My Animal Matters Ltd

20/03/2025

🚗 What does your dog really feel about the car and road-trips? 🐾

Picture this: 🐾 Every time you reach for the car keys, your dog's excitement quickly turns into hesitation. What’s going on inside their furry head????

I recently spoke with a mum who was anxious about her dog’s reaction to the car.

She felt her pup disliked the vehicle and sought my help to uncover the mystery.

As an animal communicator, I hold a listening space for your pets so they can share their emotions and wisdom.

So, I tuned in to her dog and asked her to share her feelings about the car, how it made her feel and what the car meant to her.

🚕What I discovered was nuanced and eye-opening.
🚕In the front seat, she felt like a co-pilot—ready for a shared adventure!
🚕In the back seat, she experienced the warmth of being cared for like a child.
🚕But in the boot? It was a different story! She shared a sensation of being "bundled in," something that made her feel very uncomfortable.

🤔Here’s the twist: it wasn't just about the car.....

As I dug deeper, I learned that her mum's emotions played a significant role too.

When her mum was feeling in a rush or anxious, her dog could sense that energy....fear wafting through the air.....and it would affect how she hopped in the car.

🐶Even more fascinating was the connection to a childhood memory of the mum's own; that feeling of being "bundled in" had a tinge of sadness to it. 😥
Every time they approached the car, her pup picked up on it, leading to her hesitation.

Now, with this understanding, mum can recognise that her dog's feelings fluctuate depending on the nature of the car trip, the emotional atmosphere of the day, and even where she sits inside the vehicle.

She went from feeling concerned and frustrated to understanding and happy to know that her girl didn't actively 'dislike' the car at all. In fact the car was a place for adventures, being cared for, safety and sometimes a place where emotions can come up to be felt and listened to. And that's healthy and ok.
They're a tidy, connected, intimate partnership sharing and feeling each others every evolving experiences.

🐕 What if we took the time to really listen to our dogs during car rides?
🐕 What if understanding their emotions led to a happier, more adventurous life together?

Are you ready to foster a deeper connection with your dog and unlock the secrets of their feelings and behaviours?

Then comment with a 'beep beep' or send me a DM.

Rachel 😘

14/03/2025

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

I’m thrilled to share that I was honoured to be a guest on the brilliant Mystic Dog Mama podcast 🎙️✨ where we explored the innovative practice of zoopharmacognosy and its profound impact on our relationship with our dogs! 🎙️🐾

In this episode, I had an insightful conversation with the host about how our dogs can guide us in understanding their health needs—and our own. We discussed how applying zoopharmacognosy—meaning "animal medicine knowing"—can unlock valuable insights into our dogs' health issues and behaviours , showcasing the innate healing wisdom that all animals possess.

Whether you're facing health or behavioural challenges with your furry companion, looking to support their overall well-being, or wanting to strengthen your bond, you’ll find valuable insights in our discussion!

I shared my personal journey that took me from the corporate world to working at Battersea Dogs Home in London. This experience helped me understand the connection between human and dog stress. Through practices like deep listening, animal communication, and botanical self-healing, I've been able to support countless dogs and their owners on their paths to wellness.

I also shared real-life examples, including a border collie that chased shadows obsessively, dogs with allergies, and even tips for pet owners to practice self-selection with their dogs using everyday kitchen items.

🎧 I invite you to listen to the podcast for an engaging discussion that might just change the way you see your dog’s health and well-being!

I'd love to hear what you think ⬇️ 🌼🐶

In my latest podcast appearance, I explored the fascinating practice of zoopharmacognosy and its significance in enhancing our relationship with dogs. Discover how understanding our dogs’ innate healing abilities can lead to better health and deeper connections. Join me as I share insights and pra...

13/03/2025

I'd like to invite you to try this story on for a moment....

You’re living in a foreign country with a family who kindly are giving you a place to stay. You're doing your damndest to learn their language. It’s hard work, but you’re trying your best communicate and to fit in with their ways.

But every time you communicate, they misinterpret what you’re trying to share. They accuse you of being rude, demanding, and badly behaved. 😣

How might this make you feel?
Alone maybe?
Anxious and upset that you can't make yourself understood
Perhaps a little sad

This is the life a lot of dogs live every day.

Their behaviours are labeled as 'bad', 'reactive', 'inappropriate', and there are a million and one ways to try to change, fix, and control them.

