Canine Enrichment Herb Garden

A book celebrating the love of dogs, the beauty of herbs, and the wonders of nature.

My first book is about a topic I am deeply passionate about and that has been an interest of mine for many years. It is written from a holistic approach to creating an enrichment space, using knowledge gained over the past 35 years and given to me by my greatest teachers: the dogs themselves. 

So, what exactly is an enrichment garden, and why should we create one?

An enrichment garden offers dogs the freedom to move and explore at their own pace, without human interference or direction. This can be a dedicated space or incorporated into our existing garden. It encourages natural behaviours and curiosity, rather than learned responses, allowing dogs to be themselves without pressure to respond to our expectations of what they should be doing. The space will include herbs, textures underfoot, and aromas for the dog to interact with, as well as to move their body in a therapeutic way to calm the nervous system and improve mobility.

There is a section on providing enrichment for dogs with specific needs, such as the elderly, blind, or disabled dogs, as well as puppies.

Importantly, there is a chapter on ways we can benefit from this beautiful space, too.

The area we are going to create for our dogs can provide the following:

• An outlet for instinctual behaviours such as sniffing, foraging, grazing, problem solving, digging, and exploring; all fantastic for reducing stress, frustration, and lowering anxiety.

• Mental stimulation with scent from the environment and additional items such as snuffle mats and interactive toys.

•  A sensory experience with scent, sound, and texture underfoot. The garden will constantly change because of plant growth, weather conditions, seasonal changes, and what wildlife has visited the garden. Every day will offer something a little different.

•  Encouragement of natural movement without our influence or expectations.  

•  Building confidence in themselves as the effects of sniffing and exploring lower the stress hormones and make the world seem a less scary place.

•  By going through a natural range of movements over varying textures and terrains, we are encouraging the dog to work all their body systems.

• Enhanced well-being and quality of life.

• A space that is appealing to look at, and that we enjoy spending time in with our dog.

We explore the many herbs that are suitable and safe for the herb garden, whether you choose to plant them in pots or directly into the ground.

With so many dog-friendly herbs to choose from, there is an extensive list in the book, as well as plants to avoid. Many are hardy and evergreen, so will provide interest all year round. If you have a small space and want to create an enrichment area in pots, then that is covered too.

Providing texture and varying terrain is also important, and how the dog’s body adapts and processes the information that is being fed back to them as they travel over hard and soft ground, slopes, and step over small obstacles.

Adding in texture, such as shingle, wood chippings, moss, mat-forming herbs, textured pathways, and sand, all add to the sensory experience.

Everything is covered to help you easily build your own enrichment garden. Important topics such as the choice of herbs, adding interactive items like snuffle mats, choosing planters and pots, soil health, the importance of a chemical-free lawn, and ways to embrace nature with your dog throughout the seasons.

Learn how simple adaptations in your garden can provide a sensory experience as well as therapeutic movement.

The book is available on Amazon as an e-Book or paperback on the link below: Here is the link https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FHKYK5T9‍ ‍

Or there are often paperbacks on the shop to buy. https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/canine-enrichment-herb-garden-book

If you are looking for more help in creating your own enrichment garden for your dog or perhaps your dog has specific needs then I do offer a consultation to support and advise you. Here is the link: https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/p/canine-enrichment-garden

Hedgerow Hounds handmakes veterinary-formulated supplements for dogs. The company is run by a qualified canine therapist with 30 years of experience in holistic dog care & nutrition.

The book also talks about enjoying the changing seasons and appreciating the way nature adapts throughout the year.

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.
‍ ‍

Caroline Hearn

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

Dental Hygiene Formula

The dental hygiene formula for dogs has been created to clean tartar and plaque from the teeth and to improve the overall health and hygiene of the mouth and gums. Although this blend’s main aim is to improve oral health there are so many benefits to feeding this supplement for improving all aspects of health and optimal wellbeing.

The blend is made up of ingredients of the highest human-grade food quality.

The Seaweed used is a certified Organic Fucus vesiculosus Seaweed. It is traceable to the precise location of harvest, from remote areas of the British Isles and Nordic region, so you can thoroughly trust the purity and source.

High quality, pollution-free seaweed is highly nutritious and offers your dog the following benefits:

• An effective prebiotic, high in antioxidants.

• High levels of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, antioxidants & omega fatty acids.

• Iodine for optimum thyroid function.

• Improves skin, coat, and nail health and loss of pigmentation.

• Improved oral health by preventing or aiding in the removal of tartar and plaque formation. Seaweed has antibacterial properties to act against harmful bacteria in the mouth and alongside the other ingredients used greatly aid in disease prevention of teeth and gums.

Fennel is added for its ability to inhibit the build-up of plaque due to its high levels of polyphenols. Fennel can also reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast. It has good levels of manganese, magnesium, Iron, calcium, and fibre. It also helps ease any intestinal gas and aids in digestion.

Oregano has powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial actions. All these properties assist in creating good oral health and helping to ease issues such as gingivitis. Due to Oregano’s high levels of antioxidants, it is also effective at balancing the gut bacteria.

What is it good for? This dental hygiene for dogs has been specifically created with oral health in mind. It can help remove the build-up of plaque and tartar, and create a healthier environment in the mouth so issues are less likely to occur. If your dog has a serious dental issue that requires veterinary intervention the blend can be used afterwards to aid in the prevention of further disease and hopefully eliminate the need for another tooth clean under anaesthetic, which is particularly important when caring for senior dogs or those with other health problems.

How to use: There are several options for using this dental blend depending on the current health of your dogs mouth and the amount of tartar you are aiming to reduce.

As with any new supplement, it is recommended that you gradually introduce the blend over 5 days. If your dog has a visible build-up of tartare, stained teeth, bad breath, and inflamed gums then it is suggested that the suggested amount is fed over the space of approximately 15 weeks, although you may see a marked improvement well before then. All the amounts to feed are dependent on your dog’s body weight and are stated on the labelling of the product.

If your dog already has clean teeth and good oral health and you would like to keep it that way as they age, then the initial “loading” amount over several weeks isn`t necessary. It is suggested that you feed the full amount for 6 weeks and then drop down to half that amount for maintenance. As an example, a 35kg Labrador would have half a teaspoon (approx. 2g of the powder) daily for 6 weeks, after this time the amount given can be halved if required to a quarter teaspoon (1g) for 5-7 days a week.

If at any time you see discolouring of the teeth, the amount can then of course be increased again to the maximum amount of half a teaspoon for that particular body weight. Each dog is an individual and the rate of plaque formation will vary depending on breed, age, diet and lifestyle so initially it may take a little while to find the exact amount that is suited to your dog.

Can I speed up the removal of hard tartar? Yes, you can speed up the process if there is hard tartare or a build-up in certain areas. Abrasive natural chews or size-appropriate recreational raw bones will help lift the tartar. Teeth cleaning with a toothbrush or lint cloth to ease any loosening tartar away. You may find there is often a stained area at the very top of the canine tooth nearest to the gum line which bones and chews can`t reach. This can be removed with a lint cloth or toothbrush once the supplement has been used for a couple of months.

Important message for certain health concerns:

Due to seaweed’s naturally occurring iodine content, it is not suitable for dogs that are undergoing veterinary treatment for hyperthyroidism or on thyroid medication. Also, avoid feeding this blend to pregnant and lactating females until the litter is weaned.

Hedgerow Hounds makes veterinary-formulated supplements for dogs. The company was founded and is owned by a qualified holistic canine therapist with 30 years of experience in holistic dog care and nutrition.