Holistic Dog Care Consultation

From pups to senior dogs, those with mobility issues or active working dogs or perhaps you want to explore a more natural diet or lifestyle for your dog?

A holistic dog care consultation provides an opportunity to look at your dog as an individual and consider the different aspects of their lifestyle that may influence their wellbeing.

I have worked in the canine and equine natural healthcare industry for 30 years and have a particular interest in canine wellbeing, nutrition, herbs and holistic approaches to caring for dogs.

What is a holistic dog care consultation?

Rather than looking at one aspect of your dog's care in isolation, a holistic approach considers the bigger picture.

Every dog is different, and factors such as diet, lifestyle, exercise, enrichment, environment, routine and emotional wellbeing can all form part of that picture.

During a consultation, we can discuss your dog's individual circumstances and explore practical, natural approaches that may complement the care you are already providing.

What can we discuss?

Depending on your dog's individual needs, a consultation might include areas such as:

• Nutrition and feeding

• Herbs and natural approaches to everyday wellbeing

• Supporting an active and healthy lifestyle

• Enrichment and mental stimulation

• Exercise and daily routine

• Creating a more supportive home environment

• Seasonal care

• General wellbeing

• Understanding your dog's individual needs

The consultation is tailored to you and your dog, rather than following a standard checklist.

Diet. Is your dog thriving on their current diet, or would they benefit from a few changes?

Exercise. Is the exercise that your dog gets suitable for their age, fitness or mobility?

Holistic Lifestyle. This would include your dog’s daily routine & the things they find challenging.

Medication. If your dog is on medication, this may need to be taken into account, so as not to interfere with its effectiveness.

A holistic approach to your dog's wellbeing

Our dogs live very different lives from those of their ancestors. They share our homes, our routines and increasingly our busy lifestyles.

Sometimes small changes to the way we feed, exercise, enrich or interact with our dogs can make a meaningful difference to everyday wellbeing.

A holistic consultation gives you the opportunity to step back and look at the bigger picture.

It is not about trying to change everything at once. Often, a few simple and realistic changes are the best place to start.

My approach

I draw on my many years as a canine sports massage therapist, raw food and fresh feeding expert and my lifetime with dogs to help you and your dog.

I don't believe in a one size fits all approach. What works beautifully for one dog may not be appropriate for another, which is why understanding the individual dog is so important.

The aim is to give you practical information and ideas that you can incorporate into everyday life, at a pace that feels manageable for both you and your dog.

Would a holistic dog care consultation be useful for you?

If you would like to take a more holistic approach to your dog's everyday care but aren't sure where to begin, a consultation can provide an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions and explore some practical options.

Sometimes it helps simply to have someone knowledgeable look at the bigger picture with you.

If you would like to discuss the problems you are experiencing with your dog, then a consultation with Caroline can help put you and your dog back on the right track.

Here is the link: https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/p/consultation‍ ‍

A holistic consultation is not intended to replace veterinary care. If your dog is unwell, has persistent or concerning symptoms, or you are worried about a change in their health, veterinary advice should always be sought.
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Caroline Hearn

MICHT. IIHHT. Dip.ICAT. ISCP.Dip.Canine Nutrition

Natural Digestive Support for Dogs

What does Digest & Rest help with? Digest & Rest was created to help dogs that suffer from digestive upset, constipation, and nausea. It is also ideal for managing anal gland problems. If your dog has a very sensitive digestion, then this blend is ideal if you are intending to make any changes to the diet and will make any transitions much smoother.

It has a very neutral taste and smell, so it will not be off-putting to even the fussiest dog and can be “hidden” in tasty food for the really suspicious, picky eater.

Here are a list of some of the ingredients in Digest & Rest and why they were specially chosen.

Marshmallow - Marshmallow root contains around 35% mucilage, which is a slippery substance to ease irritation of the mucous membranes. This makes it ideal to soothe an irritated throat, gut discomfort or tummy troubles. It is also invaluable for managing reflux and hunger nausea, which can occur just after eating or in the early hours of the morning when the dog’s stomach is empty. Marshmallows’ strongest affinities are with the digestive system, respiratory and urinary tracts.

Chamomile - Chamomile is chosen for its antispasmodic properties as well stimulating digestion as it is quite bitter tasting. Chamomile is also relaxing, so helps if the upset tummy is caused by an anxious, excitable, stressed mind.

Slippery Elm - Slippery elm has been used for centuries to ease digestive upset and soothe the whole digestive tract due to its mucilage properties once it becomes wet.

Fennel - Fennel is useful for expelling intestinal gas and helping to ease stomach cramps.

Psyllium husks - Psyllium are husks from the Plantago ovata species. They provide a form of soluble fibre which when in contact with water, forms a soothing gel which passes through the digestive tract. The husks add bulk to the stools and help with constipation, diarrhoea and aids in the correct emptying of anal glands. Psyllium is also a useful prebiotic to encourage good gut bacteria.

How to use:

Digest & Rest is a very versatile blend to use and you can adapt it to suit your specific dog’s needs. The measured amount can be added to wet food and stirred in, and for dried food, it is recommended that you add a splash of water to the powder and stir it into a paste before incorporating it into the food.

For supporting nausea. If your main reason for choosing this blend is to support reflux or perhaps your dog is recovering from a cough, there are several ways to use this blend for maximum effect. If the powder is made into a thick paste with a little warm water, this starts to release the mucilage, which will coat the mouth and oesophagus as it is consumed. You can try adding this paste to the food, or alternatively, some dogs benefit from a tiny meal or snack with Digest & Rest shortly before the main meal is given, so experiment with this to see what most benefits your dog. Small snacks could include a raw egg, plain cottage cheese, natural live yoghurt or a splash of goats’ milk.

For support with hunger pukes. Some dogs can experience hunger nausea in the early hours of the morning and may bring up some frothy, slimy vomit or start to retch as they experience an uncomfortable nausea. As long as they are well in themselves and have no other symptoms to suggest something more serious is going on, then feeding a very small meal or snack in the evening, which contains the Digest & Rest, can often ease these symptoms overnight and into the early hours. Small snacks can be those listed above or a tiny portion of their main meal set aside for this purpose.

Happy Customer Review

“Our French bulldog now sleeps all night, without the constant air licking, coughing, retching and regurgitation. I never want to be without Digest & Rest” Happy dog and happy owner.

A beautiful blend of herbs, roots, and seeds specifically to soothe the gut, aid digestion, and help anal gland issues.

All our products are veterinary formulated, but should not be used instead of consulting your vet should your dog have a health problem.

Hedgerow Hounds is owned by a qualified holistic canine therapist with 30 years of experience in healthcare and nutrition, and the blends are formulated by a veterinarian.