But the truth is, our dogs, as a different species, are navigating a human-led world.
Their behaviours are simply their way of expressing how they feel in that moment. In that situation. In that environment. About that person...

Like all beings, they want to be seen for who they are. To be supported, loved, and heard.

For our dogs and our relationship with them to truly thrive, maybe it's not about forcing them into ‘our world’ and 'fixing them,' but about opening ourselves up to see them, hear them, and feel their emotions from their perspective.

🐾Is your dog shouting for you to listen to them in a way they feel understood?

🐾Could they be following you around as they have so much to share with you, but you can't hear them yet?

🐾Are they destroying things out of frustration because their needs are not being met, even though "they've got it all".

If you want your dog to have their voice heard,
their soul to be seen,
their emotions, likes, dislikes, and perspectives honored,
and to be recognized for who they are,
what they are capable of,
and their needs and desires,
Then let’s commit to fostering a relationship built on empathy and understanding.

If you're ready to deepen your connection with your dog and explore their feelings on a deeper level, contact me to book an animal communication session.
Together, we can help bridge the gap and bring about the understanding your dog seeks.

After all, a little patience and a listening heart can go a long way in bridging the communication gap—whether it’s with our dogs or in our own lives.

10/03/2025

🐾🎉 Dancing Through Life with Our Dogs: Lessons in Flexibility and Fun! 🎉🐾
In a world where the dog industry often emphasizes how to mold our furry friends to fit human expectations, we sometimes overlook the incredible lessons they can teach us. Dogs, despite being domesticated, live their lives without the weight of overthinking. They express their feelings honestly and authentically, responding to their environments 24/7.
When we label their behaviors as "good" or "bad," "polite" or "not polite," we risk missing the deeper connection we can have with these wonderful companions. Dogs are not just pets; they are co-pilots in our lives, encouraging us to be more open-minded, flexible, and adaptable.
Take Darcy, for example. She doesn't like to walk in a straight line. Instead, she weaves, stops, sniffs, rolls, and jumps. Trying to get her to follow a rigid path feels confining to her. It’s the same for me when I dance—I thrive in free expression rather than structured moves. Just as some people love routines and sticking to the straight and narrow, others (like Darcy and me) flourish when given the freedom to roam and be themselves.
When we feel frustrated or guilty about our dogs' behaviors, it's often because we've bought into the rigid 'shoulds' of pet ownership. But what if we removed that bag from their heads? By listening to and learning from their needs, we can help them feel happy, safe, and confident.
Let’s embrace our dogs' unique personalities! They remind us that there’s joy in being flexible and a profound wisdom in simply being ourselves.
✨ Curious about what your dog wants to share? I offer animal communication sessions to connect intuitively with your furry friend, helping them express their feelings, needs, and what truly lights them up. Together, we can discover how to support each other’s happiness. 🐶💖
📅 Book your session today and unlock the wisdom your dog has to share!

https://myanimalmatters.co.uk/product/animal-communication/

09/03/2025

𝕊𝕜𝕪’𝕤 𝕊𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟: 𝕌𝕟𝕧𝕖𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘

Recently, I had the privilege of working with Sky and her mum, who is at the start of her 1-2-1 Botanicals Practitioner mentorship with me. After spending some time learning how to connect with the aromatics herself, it was time to bring her canine co-pilot Sky into the process.

Mum had expressed some uncertainty which isn't unusual when we've not witnessed zoopharmacognosy in action before. While she understood on an intellectual level that dogs can self-medicate, there was concern that Sky might not know what to do. Or that she could actually harm herself by selecting the "wrong things"—or worse, select nothing at all!

This fear is common, especially in a world where 'experts' are seen only to be people, not animals.

But Sky was all in! No fear. Effortless knowing and connection to what her mind, body and soul needed.
She didn’t hesitate during our session, eagerly exploring a variety of herbs and hydrosols with such enviable precision.

ℂ𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕪𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕔 ℝ𝕖𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡

As we were discussing the botanicals she selected, it became apparent that her choices weren’t just for her; they were an invitation for her whole family to engage in the healing journey.

We eventually talked about how her children had been struggling with some digestive issues. I suggested offering them peppermint to see how it might help as a starting point.

