The Well Oiled K9 Quick Action Field Guide

What Can I Do Today?

Practical first steps, product ideas, food-first support, natural options, and red flags for the dog health questions I see every week.

Important: This guide is educational only. It is not a diagnosis, emergency care, or a custom protocol for your dog. If your dog is collapsing, bleeding, ingested toxic substances, struggling to breathe, unable to walk, repeatedly vomiting, having repeated seizures, showing severe pain, has an eye injury, cannot urinate, or is rapidly declining, seek veterinary care right away.

Before You Use This Guide

This is the kind of practical starting point I wish more dog parents had before they start guessing from random social media comments.

Some links in this guide may be affiliate or referral links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I only share products I would actually consider in real-life support plans.

Not every product listed is right for every dog. The goal is not to use everything listed. The goal is to understand what I would be thinking about, where I might start, and when I would want more information before making a recommendation.

Resource Links

Replace these buttons with your exact affiliate, referral, or internal resource links.

My Affiliate Links Essential Oils Community Forum Schedule a Consult Contact Me Membership Guides

How to Use This Guide

  • Start with the section closest to your dog’s current issue.
  • Do the basics first.
  • Choose one or two support options to consider, not the whole list.
  • Add one new thing at a time when possible.
  • Track what changes.
  • If your dog is fragile, on medications, newly diagnosed, very young, very old, or complicated, get help choosing what fits.

More is not better. Better matched is better.

Foundations: Start Here First
What constitutes an emergency?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Use this guide for first steps, sorting questions, and support ideas — not for emergencies.
  • If your dog is rapidly declining, in severe pain, bleeding, struggling to breathe, collapsing, unable to walk, unable to urinate, repeatedly vomiting, having repeated seizures, or acting profoundly abnormal, get veterinary help now.
  • Eyes are always same-day urgent. Squinting, cloudiness, injury, bulging, sudden vision changes, or a held-closed eye should not be watched for days.
  • Color changes matter. Blue/purple, gray, pale/white, yellow, or brick-red gums/tongue can be serious, especially with weakness, breathing changes, heat, pain, or collapse.
  • When you are torn between “wait and see” and “go in,” choose the safer option, especially with puppies, seniors, fragile dogs, and dogs with known disease.
Go now / same day: Trouble breathing, collapse, blue/purple/pale/yellow gums, seizure clusters, severe pain, inability to walk, male dog straining with little/no urine, repeated vomiting, bloat-like abdomen, eye pain/injury, heat stroke signs, toxin exposure, severe bleeding, or rapid decline.
Use the specific sections: Pancreatitis, kidney disease, UTI, bladder stones, kidney stones, arthritis, cancer, dental disease, eye issues, vomiting, stool color, tongue/gum color, and pain all have their own sections below so you are not stuck with one broad “new diagnosis” answer.
When you need help choosing and getting started, not more guessing

Consider These Suggestions

  • If your dog has a diagnosis, abnormal labs, repeated symptoms, multiple medications, a fragile gut, or you already have a basket of supplements, it is time to organize the plan. It’s time for you to get 1:1 help.
  • The goal is not to buy everything. The goal is to choose what fits this dog, this history, this food bowl, and this diagnosis.
  • A good next step is having someone review the food, symptoms, medications, labs, current products, timeline, and what has already failed.
  • Expect to focus on food first, gut support, hydration/minerals, inflammation, pain, medication support, testing questions, and a realistic order of operations.
  • This is where a coach-guided plan can save money, reduce overwhelm, and help you stop throwing products at symptoms.
Next Steps: Bring the diagnosis, recent bloodwork, food label, supplement list, medication list, stool/appetite notes, and your top 2–3 concerns. From there, the focus is usually choosing the first priorities, cleaning up the bowl, identifying what testing is missing, and deciding which products actually make sense.
Get Help Choosing Use the Community Forum
Food first before supplements

