The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice (Sacred Planet)

Description:

A hands-on guide to holistic canine herbalism

“Even if skeptical readers don’t come away completely convinced, they’ll be enormously educated—Hogan imparts a huge amount of biological information about dogs, and does it all with an easy readability that will make quite a bit of it stick. An informative and sometimes eye-opening examination of natural remedies for helping your dog.”—Kirkus Reviews

• Teaches the tenets of holistic herbalism for the individual dog

• Presents safe, clinically proven, and effective protocols for common canine conditions, from acid reflux to allergies to itching, scratching, and yeast

• Lays out a comprehensive materia medica of canine-specific herbs, including what conditions they are good for, their energetics, internal and external use, safe dosages, and contraindications

In this comprehensive guide to holistic care for dogs, clinical canine herbalist Rita Hogan explains that by looking at dogs as individual ecosystems with unique personalities, physiology, and needs, we can select effective and personalized herbal remedies to support their constitutions and provide relief from many different ailments.

Hogan, who has spent more than two decades working with canines, uses energetic principles (cool, warm, dry, damp) to reveal how herbs are not "one size fits all" and how to find the root cause of chronic imbalances. She discusses in depth how a dog’s main organ systems work, how they are connected to each other, and why we need to understand them when choosing specific herbs and foods.

Presenting safe, clinically proven, and effective protocols for common canine conditions—from acid reflux to allergies to itching, scratching, and yeast—Hogan presents a wide variety of holistic and herbal remedies: from herbal tinctures, glycerities, and phytoembryonics to flower essences, essential oils, medicinal mushrooms, and homeopathy. Her comprehensive materia medica of canine-specific herbs that she uses in her practice details what herbs are good for which conditions and why, what types of energetics are involved, safe dosage recommendations for each herbal remedy, and when to discontinue an herb.

Allowing each of us to take a hands-on approach to our canine companions’ health and longevity, this herbal guide outlines how to help them live their best lives by our sides.

Review

“Even if skeptical readers don’t come away completely convinced, they’ll be enormously educated—Hogan imparts a huge amount of biological information about dogs, and does it all with an easy readability that will make quite a bit of it stick. An informative and sometimes eye-opening examination of natural remedies for helping your dog.” ― Kirkus Reviews

“Rita is a fellow pioneer who offers choices for maintaining health while uplifting plants and animals. This practical, detailed herbal guide breaks down holistic concepts and offers solutions for common canine conditions. Rita’s knowledge and experience is extensive and she shares this with humility.” ― Cheryl Schwartz, DVM, pioneer in holistic veterinary therapies and author of Four Paws, Five Directi

“The Herbal Dog takes the reader far into the realm of true holistic healing, where the underlying causes of what ails millions of companion dogs must be addressed from a perspective that recognizes true wellness as something that cannot occur unless we accept each and every dog as a unique being with a unique set of needs and nuances. Rita expertly and eloquently explains the effective uses of dozens of herbal medicines, and she does so from a deep understanding of the natural system they represent. She accurately conveys that the greatest healing powers of plants do not come from exploitation of a few phytochemicals that science deems useful, but from understanding the natural system of wellness that nature has instilled in all living beings.” ― Gregory Tilford, herbalist and coauthor of Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet&rsquo

“Rita Hogan has an incredible understanding of herbal medicine, and I have heard many accolades from clients who have consulted with her on difficult cases. She has an excellent ability to break down the science of herbal therapy into easy-to-understand information.” ― Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT, holistic veterinarian, speaker, and author of Raising Naturally H

“What a useful and comprehensive guide to herbal remedies for dogs. An insightful naturalist, Rita Hogan has a profound understanding of our connection to the natural world. The Herbal Dog is a carefully crafted manual filled with a new perspective on using herbs that pet parents and herbal practitioners alike will find applicable. I’m grateful for Rita’s dedication and attention to detail. I know this book will soon be a well-worn treasure on and off my bookshelf!” ― Barbara Royal, integrative veterinarian, author, pet food formulator, and educator

“The Herbal Dog by renowned herbalist Rita Hogan brings the power of plants to life, highlighting their remarkable benefits for canine health. This book has become a staple resource in my home and office, helping me provide elevated support for both my patients and my own dogs. Rita’s herbal wisdom shines through on every page, reminding us that everything is interconnected, that every dog (and human) is unique, and that holistic herbalism can be used to heal the root causes of ailments for lasting wellness. This book will revolutionize the standards of care for dogs, and I’m a better veterinarian for having read it.” ― Lynda Loudon, integrative emergency veterinarian, founder and president of Healing Haven Animal Foun

