The Holistic Hutt

01/05/2026

This interesting case report describes how acupuncture and Chinese herbal supplementation were used to successfully treat, support and stabilize a twelve-year-old Labrador Retriever with chronic kidney disease and hind end weakness. A Chinese herbal formulation, Rehmannia Eight (Ba Wei Di Huang Wan), was started when mild azotemia with isosthenuria was noted in laboratory work. Acupuncture was used to provide further support to the kidneys as well as for mobility support. The patient showed mild improvement in the creatinine and the hind end weakness significantly improved, enhancing the patient's overall quality of life.

You can read this in-depth case report here:https://civtedu.org/documents/TWuzq4J6ujLwcLfdT3Wa.pdf

Learn about our Veterinary Acupuncture courses here: https://civtedu.org/courses/acupuncture

28/04/2026

Interesting 🐕

Furry rabbit ears are widely used by pet parents as a treat, and also in the belief that the hair they provide may help with the elimination of intestinal worms (whether there is any proof for this will be discussed at a later date).

Sounds good - but is there a scary side to such chews, which may not immediately spring to mind?

If we step into the world of a forensic pathologist for a moment, there is an obvious parallel between the analysis of human hair to determine if a person has been exposed to poisonous substances (and if so for how long), and the measurement of pollutants in animal fur, such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, chromium, nickel, manganese, copper, zinc and selenium, plus organophosphates to assess the environment in which they have been reared.

Detecting such substances is possible because hair / fur can store a wide range of potentially toxic chemicals accumulated over time (acquired from contaminated soil, water, feed, or air).

(Domesticated rabbits have been studied as sentinels for environmental pollution, with analyses of their hair, blood, liver, kidneys, and other tissues showing uptake of such substances).

Given the importance of reducing a pet's exposure to potentially harmful chemicals whenever possible, to help maintain health and well-being, a far healthier and safer option would be give 'naked' rabbit ears (no fur) or one of the many healthy, natural chews around, such as bull's pizzles, sheep / cow windpipes, chicken / turkey feet etc

Click here to learn more about Natural Worm Control: >>> https://www.vincethevet.co.uk/natural-worm-control/natural-worm-control-and-detoxification-support-50ml

Click here to learn more about screening for intestinal worms and lungworm: >>> https://www.vincethevet.co.uk/worm-screening/worm-count-and-lungworm-kit-combined

27/08/2025

A practical workshop on natural pet care with vet Chris Aukland. Learn how to use the Helios Pet Kit with confidence.

09/07/2025

Please share and support 💜

06/01/2025

I would like to introduce the lovely Stacey to The Holistic Hutt

Stacey is a passionate Canine Nutrition & Holistic Wellbeing Practitioner based in Horsham, West Sussex, where she lives with her family and her beloved 9-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Ted. Her journey into fresh feeding and holistic canine health began with her previous Springer Spaniel, Shadow, whose health and behavioural challenges from puppyhood led Stacey to explore new, natural approaches.

Since 2016, Stacey has immersed herself in the world of canine health and wellness, pursuing studies with iPet, Canine Principles, Dog Training College, Centre of Excellence, and Chirag Patel. In July 2024, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming a registered consultant with the Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants (APNC). Her key areas of expertise are managing “yeasty beasties” and exploring the fascinating connection between canine behaviour and the microbiome.

Stacey offers both online consults and in person at The Dog HQ in Horsham, please visit her website for more details.

02/07/2024

Interesting 🍌

Green bananas🍌 can prevent and reduce cancers by over 60%, according to the American Association of Cancer Research, so maybe stop hunting for those yellow bananas in the supermarket!

You can boost your dog’s immune and gut health with unripe, green bananas, which have less sugar and more fiber than in their ripened state. Research shows that green bananas offer:

🍌Pectin and prebiotics to build the microbiome and increase the production of butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids

🍌Leucocyanidin, a flavonoid that may help to prevent GI ulcers by inhibiting the release of histamine in the gut

🍌Resistant starch (non-digestible) fiber that helps to prevent intestinal disease, increase mineral absorption and B vitamin synthesis, control blood sugar, improve immune response, and may even prevent intestinal c*ncer

Need a treat for a dog with a sensitive stomach?

Quartered slices of green banana are a perfect training treat, whether your dog is prone to diarrhea or not. Suggested amounts, chopped into bite sized pieces:

Giant breeds: 1 green banana a day
Medium to large breeds: ½ green banana a day
Small breeds: ¼ green banana a day

In Chapter 3 titled TREATS and TOPPERS of The Forever Dog LIFE, we give you a rainbow 🌈 of options to treat your dog to better health including recipes that use bananas in a creative way and baking options like green banana flour that is a low glycemic healthier alternative to plain white flour! Now available in bookstores.

16/08/2023

Here at Hedgerow Hounds, we understand that your dog is a treasured member of the family and deserves the utmost care and best possible nutrition.

14/07/2023

13/01/2023

273 signatures are still needed! British Veterinary Association to acknowledge that dogs die from Lepto vaccine reactions

31/12/2022