interactions in the wild as the initial basis for evaluation. It is then fine tuned using individual behavioral patterns and differences. If the authors branched out from writing solely about Bach Flower Remedies and delved more into animal minds I would personally run out and buy the book.

Recommended: Yes
Animal type: All

Bach Flower Remedies for Animals is available through Amazon.com.

Title: Bach Flower Remedies for Animals
Authors: Stefan Ball & Judy Howard
Copyright: 1999
Publisher: C.W. Daniel Company, Ltd.
ISBN: 0852072961