It can be so heartwarming to introduce a new pet to your household and see your other pets welcome the newcomer with open paws and become best friends! But that’s not what always happens. Quite often the newcomer feels frightened and the old-timers are suspicious or even upset about the disruption to the established order of things.
There are lots of tips about what can ease the transition: giving them separate spaces, introducing them to each other in a neutral territory with lots of support and positive reinforcement, being very patient and taking things slow. But I also find that flower essences can work wonders.
If one of them seems very frightened, it’s always helpful to use Rescue Remedy or my Reiki-infused version Emotional Rescue. Put a few drops in their food or water at every meal. But if the animals continue to have a hard time, you may need to try some other choices.
The formula I call “Getting Along with Others” is a great place to begin. It helps ease insecurities and overly self-protective tendencies, both of which are very common. This can allow for more positive social contact and the ability to become part of a group more easily. Usually this formula and/or Emotional Rescue are all that is required.
But sometimes the newcomer experienced enough trauma in a previous situation that they lash out aggressively if anyone comes near. Again, try Emotional Rescue first. Check with your vet to make sure the animal isn’t in physical pain. Definitely give them a private “safe space.” And try my “Healing Aggression” formula. It contains flower essences for easing overwhelm, feeling calmer in a setting where they are impacted by others, and reducing the need to strike out and overly aggressively defend their space.