Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services

Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services provides integrative care for pets and their families in the comfort of their own home.

Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services is a house call practice in Napa, CA specializing in holistic veterinary care for dogs and cats. All of the services we provide are performed in your home. The services we provide include acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, cold laser, essential oils, veterinary hospice and in-home euthanasia.

๐Ÿ„ Functional Mushrooms for DogsDid you know functional mushrooms can be a wonderful addition to your dogโ€™s wellness rout...
09/04/2026

๐Ÿ„ Functional Mushrooms for Dogs

Did you know functional mushrooms can be a wonderful addition to your dogโ€™s wellness routine?

Mushrooms such as Turkey Tail, Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake and Chaga contain naturally occurring compounds like beta-glucans and are used in integrative veterinary medicine to help support:

๐Ÿพ Healthy immune function
๐Ÿพ A balanced inflammatory response
๐Ÿพ Antioxidant and cellular health
๐Ÿพ Overall vitality and resilience

When choosing a mushroom supplement, quality matters. Look for products that clearly identify the mushroom species, provide beta-glucan content, use high-quality mushroom fruiting bodies, and test their products for purity.

One of Dr. Kimโ€™s favorite mushroom blends for dogs is Real Mushrooms Pet Defenders, which combines five functional mushrooms in one formula. ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ•

As with any supplement, mushrooms arenโ€™t one-size-fits-all. Talk with your integrative veterinarian about whether functional mushrooms may be a good addition to your dogโ€™s wellness plan.

โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿพ Beat the heat with this simple frozen summer treat!These refreshing pupsicles are made with a handful of wholesome i...
08/27/2026

โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿพ Beat the heat with this simple frozen summer treat!

These refreshing pupsicles are made with a handful of wholesome ingredients that offer more than just a cool snack.

๐Ÿซ Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and support healthy aging.

๐Ÿ“ Strawberries provide fiber, vitamin C, and naturally occurring antioxidants. They're a sweet treat that many dogs enjoy in moderation.

๐Ÿฅฅ Coconut water contains natural electrolytes, making it a refreshing addition on hot days. Because it naturally contains potassium and naturally occurring sugars, it's best offered as an occasional treat, not a replacement for fresh water.

๐Ÿฅ„ Plain Greek yogurt provides protein and beneficial probiotics that may support a healthy gut microbiome in dogs that tolerate dairy. If your dog is sensitive to dairy, simply leave it out.

โ„๏ธ Blend the ingredients together, pour into silicone molds or an ice cube tray, and freeze for a fun way to help your pup cool off this summer!

โš ๏ธ Before you start, always read ingredient labels carefully. Choose plain, unsweetened products and make sure they do not contain xylitol (also called birch sugar) or other artificial sweeteners, as some can be harmful, or even life-threatening to dogs.

As always, treats should be fed in moderation and should complement a complete and balanced diet. If your dog has underlying health conditions or dietary restrictions, check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods.

What's your dog's favorite summertime treat? ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿ’™

๐ŸŒบ Help Your Dog Stay Cool This Summer with HibiscusWhen temperatures climb, a little herbal support can go a long way. O...
08/19/2026

๐ŸŒบ Help Your Dog Stay Cool This Summer with Hibiscus

When temperatures climb, a little herbal support can go a long way. One of Dr. Kim's favorite cooling herbs for summer is hibiscus.

In traditional herbal medicine, hibiscus is considered a cooling herb, making it a wonderful seasonal addition for many healthy dogs. Naturally rich in antioxidants, hibiscus can be prepared as a refreshing tea to help support hydration and keep your pup comfortable during the hottest months of the year.

Try this simple hibiscus tea:

๐Ÿ’ง Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried organic hibiscus petals in 1 cup of hot water for 10โ€“15 minutes.

โ„๏ธ Allow the tea to cool completely, then:
โ€ข Add 1โ€“2 tablespoons to your dog's water or food.
โ€ข Freeze into ice cube trays for a refreshing summer treat.
โ€ข Pour over a lick mat for a fun, cooling enrichment activity.

๐ŸŒฟ A few important notes:
โ€ข Always use plain, unsweetened, organic hibiscus, never tea blends containing caffeine, xylitol (aka Birch Sugar), or other added ingredients.
โ€ข Introduce any new herb gradually and monitor for digestive upset.
โ€ข Hibiscus is not recommended for pregnant dogs, dogs with low blood pressure, or pets with underlying medical conditions without first consulting your holistic veterinarian.

