Aquatic Foods for Dogs and Cats
If you share your home with a dog or cat, you may have wondered whether seafood or other aquatic food is a good addition to their diet. The short answer is — yes, some aquatic food can be a healthy choice! But not all is equal. Here’s what you need to know before you start serving up a seafood feast or aquatic cuisine for your furry family member. Why Aquatic Food Can Be a Great Choice Aquatic food is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are long-chain...
Do Wild Dogs Self-Medicate? What Can We Learn from Zoopharmacognosy Behaviors
Have you ever caught your dog munching on grass in the backyard and wondered why? You might actually be witnessing something truly fascinating — a behavior scientists call zoopharmacognosy. This is the idea that animals may instinctively seek out certain plants or natural substances to help themselves feel better. Pretty amazing, right? What Is Zoopharmacognosy? Zoopharmacognosy is the study of how animals self-medicate using plants, soils, and other natural substances. The word comes from: Zoo = animal Pharma = medicine...
Can Dogs Hallucinate, and What Is Fly-Biting?
If you’ve ever watched your dog snap at invisible flies or stare at something that simply isn’t there, you may have found yourself wondering — is my dog seeing things? It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is: it’s possible, though it can be hard to know exactly what’s going on inside your dog’s mind. What Does It Look Like? Dogs can’t tell us what they’re experiencing, so we have to go by what we observe. Some dogs display behaviors that look like they’re reacting to...
4 Promising Medicinal Mushrooms for Immune Health in Cats
If you’ve been exploring natural ways to support your cat’s immune health, you may have come across medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Turkey Tail. These fungi have been used in human wellness practices for centuries, and more recently, they’ve caught the attention of the integrative veterinary community. But what does this mean for your feline companion? What Are Medicinal Mushrooms? Medicinal mushrooms are a special group of fungi known for their potential health-supporting properties. Unlike the mushrooms you...
Summer safety for dogs
Keep your dog safe this summer with tips on preventing heatstroke, avoiding common warm-weather hazards, and ensuring fun, healthy outdoor activities. Many of us enjoy the summer months. If we have dogs, though, we must know the health risks associated with this time of year, from heatstroke to accidental poisoning. Check out these tips on summer safety for dogs. Understanding heatstroke The American Veterinary Medical Association defines heatstroke as “a severe, life-threatening form of non-pyrogenic hyperthermia with a rapid,...
Foods and Herbs That Support Your Dog’s Liver Naturally
Your dog’s liver is one of the hardest-working organs in their body. This incredible organ filters toxins from the blood, helps digest food, stores energy, and supports the immune system. When the liver is not functioning well, it can affect nearly every system in your dog’s body. That is why so many holistic-minded dog lovers are interested in learning how to support healthy liver function through natural means. Why Liver Health Matters The liver is your dog’s primary detox organ. Every day, it filters out harmful...
Earthing and Grounding for Senior Dogs: Can It Help Reduce Inflammation?
If you have a senior dog, you know how much it hurts to watch them slow down. Stiff joints, sore muscles, and the general aches that come with aging can make life harder for your four-legged companion. Lately, a practice called earthing — also known as grounding — has been getting attention in the wellness world. But what is it, and could it help your aging dog? What Is Earthing? Earthing is the practice of making direct physical contact with the Earth’s surface. Think of your dog walking barefoot (as they...
Imagining Gene Editing as The Next Catalyst for Evolution in Dogs and Cats
Imagine taking your Golden Retriever puppy to the vet for a routine checkup. The veterinarian runs a quick genetic screening and says, “Good news — we’ve confirmed that Max carries no markers for osteosarcoma or progressive retinal atrophy. His gene profile was edited before birth to remove those risks.” It sounds like science fiction, right? But the truth is, this kind of future is totally possible. Gene editing is one of the most exciting — and debated — topics in modern science. For dog and cat...
Hemoacupuncture for Dogs — Know the Conditions Where it Works Best
If you’ve been exploring natural and holistic options for your dog’s health, you may have come across a technique called hemoacupuncture. While it may sound intimidating at first, this traditional practice has been used in veterinary medicine to help support dogs dealing with a variety of health conditions. Here’s a friendly breakdown of what hemoacupuncture is and where it may be helpful. What Is Hemoacupuncture? Hemoacupuncture is a technique that falls under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine...
Does Late-Night Lighting Affect Your Furry Companion
If you love staying up late with the TV blazing or the lights on full blast, you may not realize how nighttime lighting affects dogs and cats — the four-legged members of your household. Just like humans, dogs and cats rely on natural light cycles to regulate their bodies and behaviors. Here’s what every dog and cat parent should know about nighttime lighting. The Body Clock Connection Dogs and cats have an internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This internal clock is largely controlled by light and darkness....
