Cats can’t say they love us with words, but they do have their own love language that they share with us on a daily basis. Here are 7 ways your cat tells you he loves you: Listen when its time to relax: 1. Grooming – (or allogrooming) is a behavior that happens between two cats…
Animals are happy and healthy by nature. Of course, life has its ups and downs. That’s natural too. So what do animals in the wild do when they fall ill? For common, minor upsets otherwise healthy, happy animals are perfectly equipped to heal themselves. The wonderfully complex immune system knows what to do to heal.…
Spring is on its way and so are the fleas! Prevention is better than cure, so now is the perfect time to start planning your Happy Animal Herb Garden. Include herbs that are natural flea repellents and enjoy harvesting them as needed in the summer. These herbs may also help keep your veggies free from other…
Animals keep it simple. Without trying to look good, they have been living sustainably for a long, long time. They are really good at it. You could say they are naturally gifted. Of course, humans are animals too, and there was a time when we were totally green. We all used to follow the laws…
In the yearly creative cycle Spring represents a time of youthfulness, flexibility and vibrant growth – for plants and animals. If well-rested and restored, animals naturally let go of their winter sleepiness and wake up into a ‘good morning feeling’ of Spring filled with renewed curiosity and playfulness. Right on cue, Nature provides animals with…
All animals are happy and healthy by nature. However, modern living can be stressful and make it tricky for animals to experience their natural wellbeing. Definition of stress Stress is the consequence of the failure of an organism — human or other animal — to respond adequately to mental, emotional, or physical demands, whether actual or imagined. (Hans Selye, 1956) When…
In herbal medicine plants that help wounds to heal are known as ‘vulneraries’. Vulnerary comes from the Latin vulnus meaning ‘wound’. Our companion animals often get small cuts and scrapes, and vulnerary herbs can be used as first-aid and to help support the natural healing process. Well known vulnerary herbs include Aloe, Bulbine, Chamomile, Lavender and Sour…
There are many herbs that can play a useful role in supporting an animal’s digestion. Herbs can serve as an important source of nutrients, as well as helping with minor digestive upsets (like poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and flatulence). Because herbs are typically eaten, they naturally come into contact with the surface of the…
Herbs can be useful in supporting an animal’s natural mobility in a number of ways. On the food-end of the spectrum, there are nutritious herbs that provide valuable nutrients to the tissues and organ-systems involved. Then there are the first-aid herbs that can help with minor problems like a strain, or stiffness. Some herbs are…
Herbs with a drying, tightening effect on tissues are referred to as astringents. In animals, astringent herbs are primarily used to promote wound healing and resolve diarrhoea. Astringent comes from the Latin adstringere, meaning ‘to bind fast’ and astringent herbs generally exert this effect due to the presence of tannins. (more…)
Our natural environment is in continuous change, and animals are continuously adapting to the emerging physical, mental and environmental challenges. The ability to adapt to change is natural, and the ability to respond positively to changing circumstances is what defines success in the natural world. Herbs that can support animals through times of change and…
In Nature, the bitter taste is often associated with poisonous plant chemicals. Animals generally find bitter plants distasteful and so avoid eating them. However, animals often change their preferences and tolerance for bitter plants when ill. That’s when a poison can become a medicine. Chimpanzees with digestive upsets due to intestinal round worms have been…
Animals and plants relate in all sorts of wonderful ways and many of them involve flowers. We all know the birds and the bees benefit from flowers that provide nectar and pollen in return for pollination. But flowers can also benefit our animal companions in many other useful ways. (more…)
Roots play a vital role in the wellbeing of our companion animals and can be beneficial in a number of ways. Roots that can be eaten as food, like potatoes and carrots, are generally rich in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates (sugars). These nutrient-packed roots can be an important part of the diet of many of the…
Warmth is vital for animal wellbeing and is a central factor when caring for happy, healthy animals. Our sun plays the central role in providing animals with the warming required to feel good and function well. The hot summer sun requires that animals find ways to keep cool. Tiled floors and shady spots in the…
