Holistic Care for Animals by Taranet

Selecting Bach Flower Remedies for animals

03/02/26 18:25

How to Choose the Right Bach Flower Remedy for Your Animal


The Bach Flower Remedy system comprises 38 different remedies. This may seem a lot to navigate. You may already be aware of one 'remedy' - which actually comprises 5 of them, which is Rescue Remedy. This can helpful for 'crisis' and 'emergency' situations.

Where do you start choosing a Bach Flower Remedy?


So as there are 38 where do you start? First off they are for balancing the emotions, and help with negative mental states. As you know yourself, there are many emotions you experience every day. The reasons for these can be various. And the same applies to our animals. It's important to emphasise that they are not used to treat physical illness direct. Indeed some ailments such as broken bones cannot be treated with a Bach Flower Remedy.

By restoring emotional wellbeing they can help the body's equilibrium. This is important. You can have two horses for example, who may appear to have the same issue. But their recovery and progress will be different. This is because everyone, animal or human is different. How we respond to situations is different.

If two horses were on box rest following a ligament or tendon injury, then their response to this will vary. One horse maybe subdued. Another may appear very fraught, kicking the walls for instance. So the emotional responses will require different Bach Flower Remedies.

Rescue Remedy Considerations


It's worth noting that although Rescue Remedy is helpful to have, if used often. This can suggest an underlying issue., that needs resolving. For instance it can help if there are thunderstorms that your animal finds scary. But depending on your animal:

• 'Mimulus' could help. As this is for everyday fear and anxiety caused by known things.
• Whereas 'Rock Rose' can help with terror and extreme fear.
• Aspen can help with fear or anxiety with no known cause.

Understanding your animal's 'normal' emotions and how he or she copes everyday is important. That way you can ensure the best remedies are used.

So in conclusion…. with 38 remedies in the Bach Flower Remedy system, you will have a whole lifetime of choice! As your animal goes through different life stages and experiences day to day life, there will be a remedy to help.

Being aware of your animal's behaviour and emotions is important. So take time to watch, listen and 'just be' with your animal, Whether you've had them a short time or for many years you can find a remedy in the system to help.

Remember.. With any issue it's important to get professionally qualified help.

There's many qualified Bach Flower Remedies practitioners around the world. Always seek their help first, to avoid the remedies being used incorrectly. Or complete a training course yourself. The Bach Centre have a Level One online course or face-to-face training you complete. For more information please email me or visit https://www.bachcentre.com

Get more information on Bach Flower Remedies for animals on other pages here at Taranet:




A holistic approach to your animal's health can make a massive positive difference. Get more ideas by taking a look at other Natural Pet Care blog posts, and the rest of this Taranet website.

Do you know someone who'd find this information on holistic animal health helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

About the Author


Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse

Exciting News About This Natural Pet HealthCare Blog


It's been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 UK Animal Blogs on the web. Check out this here

5 New Years Resolutions For Your Horse

09/01/26 18:01

5 Changes You Could Make To Your Horse's Care For The New Year


Do you make new years resolutions? As a horse owner you may already include your horse in your resolutions. Or is it something you've not thought of before for your horse?

We all want to do best for our animals, whether that's our horse, pony, donkey or other animal. So what can you do to make a positive change this new year? Here are five tips you can think about taking on.

