October is National Pet Wellness Month, a reminder that our animals deserve preventive care and attention to both body and mind. True wellness begins with balance: nourishing the body, calming the nervous system, and creating the conditions for self-healing.
I’ve spent over four decades caring for both humans and animals through chiropractic care and bioenergetic medicine. My approach supports the body’s natural intelligence rather than suppressing symptoms. Below, I’m sharing practical holistic tips to keep your dogs and horses healthy all year long.
🐶 For Canines:
Support from Nose to Tail
1. Focus on the Gut: The Root of Health
A healthy gut supports strong immunity, balanced mood, and radiant skin & coat. If your dog struggles with itching, bad breath, or irregular stools, their digestive system may need some extra attention. Studies show that a well-balanced microbiome can improve both immune resilience and mood regulation¹.
Tip: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like unsweetened kefir, plain Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of fermented veggies into meals (just a teaspoon to start).
2. Keep Joints Fluid and Flexible
Aging, overexertion, or even weather changes can affect a dog’s mobility. Chronic joint inflammation can limit comfort and range of motion long before it becomes visible².
Tip: Regular movement — not just high-impact play — is key. Gentle walks, swimming, or stretching after exercise help maintain flexibility and strengthen connective tissues. Red light therapy can also increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate cellular repair, helping stiff or sore joints recover more quickly after activity. Canine Hip & Joint combines plant stem cell extracts and mineral therapy to reduce inflammation and support long-term joint health.
3. Reduce Emotional Stress
Dogs are deeply attuned to their humans. Loud noises, schedule changes, or separation can trigger anxiety that often manifests as digestive upset or restlessness³.
Tip: Create a calm “den” space for your dog to retreat to, put on calming music, use grounding scents like lavender, and try gentle bodywork such as ear or paw massage. Canine Calm & Happy helps ease nervous tension and promote emotional balance without sedation or side effects.
🐴 For Equines:
Building Strength and Serenity
1. Support the Musculoskeletal System
For horses, whether high-performance athletes or pasture companions, spinal alignment and joint integrity are vital for soundness and mobility. Musculoskeletal imbalances can restrict range of motion and increase risk of injury⁴.
Tip: Regular chiropractic or bodywork sessions help keep the spine, pelvis, and joints in alignment, improving movement and comfort. Supplementing with Equine Bone & Joint supports cartilage, connective tissue, and post-training recovery.
2. Balance from the Inside Out
Horses are particularly sensitive to environmental toxins that can overwork the liver and weaken immunity. Toxin accumulation has been linked to fatigue, dull coats, and decreased performance⁵.
Tip: Feed clean, chemical-free forage and rotate pastures when possible. Using Equine Skin & Allergy can help the body release toxins through the skin and support immune balance from within.
3. Tend to Their Emotional Landscape
Horses are highly empathic and reflect the emotions of their handlers. Stress and fear can disrupt digestion, focus, and connection. They can also experience grief after the loss of a herd member or close companion, which may show up as withdrawal, changes in appetite, or restless behavior.
Tip: Spend quiet, undirected time with your horse, such as grooming, breathing together, or simply sharing space, to build trust and calm the nervous system. For horses prone to travel stress, herd changes, or environmental anxiety, Equine Calm & Happy helps restore emotional equilibrium naturally.
Whole-Being Wellness: The Common Thread
Whether canine or equine, true wellness thrives on balance. Feed clean, whole foods, nurture the mind and body together, and support natural healing with gentle, effective remedies that work in harmony with the body’s own intelligence.
When we treat the whole being — body, mind, and spirit — healing unfolds naturally.
References
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Rondeau, M. P., et al. (2022). Gut microbiota development in the growing dog: A dynamic process influenced by diet, age, and environment. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9:964649. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.964649/full
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Johnston, S. A. (1997). Osteoarthritis: Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 27(4), 699–723. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9243777/
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Takeuchi, Y., Houpt, K. A., & Scarlett, J. M. (2000). Evaluation of treatments for separation anxiety in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 217(3), 342–345. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10935036/
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Ross, M. W., & Dyson, S. J. (Eds.). (2010). Diagnosis and management of lameness in the horse (2nd ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9781416060697. https://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/diagnosis-and-management-of-lameness-in-the-horse-9781416060697.html
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Williams C, Kronfeld D, Hess T, et al. Comparison of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in endurance horses in three 80-km races. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology. 2005;2(3):153-157. doi:10.1079/ECP200562. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/equine-and-comparative-exercise-physiology/article/abs/comparison-of-oxidative-stress-and-antioxidant-status-in-endurance-horses-in-three-80km-races/74CC603977A4726845C7922F46DCB40A
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