A Holistic Approach to Dog Wellness
Guest Post by Caroline Hearne, canine holistic health practitioner and founder of Hedgerow Herbs
We're delighted to welcome Caroline Hearn to the Herbal Haven blog. Caroline is a qualified holistic massage therapist and founder of Hedgerow Hounds, which creates nutritional supplements and herbal blends to help nourish, soothe and support dogs -- all approved by a holistic veterinary surgeon.
Caroline has recently published a book about creating enrichment gardens for dogs, a topic she's deeply passionate about and has been exploring for many years. Her expertise in therapeutic herbs and holistic canine wellness makes her the perfect guide for this innovative approach to dog enrichment.
What Is a Canine Enrichment Herb Garden?
An enrichment garden gives dogs the freedom to move and explore at their own pace without interference or direction. This dedicated space can be incorporated into your existing garden or created as a standalone area. It promotes natural behaviors and curiosity instead of learned responses, allowing dogs to be themselves without feeling pressured to meet our expectations.
The garden features carefully selected herbs, varied textures underfoot, and therapeutic aromas for dogs to interact with, helping them move their bodies in ways that calm the nervous system and improve mobility.
Benefits of a Dog Enrichment Garden
Mental Benefits
- Instinctual Behavior Outlet: Provides opportunities for sniffing, foraging, problem-solving, and exploring - all fantastic for reducing stress, frustration, and lowering anxiety
- Multi-Sensory Experience: Scent, sound, and texture underfoot; the garden constantly changes with plant growth, weather conditions, seasonal changes, and wildlife visits, offering something different every day
- Confidence Building: The effects of sniffing and exploring lower stress hormones, making the world seem less scary and building self-assurance
Physical Benefits
- Natural Movement Encouragement: Promote healthy physical activity without our influence or expectations
- Improved Mobility: Natural range of movements over different surfaces encourages dogs to work all their body systems and supports full range of motion
Holistic Benefits
- Nervous System Regulation: Natural activities help calm and balance the entire system
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Supports overall well-being through natural enrichment while creating an appealing space for both dogs and owners to enjoy together
An enrichment garden can also be created to take into account more specific needs for older dogs, or those that are blind or disabled as well as puppies.
Benefits for Pet Parents Too
This beautiful space isn't just for dogs -- it creates an appealing outdoor area where you can relax and bond with your pet while they explore naturally. The therapeutic benefits of gardening and spending time in nature extend to humans as well.
Ready to Create your Own Canine Enrichment Garden?
📚 Get the Complete Guide
We recommend starting with Caroline's comprehensive eBook "Canine Enrichment Herb Garden" which addresses everything you need to get started:
- Herb Selection: Detailed list of dog-safe plants and those to avoid
- Garden Planning: Considerations for different spaces and needs
- Container Options: Choosing the right planters and pots for smaller spaces
- Soil Health and Chemical-Free Maintenance: Safe lawn and garden care practices
- Seasonal Activities: ways to embrace nature with your dog throughout the seasons
Buy the eBook on Amazon → Paperback version available for pre-order soon
🌿 Shop Dog-Friendly Herbs
Browse our specially curated collection of dog-friendly herbs selected by Caroline for their enrichment properties and perfect to get you started.
Special thanks to our guest author Caroline for sharing their expertise. At Herbal Haven, we're committed to providing the highest quality herbs to support both you and your furry family members.