Consider These Suggestions

  • Look at the bowl before buying another supplement.
  • Add moisture before adding ten powders.
  • Improve protein quality before chasing symptoms.
  • Use food-based toppers when appropriate.
  • Add supplements to fill a purpose, not because the internet said so.Synthetic free is best.
Food-first toppers Sardines, mackerel, kefir, sauerkraut, broth, fresh herbs, organ meats when appropriate.
Products I may consider Omega-3s, probiotics, Beam Minerals, Standard Process, mushrooms, CBD, enzymes.
Why this matters Supplements work better when the bowl is not working against the dog. If you are adding anti-inflammatory supplements or meds but still fueling the fire through food choices, that is a losing battle and an ineffective use of budget.
Avoid for now: Using supplements to compensate for poor food forever, buying five products with overlapping ingredients, or adding so much that you cannot tell what helped.
What food do you recommend?

Consider These Suggestions

It depends. And yes, I know that answer makes people twitchy.

  • Your dog’s age, weight, breed, health history, symptoms, medications, digestion, and bloodwork matter.
  • Fat tolerance matters.
  • Protein tolerance matters.
  • Budget and owner capacity matter.
  • What has already failed matters.
General direction: Fresh food when possible, better moisture, better protein quality, less unnecessary starch, eliminate synthetics when possible, more food-based nutrients, and rotation when the dog is stable enough.
Food styles I may consider Fresh cooked, raw when appropriate, balanced homemade, better commercial fresh food, base mix, or improved kibble with targeted toppers.
Brands/resources Viva Raw, Evermore, Hare Today with sourcing cautions, Dr. Ruth resources, Fullscript, Standard Process, ingredient-specific support.
When I’m cautious Pancreatitis, kidney/liver disease, seizures, cancer, puppies, seniors, underweight dogs, and dogs on multiple meds.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
fresh foodraw feedinggently cookedfood rotationbase mixsynthetic vitaminsbalanced homemade
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Review the current food, symptoms, diagnosis, labs, medications, budget, and what has failed.
  • Choose the first realistic bowl upgrade instead of trying to do everything at once.
  • Decide whether raw, cooked, commercial fresh, base mix, or better toppers fit now.
  • Plan rotation, balance, minerals, and supplement support.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Picking food only by brand popularity, assuming “complete and balanced” means ideal, or feeding the same food forever just because it worked once.
How do I switch to fresh food?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Start where the dog is, not where you wish the dog was.
  • 10 day transition: 3/4 old 1/4 new for 3 days, 1/2 and 1/2 3 days, 3/4 new and 1/4 old 3 days. Day 10 is all new unless your dog is already negatively responding to what they eat, then I fast for 24 hours and start new..
  • Add moisture first if a full switch feels overwhelming.
  • Use simple toppers before building a complicated recipe.
  • Track stool, appetite, itching, vomiting, reflux, and energy.
  • Move more slowly for seniors, pancreatitis dogs, chronic GI dogs, and dogs with a long history of processed food.
Food-first steps Broth, fresh protein, sardines/mackerel, kefir, sauerkraut, cooked vegetables, better moisture.
Products I may consider Digestive enzymes, probiotics, Beam Minerals, omega-3s, Standard Process digestive support.
When to slow down Vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis history, bile vomiting, food refusal, or unstable stool.
Avoid for now: Switching every food at once, adding a dozen toppers, or assuming loose stool means fresh food failed.
How much raw food do I feed?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Most adult dogs start somewhere around 2–3% of ideal body weight per day, then adjust.
  • Use ideal weight, not always current overweight weight.
  • Seniors, couch potatoes, and weight-loss dogs may need less.
  • Puppies, working dogs, underweight dogs, and high-metabolism dogs may need more.
  • Watch body condition, stool, hunger, weight, energy, and coat.
Simple example: A 50 lb dog at 2% gets about 1 lb of food per day. A 50 lb dog at 3% gets about 1.5 lb of food per day. Split meals however your dog does best.
What I’d be thinking about Ideal weight, fat tolerance, digestive history, activity, age, stool quality, minerals, balance, and transition speed.
When I’m cautious Pancreatitis, kidney/liver disease, chronic GI issues, puppies, seniors, seizure dogs, underweight dogs.
Helpful supports Digestive enzymes, probiotics, Beam Minerals, omega-3 once tolerated, balanced recipe support.
Avoid for now: Feeding raw without balancing minerals, assuming 80/10/10 is complete enough forever, switching too fast in a gut-sensitive dog, or feeding based only on a calculator.
Why rotation matters

