Zoopharmacognosy is the name used to describe an animals innate ability to self-medicate on the therapeutic properties of plants and other natural substances.  

Animals in the wild have been using plants, clay,  algae and other natural sources to prevent and cure illnesses  since the down of time.
Its jut in the past couple of decades that scientists have started to really observe and research this in the wild, bringing self-medication into our awareness.
Their findings are that animals seem to know not only which plants they needs but also how to use them in order to address challenges like parasites, insect bites, worms, digestive problems and infections.

Our companion animals also have the ability to self-medicate, but due to domestication the opportunity is not available until now.  

Botanical Self Healing is a beautiful practice and process that empowers us to help our dogs self-heal. They use their innate ability to self-medicate
on plant medicine.

In addition to noticing what they select in nature, we can facilitate their self-healing by offering them compounds such as hydrosols, essential oils, fresh or dried plants.

The easiest way to connect with this process is remembering that when our dogs eat grass, they are selecting exactly the right grass for them, how much and when they need it. Dogs may select grass to soothe the gut, to help move unwanted foods through more easily, for nutrients, to ease nausea, to purge or help calm themselves. 

Think about how for thousands of years, humans across the globe have been foraging through the myriad of aromatics and herbal medicines Mother Earth has provided for us. 

The aromatics support not just the physical body, but also the emotional body.

The picture above is my 17.5 year old patterdale terrier. She self medicates herself daily with what is in the bowl. I also offer to the other dogs and they choose for themselves what they need.

I invite you to support your dog with a Botanical Self Healing Session. This can be at your house where you feel comfortable,  a zoom session if you are out of area or at a local facility.

First step is to book a consultation.  This will give me an opportunity to learn more about your dog and where the session should take place. Please email me at Happyownerhappydog@gmail.com

During the Botanical Self-Healing session, a wide variety of botanicals will be offered to your animal. I will guide you on how to read their responses and how to continue offering in my absence.