5 Ways To Help Your Horse Be Happier and Healthier This Year


  1. When did your horse last have a massage? Or another therapeutic treatment such as chiropractic? It's important not to wait til a problem emerges and then have to find a solution. As with people, a massage or other hands-on therapy can be relaxing. Together with helping the mind, this can help muscles and ligaments. Whether your horse is busy enjoying the field most of the time, or stabled, or exercised often. Then massage can be invaluable to help mind and body to be at their best. Read more about equine massage and other hands-on therapies for your horse here.
  2. How do you worm your horse? There's increasing evidence that chemical wormers should be used sparingly. Worm counts are an excellent way to understand more about your horse's worm burden. Together with that there are herbal options to help promote good intestinal health. Such as Verm-X. Read more about holistic equine worming here.
  3. Dental care, when did your horse's teeth last get checked? Many horses, ponies or donkeys will experience some type of dental issue. These can be due to a conformational problem, age or injury amongst other causes. Getting your horse's teeth checked can be stressful. As with people, some horses don't like their mouths being looked at. Get some tips on holistic equine dental care here at my advice page.
  4. Want to improve your relationship with your horse? Tuning into your horse's energy can help understand your horse better. A skilled animal communicator can help unlock any blockages in your relationship. Read more about animal communication with this Natural Pet Care Blog post from Annie Bourke. Plus listen to this Animals Naturally podcast episode with Joan Ranquet to learn more.
  5. Review your horse's lifestyle. So what I mean is, is your horse as healthy as possible? Is your horse has happy as possible? A good immune system can help your horse withstand the challenges of everyday life. Same as humans. Check out my advice page on immune health to learn more.

These are just five ideas but there are many others too!

A holistic approach to your horse's health can make a massive positive difference. Get more ideas by taking a look at other Natural Pet Care blog posts, and the rest of this Taranet website.

Do you know someone who'd find this information on holistic horse health helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse


Exciting News About This Natural Pet HealthCare Blog
It's been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 UK Animal Blogs on the web. Check out this here

Your Guide to Cat Friendly Houseplants

02/12/25 16:59

Cat-friendly houseplants



I think it’s safe to say that we all love a houseplant. Here in the My Three Cats household, we have tons of them. The two main plants that we have are spider plants and orchids, both being cat-friendly house plants. It is very important to know what houseplants you are bringing into your home for the safety of your cat(s).

Benefits to houseplants

Before we get to the cats (a sentence I never thought I’d type), I thought it would be good to discuss why we like to have houseplants in the first place.
Not only do they enhance the appearance of our homes, but studies also show that houseplants: boost moods, increase creativity, reduce stress and eliminate air pollutants.
Speaking shortly, houseplants make us feel good.

Toxic houseplants and their symptoms in felines



Knowing the symptoms that can show on cats if they have consumed a toxic houseplant is beneficial. Here is a list of symptoms of poisoning:
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Excessive drinking/frequent urination
  • Overall weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Vomiting/diarrhea
  • Rashes/red skin
  • Ulcers in mouth
  • Pale gums
  • Twitching/seizures
  • Collapsing
  • Toxic houseplants

Looking on the Cats Protection website, I found a very useful page showing toxic/non-toxic plants. The website lists toxic plants as well as plants to take caution around. This is because they may not necessarily be toxic, but some parts of the plant could cause harm.
I would highly recommend having a little look at this site: https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/dangerous-plants

Three of the most common toxic houseplants for cats are:


  • Lily (all parts of a lily are toxic to cats)
  • Mistletoe (all parts of mistletoe is toxic to cats)
  • Hyacinths (the bulb of hyacinth is toxic to cats)

Some plants are not necessarily toxic but caution is advised:

  • Aloe vera
  • Asparagus fern
  • English ivy
  • Jade plant
  • Bird of paradise

Enough of the bad plants, let’s go through some cat-friendly houseplants. I have found my research for this section from PetPlan who make it very clear that just because a plant isn’t considered toxic, doesn’t mean it won’t make your pet ill. I guess that goes for a lot of things though really? Sweets aren’t toxic to humans but if you eat too much you’re bound to feel sick.

Money Tree
Not to be confused with a money plant which is a jade plant, “Pachira aquatica” are low maintenance for artificially lighted areas. They like moderately humid rooms and can be watered until water runs from the drainage holes (they should also be dried out between watering).

Hibiscus
In most cases, Hibiscus plants are safe for cats, but the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a type of hibiscus that can harm animals. They require bright, humid conditions with good ventilation, protected from direct sunlight. Indoor hibiscus needs lots of water in hot weather and much less in cold weather. You should water until you see it come out of the drainage holes.

Spider plant
Whilst spider plants are considered non-toxic to cats, it is still advised that cats eating the leaves may pose a potential risk. Spider plants contain chemical compounds that are said to be related to opium – these compounds can result in an upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhoea. They like even moisture and are to be kept in bright to moderate indirect sunlight.

