Holistic Hound and other animals

Holistic Hound and other animals We offer a range of holistic sessions - various modalities to support your animals - see our website
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My love of animals throughout my life and desire to help and care for them, along with my love of nature, wildlife and birds, was my motivation to embark on my training and led to Holistic Hound and other animals being launched. Regular CPD and research ensures we keep abreast of changes, whilst continuing to increase our knowledge for our sessions and services. At all our sessions offered we move

at your animal's own pace; with empathy, kindness and respect. Your animal is our priority and we give them the time and opportunity to choose. I also thoroughly enjoy growing plants and our ultimate goal is to see the reintroduction of hedgerows and to increase the number of plants available to animals, while also supporting insects and wildlife. Ultimately increasing biodiversity and positively affecting the microbiome.

Gray horse on a grey day. On a positive, lots of lovely Marsh thistle about. Horses often eat this plant, which offers a...
17/06/2024

Gray horse on a grey day. On a positive, lots of lovely Marsh thistle about. Horses often eat this plant, which offers a readily available alternative to Milk thistle for liver support, along with a range of beneficial nutrients. This plant is also beneficial for several species of butterflies and moths, as well as small birds such as finches. Do you have any near you?

We will be at this show next Sunday with a stall - if you’re free we’d love to see you there. We’ll have plants, seeds, ...
26/05/2024

We will be at this show next Sunday with a stall - if you’re free we’d love to see you there. We’ll have plants, seeds, herbal and enrichment products available 🐾🪴

Our organically grown Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is ready to spread its love - could that be with you?This hardy p...
21/04/2024

Our organically grown Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is ready to spread its love - could that be with you?

This hardy perennial plant is often found in marshy areas, though can grow in a variety of well drained soils and enjoys full sun or partial shade. The white flowers appear around June to September and support a wide range of pollinators, particularly hoverflies, so would make a great addition to a wildlife garden. It can spread relatively easily if the conditions are right.

Traditionally the roots are used and can be harvested late autumn in the plant’s second year.

This plant is popular with cats, dogs and horses, particularly affecting the nervous system.

The plant has sedative and relaxant properties which have been used traditionally for a range of issues including anxiety, nervousness, musculoskeletal and muscle tension, with antispasmodic properties easing cramps and gastrointestinal spasms.

There may be contraindications with medication such as Phenobarbital and further research would be needed. Additionally if competing horses, it should be noted valerian is considered a banned substance in FEI competition.

It should be noted in a very small percentage of animals the herb may have a stimulating effect, therefore introduction of small amounts would be recommended initially.

Supplied in approx 9cm pots, and compostable bag.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1703521477/valerian-plant-valeriana-officinalis

https://www.thompson-morgan.com/vendors/holistic-hound-and-other-animals

NOTE:
We promote offering for self-selection (zoopharmacognosy), preferably alongside choice(s), and should not replace appropriate veterinary care. We make no medicinal claims and would also suggest further investigation to ensure there are no contraindications with any other medication or conditions your animal may have. Properties and information listed comes from personal experience, first-hand feedback, research and relevant books.

National plant a flower day …. is officially upon us. Our first Catnip seedling planted today, hoping for more to pop up...
12/03/2024

National plant a flower day …. is officially upon us. Our first Catnip seedling planted today, hoping for more to pop up soon 🤞 Our smaller plants from last year are also starting to grow too, and are all ready for our annual APHA plant inspection next week. Adding plants, grasses or shrubs, even to the smallest space, can support nature and pollinators; while creating a positive and enriching space for you and your animals; the benefits of which are enhanced when the sun comes out as this releases volatile oils into the environment 🌷🌸🌹🌱🌿

Changes to our websiteWe are pleased to announce we have finally got electronic forms in place for sessions - available ...
07/03/2024

Changes to our website
We are pleased to announce we have finally got electronic forms in place for sessions - available via our website, and also excited to share that we are currently building a members area. This should be available later in the year and will keep you updated on progress.
We do have lots of information via our website, not only about sessions, but also info sensory gardens, enrichment and wildlife gardens. Pop on over and have a look:
www.holistichoundaoanimals.co.uk

