The Herbal Dog

A hands-on guide to holistic canine herbalism • Teaches the tenets of holistic herbalism for the individual dog • Presents safe, clinically proven, and effective protocols for common canine conditions, from acid reflux to allergies to itching, scratching, and yeast • Lays out a comprehensive materia medica of canine-specific herbs, including what conditions they are good for, their energetics, internal and external use, safe dosages, and contraindications In this comprehensive guide to holistic care for dogs, clinical canine herbalist Rita Hogan explains that by looking at dogs as individual ecosystems with their unique personalities, physiology, and needs, we can select effective and personalized herbal remedies to support their constitutions and provide relief from many different ailments. Hogan, who has spent more than two decades working with canines, uses energetic principles (cool, warm, dry, damp) to reveal how herbs are not “one size fits all” and to explain how to choose herbs and herbal combinations for dogs as individuals. She moves you, step-by-step, through the tenets of holistic canine herbalism, including exploring how to find the root cause of chronic imbalances. She discusses in depth how a dog’s main organ systems work, how they are connected to each other, and why we need to understand them when choosing specific herbs and foods. Presenting safe, clinically proven, and effective protocols for common canine conditions, from acid reflux to allergies to itching, scratching, and yeast, Hogan explores a wide variety of holistic and herbal remedies, from herbal tinctures, glycerities, and phytoembryonics to flower essences, essential oils, medicinal mushrooms, and homeopathy. She provides readers detailed options and guidance according to their dog’s energetics. Sharing a comprehensive materia medica of canine-specific herbs used in her practice, she explains what herbs are good for which conditions and why, what types of energetics are involved, safe dosage recommendations for each herbal remedy, and when to discontinue an herb. Allowing each of us to take a hands-on approach to our canine companions’ health and longevity, this herbal guide outlines how to heal them and support them as the individuals they are and help them live their best lives by our sides.