“The Herbal Dog is a treasure trove of holistic insights to help you deepen your connection to the wisdom and medicine of the plant kingdom. Packed with practical information and guidance, it empowers you to take charge of your dog’s well-being. A must-read for anyone committed to natural pet care!” ― Odette Suter, DVM, holistic veterinarian, lecturer, and author of What Your Vet Never Told You

“The entire dog wellness community will be elated with this comprehensive resource that provides extensive plant monographs, herbal applications, and practical protocols for dozens of conditions, including the most common ailments affecting our canine companions. The Herbal Dog is a welcome, wonderful resource for guardians who want to use plants as wise medicine.” ― Karen Shaw Becker, DVM, and Rodney Habib, authors of The Forever Dog and The Forever Dog Life

About the Author

Rita Hogan, C.H., is a clinical canine herbalist with more than twenty years of experience specializing in holistic canine herbalism. An educator, speaker, writer, and herbal medicine maker, she lives and practices in Olympia, Washington.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

PREFACE
My Herbal Beginnings

A Dog’s Prayer: I pray you who own me, let me continue
to live close to Nature. Know that: I love to run beneath the
sun, the moon, and the stars; I need to feel the storm winds
around me and the touch of rain, hail, sleet, and snow; I
need to splash in streams and brooks and to swim in ponds,
lakes, and rivers; I need to be allowed to retain my kinship
with Nature.

Juliette de Bairacli Levy,
The Complete Herbal Handbook
for Farm and Stable

When I was growing up in rural Michigan in the early 1970s, I spent most of my time outside with my best friend, Cathy, on my horse or hanging out with my dog Susie. We would play in the water of the roadside stream, hang from the trees in the apple orchard, and explore the pine woods.
When I was around seven or eight, I saw my first lady’s slipper (Cypripedium arietinum). It was magical. I sat there gazing at it like it was a faerie. Though I wanted to pick it for my mother, she had taught me that lady slippers were rare and had a bigger purpose than her love for beautiful flowers.
My maternal grandmother was an "unknowing" herbalist. She never considered herself a healer; herbalism was simply a way of life for low-income families. She raised sixteen children during the Great Depression with only a midwife to help with childbirth. I love my mother’s stories of my grandmother going into the woods with her basket and returning hours later with a bounty of food and medicine.
In the time of my childhood, "country folk" knew the plants around them—which ones to avoid, which ones to eat, and which ones to use for medicine. My father introduced me to plants by gardening and by caring for our cows, chickens, horses, and pigs. Describing them by color and shape, he would tell me to go out into the field, pick a particular plant, and bring it back to him. My dad loved his garden and grew beautiful vegetables without pesticides or herbicides, using the principles of companion planting. I would kneel beside him, asking if every plant was a weed and if I could pick it.
We had many dogs growing up, but the one I remember best is Susie. She was a shepherd-collie mix. My dad loved her and ensured she was well cared for. Susie was intact (unspayed) and only minimally vaccinated, and she ate a varied diet of raw milk, butter, eggs, and table and meat scraps, including organ meat. She would nibble on grass, berries, apple peels, and self-selected plants. I know this sounds fancy now, a raw-food proponent’s dream, but back then it was just how you fed your dog when you lived in the country.
Susie loved the outdoors like I did; she stayed outside except when it was raining or cold. My dad let her choose at night, leaving the garage door ajar so she could sleep inside if she wanted. Susie died when she was twenty four. That is a long time to live, for a dog, and in my memory it wasn’t all that uncommon back then. My adult self wishes I had paid more attention to the details of her upbringing, but I was a busy kid and didn’t know that I would be knee-deep in the all-natural dog world when I grew up.
Eventually I left home and settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I embraced my twenties and expanded my consciousness. In college, I studied Eastern religions, anthropology, feminism, and an Eastern herbal medicine practice called ayurveda. My favorite book on the subject was A Life of Balance by Maya Tiwari. I loved how ayurveda looked at the body as an individual, and instead of seeking outside yourself for answers, you were taught to look within. This started me on the path of introspection, learning about the importance of diet and working on my emotional and spiritual self. Eventually, I fell in love, got my first pug, and reluctantly moved south.
My partner and I bought a thirty-two-acre hilly parcel in the unincorporated town of Elmwood, Tennessee, about an hour east of Nashville, at the end of a dead-end road. What I loved about our "farm" was that it was mostly a deciduous forest where the dogs and I could walk around, sit in silence, and commune with the flora and fauna, which included beech, elm, and many of the plant friends I learned about when I was young.
In my late twenties, I realized that I didn’t want to pursue Eastern medicine even though I loved it; I missed the plants I had grown up with. Our new farm helped me reconnect to the land and my love for animals. We decided to board dogs for a living and opened Almost Home Pet Farm, a kennel-free boarding facility on five acres surrounding our home. I started noticing straight away the declining health of the dogs we boarded and making the connection to their poor diet of cheap kibble and pills. Luckily, I befriended a brilliant woman who owned an all-natural dog food store in the city. She helped educate me on alternative diets for dogs, the kibble hierarchy, raw food, home-cooked food, and healthy treats.
After finding out about the excellent dog food options available in the Nashville area (where most of our clients came from), I implemented a dietary requirement for dogs that wanted to board with me. This included a pre-boarding interview where I would ask potential clients what types of food they were feeding their dog, gently educate them on the power of a better diet, and then give them a list of acceptable foods. Then I would send them to my friend’s store to get food from my list. This might sound drastic, but it resulted in calmer, healthier dogs. It wasn’t long before clients were calling me to tell me how improved their dogs were after just a few months of their new diet.
During the early years of Almost Home Pet Farm, a friend and I started a holistic pug rescue organization called Music City Pug Rescue. We were one of the first holistic dog rescues in the country, and we found homes for hundreds of pugs over six years. Doing this type of work taught me so much about dog behavior, the roots of disease, the importance of the nervous system, and the pitfalls of allopathic veterinary care.
Blending rescue and kennel-free boarding was a blessing that allowed me to study herbalism and work with sick dogs and clients desperate for answers. I started putting health puzzles together and seeing the difference diet and herbs could make. Behind the scenes, I started making my own herbal medicines and founded a company called Farm Dog Naturals to sell them.
Around 2005, The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat by Juliette de Bairacli Levy found me. Juliette was an English herbalist,skilled animal herbalist, and pioneer of holistic medicine. Reading herbook was one of the many transformational moments that guided metoward my practice as a canine herbalist. I learned that I wasn’t alone inmy thinking. Juliette’s bravery in speaking her truth for the world to hearfilled me with joy, giving me hope and courage for my own experience.
I began looking for other dog-related health books. I immediately noticed that the idea of individualized care was missing from the field, and plant language was obsolete. I pivoted and focused on herbalism and the plants I knew and loved. Up until this point, the herbalism books I read were general. They taught me to make tinctures, salves, oils, poultices, and infusions. I appreciated the guidance, but something was missing.
One morning, I visited Rhino Used Books in Nashville and found herbalist Matthew Wood’s first book, Seven Herbs: Plants as Teachers. I had doubted my use of drop dosing with dogs because I kept seeing that books and herbal product labels recommended using large amounts of tinctures. I believed in letting the body speak for itself if higher dosages were warranted. Matthew talked about using "spirit dosages," or very low dosages of a tincture, to stimulate the body to heal itself and, in essence, using plant intelligence. For the first time, I felt validated on my plant path.
Shortly after, a second book, veterinarian Cheryl Swartz’s book Four Paws, Five Directions, found me. She introduced me to the diagnosticprinciples of traditional Chinese medicine for dogs and the concept of thebody as a connected ecosystem. I knew I didn’t want to study Chineseherbs, but I used what I learned and applied those principles to Westernherbology.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect

