RESCUE REMEDY

Information provided by

Guardian Angels Julie & Aisha and Pat & Dixie

Rescue Remedy (RR) is a Bach Flower remedy. The Bach Flower Remedies are "essences" or "energies" of various plants, each plant carrying its own therapeutic healing vibration. Because of this, flower remedies are extremely safe, and there is no way in which the user can overdose on them.

Rescue Remedy can be used in many different ways: after a seizure to reduce pacing and other post-ictal behaviors; to reduce stress in various situations, including visits to the vet, thunderstorms, fireworks, having company in the home, etc. Anything that causes your dog to experience stress (both "good" and "bad" stress) can potentially lead to seizure activity and by lessening the effects of the stressor on the dog's system, seizures may be prevented or the severity and/or number lessened.

Many of us use Rescue Remedy with our epi-dogs and non-epis as well. (NOTE:  See comments below.)  Some dogs do not respond to Rescue Remedy, post-ictally (after a seizure), however. In addition to using the RR after seizures, many people use the remedy in stressful situations and find that it has helped to calm their dogs in situations of panic and hyperactivity, such as prior to a vet visit, or when there is a lot of household commotion or change of routine. Some people believe that it may also calm their dogs enough to avoid a seizure if used when pre-ictal (before a seizure) behavior is present.

You need only give a couple of drops of Flower Remedies with each dose. Actually, it is not the amount given, but the *frequency* in which the remedy is given, that determines its effectiveness. In particularly stressful situations, giving 2-3 drops of RR every 15 to 30 minutes until the stressful situation has passed is most effective. Some people add a few drops to their pet's water bowl or food. Also, if RR needs to be given during a seizure, it is not recommended that the remedy be administered orally. Many people squirt a drop or two on the dog's forehead or bedding during the actual seizure.

The following information is taken from Bach Flower Remedies for Animals written by Helen Graham and Gregory Vlamis. In the section on dosages, it says: "Flower essences (FEs) are administered in drops, a single drop at a time. They are normally given by mouth. Five days is the average period of treatment, although they can be continued for two weeks or longer. Dosage varies with the particular situation and the animal species being treated. The standard dose is 4 drops. More drops are not harmful, but wasteful. Fewer drops can be used if the animal is quite small (squirrels, hamsters, rabbits). For large breeds of dogs (St. Bernards, Great Danes), sheep and goats, 6 drops should be given. Horses and cows get 10-15 drops. These can be given as often as necessary but at least four times daily. Drops can be applied directly on or under the animal's tongue, dropped onto the nose to be licked off, or rubbed into the gums or lips. They also can be added to water, food, treats, etc., but this is not as reliable because you can't monitor the exact amount they are taking. You can also mix with water and spray it on the skin or in the air surrounding the animal. You can add it to lotions and apply it topically to the skin or fur, pulse points, or other soft cavities of the body (under the leg or arm) - I put it inside their ears sometimes. You can also bathe the dog with water containing a few drops of FEs. They respond with great immediacy to the correct essences. If there is no apparent change after five days, you are using the wrong remedy. FEs are safe to take in combination with each other and with any other medications - allopathic or homeopathic. They are harmless, and overdose is impossible. If you administer the wrong essence, it will simply have no effect."

Rescue Remedy can be purchased at health food stores and most General Nutrition Centers (GNC) carry it.

If you are interested in learning more about Rescue Remedy and Bach Flower Remedies, you can read more about and purchase them at the following site: http://www.rainbowcrystal.com/bach/bfr/rr.html

This is NOT an endorsement or advertisement for Rescue Remedy, but purely for informational purposes.

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Below you will find some comments on how some of our Guardian Angels use Rescue Remedy and how it works for their dogs and themselves!  Also see our "Helpful Hints" section on "Ice Cream After a Seizure" for more information about the use of Rescue Remedy with seizures.
 

Web Angels Rita and Wolf (German Shepherd):