KALEE - Canine Wellbeing & Education

06/06/2026

🧡 A to Z of Botanicals for Dogs 🧡
C is for Calendula 🌼

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is one of the most gentle and versatile botanicals used in herbal support and canine self-selection work. Traditionally known for its soothing, healing and protective properties, calendula is often associated with skin health, tissue repair and calming inflammation.

In self-selection, some dogs may choose calendula when seeking support for:

🐾 Skin healing and repair
🐾 Hot spots and irritation
🐾 Cuts, scrapes and grazes
🐾 Allergic or itchy skin
🐾 Inflammation and swelling
🐾 Digestive tract irritation
🐾 Mouth and gum support
🐾 Immune system support
🐾 Recovery after illness or surgery
🐾 Senior dog skin and tissue support

Calendula is naturally rich in:
✨ Flavonoids
✨ Carotenoids
✨ Antioxidants
✨ Triterpenoids
✨ Anti-inflammatory plant compounds

In zoopharmacognosy, dogs may interact with calendula in different ways depending on their individual needs. Some may sniff the dried flowers deeply, lick preparations containing calendula, eat small amounts, or simply choose to rest near it. Observing how the dog engages can provide valuable insight.

Calendula is often considered a “cooling” and soothing herb energetically, making it a botanical many dogs appear to gravitate toward when experiencing irritation, discomfort or inflammatory imbalance.

As always, self-selection should be guided safely, respectfully and at the dog’s pace. 🌱

Have you ever offered calendula in self-selection work with your dog? I’d love to hear what they chose to do with it 👇

www.kalee-caninewellbeing.co.uk

Keeping Animals Loved Enriched Empowered 💜

05/06/2026

Healthy Snacks

🥕 Foodie Friday!

Fruits and veggies make great low-calorie snacks for dogs.

💡 Tip: Try apple slices, carrots, or blueberries. Avoid grapes, raisins, and onions.

📩 To book a canine nutrition consultation, please pop me a message!

⚠️ Disclaimer: Each dog is different. Consult a vet or nutritionist for specific guidance.

04/06/2026

❣️ Answer in the comments ❣️

**Clue: 1st Clue in the comments

** 2nd Clue: One word - medical condition

‼️ It's House of Dogs Thursday ‼️

🐶 CAN YOU WORK IT OUT❓

What links these two images❓

👇 Guess below!

03/06/2026

Insect Repellent

🌿 Zoopharmacognosy Wednesday💚

Some dogs and wild canids rub against mint or sage plants to reduce insect bites.

💡 Interesting fact: Animals instinctively know which plants help with parasite problems.

📩 To book a Zoopharmacognosy session, please pop me a message, or ask a question in the comments❣️

02/06/2026

I very rarely do anything for myself but on Sunday this changed and I had such a wonderful time at Tynton Farm Therapies 💚

Elyssa a friend and professional colleague held a woman's gathering by the stream event and it was fab 🫶

I had an absolutely amazing time. The freshly brewed herbal tea was the best I have ever tasted along with the gorgeous healthy nettle cake! After dipping my feet in the stream and hugging the 300 year old stunning Yew Tree - I felt liberated and grounded. The meditation under the full blue moon sitting around the camp fire was perfect.

Elyssa has a very special space - the trees are stunning and speak in volumes as do the plant spirits.

On my return home my dogs shared the extra nettle cake we took home 💚 they totally enjoyed it too 😋

Some pics in the comments

02/06/2026

Hello everyone, a little bit of information about my services for my new followers.

Thank you for being here 🫶

Hello, I'm Kirstey a canine wellbeing practitioner. I carry out wellbeing assessments, gait, posture, musculoskeletal, daily lifestyle, environmental dynamics, diet and nutrition plus more. I work with you and your dog as a whole getting to the route cause of the "behaviour or concern". I ❤️ senior and sensitive dogs.

Whole Dog Assessment
Lifestyle
Nutrition
Herb and botanical support
Canine massage
Exercise
Palliative care

I also run various workshops such as Canine First Aid, Canine Massage, Canine Holistic Support and bespoke courses.

Please take a look at my website and do get in touch for further information 🫶🐾❣️

www.kalee-caninewellbeing.co.uk

If necessary I collaborate with other canine professionals and vets as a multimodal management approach to get the best for your dog and you.

Ps Consults available in your own home or via zoom

Keeping Animals Loved Enriched Empowered

Comfort‑led canine wellbeing in South Wales. MHERA & MSK assessments, massage, herbs, botanicals and compassionate support to help dogs feel safe, understood and at ease. Great for slowing down, reactive dogs and dogs with deep held trauma and for seasonal wellness.

01/06/2026

Muscle & Joint Health

🐾Canine Massage Monday 💚

Massaging your dog’s shoulders and hips can improve circulation and help ease stiffness.

💡 Tip: Use gentle, circular motions and stop if your dog shows discomfort.

📩 Book a Canine Massage session – please pop me a message!

31/05/2026

🍫 Quick Question Sunday #2 ❣️

True or False: Chocolate is safe for dogs in small amounts.

Keep your eyes open for the answer tomorrow in the comments 👇

🐾 Book our canine first aid workshop for full guidance. Please send me a message.

30/05/2026

💙 A to Z of Botanicals for Dogs 💙
B is for Borage 🌿

Borage (Borago officinalis) is a beautiful herb traditionally associated with emotional balance, skin support and inflammation modulation. In canine self-selection work, some dogs appear drawn to borage when the body may benefit from soothing, cooling or restorative support.

In self-selection, dogs may choose borage for support with:

🐾 Skin irritation and itchiness
🐾 Dry or flaky skin
🐾 Coat condition
🐾 Inflammatory processes
🐾 Emotional tension or stress
🐾 Hormonal and adrenal support
🐾 Recovery and resilience
🐾 Senior dog comfort

Borage is particularly known for containing:
✨ Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
✨ Omega fatty acids
✨ Antioxidant compounds
✨ Cooling and soothing plant properties

Energetically, borage is often considered a “cooling” botanical and may be selected by dogs who appear physically hot, inflamed, restless or emotionally overwhelmed.

In zoopharmacognosy, we observe the dog’s individual responses carefully. Some dogs may gently sniff the herb, lick preparations containing borage oil, or engage with it intermittently before moving away once they have had enough. Choice and autonomy are an important part of the process.

As with all botanicals, suitability depends on the individual dog, health status and preparation used. Safe guidance and informed use are always essential. 🌱

Have you ever explored borage in self-selection work with your dog? I’d love to hear your observations 👇

www.kalee-caninewellbeing.co.uk

Keeping Animals Loved Enriched Empowered 💜

29/05/2026

Hydration Matters

💧 Foodie Friday 🐶

Water is essential for digestion, joint health, and kidney function in dogs.

💡 Tip: Fresh, clean water should always be available—consider a water fountain for picky drinkers.

📩 To book a canine nutrition consultation, please pop me a message!

⚠️ Disclaimer: Nutritional needs vary by age, health, and lifestyle.
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