Angela Kearney is a holistic therapist for people and pets. She is a Registered Animal Healer, Reiki Master Practitioner, Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner and Pet Bereavement counsellor. Angela offers healing and consultations for animals (and their humans) in London, UK.
Like us, our pets experience a wide range of emotions: anxiety, depression, grief, and even frustration. While they may not express these feelings in words, their behaviour and body language often reveal the conflict beneath the surface. Bach Flower Remedies offer a gentle, natural way to support animals through emotional challenges, helping to restore balance and harmony.
Dr. Edward Bach was a physician, bacteriologist, and homeopath whose early career was established in conventional medicine. A respected pathologist and immunologist, Bach grew increasingly disillusioned with orthodox medicine and the treatment of symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of illness. He firmly believed there was a direct connection between health and our emotions.
In 1930, Bach left behind his busy London practice and turned to the English countryside for answers. During the following six years, he intuitively selected and tested flower essences, developing a system of 38 remedies that he believed could restore harmony to the mind and support the body's natural ability to heal. His system remains as gentle, effective, and relevant today as it was in his time
The energy of nature
Modern science acknowledges that all matter, including living organisms, has an energetic frequency. Dr. Bach believed everything in nature, including plants, trees, and flowers, carries a unique energy or vibration.
Bach Flower Remedies work on the principle of resonance. Each essence carries a stable and harmonious frequency. The vibrational energy helps to restore emotional balance when our pets are struggling. Think of the remedies like a tuning fork!
When animals experience emotional imbalance, the natural energy balance can become disrupted. While Bach Flower Remedies do not work in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs, they are often described as catalysts, encouraging the body and mind to return to a more balanced emotional state.
They are subtle, safe, non-toxic, and can be used alongside conventional treatments or other holistic therapies. Whether your pet struggles with separation anxiety, nervousness around loud noises, or difficulties adjusting to change, there is likely a remedy that can help.
The seven categories of Bach flower remedies
Dr. Bach grouped the remedies into seven broad categories which group the different emotional states and personality traits that may lead to distress or imbalance.
Each category represents a core emotional challenge, such as fear, uncertainty, or loneliness, and within each category are remedies that address specific manifestations of that challenge.
For example, the Fear category includes remedies for general nervousness and deep-seated terror, while the Oversensitivity category supports aggressive and subservient states or personalities. Understanding these groupings helps us to choose the most suitable remedies. So, let’s get started!
1. Remedies for Fear
Rock rose – For extreme fear or panic
Mimulus – For known fears and timidity
Cherry plum – For hysteria and fear of losing control, harming self and others
Aspen – For vague, unexplained fears and apprehension
Red chestnut – For excessive concern about the welfare of loved ones, over-caring
Rescue remedy – An emergency combination remedy for immediate stress or trauma
Fear can take many forms in animals, from phobias to general unease. Whether your pet panics in emergencies (Rock Rose) or seems to be spooked by an unseen worry (Aspen), these remedies can help restore confidence and calm.
Example: A mother cat frantically pacing and over-grooming her kittens may need Red Chestnut to calm her excessive worry over loved ones. For a dog that suddenly snaps or bites when overwhelmed, Cherry Plum helps with extreme tension and fear of losing control.
2. Remedies for Uncertainty
Cerato – For indecision or self-doubt, seeks confirmation and approval from others
Scleranthus – For indecision or difficulty making choices and fluctuating moods
Gentia – For discouragement or disappointment
Gorse – For extreme hopelessness or pessimism
Hornbeam – For procrastination or fatigue, especially from the feeling of mental effort
Wild oat – For lack of direction or confusion over purpose
Some animals struggle with hesitation, doubt, or fluctuating moods. Making decisions can be difficult. These remedies provide clarity and stability.
Example: Scleranthus or Cerato could benefit a cat that hesitates or seems unsure in a new environment. A retired working dog is likely to benefit from Wild Oat.
3. Remedies for Lack of Interest in Present Circumstances
Clematis – For inattention and indifference
Honeysuckle – For homesickness or longing for the past
Wild rose – For resignation or apathy
Olive – For exhaustion after physical or mental strain
White chestnut – For unwanted, worrying thoughts or mental chatter
Mustard – For sudden, deep depression with no apparent cause
Chestnut bud – For failure to learn from past mistakes
Pets that are withdrawn, disengaged, or stuck in the past may need a remedy from this group.
Example: An elderly pet grieving the loss of a companion might respond well to Honeysuckle, while a new mother may benefit from Olive after delivering her litter.
4. Remedies for Loneliness
Water violet – For aloofness, especially when the pet is reserved, withdrawn or distant
Impatiens – For impatience and irritability
Heather – For constant neediness or self-centeredness
Some animals prefer solitude, while others crave attention excessively. These remedies help balance social needs.
Example: Water Violet may help a previously social cat who becomes suddenly withdrawn, whereas an overly clingy dog could benefit from Heather.
5. Remedies for Oversensitivity
Agrimony – For anguish or worry behind a cheerful disguise
Centaury – For subservience, keen to please, weak-willed
Walnut – For adjustment to change and protection from outside influence
Holly – For jealousy, hatred, or aggression
Pets, like people, can be deeply affected by their surroundings, changes, or the emotions of other animals.
