Ask the Herbalist:

BOTH in the clinic and from my website I get asked quite often to help solve behaviour problems. First up, I am interested to know what has been done to date to solve the problem. I feel it is very important with serious problems to consult a specialist in dog behaviour problems who can work directly with the owner and the dog if this is at all possible.

I see the work I do as supportive of this process, and not necessarily instead of, having someone work hands-on with owners and their dogs. Having said that, what can herbal and homoeopathic medicine do?

I primarily use homoeopathics and Bach Flowers for behavioural problems and sometimes I use herbs as well, depending on what the actual problem is.

Homoeopathics
Homoeopathics can work in the mental and emotional spheres. They can make significant changes on a deep level with a dog. To do this they are best when they are used to match the symptoms (behaviours) of the dog, with a specific remedy for that sort of behaviour. Often this needs to be worked out by the homoeopath.

This is done by getting as much information from the owner as possible. It is helpful to know when the behaviour started, what triggers it off each time it happens, and to have a description of the personality of the dog, its position in the pack, is it the sole dog or does it live with other dogs, and so on. Often the homoeopath will want to know some of the physical symptoms of the dog, also to ensure that the right prescription is given.

Here are some examples of homoeopathics that can be used to match certain dogs and their behaviours. Please don't take these as actual prescriptions but just as examples.

Anacardium - for dogs who show real meanness and aggression. The dog goes from being fine one moment to violent the next with no apparent warning. This isn't just being a bully who will back off, but will attack and bite. Of course, there may be a good reason the dog has developed this behaviour - perhaps through cruel treatment or being left tied up for long hours daily on its own.

Calc carb - is the opposite kind of dog. These are dogs who take responsibilities seriously. They guard seriously though not violently, they work sheep etc seriously or whatever it is you ask of them. They worry about getting everything right. At a certain point they seem to become confused, forgetful and full of fears as if they have become worn out. The equivalent is the human who is hard working, overly responsible and suffers burn-out.

Arg nit - a little like Calc carb but without the sense of duty and the exhaustion. They can be full of fears and nerves. They are really impulsive and are constantly in a hurry to do everything. They become nervous during training or when learning a new skill, anticipate the next step and get it messed up.

Puls - is for the clingy, insecure dog who loves to be cuddled all the time. They can be real sweethearts but also they show a lot of jealousy towards anyone new in the household. They are moody and changeable when things aren't going right. I have used it effectively for dogs who are the only dog in the 'pack' and can't cope with being left on their own, for even an hour.

There are many more homoeopathics than this but hopefully this may give you an idea of how a prescription may be chosen.

Bach Flowers
Bach Flowers are not chosen by using such individual details as homoeopathics. They are chosen more on single words that might describe an emotion or mindset the dog has. They are often used in combination with each other. Here are some examples:
Aspen - for generalised anxiety that appears to have no known cause.
Mimulus - for specific fears, such as fear of loud noises.
Rock rose - for terror, extreme fear or panic.
Wild rose - for total apathy.
Cerato or Larch - for lack of confidence.
Clematis - for dreamy dogs who take no notice of anything going on around them.
Rescue remedy - is a combination of five Bach Flowers and is used to settle a dog down before or after an event or following an accident, or trauma. It is really a broad-spectrum remedy for fear and anxiety.

Herbal medicine
I use herbs when I think the dog's nervous system or adrenals need boosting, balancing or calming. Sometimes the dog needs the liver detoxified so it can be less irritable or to help it feel better and lose the apathy. Herbs work firstly on the physical level and this then influences the mental, emotional spheres.

To summarise, nothing beats proper care and handling or having an emotionally stable and happy dog. Some problems need hands-on help by a trained behaviourist. Homoeopathics, Bach flowers and herbal medicine can all play an important role in the treatment of behaviour problems.