Consider These Suggestions

  • Rotate proteins when your dog is stable enough.
  • Rotate vegetables and toppers when appropriate.
  • Pay attention to what your dog does better or worse on.
  • Use rotation to build variety and nutrient diversity.
  • Keep a simple food log if your dog is sensitive.
Why I care: Food ruts can contribute to boredom, picky eating, overexposure to the same protein, food intolerance patterns, nutrient gaps, and microbiome stagnation.
Avoid for now: Rotating aggressively during active diarrhea, vomiting, pancreatitis, or unstable digestion. Rotation is not chaos.
Whole food supplements vs trendy dog supplements

Consider These Suggestions

  • Read the ingredient panel, not just the marketing headline.
  • Ask what the product is actually supporting.
  • Look for food-based nutrients, organ/system support, or clearly targeted ingredients.
  • Be careful with trendy “human-grade” marketing that sounds good but does not tell you what the product is doing.
  • Match the supplement to the dog, not the ad.
What I’d be thinking about Standard Process for whole food organ/system support, Microbiome Labs for gut, Beam Minerals for minerals, Fullscript for targeted quality supplements.
Examples of product questions Is this filling a nutrient gap? Supporting a system? Rebuilding the gut? Or is it just cute branding?
Where trendy products can fall short Underdosed ingredients, vague blends, no clear target, or marketing that sounds better than the formulation.
Avoid for now: Buying because the branding is cute, assuming “human-grade” means therapeutically useful, or using a multivitamin to fix an unbalanced homemade diet.
Intolerance testing: Glacier Peak and what it does / does not tell you