Example: A dog struggling to adjust to a new home might need Walnut for adaptation, while a pet unable to accept a new addition to the family (another pet or baby) may benefit from Holly.
6. Remedies for Despondency and Despair
Larch – For lack of confidence and inferiority, fear of failure, reluctant
Pine – For guilt, unworthiness, accepts blame for mistakes and behaviour of others
Elm – For feelings of overwhelm
Sweet Chestnut – For extreme despair and desolation
Star of Bethlehem – For fright, trauma, grief and bereavement
Willow – For resentment and bitterness
Oak – For exhaustion or after a prolonged period of illness or hardship
Crab Apple – For self-disgust, feelings of uncleanliness, overgrooming.
Long-term emotional struggles, grief, or exhaustion fall under this category.
Example: A pet experiencing deep sadness after losing a human or animal companion might need Sweet Chestnut or Star of Bethlehem. A once-proud show cat with a stubborn skin complaint, leading to obsessive grooming and withdrawal may benefit from Crab Apple.
7. Remedies for the Welfare of Others
Chicory – For possessiveness, over-attachment, and selfishness
Vervain – For over-enthusiasm or tension from being overly driven
Vine – For dominant or controlling behavior
Beech – For intolerance and judgmental behavior
Rock water – For rigid, perfectionist tendencies
Some animals are natural caretakers, but excessive control, dominance, or possessiveness can create imbalances.
Example: A dog that obsessively guards their owner could benefit from Chicory, while an overly bossy pet might need Vine.
How to use the remedies
The dosage for dogs, cats, and small animals is the same as for humans. However, if your pet is on medication or sensitive to alcohol, be aware that most standard remedies are preserved with brandy. If you intend to use undiluted remedies, this may not be suitable. I recommend glycerin-based remedies. They contain no alcohol, work in the same way as standard remedies, and are widely available.
You can administer the remedies in two ways: directly or diluted in spring water.
Option 1: Direct from the stock bottle
If giving the remedies straight from the stock bottle, the recommended (glycerin) dosage is:
Two drops, four times daily in water or food.
If your pet doesn’t drink regularly or eat full meals, you may want to give the remedies directly into the mouth. I recommend swapping the glass dropper for plastic to avoid accidents and injury. Also, avoid touching your pet’s mouth with the dropper to prevent contamination of the mixture, and rinse if necessary. Other ways to administer the remedy include:
Placing the drops on a treat or snack.
Rubbing the drops onto the lips or nose, where they will naturally lick them off.
Gently massaging the drops into the paw pads, inside the ears, or stroking them into the fur.
When your pet receives two drops, four times daily, these methods will be equally effective.
Option 2: Diluted mixture bottle
Prepare a diluted (but no less effective) solution using a 30ml mixture bottle with the dropper. You can use standard or glycerin-based remedies.
This method is recommended if your pet needs multiple remedies. Up to seven remedies can be combined in a single bottle. A 30ml bottle will last three weeks when the recommended dosage is followed. To prepare:
Sterilise your mix bottle by boiling the glass components for 10 minutes.
Add two drops of each remedy to the bottle.
Fill the bottle with still spring water to the shoulder.
Store in the refrigerator when not in use.
Give your pet four drops, four times daily, adding to food, water, or topically.
Are the remedies working?
You will know when it’s time to stop. Once the negative behaviours ease, and your pet seems more balanced or back to their usual self, the remedy has done its job.
Starting small for big results
If you are new to Bach Flower Remedies, choosing remedies might feel confusing. You may like to engage the services of a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP). You can find an International Register of BFRAPs at The Bach Centre.
But if you are happy to experiment, start with just one or two that align with your pet’s most prominent emotional state. Rescue Remedy is always a great place to start, an all-purpose option for sudden stress or trauma. It's not called Rescue Remedy for nothing!
If you select a remedy that doesn't seem quite right on the first occasion, don’t worry! The remedies can cause no harm to your precious pets. The worst outcome? You won't see any change in their behaviour until the most appropriate remedy is chosen. Be patient and observe closely for subtle yet profound shifts in your pet’s well-being.
Ready to explore further?
Have you tried Bach Flower Remedies with your pet? I would love to hear about your experiences. If you have any questions about choosing the remedies, contact me or explore further resources on holistic pet care. Every animal is an individual, and finding the perfect remedy can be a rewarding process that strengthens your bond while helping your pet find balance and emotional peace.
Read more from Angela Kearney
Angela Kearney, Holistic Therapist for People and Pets
Angela Kearney is a holistic practitioner and advocate of holistic living for both humans and animals. During a profoundly challenging time in her life, she turned to Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies in search of safe, gentle, and non-addictive healing therapies. When her young cat was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, Angela was determined to support him wholly. This led to a new career path as she expanded her knowledge, qualifying as a Reiki Practitioner and Teacher, Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), and Registered Animal Healer. Angela’s multimodal approach to pet wellbeing yields transformative results, addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of every animal.
