Zest&Bark Canine Wellbeing

08/12/2025

Holistic “First Aid” kit for your dog over the Christmas holidays
🎄🎁🎉🍾🎄

During the festive period, dogs can easily experience stress, digestive upsets, or accidental overindulgence. Having a small holistic "first aid" kit ready can help you manage minor issues and keep your dog balanced.

Holistic essentials for dogs over the festive season:

🎄Digestive support🎄

• Slippery elm powder - Soothes the digestive tract and helps with mild diarrhea or upset stomach.
• Probiotics - Support gut health, especially if your dog sneaks rich or fatty foods.
• Pumpkin purée (plain, unsweetened) - A gentle fiber source for both constipation and diarrhea.

🎄Calming remedies🎄

• Chamomile tea (cooled) - Can be given in small amounts to calm nerves or mild tummy upset.
• Valerian or skullcap tincture - Useful for dogs who get anxious with visitors, fireworks, or travel.

• Essential Oil Remedy - A gentle, safe option for stress or overstimulation.

🎄Immune and general wellness🎄

• Omega-3 oils (fish or flaxseed) - Maintain skin, coat, and joint health.
• Bone broth - Nourishing, hydrating, and easy
on the stomach if appetite dips.

🎄Topical and minor wound care🎄

• Calendula cream - For minor cuts, scrapes, or skin irritation.
• Aloe vera gel (pure) - Soothes mild burns or skin inflammation.
• Manuka honey - Natural antibacterial for small wounds.

🎄Preventive care tips🎄

• Keep chocolate, raisins, alcohol, and fatty
leftovers out of reach.

🎄Maintain routine walks and quiet time to reduce stress🎄

• Offer plenty of fresh water and avoid sudden diet changes.

These remedies are for mild, non-emergency situations. If symptoms persist or worsen, a vet visit is still essential - even during the holidays.

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

25/11/2025

📖TCM📖

📚Stared my studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine to deepen my understanding.📚

This journey will bring new insights into balance, energy, and natural wellness-helping support canine health in even more meaningful ways.

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

12/11/2025

🐟The Importance of Balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 in a Dog's Diet🐟

A dog's overall health and vitality depend greatly on the balance of essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6. When provided in the right proportions, they support numerous physiological functions and contribute to long-term wellness.

🐶Skin and Coat Health

These fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining a shiny, soft coat and healthy skin.
•Omega-6 helps maintain the skin's barrier function
•Omega-3 reduces inflammation and dryness.
A proper balance prevents issues like itching, dandruff, and excessive shedding.

🐶Joint and Mobility Support

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint stiffness and pain, particularly in older dogs or those with arthritis. This contributes to improved mobility and comfort.

🐶Immune System Function

A balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6
supports immune regulation. Too much omega-6 can promote inflammation, while omega-3 helps moderate it. Together, they maintain a healthy immune response, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation-related diseases.

🐶Brain and Eye Development

For puppies, DHA (a type of omega-3) is essential for brain and eye development. It enhances learning ability, vision, and cognitive function, setting the foundation for a healthy, active life.

🐶Heart and Metabolic Health

Omega-3 fatty acids also help maintain cardiovascular health by supporting normal blood pressure, reducing triglycerides, and improving circulation. Balanced fatty acids also contribute to healthy metabolism and body weight.

🐶The Importance of Balance

While both are essential, the ratio between them is crucial. Modern diets often contain excessive omega-6 and insufficient omega-3, leading to inflammation and health issues. A holistic approach ensures these fats are provided in harmony,depending on the dog's needs.

Holistically balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are key to a dog's skin health, joint function, immune strength, and overall vitality. Providing these nutrients through high-quality, natural sources ensures your dog thrives from the inside out.

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

31/10/2025

🍂🌳DOGS AND ACORNS 🌳🍂

Hope you will find this informative, especially this time of the year!

From a holistic perspective, when dogs eat acorns, it can be seen as an instinctive or energetic response rather than just a random behavior.

Holistically, animals are often viewed as being in tune with nature and their own bodies, so their actions may reflect attempts to balance physical, emotional, or energetic states.
Here are a few holistic examples

🌳Grounding energy
In energetic healing, acorns (and oak trees) symbolize strength, grounding, and stability. A dog eating acorns might be instinctively connecting with that grounding energy, especially if they're feeling anxious or unbalanced.