Have you tried Hibiscus with your pet? Tell us in the comments below.

โ˜€๏ธ Planning one last summer getaway with your pet before the season winds down?Whether you're heading to the coast, the ...
08/13/2026

โ˜€๏ธ Planning one last summer getaway with your pet before the season winds down?

Whether you're heading to the coast, the mountains, or visiting family, taking a few moments to prepare can help make the trip safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Before you leave:

๐Ÿพ Schedule a pre-travel wellness exam. Your veterinarian can ensure your pet is healthy for travel and provide any necessary health certificates or vaccination records.

๐Ÿฅ Locate emergency veterinary hospitals near your destination. Having a plan before you need one can save valuable time.

๐Ÿ’Š Pack medications and a little extra. Bring enough medication for your trip, plus a few additional days in case your travel plans change.

๐ŸŒฒ Research pet-friendly policies ahead of time. National parks, beaches, hotels, and campgrounds all have different rules regarding pets, so it's worth checking before you arrive.

โค๏ธ Keep your pet's routine as consistent as possible. Bringing familiar food, treats, bedding, and favorite toys can help reduce travel-related stress and make a new environment feel more like home.

With a little planning, you can focus on making memories together during these last adventures of summer. Safe travels! ๐Ÿพ

๐Ÿถ๐Ÿ’จ Wildfire Smoke & Your Dog's Health: What You Need to KnowWith the recent fire in Sonoma County and wildfires affectin...
08/05/2026

๐Ÿถ๐Ÿ’จ Wildfire Smoke & Your Dog's Health: What You Need to Know

With the recent fire in Sonoma County and wildfires affecting communities across the Pacific Northwest, we wanted to reshare this helpful resource to help you keep your pets safe during wildfire season. โค๏ธ

Wildfire smoke can take a serious toll on your dog's respiratory system, and recovery time depends on their level of exposure:

๐Ÿ”ฅ Mild Exposure: Symptoms like coughing and watery eyes may clear up in a few days to a week with fresh air and rest.

๐ŸŒซ Moderate Exposure: Recovery can take 1โ€“3 weeks. Reduce strenuous activity, provide clean indoor air, and discuss supportive care, including herbs or other therapies, with your veterinarian.

๐Ÿšจ Severe Exposure: Healing may take weeks to months, and some dogs may experience lasting respiratory complications.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Help Your Pup Breathe Easier:
โœ”๏ธ Keep indoor air as clean as possible (air purifiers can help!)
โœ”๏ธ Encourage hydration to support healthy airways.
โœ”๏ธ Ask your veterinarian whether herbs like mullein or elecampane may be appropriate for your dog.
โœ”๏ธ Avoid strenuous exercise until air quality improves and your dog has recovered.
โœ”๏ธ Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice wheezing, labored breathing, blue or gray gums, or collapse.

๐Ÿ“Œ Save this post, and our Canine AQI Guide, for future reference.

๐Ÿ›โ˜€๏ธ Summer is the season of muddy paws, swimming adventures, and dusty trails, but more baths aren't always better.A hea...
07/28/2026

๐Ÿ›โ˜€๏ธ Summer is the season of muddy paws, swimming adventures, and dusty trails, but more baths aren't always better.

A healthy skin barrier is one of your dog's best defenses against allergens, bacteria, and environmental irritants. Frequent bathing with harsh shampoos can strip away the natural oils that keep skin and coat healthy.

Here are a few summertime grooming tips:

๐Ÿพ Bathe only when needed using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo formulated for dogs.

๐ŸŒฟ Rinse your dog's coat with fresh water after swimming in lakes, rivers, or the ocean to help remove algae, salt, sand, and other environmental debris.

๐Ÿชฎ Brush regularly to remove loose hair, dirt, and plant material while helping distribute your dog's natural skin oils.

๐Ÿ‘‚ Keep ears clean and dry, especially after swimming, to help reduce the risk of irritation and infection.

๐Ÿ• Check between the toes, under the collar, and around the ears after hikes for foxtails, grass awns, ticks, and burrs.

A thoughtful grooming routine isn't just about keeping your dog clean, it's an important part of supporting healthy skin, a resilient coat, and overall wellness all summer long.

