You may have heard of the word “zoopharmacognosy” and wondered what it means or how it applies to your dog. I learned of this a few years ago, and I’ve been amazed at how much it has helped all my dogs calm down and even heal them when they’ve had wounds and pains.

In this blog post, we’ll take an easy-to-understand dive into what zoopharmacognosy is and how you can use it to help your own dog so that by the end you are excited to try it for yourself. 

What is Zoopharmacognosy?

Zoopharmacognosy is derived from the Greek words for “animal,” “drug,” and “knowledge.” It refers to the practice of animals instinctively selecting medicinal plants and natural substances to treat their ailments. 

Wild animals, such as primates and elephants, have been observed doing this, and the practice can also be applied to domestic dogs. In her book, Ingraham emphasises how dogs, when given the choice, will often select certain herbs, essential oils, or even clays to address their physical, emotional, or behavioural issues. This means you can support your dog’s health in a more natural, intuitive way.

The Science Behind It

While zoopharmacognosy may sound like an ancient practice, modern science is increasingly recognising its validity. Research shows that animals have innate abilities to recognise what they need to heal themselves, from detoxifying to soothing anxiety. Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, and they can distinguish between different plant compounds. Caroline Ingraham’s work demonstrates how dogs will turn away from substances that are not beneficial and show keen interest in those that can help them. For example, essential oils such as lavender are often chosen by anxious or stressed dogs because of their calming properties. In fact, studies have shown how aromatherapy can have profound calming effects on animals in stressful situations.

How Can You Do Zoopharmacognosy With Your Dog?

The practice of zoopharmacognosy with your dog is quite simple and intuitive. All you need to do is present your dog with natural remedies, like an essential oil, and observe their response. Ingraham recommends starting with a few safe and commonly used things that you might already have, such as lavender essential oil for calming or dried nettle for digestive issues. Place these in front of your dog and let them decide what they are drawn to. If they lick the herbs, sniff deeply at the oil, or show repeated interest in a particular substance, it could mean they need it. However, it’s important to remember not to force anything; your dog should choose freely. This helps ensure their body’s needs are being met naturally. See this video when I offer Jura an aromatic water and an essential oil. The right one often makes them sleepy and happy. 

The Benefits of Zoopharmacognosy

There are many benefits to practicing zoopharmacognosy. Not only does it help you avoid unnecessary medications (even though it should never be a replacement for vet visits), but it also allows for a more holistic approach to healing. Dogs, just like humans, can experience side effects from over-the-counter medications, and natural remedies can often provide relief without these risks. Additionally, allowing your dog to choose what they need helps build their confidence and strengthens the bond between you. Caroline Ingraham’s work has shown how this method can lead to faster recovery from ailments, both physical and emotional, such as skin issues, digestive disorders, and even trauma-related anxiety.

Let Your Dog Take the Lead

Zoopharmacognosy is an empowering and natural way to support your dog’s health. By letting your dog guide the healing process, you can promote a stronger, more balanced approach to their well-being. Caroline Ingraham’s book, Help Your Dog Heal Itself, is an excellent resource if you want to dive deeper into this practice. Try offering your dog a few natural substances and see how they respond—you may be surprised by their instincts! Remember, healing starts with trust, and trusting your dog’s natural ability to choose what’s best for them is the first step.

Ready to explore zoopharmacognosy with your dog? 

Start small by offering them safe, natural substances like lavender oil or nettle leaves, and observe how they respond. Want to learn more? Grab a copy of Caroline Ingraham’s Help Your Dog Heal Itself to dive deeper into this holistic practice.

Here are 5 Herbs, Oils, and Waters To start with

Lavender Oil: Known for its calming properties, lavender is often used to reduce anxiety in dogs, promoting relaxation during stressful events such as thunderstorms or travel.

Valerian Root: Known for its sedative effects, valerian is frequently used to help dogs that suffer from extreme anxiety, especially during events like fireworks.

Cedarwood Oil: An excellent grounding oil, cedarwood helps calm hyperactive dogs, promotes feelings of safety, and also acts as a natural pest repellent.

Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root soothes the digestive system and can also ease skin irritation, making it beneficial for both internal and topical use.

Peppermint Water: Often used to refresh and stimulate, peppermint water can help dogs that are feeling lethargic, as well as aid digestion.

These options give a quick peek into the variety of herbs, oils, and waters available for zoopharmacognosy with your dog. Have fun and try it out!