Consider These Suggestions

  • Intolerance testing can be useful when a dog has chronic itching, recurring ears, GI issues, food confusion, or you have no idea where to start.
  • Glacier Peak-style testing is not the same thing as a true allergy diagnosis and it does not replace veterinary testing when a medical workup is needed.
  • Think of it as a sorting tool. It may help identify stressors and guide a cleaner elimination/rotation plan.
  • Food intolerances can change. Many can improve when the gut, immune system, inflammation, and toxic load improve.
  • The goal is not to create a tiny fearful food list forever. The goal is to calm the body, rebuild the gut, and expand the diet when the dog is ready.
What it may help with Choosing proteins, avoiding obvious stressors, planning a food trial, reducing overwhelm, and deciding what to rotate later.
What it does not do It does not diagnose disease, prove a true allergy, replace a vet workup, or mean your dog can never eat those foods again.
What I’d pair it with Food log, symptom log, gut support, probiotics or FMT when needed, fresh food, enzymes, Omega 3, rotation plan, and a better bowl.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
Glacier Peakintolerance testingfood intoleranceelimination dietfood trialgut rebuild
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Use test results as a sorting tool, not a life sentence.
  • Pair results with symptom history, food log, gut support, and elimination/rotation strategy.
  • Work toward overcoming intolerances when gut, inflammation, and immune stress improve.
  • Decide what foods to pull now and what to challenge later.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Treating intolerance results like a life sentence, removing everything without replacing nutrients, or using the test instead of a real medical workup when the dog is sick.
Helpful resources:
Glacier Peak / Intolerance Testing Ask in the Forum
When should I add probiotics? What’s the best probiotic?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Consider probiotics with recurring diarrhea, antibiotic use, steroid use, allergies, yeast, chronic GI issues, skin problems, anxiety, immune stress, or long-term processed food history.
  • FortiFlora is not my go-to answer. Read the ingredient list for yourself.
  • Food-first options like kefir and sauerkraut can be good weekly toppers for many dogs.
  • For supplement probiotics, I usually want something stronger and more targeted than a basic sprinkle packet.
  • Long-term gut damage may need deeper rebuilding.
Products I may consider FidoSpore, MegaSpore, RestorFlora, FMT when deeper gut rebuilding is needed.
General range notes I generally want at least 4 billion CFU daily for many dogs. Chronic cases may need a more targeted plan.
Food-first support Kefir, sauerkraut, fermented foods if tolerated, fresh food, better moisture, lower unnecessary starch.
Avoid for now: Thinking all probiotics are the same, using one packet of FortiFlora and calling the gut rebuilt, or ignoring food quality.
Helpful resources:
Microbiome Labs FMT / Gut Rebuild Ask in the Forum
What omega-3 do you recommend?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Look at EPA + DHA, not just “fish oil” on the label.
  • Do not use Omega 3-6-9 as your therapeutic omega-3 plan.
  • Most dogs eating commercial food already get plenty of omega-6.
  • For allergies, seizures, cancer, chronic inflammation, mobility issues, brain support, skin, and immune stress, the conversation is usually EPA + DHA.
  • Fat-sensitive dogs need a smarter strategy.
Products/forms I may consider Quality fish oil, algae-based omega-3, “big dog” formulas even for smaller dogs when it reduces carrier oil.
General range notes Many labels suggest around 50 mg/kg EPA+DHA. For chronic conditions, I may consider roughly 150–300 mg/kg EPA+DHA daily depending on the dog.
Food-first support Sardines, mackerel, anchovy/sardine oils, algae oil when fish is not tolerated.
Avoid for now: Omega 3-6-9 blends, salmon oil with tiny EPA/DHA numbers, “skin and coat” chews with almost no therapeutic omega-3, or adding a lot of carrier oil to a fat-sensitive dog.
Helpful resources:
Omega-3 / Fullscript Ask in the Forum
When should I consider CBD?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Consider CBD for anxiety, pain, allergies, dementia, seizures, inflammation, cancer support, and quality-of-life cases.
  • Product quality matters.
  • Tiny “microdose and hope” amounts will not move the needle for a dog in real distress.
  • Track dose, timing, behavior, appetite, stool, sleep, pain, and seizure activity if relevant.
  • Be careful with dogs on seizure meds, pain meds, sedatives, heart meds, or multiple medications.
Brands I may consider CBD Dog Health, VetCBD, Lazarus Naturals.
General range notes I often think in terms of meaningful daily support. Many dogs start around 25 mg per day total, often split, then adjust based on response.
Best fit questions Anxiety, seizures, pain, cancer, sleep, appetite, inflammation, quality of life.
Avoid for now: Buying the cheapest CBD on the shelf, assuming hemp seed oil is CBD, or using CBD without tracking response.
Helpful resources:
CBD Dog Health Ask in the Forum
Why didn’t CBD work for my dog? Getting started with CBD