Bach® flower remedies service launchWe are pleased and excited to announce the launch of our Bach® flower remedies servi...
01/03/2024

Bach® flower remedies service launch

We are pleased and excited to announce the launch of our Bach® flower remedies service, with appointments available to book now. As with all our services, we want to make them affordable so you can support your animal holistically through a range of modalities, tailored to their specific needs and issues. To launch this service we are offering an initial session throughout March 2024 for the amazing price of £15.00. This price includes supply of an initial remedy bottle, after meeting with you and your animal - please note, we do require approval from your vet prior to meeting you, but we are happy to contact them with regards to this. If this is something of interest, please get in touch, or find out more information on our web page:
https://holistichoundaoanimals.co.uk/bach%C2%AE-flower-remedies-1

Scent and smellAs we know, dogs have amazing noses but did you know temperature and moisture affects scent. Have you not...
13/02/2024

Scent and smell

As we know, dogs have amazing noses but did you know temperature and moisture affects scent. Have you noticed on colder days, does your dog sniff around for longer? Possibly, because as the temperature drops the odour molecules move closer together, almost like “clumps” which results in a higher concentration of smell; and if you add in moisture, this traps the scent molecules, enhancing their odour.
Want to know what a smell looks like, click on the link below:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-a-smell-looks-like/

Nose work for your dog is great for them - scent makes up a large part of a dog’s sensory world; building confidence and coping skills as more understanding is gained. Time spent analysing odours lowers the pulse, as raised in the Dog Field Study, and could also promote cognitive function. Alexandra Horowitz writes “As we see the world, the dog smells it ..... The world of scent is at least as rich as the world of sight”. We have some enrichment toys focused on sniffing in our Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1219606318/tagz-hide-dog-toy
It is worth noting, as sniffing is mentally stimulating for your dog, allowing your dog a period of “down-time” after a lot of sniffing interaction would be very beneficial.

Additionally, to maintain and support the lining of your dog’s nose Vitamin A will certainly be beneficial and can be found in a number of foods, including herbs, and could be discussed at a Herbal self-selection session.

Fantastic progress for Gypsy using a combined holistic approach 🐕💦🌿
06/02/2024

Fantastic progress for Gypsy using a combined holistic approach 🐕💦🌿

06/02/2024

Snowdrops are popping up ….. Spring is around the corner, time to think about planting 🌱We have seeds available via Etsy, including barleygrass and wheatgrass which can be started indoors now. These grasses are great for rabbits, Guinea pigs, cats and dogs, both for enrichment and for self-selection purposes. All available on the link below:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/934600905/barley-grass-and-wheat-grass-seed-mix

https://www.facebook.com/furrytailsofficial/videos/3559819337624515/

Fantastic offer …. pop on over to their page for contact details 🐾🐕💦
01/02/2024

Fantastic offer …. pop on over to their page for contact details 🐾🐕💦

29/01/2024

Rootin’ tootin’ good ….

The lovely Lola thoroughly enjoying dried burdock root and dandelion root, from a range of herbs offered. As the plant dies back towards the end of the year the energy is sent down to its roots to help it through the winter. Roots are generally harvested in autumn after the first few frosts which signal the plant to move this energy. Wild animals such as badgers and deer will dig for roots, in fact deer are pretty adept at doing this.

Burdock root has many supportive properties including immune support, cleansing the system which could be beneficial for skin conditions and joint issues, as well as supporting the digestive system and gut health.

Dandelion root has diuretic activity and supports the urinary system, as well as being rich in potassium - which is felt to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. This plant also has a positive effect on the liver and supports healthy digestion.

We offer a range of herbal options at sessions for your animal to choose to support them for their optimal health. This is a journey for both you and your animal, and if this is something you want to embark on, check out our website for more information:
https://holistichoundaoanimals.co.uk/herbal-self-selection

Also, the sweet Lola is still looking for her person or persons, so if you have a dog shaped hole in your life click on the link for more info about her: https://www.bleakholt.org/portfolio-items/lola-2/

CPD and new trainingLove learning new things and am passionate about gaining new knowledge to add to current experience ...
21/01/2024

CPD and new training
Love learning new things and am passionate about gaining new knowledge to add to current experience and understanding; love finding different people to connect with to gain that knowledge as everyone brings something different to the table. Was really pleased with the feedback from my Bach Flower remedies course assessor, and am looking to start offering this in the near future, as well as continuing to learn more about this modality throughout the year as part of my CPD process. Have wanted to look at Energetics in more detail for some time so decided this was the year to do that; have just started the course but am already hooked.

