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How do I support my dog holistically? I’m getting this question more and more lately. People are seeking a more natural way to care for their pets. The holistic approach involves supporting the entire dog, encompassing body, mind, and spirit. Conventional veterinary medicine focuses on treating disease after it has already appeared in your dog… This is Western medicine.
Although they have their place, many medications and some preventative measures, such as flea, tick, and heartworm tablets, come with extensive side effects that do not support your dog’s body in a healthy way. These treatments are full of chemicals that have been linked to seizures and, in some cases, the death of pets. The purpose of holistic care is to balance all body systems so they work together to achieve homeostasis.
Holistic care focuses on supporting all systems: digestion, immune, skin and coat, bones and joints, and the nervous system for emotional well-being. These systems are interconnected and depend on each other for balance. For instance, improving gut health may also help with allergies and anxiety. Remember, most of the immune system lies in the gut. This is why gut health is my main focus when balancing a dog.
Holistic Support Through Diet
I can not stress this enough… Health starts in the bowl.
Eating a balanced, species-appropriate diet is the foundation of health for all creatures. Providing plenty of fresh, minimally processed foods is the best place to start. At the very least, add some fresh foods to your dog’s bowl if you feed a commercial diet. Adding high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidants helps to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and fuel energy. The most important way to support my dog holistically is through the diet.
The gut is central to overall health. Supporting it with probiotics, prebiotics, and occasionally gentle detox protocols can help manage chronic itching, digestive issues, and even your dog’s sense of well-being. Fiber is important because it feeds the good bacteria in the gut. By the way, Dog-friendly vegetables are a great source of fiber for your dog, and they add variety.
Feeding a variety of foods is key to maintaining a balanced microbiome. Remember when everyone was saying you should feed your dog the same food ALL the time? Don’t ever switch their diet, because it will cause diarrhea, etc. That information is false and detrimental to your dog’s gut health! They say variety is the spice of life for a reason!
That’s because all foods provide different types of bacteria. And having many, many different types of bacteria in the gut is a good thing. This helps populate the digestive tract with the ‘good guys’.
Holistic Support Through Natural Remedies and Supplements
Some dog-friendly herbs, homeopathics, and nutraceuticals can complement veterinary care. Here are some of my favorites that I add to Laila’s bowl regularly:
- Turmeric to fight inflammation- a small amount given daily in food.
- Milk Thistle to help cleanse and detoxify the liver
- High Quality Fish Oil for a healthy dose of Omega 3s – great brain food and inflammation fighter – given daily in food.
- Raw Goat’s Milk for probiotics – rotated with bone broth multiple times per week.
- Homemade Bone Broth for joints and gut health.
- Holistic Total Body Support – includes bovine glands and organs given daily.
Did you know one of the most powerful remedies for stress and emotional well-being is exercise? This is true for you and your dog alike. Just getting outside with your dog a few times every day will help alleviate stress and healthily burn some of that energy.
Walking and playing fetch also provide much-needed mental stimulation. Because dogs, much like humans, can get stuck in the same routine, becoming bored over time. Try switching up your activities by introducing new toys or treats, or adding some water games during the summer. Try taking a new path on your walks so your dog can see new sights and smell new smells.
Working with your dog’s instincts can be the perfect way to get to know your dog better. Play hide-and-seek with dogs that love to search or teach your herding breed to put their toys back after play. Interactive play will keep their minds sharp!
Making your dog feel safe in their environment will provide you with many years of trust and loyal friendship.
Holistic Support Through Environment and Lifestyle
Reducing chemical exposure from household cleaners, lawn chemicals, flea & tick products, and even plastic food bowls can lower your dog’s toxin load. Aim for natural remedies like essential oils and vinegar for non-toxic cleaning. Adding a detoxification aid is always a good idea. Our pets are constantly exposed to chemicals. Try Daily Detox.
Always use stainless steel bowls for food and water. And don’t forget to clean the bowls daily. So many people don’t do this! That slimy build-up is nasty bacteria. Would you want to eat from a dirty bowl?
Holistic care isn’t “set it and forget it.” Your dog’s needs will change with age, so you may need to pivot to maintain your pet’s best health. Keeping an eye on your dog’s body condition, coat, stools, energy, and mood, and adjusting diet and lifestyle as needed. Keep regular appointments with your Holistic Vet or Holistic Pet Coach.
A veterinarian trained in integrative or holistic medicine can help combine conventional diagnostics with natural modalities like acupuncture, chiropractic care, or Chinese herbal medicine. You can find one in your area by visiting AHVMA – The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Holistic vets are trained to care for your dog as a whole, not just by symptoms.
If you are looking for some guidance on holistic pet care, please feel free to reach out. I would love to work with you and get your dog on track to better health. Until then…
Wag on my friends!