Herbs – including basil, sage and rosemary
Most herbs are safe for cats. Garlic and chives are the most dangerous for your cat – all members of the allium family (onions, leeks, scallions and shallots) are toxic to felines. Even a small ingestion can cause damage to their red blood cells, leading to anaemia or even death.

Catnip
Growing catnip requires minimal effort or care. Catnip is definitely not toxic to cats, however, like most things, if they eat too much of it they can get an upset stomach leading to vomiting or diarrhoea. Catnip doesn’t need much water, but if you see it wilting, give it a deep watering.

Knowing your cat-friendly houseplants


There are just a few of the most common cat-friendly houseplants that you can keep in your homes. Will you be getting any of these to spruce up your house? Or do you already have any of the plants?

About The Author

This is reproduced from an existing blog also published at My Three Cats with permission from Wendy Thomson Melling, owner of My Three Cats Ltd.

Information in this post has been created by research and opinions of My Three Cats. We do not provide medical advice. If your cat experiences any health issues however apparently minor, please get in touch with your vet immediately for advice and treatment.

Visit Wendy's My Three Cats website at https://www.mythreecats.co.uk

Learn more about Wendy Melling and My Three Cats and Why Cats Deserve More in this Animals Naturally Podcast conversation:

Why Dehydration Can Affect Your Horse

28/11/25 12:34

Considering the signs of dehydration with your horse


How much do you think about your horse's water intake?


Did you know that water is the single largest ingredient in the horse's makeup and is vital for survival? Two thirds of a horse's bodyweight is water. Survival without food but water would be possible for a short time. But no water would fatal quite soon. So it is vital to avoid dehydration. This occurs when the horse has lost too much water, and hasn't had it replaced.

Mild dehydration can affect performance, although this might be subtle. Which means if you are riding and notice your horse isn't 100%, you may put it down to something else. But it could be his hydration levels.

Also severe dehydration can damage the organs, including the kidneys. Ailments such as colic can occur too.

Water within the horse's body is either (1) intra-cellular (within the cells). Or (2) extra-cellular (around the cells).

You may think of dehydration only happening in hot weather conditions. And definitely a lot of water is lost through sweating. But it can occur any time of the year. A lot will depend on how your horse (or pony or donkey) lives. For instance, if they are out grazing 24/7 then they may get a lot of water intake through the grass. But this is not guaranteed. If it actually hasn't rained much, such as long dry cold spells. Then there will be little water for them from the grass.
If your horse is stabled, then their food source may offer them little water intake. Clean fresh water is vital at all times.

But other situations may lead to your horse's dehydration. Having physical ailments will make a difference to water intake. Teeth or jaw problems for example will do that. Likewise another situation will be if your horse travels in a lorry. Some horses do not want to drink when in a trailer or box.

What are the signs of dehydration in your horse?
There are many signs such as:
  • Loss of pliability of the skin
  • Weight loss
  • Small, dry faeces
  • Listlisness
  • Weak pulse
  • Increased heart rate
  • Loss of colour from the membranes of the eyes and gums
  • Depression
  • Fatigue

There are many others too, so if in doubt speak to your veterinarian!

So what can you do?

Make sure your horse has clean water at all times. Know what they usually drink. Keep an eye out for any signs of them not being well. Or not being quite right. Consider that if they are unwell, such as have diarrhoea then dehydration may occur.

Dehydration can be a symptom of another health condition. If you have any concerns do speak to your veterinary surgeon for advice.

Are there any complementary therapies that can help your animal if they're dehydrated?

Some herbal preparations and homeopathy can be help as part of a holistic approach. So for example if your horse has a kidney issue then yes there are complementary therapies. But this will vary according to your horse and his or her ailment.

Many veterinarians do recommend the use of herbs as part of their treatment. But there are specialist veterinary surgeons who have also completed specialist training.

Speak to your vet if you think your horse is unwell without delay. Delaying treatment especially in such conditions as dehydration. Can lead to significant or even fatal situations.
In conclusion
Dehydration is a medical/veterinary emergency and should be treated seriously urgently. But there are ways that a holistic approach can help ensure your equine remains healthily hydrated and in best health.