🌳Curiosity and sensory exploration
This can be seen as part of a dog's natural way of engaging with the environment.
They explore through taste and smell, which helps them stay connected to the earth's rhythms.

🌳Imbalance or detox signal
Sometimes, holistic practitioners interpret unusual eating behaviors as signs of imbalance or a need for detoxification. The dog might be trying to self-regulate or cleanse its system.

It is important to remember that acorns contain tannins, which can be harmful to dogs. So, even if the behavior has symbolic meaning, it's best to prevent them from eating
acorns regularly.

🌳🌳🌳

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

17/10/2025

💥Calming Holistic Support for Dogs During Fireworks💥

Fireworks can be stressful for dogs, but holistic support can make a world of difference.
Discover gentle, natural ways to help your furry friend feel safe and calm.

Why Choose Holistic Support?

• Natural Ingredients: Gentle on your dog's body and mind
• Non-Sedative: Promotes relaxation without drowsiness
• Safe for All Breeds: Suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors

Our Calming Solutions

• Herbal Calming Drops: Blend of chamomile, valerian, and passionflower
• Aromatherapy Sprays: Lavender and vetiver to soothe anxious pups
• Weighted Blankets: Gentle pressure for a sense of security
• Soothing Music Playlists: Specially curated to ease canine anxiety

How to Use

• Start Early: Introduce calming aids before fireworks begin
• Create a Safe Space: Use blankets, toys, and familiar scents
• Stay Calm: Dogs take cues from their humans
• Reward Relaxation: Offer treats and praise for calm behaviour

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

16/10/2025

Holistic Detox Protocol for Dogs After a Course of Medication or Vaccination

💦Hydration
• Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water to help flush out toxins.

🦴Nutritious Diet
• Feed a high-quality, balanced diet with whole foods.
• Include antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, carrots, and leafy greens (in moderation and dog-safe portions).

🥛Probiotics
Add a canine-specific probiotic supplement
plain to support gut health.

🌿Milk Thistle
• Consider a milk thistle supplement to support liver detoxification.

🐟Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Add fish oil or flaxseed oil to reduce
inflammation and support immune health.

🦮Gentle Exercise
• Provide regular, gentle walks to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage.

🪣Epsom Salt Foot Soaks
• For dogs who tolerate it, a brief paw soak in diluted Epsom salt water can help draw out toxins through the paw pads (never let your dog drink the water).

🪴Herbal Support
• Herbs like dandelion root or burdock root may support detoxification (always consult a holistic vet for safe use and dosing).

🦠Minimize Environmental Toxins
• Avoid exposure to lawn chemicals, cigarette smoke, and household cleaners during detox.

💤Monitor and Rest
• Allow your dog plenty of rest and monitor for any adverse reactions or changes in behavior.

Always consult your veterinarian or a certified holistic vet before starting any detox protocol, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions.

Take care and love you dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

05/10/2025

🌼🌼🌼CALENDULA 🌼🌼🌼

Calendula officinalis is a beautiful flower with many benefits for HUMANS and for DOGS.

🌼 it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties
🌼 support bruising, tissue regeneration, soreness
🌼 good for any skin types, in many ways
🌼can help wound healing, eczema, psoriasis

🌼As with any herb or botanical, there is a risk of allergic reaction.
🌼Calendula should not be used if allergic to pollen, ragweed, daisies, marigold, or plants from the Asteraceae family.

Get in touch and place your order today!

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

04/10/2025

02/10/2025

💥For Dogs During Fireworks Season💥

🌿Help ease stress and anxiety naturally with AT EASE, a gentle essential oil blend crafted specifically for dogs.

Benefits:

🐾 Promotes relaxation and calmness
🐾 Supports emotional balance during loud noises
🐾 Safe, soothing, and pet-friendly

How to Use:

🐾 Apply some blend one a pet-safe collar or bandana or/and on their beds

Why Choose At Ease?

🌿 100% natural ingredients
🌿 Specially created for canine comfort
🌿 Trusted blend for stressful events like fireworks, storms, or travel

Give your dog the gift of calm this fireworks season!