Consider These Suggestions

  • Check the product quality first. You need Full Spectrum with 0.03% THC. Hemp seed oil is not CBD.
  • Look at how many actual milligrams of CBD your dog is getting per day.
  • Look at how many mg are in the bottle and how many mg are in each mL/dropper. Learn to read the label.
  • MG in the bottle divided by mL in the bottle gives you the amount per mL/dropper.
  • Track timing, dose, behavior, appetite, sleep, stool, pain, anxiety, or seizure activity if relevant.
  • Give it consistently enough to know whether it is helping.
  • Consider whether pain, gut health, inflammation, diet, minerals, or medication side effects are still working against the dog.
Brands I may consider CBD Dog Health, VetCBD, Lazarus Naturals.
General range notes Tiny doses will not move the needle for dogs in real distress. Many dogs start around 25 mg per day total, often split, then adjust based on response. If they are getting too sleepy, lower the amount. But don’t panic!
Best fit questions Anxiety, seizures, pain, cancer support, inflammation, allergies, sleep, appetite, and quality of life.
Why it may not have worked: The dose was too low, the product was poor quality, it was not used consistently throughout the day, the timing was off, the dog needed a different formula, or the bigger issue was pain, gut inflammation, food, minerals, or medication side effects.
Avoid for now: Saying “CBD does not work” after using a tiny amount of a random product for two days, using hemp seed oil and thinking it is CBD, or layering CBD with sedatives without paying attention to the dog’s response.
Call the vet now if: Your dog has severe sedation, collapse, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, severe agitation, seizure changes, or rapid decline.
How much milk thistle do I give?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Read the product label carefully. Milk thistle products vary by herb, extract, and silymarin concentration.
  • Know why you are using it: medication support, vaccine/flea-tick support, elevated enzymes, toxin exposure, or general liver support.
  • Do not stack five liver products without knowing what each one is doing.
  • Get bloodwork context if enzymes are elevated.
  • Track appetite, stool, energy, nausea, itch, behavior, and follow-up labs.
General range notes Many liver-support conversations land around 2-5 mg/kg/day for maintenance, 10mg/kg for following most exposures or gentle detox protocols, up to 200mg for toxic exposure. Milk Thistle, but product form and reason for use matter.
What I’d be thinking about Milk thistle, SAMe, TUDCA, Standard Process hepatic support, food cleanup, medication/toxin review.
When I’m cautious Dogs on multiple meds, fragile seniors, poor appetite, vomiting, jaundice, very high enzymes, or unclear diagnosis.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
milk thistlesilymarinliver supportdetoxvaccine supportflea tick detoxelevated liver enzymes
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Match the product and amount to the reason you are using it.
  • Review whether this is gentle support, medication/toxin support, vaccine/flea-tick support, or elevated enzymes.
  • Avoid stacking liver products without a reason.
  • Decide what to monitor and when bloodwork should be repeated.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Buying a random milk thistle product and assuming the label dose is therapeutic, combining multiple liver products without a reason, or using liver support as a reason to ignore follow-up bloodwork. I use HerbPharm, Herbsmith or Standard Process.
Can I use essential oils if my dog is on medication?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Yes, oils may still be considered, but the dog, medication list, condition, oil choice, and method of use matter. I usually suggest spacing use of oils apart from meds by at least 30 minutes
  • Diffusion or inhalation is often a gentle starting point.
  • Topical use should be intentional and diluted appropriately.
  • Internal use should be reserved for appropriate oils, appropriate dogs, and appropriate guidance.
  • Watch the dog’s response. The dog gets a vote.
Oils I use often Copaiba, Frankincense, Lavender, Ginger, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum.
Blends I may consider Calming blends, digestive blends, respiratory blends, immune-supportive blends, Raindrop/NAT oils when appropriate.
Best fit questions Anxiety, pain, digestion, skin, fleas, respiratory support, immune stress, emotional patterns.
Avoid for now: Using everything at once, forcing oils on a dog that clearly avoids them, pouring oils into ears/eyes, or assuming all oils are equal quality.
Helpful resources:
Essential Oils Page Ask in the Forum and take my remedies class!!
When should I consider electrolytes or minerals?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Consider electrolytes when a dog is not eating well, dehydrated, recovering, having diarrhea, vomiting, exposed to heat, recovering from a seizure, dealing with pancreatitis, or struggling with hydration.
  • Minerals matter for recovery, energy, nerve function, muscle function, hydration, and resilience.
  • RO water, restricted diets, unbalanced homemade food, and kibble calorie reduction can all change mineral intake.
  • Electrolytes do not replace veterinary IV fluids when needed.
  • Track appetite, hydration, gums, energy, stool, and urine.
Products I may consider Beam Minerals Electrolytes. Coconut Water in an emergency. Homemade Emergency recipe on my site.
Food-first support Broth, mineral-rich foods, sardines, balanced fresh food, hydrating meals.
Good fit questions Diarrhea, vomiting, heat exposure, poor appetite, after a seizure, pancreatitis, surgery recovery, weakness, heavy exercise.
Avoid for now: Assuming water alone fixes electrolyte imbalance, ignoring a dog who is not eating, or skipping vet care when dehydration is serious.
Natural antibiotic options