But then something fascinating happened. I'd suggested she leave the blanket with all the herbs down for her to continues to work with. Shortly after the call, Sky’s mum sent me a photo of Sky lying on the spirulina, covered in bright green powder on her neck! She'd shown no interest in it during the session.

Now of course we could just think her clumsy or silly or see it as an accident. But then we'd miss the opportunity to really listen to what Sky was trying to share. In a NOT SO SUBTLE way!
Mum had been wondering for a while if Sky might be able to guide her on what to offer the children. So even though Sky didn't want it herself, she needed to be demonstrative to get mum's attention.

If we dismiss this moment as simply funny or random and don’t recognise it as valuable feedback, we risk missing the possible wisdom being offered. Was Sky being remarkably obvious to get her mum’s attention, indicating that the spirulina could benefit the entire family?

Think about it: if dogs have learned how to communicate their needs—like getting us to take them for walks or to scratch certain spots—could it not be equally possible that they can show us what the family requires for their health and well-being? It's not only us that wishes for our dogs to be well. It's mutually beneficial. We thrive, they thrive and vice versa.

ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕘𝕟𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟: 𝔼𝕞𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕆𝕦𝕣 𝔹𝕠𝕕𝕪’𝕤 𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖

The beauty of working with our dogs lies in the symbiotic relationship we share. They serve as our canine co-pilots, helping us reconnect with our own innate wisdom. Just as plants depend on their environment for survival, we thrive when we nurture our connection to the earth, plants and our dogs.

In my sessions, I teach students how to tap into this wisdom, guiding them from a place of disconnection to embracing the intuitive knowledge that resides within. This journey echoes the reciprocal relationships found in nature, where all beings—plants, animals, and people—benefit from their interconnectedness. As we engage in this process, we begin to notice positive changes in behaviours and health, both in our dogs and in ourselves.

𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙈𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
If you’re curious about what Sky revealed and are ready to unlock this wisdom with your own dog, I invite you to book a session with me.
If you’re interested in becoming a Practitioner to support others on this journey, let’s schedule a discovery call, send me a DM.

I look forward to embarking on this enlightening journey together!

Thank-you Sky and your human co-pilot.

24/02/2025

Let's look beyond the label of 'reactivity' and start embracing the unique perspective of our dogs!

As humans, we often find ourselves caught in a cycle of embarrassment, shame, guilt, and frustration when we have a dog labeled as ‘reactive.’

The feeling that we’re failing to manage and support our furry best friend can be overwhelming. Especially when we've taken on someone else's expectations to conform to certain standards of behaviour.

But here’s the truth: many dogs that bark or display what we consider ‘reactive’ behaviour are simply expressing their emotions and needs LOUD and CLEAR!

They're not doing anything 'wrong'. It's just something we don't like that we want to change.
For our dogs they're just expressing in the way they need to to get our attention.

Our dogs are shouting out for understanding of themselves as a species and an ever-changing individual in a world that often overlooks their perspective.

What if instead of viewing these expressions as behavioural flaws, let’s recognise them as opportunities for connection?

What if we saw it as an chance to get to know what they want us to understand? What needs addressing, exploring, to be heard?

Training certainly has its place, but it often falls short in addressing the emotional complexity of our dogs.

A barking dog is not necessarily a problem to fix; they might be feeling anxious, tired, excited, in pain, uncertain, or just in need of space. The possibilities are endless!
As are the opportunities to listen and learn more about them.
We just have to pivot a little and go from thinking they're malfunctioning to being curious, empathetic and asking their perspective.

This is where animal communication comes in.
Dogs are a different species but we share the same language. Energy.
The unspoken, unseen 'language' that connects all beings.

By opening up a conversation with our dogs in this way, we can gain deeper insights into what they are truly feeling and how we can support them on their journey.

Take my dog, Darcy, for example. On a recent group walk, a chap walked across our path with his dog. The dog was fixated on Darcy and vice versa.
The guy was moving with speed pulling the dog with him and the more he did this, the more the dog wanted to watch Darcy.
As they moved away, she bounced around at the end of the lead and barked.

Had I simply labeled her as ‘reactive,’ I would have shut down any desire to experience things from her perspective. I'd have felt disappointed, embarrassed etc etc. Emotions I've felt before starting to explore life from Darcy's perspective.

"She doesn't like being started at" were the words which I heard once Darcy moved on.