07/22/2026

Fire Season Reminder for Pet Owners! ๐Ÿพ

Donโ€™t wait until the smoke is in the air, nowโ€™s the time to prepare your petโ€™s go-bag for wildfire season.

Of course you'll pack the basics like food, meds, and leashes, but donโ€™t forget holistic essentials to help support your pet's stress, lungs, and immune system during an emergency.

๐ŸŽฅ Watch todayโ€™s video to learn how to build a holistic go-bag for your dog or cat.

๐Ÿ’ง Keep Your Pet Hydrated This Summer with Bone Broth Ice Cubes!As the temperatures climb, hydration is key to keeping yo...
07/16/2026

๐Ÿ’ง Keep Your Pet Hydrated This Summer with Bone Broth Ice Cubes!

As the temperatures climb, hydration is key to keeping your pets healthy and comfortable. Bone broth ice cubes are a simple, nourishing way to encourage more fluid intake, plus, they make a refreshing summer treat!

Why Bone Broth?
Rich in minerals and collagen, bone broth supports your petโ€™s joints, digestion, and immune health. Frozen into cubes, it becomes a cooling and hydrating boost on hot days. ๐Ÿพ

How to Make Bone Broth Ice Cubes:
+ Prepare a pet-safe bone broth (no onions, garlic, or added salt).
+ Let it cool completely.
+ Pour into silicone ice cube trays.
+ Freeze until solid.

Serve as a treat or drop into your petโ€™s water bowl.

Looking for a recipe?
Check out Dr. Kimโ€™s pet-safe bone broth guide here:
๐Ÿ”— napaholisticvet.com/blog/2020/11/30/bone-broth-for-pets

Stay cool and hydrated, friends. ๐Ÿ’™

๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ”ฅ Building a simple herbal apothecary is one of our favorite ways to support pets during fire season.Along with keeping...
07/07/2026

๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ”ฅ Building a simple herbal apothecary is one of our favorite ways to support pets during fire season.

Along with keeping windows closed, using air filtration, and limiting outdoor activity when air quality is poor, certain herbs can provide gentle support for your pet's respiratory and nervous systems.

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Herbs traditionally used to support healthy respiratory function:
โ€ข Mullein Leaf
โ€ข Marshmallow Root
โ€ข Elecampane
โ€ข Rosemary
โ€ข Sage

๐Ÿ’š Herbs that may help promote a calm, balanced nervous system:
โ€ข Tulsi (Holy Basil)
โ€ข Skullcap
โ€ข Lemon Balm
โ€ข Lavender

Herbs are one piece of a comprehensive plan, they aren't a replacement for veterinary care. If your pet is experiencing coughing, difficulty breathing, or significant anxiety, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

As always, work with a veterinarian knowledgeable in herbal medicine before starting any new supplements, since every pet is unique.

๐Ÿ“ฃ We're Growing and Evolving!As Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services shifts to a new chapter, we'll be sharing fewer...
06/25/2026

๐Ÿ“ฃ We're Growing and Evolving!

As Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services shifts to a new chapter, we'll be sharing fewer posts here and inviting you to continue the journey with Dr. Kim on her new Instagram page:

๐ŸŒฟ .kimschmidt

Did you know that Dr. Kim now offers telehealth consultations for pet parents seeking a more holistic and individualized approach to chronic health challenges?

Through virtual consultations, Dr. Kim works with pet parents whose animals may be struggling with:

๐Ÿพ Allergies and chronic itching
๐Ÿพ Digestive and gastrointestinal disorders
๐Ÿพ Ear infections and skin conditions
๐Ÿพ Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
๐Ÿพ Cancer support and quality of life care
๐Ÿพ Nutrition and food therapy
๐Ÿพ Chronic conditions that haven't fully responded to conventional treatment

Using her training in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Western herbal medicine, and food therapy, Dr. Kim helps create personalized wellness plans designed to support the whole animal, not just their symptoms.

โœจ Follow .kimschmidt for holistic pet health education, natural wellness strategies, and updates about her telehealth services.

Learn more at drkimschmidt.com

Thank you for being part of the Napa Holistic Vet community. We hope you'll join us at .kimschmidt! ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿพ

Address

Napa, CA
94559

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

(707) 535-9979

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