More for 2024 ….. supporting local businessesWhen you meet someone who is as passionate about dogs and animals as you, y...
14/01/2024

More for 2024 ….. supporting local businesses
When you meet someone who is as passionate about dogs and animals as you, you want to let everyone know …. so introducing Roots to Rehab. Helen is the fully qualified hydrotherapist behind this amazing business, which offers really affordable rates for the super service they provide. She is such a lovely person who has a wonderful rapport with dogs; and we met due to our mutual interest in holistic options. She has other strings to her bow as well as being the first mobile hydrotherapy unit in the North, so pop on over to their page for more info and contact details 😊 🐶 💦

What’s in store for 2024 …..To continue to support animals in rescue with our herbal self-selection sessions. They not o...
11/01/2024

What’s in store for 2024 …..
To continue to support animals in rescue with our herbal self-selection sessions. They not only provide enrichment, but support them while they wait for their special human. If you feel this is the time to adopt and welcome an animal into your fold please visit Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary

So what do our herbal self-selection sessions involve? Firstly, the session is tailored to your animal, where a range of herbs are offered in various forms, such as essential oils and powders; then your animal takes the lead and makes their selection to support them physically and emotionally. Want to know more, then pop on over to our website:
https://holistichoundaoanimals.co.uk/herbal-self-selection

Wishing you a chilled and happy Christmas from our house to yours 🎄Thank you each and every one of you for your support ...
23/12/2023

Wishing you a chilled and happy Christmas from our house to yours 🎄Thank you each and every one of you for your support this year. Have met more amazing people, and animals, on our journey this year and continue to learn new things every day. We have more things planned for 2024, and look forward to sharing them with you.

Still time to get your calendars from Horse Sense Wirral.  This amazing charity support the Carneddau ponies off the Wel...
28/10/2023

Still time to get your calendars from Horse Sense Wirral. This amazing charity support the Carneddau ponies off the Welsh mountains, and many other horses. This year we sponsored a month. Pop on over to their page to support them in their work by donating if you are able.

More information about the Carneddau ponies on the link below: https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/animals/2022/01/in-north-wales-an-ancient-and-rare-pony-is-brought-down-from-the-mountains

Our HSW calendars are in £7.50 each or £11.00 posted. Make great gifts, use for appointments at home or in the office x

To collect from Thornton Hough or dm address for posting.

Payment to:

Horse Sense Wirral
Sort: 16-16-14
Account: 10375919
Ref: HSW Calendar

Or PayPal:

[email protected]
Ref: HSW calendar

Lovely Ivy ….. great for pollinators too 🐝🪰
27/10/2023

Lovely Ivy ….. great for pollinators too 🐝🪰

Foraging Friday.
Ivy (Hedera Helix)

Ivy has a long history of use in alternative medicine dating back to the first century. Traditionally used for bronchial issues in humans. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune boosting properties.

Horses will occasionally select very small amounts of Ivy to self medicate. I have seen Ben our 29 year old Arab selecting a tiny tiny amount of the fruit (see photo) from the hedgerow. He has arthritis and stiffness from historical injuries so could be using it for it's anti inflammatory benefits.

Ivy is a source of phytonutrients such as flavonoids and terpenoids as well as being a rich source of potassium and iron.

We would never intentionally feed Hedera to the sanctuary horses but do not panic if we see them self selecting. It's useful information. As with all powerful plants, like pharmaceutical drugs, they can be toxic in large amounts but the tiny amounts they select are purely medicinal.

23/10/2023

Great enrichment for ferrets

Three amazing books for those who care for rabbits. Packed with lots of really interesting information about plants - co...
04/10/2023

Three amazing books for those who care for rabbits. Packed with lots of really interesting information about plants - covering both cultivated and foraged if you purchase all three of them. I love the “Nomminess Rating” in the Foraging for Rabbits book - this is based on “a testing panel of 35 rabbits” and gives “a star rating in terms of nomminess for rabbits”. Would love to grade all plants like this for animals 😊.