For more details visit our website
www.zestandbark.co.uk

Take care & love you dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

26/09/2025

IF YOUR DOG HAS BEEN SPAYED, PLEASE READ THIS.
YOU MIGHT FIND IT HELPFUL REGARDLESS OF YOUR DOG’S AGE.

Understanding Ovarian Remnant
Syndrome

Ovarian Remnant Syndrome (ORS) occurs when a small piece of ovarian tissue remains in a dog after spaying surgery. This tissue can continue to produce hormones, leading to signs of heat cycles even though the dog has been spayed.

Symptoms can be:

• Swelling of the v***a
• Vaginal discharge
• Behavioral changes such as restlessness or attraction to male dogs
• Possible mammary gland development

While ORS is not extremely common, it can cause confusion and concern for pet guardians who expect their dog to be fully spayed.

🩺Conventional Diagnosis and Treatment🩺

Veterinarians typically diagnose ORS through hormone testing, ultrasound, or exploratory surgery. The standard treatment is surgical removal of the remaining ovarian tissue.

🌿Holistic Support Approaches🌿

While surgery may be necessary in many cases, holistic care can support overall wellness and help manage symptoms before and after treatment.

Approaches may include:

🐟Nutritional Support🐟

• A balanced, species-appropriate diet to strengthen the immune system and support hormonal balance.
• Anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or flaxseed.

🪴Herbal and Natural Remedies🪴

• Herbs traditionally used for hormonal balance, such as chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus).
• Milk thistle to support liver detoxification, which plays a role in hormone metabolism.

🌼Stress Reduction🌼

• Gentle exercise, massage, and calming botanicals like chamomile or valerian root to reduce anxiety associated with hormonal fluctuations.

🧘Energy Healing and Bodywork🧘

• Reiki, acupuncture, or acupressure to support the body's natural healing processes and restore balance.

💊When to Seek Veterinary Care💊

Holistic support can be valuable, but veterinary evaluation is essential if a dog
shows signs of heat after spaying. ORS requires professional diagnosis, and in many cases, surgical correction is the only way to fully resolve the condition.

🫐Integrative Care for Long-Term Wellness🫐

Combining conventional veterinary treatment with holistic support can provide the best outcome. Surgery addresses the root cause, while holistic care helps the body recover, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being.

For more information and support get in touch.

☎️ 0787 2174499
📧 erika@zestandbark.co.uk

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

17/09/2025

WHY DO DOGS EAT DIRT?

Have you ever noticed your pet occasionally dig and munching on dirt?
While it might seem odd, eating dirt is a relatively common behavior in dogs. Here are some reasons why dogs might eat dirt and what it could mean for their health.

🍁Nutritional Deficiencies
Dogs may eat dirt if they are lacking certain minerals or nutrients in their diet. Soil can contain trace minerals that dogs instinctively seek out when their bodies need them.

🍁Boredom or Curiosity
Sometimes, dogs eat dirt simply because they are bored or curious about their environment.
Exploring with their mouths is a natural way for them to learn about the world.

🍁Digestive Upset
Some dogs turn to dirt when they have an upset stomach. Eating soil may help them induce vomiting or soothe gastrointestinal discomfort.

🍁Behavioral Issues
Stress, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors can also lead them to eat non-food items like dirt.
Ensuring your dog has enough mental and physical stimulation can help reduce this behaviour.

🍁Underlying Health Problems
In rare cases, eating dirt can be a sign of underlying health issues such as anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, or other medical conditions. If the behavior is frequent or excessive, it's important to consult a veterinarian.

What Should Dog Owners Do?

• Monitor your dog's behavior and note any changes in appetite or energy levels.
• Provide a balanced diet with all necessary nutrients.
• Ensure your dog has plenty of exercise and enrichment activities.
• Consult a veterinarian if dirt-eating becomes frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Understanding why dogs eat dirt can help address the root cause and keep them healthy and happy.

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

11/09/2025

The past few weeks have been quieter than usual. Thank you for your patience and continued support. Regular updates, tips, and canine health insights will resume soon. For any questions or support, please reach out via message or email 🐾