G. · 26 October 2025

Delivery was quick perfect an the book is as described perfect thank you

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, packaging not so much

A. · 13 October 2025

Packaging was not good as the corners were bended, but the value in the book is what's important

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to keep in

a. · 12 October 2025

Lovely book. Great for keeping in and referring to

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book

M. · 12 October 2025

Love this book! So helpful and informative

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative

K. · 25 September 2025

Very interesting,lovely present, speedy delivery

5.0 out of 5 stars Great information, but .....

j. · 18 April 2025

A big book .. lots of good information..It's a bit of a hard read if your only looking to keep yourself up to date ... Or not used to text study style reading ... Could have been laid out a bit more reader friendly...But it has all the details and so much info I would still recommend it ...

5.0 out of 5 stars The Dog Book Of The Year!

A.C. · 1 April 2025

What can I say? Rita is amazing!This should absolutely be the dog book of the year.The amount of work, time and planning that has gone into this book is above and beyond any and all others I have read.So, if you want to learn, or increase your knowledge, about helping your dog(s) in a much more natural way, this book is absolutely for you and dog.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!

H. · 6 April 2025

So worth waiting for, this book is absolutely awesome.A must have for every pet guardian & Vet/Dog Healthcare professional.Masses of information provided in an easily digestible format.Rita makes it very simple to make lots of small changes & gain big wins, not just for the dogs but also the reader.Love it!

Don’t wait, just buy!

