Dogs and cats with dominant personalities will sometimes use aggression to get their way, and with their sharp claws and strong jaws, they can do considerable damage in a very short time. That’s why aggression is such a serious problem.

While a call to your vet for help or referral to somebody that works with behavioral problems is advised, here are seven natural solutions recommended by top holistic practitioners that may take the edge off your pet’s anger and make him happier and more secure.

1. Use scent to restore their sense. Pets can get so wound up because of anxiety or other strong emotions that they lost all common sense. Treating them with aromatherapy may help to reset their brains. Try placing three drops of essential oil of bergamot on a bandanna and tying it around your pet’s neck. The scent will stay active for four to six hours. You can repeat the treatment once a day until the aggression starts to fade.

2. Balance his emotions. A mixture of flower remedies called Bach Rescue Remedy soothes pets very quickly and helps calm negative emotions. Drip two to four drops directly on your pet’s gums two to four times a day or before a stressful event, or three times a day when traveling. Or squirt a dropper of the remedy on his food.

3. Adjust his attitude with magnets. Aggressive behavior can sometimes be eliminated by using a magnet to alter the brain’s electromagnetic field. Hold the north pole of the magnet against your pet’s forehead for about 20 minutes, once a day while you are watching TV or reading, for example. You can get healing magnets from holistic veterinarians and some pet supply catalogs.

4. Touch away aggression. Dogs and cats that are acting aggressively may get calmer and more relaxed if you trace circles with your fingertips on their ears, mouth, and tail for a few minutes each day. Be prepared to back off if it doesn’t seem to be working.

5. Heal with the heart. Angry, aggressive pets are often insecure pets. Discard all your worries for a moment and let your mind and body fill with love. Then move your hands over your pet where it feels right, stroking from the head toward the tail. Dogs and cats have enormous powers of intuition, and they will sense and be affected by the strength of your emotions.

6. Ease his mind. Dogs and cats can sense when you are upset, and their concern may come out as aggressive behavior. Let your pet know what you are going through. Say out loud, “I’m upset, but it’s not your fault.” Just talk things out.

7. Help them to blow off some steam. Some pets get aggressive because they have too much energy and not enough to do. You can often curb early signs of pet aggression simply by wearing out your pet. Go for longer walks, or better yet, jogs, as long as your dog is fit enough. Get your cat running with a game of chase-the-string. Run in circles. Throw a ball. As long as you get your pet moving for at least 20 minutes a few times a day, he will be sufficiently tired and won’t feel like causing trouble.