On Grief

               

GRIEF
Any time there is a loss, companion animals may suffer from grief in the same manner that we do.  This is especially true with the death of a family member, whether human or nonhuman.  It may also occur when a member of the family leaves the household.  This could be from a difficult situation suich as divorce, but it  may also occur when a child leaves for college or to begin life on her own.  The most important homeopathic remedy for immediate effects of grief is Ignatia.  This remedy can be very helpful to individuals in grief.  It will not block the experience of grief, but it can lighten the load somewhat and allow the individual (two- or four-legged) to accept and integrate the changes in his life.  Ignatia can even help in some case when the gief is in the past, but the person has  not finished letting go.  There are other remedies for illness that results from unresolved grief, including Natrum muriaticum and Phosphoric acid, but this state is usually a chronic condition that warrants expert homeopathic care.  Grief is often at the heart of a sudden occurrence of chronic disease.  I have seen this often in animals that develop diabetes, for example.

From Dian Stein's "Natural Remedy Book for Cats & Dogs" :

HOMEOPATHY:  Ignatia is the classic remedy for any dis-ease or behavior with grief as its basis, including hysteria and behavior aberrations.  For the pet who is so dejected she seems to drag her feet when she moves, the remedy is Calcera Carbonica.  Where there is severe depression and the animal seems to forget how to do things she has always done, try Calc Phos.  A melancholy, peevish animal may respond to Lycopodium; she is afraid to be alone and may have digestive or urinary symptoms.  Nux Vomica is for the irritable dog or cat who blames others and does not want to be touched.  With Arsenicum, there are periodic episodes of anger, panic or restlessness, and the animal feels cold to the touch.  For behavior problems that occur when the animal is left alone, especially in light colored clinging pets, try Pulsatilla.

FLOWER ESSENCES:  Star of Bethlehem with Honeysuckle helps pets who are grieving the permanent loss of a person or animal friend; Amaranthus is for the cat or dog grieving the loss of another pet.  Pear helps the animal who has lost her family and must adapt to a new one; Walnut aids adjustment to a new home or environment.  Where there are emotional and digestive symptoms from grief and loss, the essence to use is Wisteria.  The animal who blames a human for her loss responds to Eucalyptus, and Angelica is for extreme behavior changes from difficulty in adapting to a new family.  Clematis is for the lethargic dog or cat, Cucumber is for depression, and Bleeding Heart heals the heart and emotions.

GEMSTONES:  Pink stones, particularly Rose Quartz, are traditional for easing grief.  Place a piece in the pet's environment and on her collar, making sure to clear the stone frequently.  Jet and Onyx are traditionally stones of mourning and recovery from loss.  Kunzite or Lepidolite are mood-raisers and emotional balancers.  Make any of thes into gem elixirs.