About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse


Exciting News About This Natural Pet HealthCare Blog
It's been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 UK Animal Blogs on the web. Check out this here

How to Support Anxious Cats When You Go on Holiday

06/10/25 16:59

How to Support Anxious Cats When You Go on Holiday


Cats love their routines. Same snoozing spot, same food bowl, same old chair ripped to shreds next to the untouched scratch post.
So when their humans decide to pack a suitcase and disappear for a week, it can feel like their whole world’s been turned upside down. For some cats (especially the timid or anxious ones), that’s genuinely stressful.
But with a bit of planning and the right kind of care, you can make life much easier for them, and stop yourself from feeling wracked with guilt while you’re sipping sangria in Spain. 🍷

😿

Spotting Anxiety in Cats


Not all cats show stress in the same way.
  • Some vanish under the bed and refuse to come out.

  • Some over-groom until they look like they’ve got bald chicken legs.

  • Others go off their food, or suddenly “forget” how to use their litter tray.

Knowing what’s “normal sulking” versus genuine anxiety is key. If your usually confident cat suddenly starts acting out of character, it might not be attitude — it might be holiday nerves.

🏠

Why Staying at Home Helps


Cats are very territorial animals. Their home is their kingdom, their safe zone, their comfort blanket.
And while catteries work for some, many cats come home unsettled, stressed, or just plain furious at you for daring to leave them there.
That’s why in-home cat care can be a game-changer, especially for anxious cats. Keeping them in familiar surroundings removes a massive chunk of the stress.
It’s also exactly why we launched our Cats Deserve More campaign. Because cats aren’t second-class pets. They deserve proper species-specific care and services designed just for them.
(If you’d like to join the movement, come and say hello in our Cats Deserve More Facebook group 🐾).

🐈

Before You Leave


A few simple steps can make the whole trip smoother:
✔️ Stick to routines - keep feeding and play times the same. ✔️ Set the scene - leave familiar bedding, toys, scratching posts, hiding places. ✔️ Soothe the senses - Feliway diffusers, cat-safe sprays, calming aids. ✔️ Background noise - a low radio, classical music, or “cat calming” playlists.
Basically, keep life as “normal” as possible, even when you’re not there.

👩🏻‍🦰

Choosing the Right Care


Here’s where things get interesting.
Not all sitters are created equal. A dog walker who tops up a cat’s food bowl and gives them a pat on the head is not the same as a cat-specific sitter who gets it.
A good cat sitter will: 🐾 Respect your cat’s space (no forced cuddles). 🐾 Stick to your cat’s routine. 🐾 Recognise the subtle signs of feline stress.
This is where feline-first care really makes a difference.

🌿

Stress-Busters


Alongside the basics, a few add-ons can help too:
  • Enrichment: puzzle feeders, window perches, or “cat TV” videos.

  • Gentle touch: if your cat likes brushing or massage, this can be a lovely bonding activity between cat and sitter.

  • Scent comfort: leave a t-shirt that smells like you.


🚪

Keep Goodbyes Calm


We’re all tempted to scoop our cats up for dramatic farewell cuddles when we go on holiday.
It might make you feel better, but it can crank up your cat’s stress. A calm, low-key departure is much kinder.
And if your cat’s super-anxious, practice with a short weekend away first. Like building their resilience in little steps.

🐾

Final Thoughts


Cats don’t have to suffer when their humans go on holiday.
By combining routine, gentle support, and the right sitter, you can keep them safe, calm and happy and actually enjoy your break without the guilt.
That’s exactly what we do at My Three Cats, and why we’re so passionate about our Cats Deserve More campaign.
And now in 2025, we’re taking it even further by giving other cat lovers the chance to Be Their Own Cat Boss with our new franchise opportunity. 🐾
Because when your cat’s relaxed, you’re relaxed too. 😺

About the Author

Wendy Thomson Melling is owner of My Three Cats Ltd. Visit Wendy's website at https://www.mythreecats.co.uk