Applied Zoopharmacognosy: Natural Healing for Dogs

Q: What Can Applied Zoopharmacognosy Help With?

Physical Health: Zoopharmacognosy can be beneficial for a variety of physical ailments, including skin conditions, ear infections, digestive issues, and joint pain. By allowing your dog to choose their own remedies, you empower them to address the root cause of their discomfort.Mental and Emotional Well-being: This approach is also beneficial for addressing mental and emotional issues, such as anxiety, stress, and trauma. By selecting calming and soothing remedies, your dog can help regulate their emotions and achieve a state of inner peace.

Zoopharmacognosy is a type of holistic approach, where a canine’s instinct is used to facilitate self-medication of plant-based remedies.

Our Applied Zoopharmacognosy Service

The word “zoopharmacognosy” comes from “zoo” (animal), “pharmakon” (drug, remedy), and “gnosis” (knowledge). This practice is based on the observation that animals in the wild often seek out specific plants, clays, or other natural substances to treat their ailments. At Zest & Bark, we bring this ancient wisdom into a modern context, offering your dog the opportunity to choose the remedies they need to restore balance and health.

During a session, your dog is presented with a variety of natural elements, including dried herbs, essential oils and other botanicals. Your dog’s innate wisdom guides them to select what their body requires to address specific health issues. This process is entirely voluntary, allowing your dog to actively participate in their own healing journey.

Why Choose Applied Zoopharmacognosy?

Empowerment

Zoopharmacognosy empowers your dog to take an active role in their healing process. This can lead to more effective and long-lasting results, as the remedies are chosen by your dog based on their own instinctual knowledge.

Non-Invasive

This approach respects your dog’s autonomy. Your dog is never forced to take a remedy; they choose what they need, when they need it.

Holistic Healing

Zoopharmacognosy addresses the whole dog, helping to promote physical, emotional, and mental imbalances simultaneously. This holistic approach ensures that your dog’s health is supported on all levels.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Jane

Miami

"Erika has been absolutely amazing. Our 11-month-old Vizsla, Henry, has been struggling with a skin condition that puzzled both us and our vets. The medications we tried didn’t work, and we were facing a long wait to see a dermatologist. That’s when we found Zest & Bark. Erika’s holistic approach, which included essential oils, dietary adjustments, and natural supplements, brought immediate relief to Henry. The rashes and blisters started healing within days. Erika’s deep understanding of canine health and her commitment to finding a solution for Henry has been a true blessing for us. We are so grateful for her help."

Goose and Jo

Hockley, Essex

"I’ve owned dogs for over 30 years, and I’ve never met anyone as knowledgeable and dedicated as Erika. My Doberman, Goose, had been suffering from severe dry skin, and nothing we tried seemed to help. On a walk, I mentioned it to Erika, and she suggested an oatmeal poultice followed by an apricot kernel oil massage. Within two weeks, Goose’s skin was completely clear, and his coat was shiny and healthy again. Erika’s expertise in holistic health is unmatched, and her kindness and care shine through in everything she does. I highly recommend her services."

Jane

Miami

"Erika has been absolutely amazing. Our 11-month Vizsla, Henry, has been suffering from some type of skin disease that we have not yet been able to figure out yet. The 2 vets we have been seeing have not been able to help, not with anti-biotic, or topical treatments. They recommended to see a dermatologist vets, but there are only 2 in Miami and waitlists are long... (it will be another 5 months before we have an appointment with one). In the meantime, rashes and blisters were getting worse every day. I found Zest and Bark, online, and Erika has managed to change our lives. Thanks to a combination of essential oil treatments, supplements and food change, we were able to stop the blisters and rashes. Erika's holistic approach has been way more efficient than the medications we had been giving Henry. Erika's extensive knowledge and her strong desire to help have been a game changer in our dog's life. Not to mention her patience and desire to go the extra mile. We are so thankful."

Amanda Daniels

Rayleigh

“Erika has helped myself and my dogs tremendously. She has stepped in to assist during my bitch terrible phantom pregnancy with a bespoke remedy and also with my own pains with endometriosis. I will always reach out for her help. She is caring, passionate and knowledgeable 5* “

Alison Overton

"Thanks to Zest and Bark for Merrill's "perfume" spray and flea and tick treatment spray, also for my sample of essential oil blend specially created for me .... wonderful service and beautiful products. Thanks."

Applied Zoopharmacognosy FAQs

What is Applied Zoopharmacognosy?

Applied Zoopharmacognosy is a holistic method, where animals instinctively select certain herbs, essential oils, and other natural compounds to heal and maintain their well-being with human support.

How does Applied Zoopharmacognosy work?

An animal possesses several signalling pathways, which connect a particular health issue to a specific olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste) and amygdala (emotions) pathway. In response to receiving signals regarding an issue, it is proposed that the animal’s sense of smell, taste or emotion is temporarily altered, resulting in certain useful active constituents in plants becoming more appealing to that animal. Once the animal has inhaled or consumed the appropriate active constituent and starts to heal, the signals are no longer sent to their brain and the animal no longer drawn to smell or taste of that plant.

What Can Applied Zoopharmacognosy Help With?

Physical Health: Zoopharmacognosy can be beneficial for a variety of physical ailments, including skin conditions, ear infections, digestive issues, and joint pain. By allowing your dog to choose their own remedies, you empower them to address the root cause of their discomfort.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: This approach is also beneficial for addressing mental and emotional issues, such as anxiety, stress, and trauma. By selecting calming and soothing remedies, your dog can help regulate their emotions and achieve a state of inner peace.

What does the process involve?

The process begins with a consultation to discuss your dog’s health history and current conditions. During the session, I will offer your dog a range of natural remedies and observe their reactions. Dogs typically show interest in the botanicals they need by licking, sniffing, or rubbing against them. Each session is unique, as it is entirely guided by your dog’s preferences and needs.

Is Applied Zoopharmacognosy safe for all dogs?

Yes, Zoopharmacognosy is considered safe because it is based on the animal’s instinctive choices. The dog is never forced to consume or interact with a remedy; they only engage with substances they feel are beneficial. Additionally, the remedies offered are natural and free from synthetic chemicals.

How much do our Applied Zoopharmacognosy sessions cost?

Our Applied Zoopharmacognosy sessions are £45 (60-90 minutes 1 session).

Book an Applied Zoopharmacognosy Session

Curious about how Zoopharmacognosy could benefit your dog? Reach out to us to schedule a session. During the session, your dog will have the opportunity to explore a variety of natural remedies and choose the ones that resonate with their body’s needs.

This gentle, empowering approach can lead to profound healing and a deeper connection between you and your dog.