I could really feel that.
And I really recognised that in myself. So instead of blaming Darcy for 'doing something wrong' or blaming myself 'for doing something wrong', I understood her. I felt empathy.

I also had a real lightbulb moment about a part of me that I'd been suppressing, that was asking to be listened to. The part of me that feels uncomfortable if the attention is suddenly on me. Like the moment I messed up my piano piece in front of an audience, or when a friend dragged me up on stage. There are many moments in my life where I have felt that sense of being stared at and the emotion/energy it brings up in me. It's not 'bad'. It's simply, like Darcy's reaction, to be felt and listened to.

By moving away from labels, we open ourselves up to curiosity and empathy.
We shift from feeling ashamed or frustrated to developing a genuine understanding of our dogs’ emotional landscapes.

Imagine how liberating it would be to reframe the way you see your dog’s behaviour. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by expectations, you can focus on creating a meaningful connection based on understanding and trust.

If you’re ready to explore this journey of infinite insights and connection, I invite you to book an animal communication session with me.

Together, we can delve into your dog’s unique needs, likes and dislikes and build a more fulfilling and fun relationship that honours their true nature, leading to a more harmonious life for both of you.

09/02/2025

Question everyone and everything you are told to be a truth about dogs and what they need.

Even the ‘truths’ that have been accepted and passed on for generations.

Question the experts.
Does what they’re saying resonate with you?
Does it work for you and your dog?
Try it out, try it on and ditch it if it doesn’t.

I’ve got piles of books about dog training, body language, nutrition, behaviour, acupressure, herbs, essential oils.

But I’ve decided to stick them all away in a box in the garage.

Why?

Because all the knowledge I’ve acquired over the 25 years I’ve been working with dogs need stripping back.

I’ve enjoyed learning and some of it has of course been really helpful and I use to this day, but a lot has just cluttered my brain and has not been applicable to my dogs or hasn’t really gone in as it doesn’t resonate with me.

Too boxy, too linear, samey, unimaginative, overcooked, repetitive, too ‘traditional’, rigid.

I’m listening to the dog that’s in front of me today.

What’s her perspective?
How does she feel today?
How is she different from yesterday.
What does she need me to know?

I’m FEELING her. I’m using my senses to RECEIVE what she feels.

This is how we EVOLVE!
By questioning everything and not blindly accepting something as an ‘expert’ told it to be true.
Do your own research.
Stay curious about your dog each day.

This is your journey with your dog.
They are different every day as are you.
Meet them there in that curious, expansive learning unknown space.

If this speaks to your soul, maybe it’s time to ask your dog their wisdom.

Dm me if you’d like to book your intuitive animal communication session to take your relationship deeper, create more harmony, understanding and be their best advocate during their time on this earth.

🥰😘🤩

02/02/2025

The Wisdom of Simplicity: What Dogs Teach Us About Life

As humans, we often overcomplicate things and get caught up in societel expectations. But when we look at our dogs, we see a different approach to life—one that is grounded in authenticity.

Dogs are always being their authentic selves. 24-7.
They don’t pretend to enjoy things just because someone thinks they should.
If something doesn't resonate with them, they make it clear in their canine way.
They don’t beat themselves up for not doing something they don’t like, nor do they feel guilt or shame for doing things they do like that others may not. Guilt and shame are human constructs. They don't exist anywhere else in nature.

Take my dog, Darcy, for example. She LOVES running and discovering new things (stinky dead things) and enjoys cuddles from 'her people' and naps.
However, busy places, walking in a straight line, high pitch siren noises, NOT her favourite.

Rather than encouraging her to “accept” things she dislikes, I focus on listening to her.
On supporting her preferences and creating an environment where she can fulfil her natural wants and needs.
Sure there might be occasions where we need to navigate through less-than-ideal situations. But because my focus is on listening to her and building her confidence through new experiences, understanding her, learning about her preference changes as she evolves, those things she doesn't enjoy will be easier to navigate when they happen. As a team.

As we strive to understand our dogs better, we can also reflect on our own lives.
Who are we, and what do we want our lives and relationships with our dogs to look like?
By honoring our dogs’ likes and dislikes, we can learn to be more in tune with our own emotions.
Imagine a world where we prioritize authenticity over expectation.

Dogs remind us that life doesn’t have to be overly complicated.

