Animal Healing Center

02/05/2026

A simple turmeric paste you can make at home to support your dog’s brain, joints, and immune system 🐶🫚

Turmeric is one of the most extensively researched natural compounds for inflammation and cancer support in dogs. Its active compound, curcumin, helps reduce inflammation, support joint and brain health, and protect against age-accelerating damage linked to processed foods.

Turning turmeric into a golden paste makes curcumin easier for your dog’s body to use - and it’s been shown to boost BDNF, a protein that supports healthy neurons and cognitive function. We’ve upgraded this paste with medicinal mushrooms 🍄‍🟫 for immune and longevity support, plus decaf green tea 🍵 for DNA-protective polyphenols.

✨ A simple, affordable anti-inflammatory, immune- and brain-boosting bowl topper or mix-in.

⬇️ Full recipe in the comments. From The Forever Dog LIFE book.

💾 Save this post so you have this brain- and immune-boosting turmeric paste recipe ready when you need it.

02/03/2026

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk thistle is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries in traditional herbal practices. It is especially known for its relationship with liver health and overall detox support. Milk thistle has remained widely used through history, with herbalists and clinicians continuing to study its role in supporting the body’s natural processes.

Description:
• A tall, hardy plant with large green leaves marked by white veins
• Produces vibrant purple or pink thistle flowers
• Known for its spiny leaves and distinctive appearance

Native Range:
• Native to the Mediterranean region
• Now naturalized throughout Europe, North America, and other temperate regions

Parts Commonly Used and Traditional Uses

Seeds:
• The most vital part of the plant traditionally used
• Commonly prepared as powders, tinctures, teas, or capsules
• Seeds contain naturally occurring compounds that are studied for antioxidant properties

Leaves and Stalks:
• Can be eaten raw or cooked, similar to spinach or other leafy greens
• Often used in teas or added to foods
• Provide a bitter digestive tonic effect when used fresh or dried

Flower Heads:
• Immature flower heads can be boiled and eaten like artichokes
• Traditional practice in many regions where the plant grows

Forms Commonly Used:
• Capsules or tablets
• Tinctures and liquid extracts
• Ground seed powder
• Tea made from crushed seeds
• Greens or cooked leaves and stalks

General Traditional Uses:
• Traditionally associated with supporting liver health
• Known for its antioxidant activity
• Often included in routines centered around normal digestive support
• Associated with helping support healthy bile production and fat digestion
• Linked in traditional practice to general overall balance and nourishment
• Some evidence suggests it may assist with normal blood sugar maintenance

Fun Facts:
• Milk thistle has appeared in herbal texts for hundreds of years
• Its common name comes from the milky white veins on its leaves
• Belongs to the same plant family as daisies and sunflowers (Asteraceae)
• Millions of people globally include milk thistle in wellness routines

⚠️ Always do your research before introducing into your diet, especially if you have any underlying or pre-existing conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medications.

02/02/2026

Did you know that research shows nearly 80% of dogs over eight years old experience some degree of discomfort and pain, reduced mobility, and other signs of pain and arthritis? 😱

And when it comes to people, is it 100% ?

Actually, it is not funny at all.

The good news is that there are safe, natural solutions that can help relieve our dog's joint discomfort and restore mobility.

One of my favorites, Boswellia, comes from the sap of an ancient tree that grows on the Arabian Peninsula.

This tree sap contains potent bioactive compounds that relieve joint pain and inflammation. In a clinical trial, this compound significantly improved pain, stiff joints, and even lameness in dogs with degenerative joint and spinal conditions.

Best of all, because this compound comes from nature, it works in harmony with our dogs' natural inflammatory processes.

Keen to learn more? Check the comments!

02/02/2026

Just some more interesting info

Spring is around the corner, and while antibody titers are ideal for most core vaccines, rabies vaccination is required by law. For adult dogs, choosing the 3-year rabies vaccine is a smart option and research suggests spirulina can help support the immune response.

A peer-reviewed study found dogs fed a small amount of spirulina had a faster, stronger antibody response after a rabies shot, without immune overstimulation, inflammation stayed low and normal. These dogs also had higher stool IgA, the gut’s first line of immune defense, which helps block toxins, balance gut bacteria, and support long-term gut health.

Spirulina doesn’t overstimulate immunity; it supports immune communication, gut barrier health, beneficial microbes, and oxidative balance, think immune training, not immune pushing.