J. · 10 September 2025

The amount of information in this book is incredible! Never will I have to worry if the info I find online is accurate! Beyond being super informative, it helps you build a foundation in herbalism that you can use in your own life. And although it’s called “The Herbal Dog” there is a portion for every herb that says whether or not it is cat safe. I had been going back and forth on whether or not to buy this book for a couple months and regret not purchasing sooner!

A MUST READ WHO LOVES THEIR DOGS

H.M. · 5 March 2025

This is a MUST read for everyone who loves their dogs and want the best for them! Its very informative and its very wise to listen to her every word.We lost a precious dog back in 2022 because of what I call the 'chemical world of veterinary care'. Two weeks later, another one of our precious boys was in liver failure. Had I listened to the vet, he would not be with us today. He will be 12yrs old come May. The vet wanted me to continue the chemical way of treating him. I said with all due respect, I'm leaving this office and finding another route. And if I can't, I will be back.That was almost three years ago..and guess what I've never been back!I left that office knowing I had to do better and better I did. I researched and researched and found my natural way of living and cooking for our boys.From that day forward, I never looked back. I knew I saved our precious boy and continue to this day! Our two precious boys are healthy and living healtheir without the chemicals!There are other ways..don't be afraid to live outside the chemical driven world!I hope everybody reading this review takes it to heart. I am living proof we can all do better for our precious babies! DON'T BE AFRAID!Thank you for this very informative book.

Practical and informative

A.C. · 27 June 2025

Excellent read. Very informative and easy to digest

Worth every penny.

S.K.P. · 15 October 2025

What an amazing book that every dog owner, cat owner and person should have. The information on herbs, flower essence, and endless information abounds that is part of this book, makes it a treasure, and a reference that everyone needs. If you’ve got an issue, a problem or anything that you’re curious about for your pet. This is your book.My thanks to the author for her diligent effort in providing this Beautiful piece of work.

Excellent Information

M.O. · 1 October 2025

This book is detailed and significant. The author has significant experience and expertise and has thoughtfully written this in a manner that helps an owner diagnose their pet through observation, and make excellent guided health decisions regarding food to increase their pets comfort, health and happiness.

Visit the Healing Arts Press Store

The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice (Sacred Planet)

Name: The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice (Sacred Planet)
Brand: Healing Arts Press
SKU: K1644119595
Price: 148.93 AED
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (13 reviews)

Product ID: K1644119595

Condition: New

4.8

^AED148⁹³

Price includes VAT & Import Duties

Type: Paperback

Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United Kingdom

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

Similar items from “Dogs & Wolves”

Books

Science, Nature & Maths

Biological Sciences

Animal Sciences

Mammals

Dogs & Wolves

Visit the Healing Arts Press Store

The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice (Sacred Planet)

Product ID: K1644119595

Condition: New

4.8

The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice (Sacred Planet)-0

Type: Paperback

^AED148⁹³

Price includes VAT & Import Duties

Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United Kingdom

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

Description:

Review

About the Author

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect

G. · 26 October 2025

Delivery was quick perfect an the book is as described perfect thank you

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, packaging not so much

A. · 13 October 2025

Packaging was not good as the corners were bended, but the value in the book is what's important

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to keep in

a. · 12 October 2025

Lovely book. Great for keeping in and referring to

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book

M. · 12 October 2025

Love this book! So helpful and informative

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative

K. · 25 September 2025

Very interesting,lovely present, speedy delivery

5.0 out of 5 stars Great information, but .....

j. · 18 April 2025

5.0 out of 5 stars The Dog Book Of The Year!

A.C. · 1 April 2025

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!

H. · 6 April 2025

Don’t wait, just buy!

J. · 10 September 2025

A MUST READ WHO LOVES THEIR DOGS

H.M. · 5 March 2025

Practical and informative

A.C. · 27 June 2025

Excellent read. Very informative and easy to digest

Worth every penny.

S.K.P. · 15 October 2025

Excellent Information

M.O. · 1 October 2025

Similar suggestions by Bolo

Similar items from “Dogs & Wolves”

Books

Science, Nature & Maths

Biological Sciences

Animal Sciences

Mammals

Dogs & Wolves

United Arab Emirates

Description:

Review

About the Author

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Reviews:

The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice (Sacred Planet)

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “Dogs & Wolves”

The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice (Sacred Planet)

Description:

Review

About the Author

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Reviews:

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “Dogs & Wolves”

Description:

Review

About the Author

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Reviews:

The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice (Sacred Planet)

Shipping Policies

Authenticity Guarantee

Product Disclaimer

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “Dogs & Wolves”

The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice (Sacred Planet)

Shipping Policies

Authenticity Guarantee

Product Disclaimer

Description:

Review

About the Author

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Reviews:

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “Dogs & Wolves”