Their wisdom lies in their ability to communicate what they want and don’t want.
They don’t dwell on the pressures of conformity or self-judgment.
We can learn from that. By recognizing and respecting their individual personalities, we cultivate deeper connections and foster a more fulfilling relationship.

So, let's embrace simplicity, listen to our dogs, and become more true to ourselves. In doing so, we create a more harmonious life for both us and our furry companions.

28/01/2025

Symptoms.
They are the body’s way of telling us something wants to be listened to and addressed.
Rather than chasing down the analytical very ‘masculine’ “why, what, how??” rabbit holes, the feminine qualities of curiosity, empathy, listening are what is needed.

Mackenzie was sluggish. Mum’s words.

So, I connected with him when putting his botanicals kit together and was very drawn to ‘digestion’. And organ meat. So along with sending aromatics to support the digestive system, I suggested mum get him some organ meat.

In his session he guzzled down cornflower hydrosol which is an overall tonic and helps support the liver but then spent the rest of the time ‘processing’ by nibbling a toy. Which meant we got to chat and explore what else he might be bringing to the table, including food!

His need for cornflower stopped the next day and he’s now really enjoying his new addition to his diet.

Energy levels better, p**ps now firm and emotions are shifting too.
We work on the physical, it changes the emotions. And vice versa.

I always need botanicals case studies for me mentees so if you want to be part of this beautiful process send me a dm
Rachel 😊
Thankyou Mackenzie and Mel for diving right in

20/01/2025

Dogs perceive and experience the same world we walk in VERY differently from us.

But because we're attached to how we think things SHOULD be from our limited perspective, me might try to get them to fit in with our way and how we think things should go what they should do.

This will eventually lead us to experience a lot of heart ache, disappointment and frustration.
Our relationship becomes more fractious and much less enjoyable.

Intuitive animal communication opens us up to more information, more wisdom, more empathy and ultimately a whole new way of being with and walking through life with our dogs.

This is gorgeous Indie who I connected with last week.
She was very generous in sharing her likes and dislikes to help her parents feel more confident in their ability to support her in different areas in her life from walks, to travel, to her role as neighbourhood watch 😆

This is what Indie's mum had to say about her very first animal communication session...

"Rachel communicated with our pup and gave us very useful insights and information about her likes and dislikes and some very funny traits plus tips going forward re food, travel and lifestyle.
I would highly recommend a session with Rachel, she is so friendly, warm and professional and put us all at ease before and during our session. It was very funny to hear what our pup was thinking at times and we always knew she’d some personality but Rachel got more from her which she was able to give out to us.
All in all, an outstanding session with an outstanding person.
If you’ve anything you want to know about your pawsome pals then Rachel is the person to go to.
You will not regret a session with her. I feel like the bond I have with my furry chum has been strengthened and today on our walk I really just enjoyed the moment with her and watched her just bring her wonderful, funny, free spirited self.
Don’t sit on the fence, go for it, you’ll not regret it. Thank you Rachel, you have an amazing gift. 🐾🦮 🐱 🐎 🐾"

05/01/2025

🌳🐾 What’s your intention when you take your dog outside? 🤔

Is it to socialize with friends or other animals? To get some exercise? To practice indoor training skills in the 'real world'? Maybe it’s to focus on your own fitness journey, enjoy some alone time, explore new places, or simply savour the peace and quiet?

Reflecting on your motivation can be a great way to understand what honestly drives you each day. And notice how it changes. But have you considered where those goal comes from? Are you following what others deem important, or is it genuinely your own desire?

Sometimes, our goals may not align with what our dogs truly want.
While you might be looking for a structured walk, your dog might just want to stretch their legs, roll in the grass (or something more stinky), or chase after that squirrel! 🐶✨

It’s easy to walk around with human blinkers on, unaware of our biases and unconscious desires. But it can sometimes feel you're not connected or it's hard work. And it doesn't have to be.

The beautiful thing is our dogs are incredibly perceptive and often see through the "ideals" we’ve been sold. They are always authentically themselves, reminding us to embrace what truly matters.

This is where animal communication shines!
It helps us better understand our dogs and also reveals what really matters to us. If you're curious to explore this deeper, I invite you to book an animal communication session with me. Let’s dig deeper and enhance the bond with your dog! 🥰💬

18/12/2024

What is your dog's name and what does it mean?
Does it speak to their character in some way?
Or did you choose it as you love the qualities of what it means to you?
Or something else?