Safety note: Spirulina does not naturally produce BMAA. Risk only comes from poor sourcing (wild harvesting, uncontrolled ponds, lack of testing). Well-sourced, GMP-produced, batch-tested spirulina has very low risk, which is especially important for dogs.

Dosage: start with 1/4 tsp🥄 per 20lbs of body weight.

02/02/2026

For people and our animal companions
Ask your vet. It is not always bout drugs
There are amazing herbal formulas

Herbs That Reduce Anxiety 🪴

02/02/2026

The most powerful detox foods…

02/02/2026

Nothing better than medicinal mushrooms
Humans,dogs,cats,horses

Medicinal mushrooms are becoming a quiet favourite in natural canine care and for good reason. These fungi have been used for centuries in traditional wellness practices and now they are finding their way into dog supplements with some impressive benefits.

Varieties such as reishi, turkey tail, lion’s mane and chaga are rich in beta glucans and antioxidants. These compounds help support the immune system, making them especially helpful for dogs with allergies, skin issues or ongoing inflammatory conditions. Turkey tail in particular has gained attention for its role in supporting dogs undergoing treatment for certain cancers, as it may help the body respond more effectively.

Lion’s mane is often praised for supporting cognitive function. This can be useful for senior dogs who show signs of slowing down, confusion or age related behavioural changes. Many owners report improved alertness and engagement after consistent use.

Reishi and chaga are known for their calming and adaptogenic qualities. They can help the body manage stress and promote overall balance, which may benefit anxious or highly strung dogs.

Unlike many synthetic supplements, medicinal mushrooms are generally well tolerated when used in appropriate doses. They work gently with the body rather than forcing a reaction, which makes them a popular choice for long term wellness support.

All of my dogs receive a multi mushroom supplement and the older ones enjoy regular turkey tail.

Do you add mushrooms to your dogs diet and if so which ones?

02/01/2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that bans cat declawing, except when it is truly necessary for medical reasons. This means declawing can no longer be done for convenience, furniture, or human preference.

Declawing is not a simple nail trim. It is the amputation of the last bone of each toe. Many cats live with chronic pain, nerve damage, mobility problems, and long-term behavioral issues because of it. For years, animal advocates and veterinarians have said the same thing. This practice causes suffering and has no place in modern animal care.

This law recognizes what science and compassion have already made clear. A cat’s claws are part of their body. They use them to walk, stretch, balance, and feel safe. Removing them for non-medical reasons is cruelty, not care.

Under this new law, declawing is only allowed if a licensed veterinarian determines it is medically necessary to protect the cat’s health, such as treating a serious injury or infection. Convenience is no longer an excuse.

This is what progress looks like. Not perfection, but real protection written into law. It sends a strong message that animals are not disposable, and their suffering matters.

California continues to lead when it comes to animal welfare. When laws change, lives are spared, pain is prevented, and the standard for how we treat animals moves forward.

For the cats who will never feel that pain,

Reference:

- lee.asmdc... California’s Bill To Ban Cat Declawing Will Take Effect in 2026
- humanevma... California Ends Non-Therapeutic Declawing of Cats
Efforts Continue to Ban Practice Nationwide

01/29/2026

Federal and State pet food authorities allow pet food labels to mislead pet owners.

TruthaboutPetFood.com “…and be truthfully labeled.”

https://truthaboutpetfood.com/and-be-truthfully-labeled/

Association for Truth in Pet Food. We advocate for safe pet food, proper regulation of pet food and transparency in pet food labeling.

01/29/2026

Food to think about

❄️ Winter is the season of the Water Element! Let's talk about some of the ingredients included in my Water Constitution Diet that you can either make at home or purchase ready to serve from

My Water Constitution diet is a complete diet that can be beneficial in cases of Fire Excess, Wood Deficiency, and Water Deficiency. I have a pet personality quiz on my website you can download and take to figure out what your pet's excesses and deficiencies are!

➡️ Read more about all the main ingredients in my blog post: https://tinyurl.com/yh76redt

➡️ Take the pet personality quiz: https://tinyurl.com/mr3mctyv

➡️ Learn more about TCVM and food therapy: https://tinyurl.com/35bj5pfz

12/19/2024

Our Holiday hours are as follows:

December 24th to 29th - CLOSED
December 30th - OPEN
December 31st - OPEN until 2pm.
January 1st - CLOSED
January 2nd - OPEN, resume normal business hours.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!