Most people refer to emotional problems as “behavioural” problems in animals, but I don’t feel that this popular term is fair to say. We do not want to blame and judge our animals, just like people there is always a cause at the heart of any behaviour. So quickly are we to label and become angry, this is counterproductive and will only exacerbate the problem. Yes, frustration can surface, however, these are the crucial moments as an animal parent when we need to listen to our animals on all levels, not only to be seen but to also be heard. Remedies and essential oils play a very important role with these sort of concerns that we can include while tending to our animal’s emotional needs.
Anxiety
Separation Anxiety
The most common form of anxiety for animals, especially dogs, is separation anxiety. This is when animals have issues being left alone at home. Luckily, there are natural approaches that we can offer our fur babies. Zoopharmacognosy practitioners find that the following remedies work well to calm and relax our animals while left alone.
- Petitgrain Essential Oil
- Neroli Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Rose Essential Oil
- Violet Leaf Essential Oil
- Orange Blossom Hydrosol
Noise Aversion
- It’s not uncommon that our animals experience noise sensitivity. A screaming baby or child, the shocking sounds of fireworks, construction or a noisy road near the home. As a side note, noise aversion can be kidney related in terms of Chinese medicine and might be of value to look into. As for zoopharmacognosy, the following remedies can be quite helpful.
- Valerian Essential Oil
- Vetiver Essential Oil
- Frankincense Essential Oil
- Rose Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Neroli Essential Oil
- Rose Hydrosol
The Worrier
Some of our animals are wound up pretty tightly, worry can consume them on a daily basis. This can exhaust them and it can become hard for them to concentrate or focus on things like training. This can happen as mentioned above, when left home alone, in the presence of other dogs or people, noises outside the home or even during a car ride. We can try to soothe their worries with the following essential oils:
- Rose Essential Oil
- Valerian Essential Oil
- Hops Essential Oil
- Violet Leaf Essential Oil
Spraying any of these on a cloth, blanket or toy that they can select around the house is a great way to offer them relief and support while you’re gone.
Create a Healthy Association
It’s a good idea to use their chosen remedies when the animal is calm, happy and feels safe, this can be during bonding or cuddle time. This creates a positive association of relaxation and safety with the remedy, creating an even more powerful soothing effect.