If you fancy buying any of these then pop on over to the The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund website. They are all very reasonably priced and the aim of the Association is to improve the health and welfare of domestic rabbits through education, campaigning and advice 🐇
https://shop.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/product-category/advice-booklets-leaflets/books/

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)The bilberries are at the end of their season, but if you are lucky you may still find som...
21/09/2023

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

The bilberries are at the end of their season, but if you are lucky you may still find some; though on moorland areas where sheep graze you may be lucky to find many, even when in season. I know near me the deer have made short work of them, and could only find one!

Bilberries contain anthocyanosides which are said to provide capillary support, and may be beneficial in improving capillary and venous blood flow. Other circulatory support in the form of hawthorn and its berries, which supports the heart and acts as a circulatory tonic, are also available in the hedgerows at the moment. Horses with the condition laminitis may benefit from herbs that improve blood flow to the hoof, alongside herbs to support the lymphatic system.

At sessions I have found horses often select bilberry, offered in powder form, though will often eat bilberry leaves too. Dogs tend to select blueberry powder more readily over bilberry powder when given the choice, and also enjoy blueberries themselves. This was the case for Patch who selected both bilberry and blueberry powder, but took up more of the blueberry powder to support their system.

Bilberries have traditionally been linked to supporting the eyes, in particular for night vision. There is little research to support this, however there does appear to be some evidence that they may be beneficial in improving ocular circulation, reducing retinal inflammation. Bilberries also offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Another great mentoring day; was lovely to meet Stef who is also nearing the end of their Herbal Choices training, and w...
09/09/2023

Another great mentoring day; was lovely to meet Stef who is also nearing the end of their Herbal Choices training, and who is covering a range of animals for this modality. Tigger was happy to be involved with the mentoring session again, and his essential oil choices moved from the more emotional route he chose previously, to more gut support on this occasion. We cannot truly know however, as the essential oils cover a wide range of supportive options; we just give animals the tools to choose, and offering oils with similar supportive pathways and actions on the body could be of benefit to them. Stef led Tigger into the session beautifully with calming oils, bringing the energy down nicely to move forward. German Chamomile proved a particular favourite, which he inhaled deeply; and alongside Yarrow offer anti-inflammatory support, thought to be due to the Chamazulene content. Great responses and a lovely paced session.

The afternoon was spent meeting several residents at Bleakholt, with sessions tailored to the warm weather. A wide range of choices were observed, particularly with the powders, with h**p, brewers yeast and Chlorella being those chosen most often. Rusty was happy to work with the essential oils, and we saw great release yawns throughout the session.

A wonderful day meeting plants, great discussions, was a pleasure spending the day with Stef as love sharing this knowledge.

Not forgetting International Dog Day …. Tigger striking his best pose 🐾
26/08/2023

Not forgetting International Dog Day …. Tigger striking his best pose 🐾

The beautiful Borage (Borago officinalis) flowers are still going strong. These lovely star flowers first emerge as a pi...
26/08/2023

The beautiful Borage (Borago officinalis) flowers are still going strong. These lovely star flowers first emerge as a pinky colour, and then change to their striking blue. On researching it does not seem to be related to soil acidity, but that the pH of the flower cell-sap changes, with the redder colour being more acidic. This would tie in with the fact that if you place borage flowers in acidic liquids (eg lemon juice or vinegar) they gradually turn pink. This plant readily self-seeds and is of great benefit to pollinators. Some benefits of Borage may include:
*being selected for its mucilaginous qualities
*the seeds contain linolenic acid which is felt to support the cardiovascular system, along with joints
*the leaves are traditionally used in a tea to support the nervous and respiratory systems
It is also worth noting the leaves contain unsaturated PAs (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) which can affect the liver, more so with long term use and in high quantity, but as a precaution would be best avoided with animals who have pre-existing liver disease. Additionally, we always recommend further investigation to ensure there are no contraindications with any medication or conditions your animal may have, as well as offering alongside other choices, and noting this does not replace appropriate veterinary care.

