What is Canine Applied Zoopharmacognosy (also known as Herbal Choices)? A session naturally supports your dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing by offering them herbs, plants and essential oils. Years ago, dogs would have chosen herbs and plants to maintain their own health. Today, dogs have been domesticated and these choices have sadly been taken away from them. How will this benefit my dog? The herbs, plants and essential oils I use (these have been selected for their excellent quality) benefit dogs with issues such as: Behavioural/Emotional Issues Anxiety, Depression, Fear aggression, Reactive behaviour, Past abuse or trauma, Separation anxiety/loss, Shock. Physical Issues including Digestion, Mobility, Skin, Injury, Respiratory NutritionHerbs provide excellent nutrition to aid and maintain emotional and physical conditions, for example:Rosehips have high levels of Vitamin A, C, D & E, bioflavonoides and biotin.Seaweed contains up to 20% higher levels of vitamins, minerals and trace elements than any plant which grows on the land.Dandelion contains Vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as folate and small quantities of B vitamins.Barley Grass contains Vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as folate and small quantities of B vitamins. Is this new for dogs? Not at all! Herbs have a very long history and archaeological evidence suggests herbs were used as early as 60,000 years ago. Dogs have the ability to select the herbs that they need at any particular time of life. When out walking with our dogs, we may see them lingering over various plants. Unfortunately our instinct is to tell them to leave things as we are worried it could be toxic. Dogs are far more clever than us and can select what is safe for them. Today, pharmaceutical companies use components from herbs/plants/trees in medications (people and dogs) for pain relief, MS, diabetes, arthritis, eczema and many more ailments (aspirin originates from the willow tree!). What happens in a session? I will come to you and your dog with a selection of herbs, powders, hydrosols, flower essences and essential oils. The session may take up to 2 hours which allows your dog to go at their own pace and select what they need. We will work together and I will show you how to use the herbs and oils safely with your dog. At the end of the session, I will leave you with some herbs and essential oils that you can offer to you dog allowing you to continue to care for your dog’s wellbeing. Is there anything i need to know before booking a session? Yes, there are guidelines that need to be followed, please read the following:I will send you a form to complete and return to me before we commence. Please inform your vet that your dog will be taking part in a session using gentle herbs, plants and oils. If your pet is receiving medication, there may be some restrictions. If your vet wishes to have more information, please feel free to pass this information sheet to them. A Herbal Choices Consultant cannot not prescribe, diagnose, or replace conventional veterinary treatment. Please always consult your vet first. Rules on offering herbs to your dogIt is important that we ALLOW the dog to self-select and not add herbs to their food or force the dog to accept them.If your dog is starting new medication, or a one off medication (wormer or vaccination) please allow 3 days before you offer the herbs. If your dog takes regular medication please consult your vet before offering herbs. If you have vet permission please offer herbs two hours after medication.Do not offer 48 hours before surgery and let the dog recover before offering again. Ensure the dog is not hungry or thirsty before the session.Always have a bowl of fresh water for your dog to access. If you are unsure, please seek advice from your vet.