When Darcy came to us she was called Dilly dalliance. The dalliance is definitely her but we chose Darcy which means 'the dark one'. I like the dark as it's where our imagination kicks in. Possibilities and we see beyond. I also love Darcy Bussell and how Darcy expresses herself physically. It felt very feminine too.

How about you?

13/12/2024

“How do I know where to begin and which essential oil to offer?”

We’re so used to having systems and processes and structures as human beings as they can make us feel comfortable. We LOVE a plan, goals and structure.

But with dogs, we’re working with ever changing sentient beings that are constantly evolving and responding to their eco-system.
The process of offering botanicals shouldn’t be linear.
It’s not like dog training where you’re meant to follow steps.
Of course go and read the books, do the research about the different aromatics and their properties.

But when you’re sat in front of a dog, those structures, steps, processes mean nothing to them.

What matters is you.
And how much time you’re spending feeling and listening to them.
How creative, flexible and empathetic you are.

This is where I step in and help you step up.
I love helping my students open up their senses.
Helping them meet the aromatics beyond their chemical compounds.

I have just 5 spaces for my Botanical Self-healing 1-2-1 Practitioners mentorship in 2025.

If you’re drawn to start weaving this beautiful work into your life and world with dogs, like this post and send me a DM and let’s get you booked in for a discovery call.

Rachel 💖

10/12/2024

I want to play a game and I need your help.

I want to see how many labels we as a collective we can come up with that we use in the dog world.
There are no wrongs answers and it’s all about having fun with it.

Why am I doing this? 🤔
Because I want to help draw our attention to how every time we meet a dog, potentially we’re meeting them with an attachment to what a good and crap version of that label is.
We see them through a specific lens. A filtered lens.

What would be more freeing for them is instead of seeing their label, we are meeting them for the first time with all that pure expansive empathetic simplicity and curiosity.

I’ll start us off…..

Dog
Giant breed
Reactive
Working breed
Female

Let’s see if we can get to a 100!

09/12/2024

Essential oils are from nature ie ‘natural’ but it doesn’t means we should just use them ‘willy-nilly’.

The best way to approach integrating essential oils into your pets world is invite them into the conversation.

What do I mean by that?
🤔

I mean offer the essential oil for them to smell and observe what they do.

This will give you information about whether they are wanting to inhale the aromatic molecules or not.

Here are some of the ways a dog will indicate they are interested in an essential oil.

🌿nose twitching
🌿looking at and following the bottle with their eyes and nose
🌿licking their lips
🌿yawning
🌿moving closer to the bottle
🌿stretching
🌿Switching form standing to sitting or laying down
🌿eyes softening

This list is not exhaustive as the key is to observe your own dog and watch what it is they do, without having an agenda on what they should do (which is the opposite to listening/learning).

Note it’s less about what they do in the moment of ‘sniffing’, it’s MORE noticing what is changing AFTER.
It might be they look like their nose only twitched 2x but they’ve gone form pacing around to laying down.

Have you ever offered essential oils to your dogs?
If so……
What did they choose and how did you know they chose it?

06/12/2024

“Stupid dog, just eating random things”

Or is he?
And is it random?
Probably not! And definitely NOT ‘stupid’, we just don’t have all the information…..yet!

If your dog forages for things when on a walk, instead of only stopping them, be curious.
What is it they are wanting to ingest?

If we don’t understand dogs have the innate ability to seek what it is their body needs, we might think they’re just being greedy, stupid, or maybe even doing it to be naughty.

I hear and see it a lot. Especially with different types of p**p.

I’m not saying let your dog eat everything they see.
Rather I’m saying be curious about what it is as that can give you information about what they’re lacking and seeking to make themselves flourish.

Baxter used to seek out seaweed when we adopted him. This went on for the first few months of his time with us.
Then he stopped.
His needs changed as he healed/changed.

It can be both intellectually stimulating and helpful to our dogs for us to research the properties of what they’re seeking and then look at their diet and perhaps even exploring zoopharmacognosy so they get the opportunity to guide their needs from home.

So tell me, what does your dog forage for?
And how do you feel about it?

Want to explore zoopharmacognosy with your own pets? Send me a dm and we can start you on this fascinating journey