The leaves can be also be used to make a natural fertiliser: Remove the leaves and add to a bucket of water. Ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and steep for about 2 weeks. Drain off the fluid into bottles. Dilute 1:10 (1 part fertiliser:10 parts water) and use weekly.

Had to mind this little snail while pruning my English lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) today. Had let the plant finish...
14/08/2023

Had to mind this little snail while pruning my English lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) today. Had let the plant finish flowering and then cut it down to the new growth. You can cut a bit lower, I would go only around a centimetre lower; too low and you put the plant at risk over the winter months. Pruning stops the plant getting too woody and I believe increases longevity. My hands smell awesome 🪴

Was an absolute pleasure to meet Yaz yesterday, who is nearing the end of her Herbal Choices training on how to offer he...
06/08/2023

Was an absolute pleasure to meet Yaz yesterday, who is nearing the end of her Herbal Choices training on how to offer herbs, essential oils and hydrosols to a range of animals. We started the mentor day by meeting and choosing plants and herbs that would be useful at the sessions we had planned through the day. The horse session saw fresh plants with gut, and some mucilaginous support selected, such as rosebay willowherb, German chamomile, chicory, peppermint, marshmallow and meadowsweet, which are all readily available now. Milk thistle seeds and dandelion root were also readily selected (which combined, offer both liver and urinary system support); alongside turmeric and some nutritious powders. This all resulted in a fabulous outcome, with release yawns and Flehmen response during a great interactive Essential oils session, along with lots of face softening - overall an emotional session. The dog session with Tigger also saw a range of emotionally supportive essential oils selected, including the more floral oils such as ylang ylang, rose and rose geranium. This again resulted in lots of face softening, followed by a long deep sleep. Great sessions, great discussions, lots of learning and lots of positive energy added to the day by Yaz.

24/06/2023

Amazing time learning about bees today 🐝 🌼🌺🌸🌻

18/06/2023

Lovely German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica/chamomilla)

This annual plant readily self-seeds and often produces white flowers, with yellow centre, throughout the year. Grows best in full or partial sun, however the blooms will last longer in partial shade.

Traditionally the flowers are used and are best collected through the summer, and picked during dry weather. These flowers can be dried, and when offered to cats many will select; often rolling on them.

German chamomile has anthelmintic properties, particularly against roundworms and whip worms, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions which may be useful for general aches and pains.

The mild sedative action of this plant has traditionally been used for anxiety and stress related issues, tension and restlessness, and is supportive for digestive upsets brought on by nervousness or hyper-excitability.

A cooled tea, which could be offered alongside fresh water, is supportive for gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, vomiting and intestinal gas. The flowers contain a range of constituents including Chamazulene and Apegenin which together have antispasmodic actions, and could be supportive in easing nervous spasms. Additionally a cooled tea has been commonly used topically on bites and contact allergies to reduce inflammation, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. However if using externally always offer to your animal before applying, and always apply to a small area first to ensure no reaction.

This herb, however, is best avoided during early pregnancy and in large quantities in cats, so would probably be best omitted from a catio or cat garden

NOTE: We promote offering for self-selection (zoopharmacognosy), preferably alongside choice(s), and should not replace appropriate veterinary care. We would also suggest further investigation to ensure there are no contraindications with any medication or conditions your animal may have. Properties and information listed comes from personal experience, first-hand feedback, research and relevant books.

Organically grown, using no pesticides or herbicides, and still available from our shop on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1220289504/german-chamomile-matricaria

Great option for self-selection, as well as enrichment for your horse.
17/06/2023

Great option for self-selection, as well as enrichment for your horse.

This weeks self selection waters are Zeolite Clay, marigold and cleavers, salt water, Mullein tea and turmeric.

This was the first time trying turmeric in a self selection water and its gone down amazingly! Within 10mins of it being their Gunner nearly drank the whole lot so topped back up for the others but this is their favourite this week.

We have moved the selection station as we were finding it was going down very quick but the fresh water wasn't. Yep horses will be lazy. The selections were closer to the track than the fresh so the lazy buggers were drinking that instead. Now it's next to their fresh water we are seeing equal quantities going. Cheeky ponies 🤣

Address

Darwen
BB33

Telephone

+447910155552

Website

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Holistichoundaoa

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