Consider These Suggestions

  • Start by asking what you are trying to address: skin, ears, gut, urinary, respiratory, wound, dental, or systemic infection.
  • If there is pus, fever, spreading redness, severe pain, lethargy, deep wound, eye involvement, or a very sick dog, this is not a “try herbs first” situation.
  • Ask for testing when appropriate: cytology, culture/sensitivity, urinalysis, stool testing, or bloodwork.
  • Support the terrain: food, gut, minerals, hydration, drainage, and immune resilience.
  • Choose antimicrobial herbs/oils based on the location and dog, not from a random list.
What I’d be thinking about Oregano with guidance, thyme, manuka honey topically, calendula, echinacea, garlic when appropriate, probiotics, Standard Process immune support.
Oils I may consider Oregano, Thyme, Tea Tree, Copaiba, Frankincense, Lavender, Purification-style blends — method and dilution matter.
Gut support Microbiome Labs probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii (S.boulardii), RestorFlora/FMT when antibiotics have been repeated or the gut keeps struggling.
Avoid for now: Using natural options to delay needed emergency care, putting oils into eyes or deep wounds, ignoring cultures, or using hot oils casually on irritated skin.
Call the vet now if: Fever, lethargy, spreading infection, severe pain, eye involvement, deep wound, abscess, repeated vomiting, not eating, or your dog seems systemically ill.
Natural pain relief / inflammation relief

Consider These Suggestions

  • First ask why the dog is painful: injury, arthritis, IVDD, pancreatitis, dental disease, ear infection, UTI, abdominal pain, cancer, or something else.
  • Restrict activity if injury, limping, back pain, or suspected IVDD is involved.
  • Clean up inflammatory foods and high-starch treats.
  • Choose support based on the type of pain and the dog’s medications.
  • Track movement, appetite, sleep, mood, stool, and pain behaviors.
Products I may consider Arnica, CBD, omega-3 EPA/DHA, boswellia
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lavender, boswellia, turmeric/curcumin, devil’s claw with guidance.
Modalities PEMF, cold laser, red light, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic when appropriate, Reiki.
Avoid for now: Hiding pain so the dog overdoes it, combining multiple sedating products without tracking, or assuming pain meds mean the tissue is healed.
Call the vet now if: Severe pain, collapse, inability to walk, swollen/painful abdomen, suspected broken bone, eye pain, neurologic signs, or pain with vomiting/refusing food.
When should I consider ozone, PEMF, red light, cold laser, massage, chiro, acupuncture, Reiki, or animal communication?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Use modalities when they directly apply, not as a blanket recommendation for every dog.
  • Choose the modality based on the body system involved.
  • Think pain, inflammation, circulation, nervous system regulation, healing support, emotional stress, and chronic patterns.
  • Start gently with fragile dogs.
  • Track response after each session.
Often relevant for pain/mobility PEMF, red light, cold laser, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic when appropriate, Reiki.
Often relevant for chronic illness Ozone, PEMF, Reiki, acupuncture, animal communication, gentle bodywork.
Often relevant for anxiety PEMF, Reiki, massage, vagus nerve work, Emotion Code, animal communication.
Avoid for now: Chiro during unstable acute IVDD unless appropriately evaluated, heavy massage during acute pain, or forcing modalities on a dog in respiratory distress.
How do I stop supplement chaos?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Write down every supplement, medication, food, treat, oil, herb, and topper.
  • Circle duplicates: multiple calming products, multiple gut powders, multiple anti-inflammatories.
  • Decide what each product is supposed to do.
  • Stop adding new things without a reason.
  • Track one change at a time when possible.
What I’d be thinking about: Is this supporting the food, gut, liver, inflammation, pain, nervous system, minerals, immune system, or microbiome? If you cannot answer that, the product may not belong in the plan.
Avoid for now: Five products that do the same thing, mystery blends with overlapping ingredients, and adding more because the dog is not improving without asking why.
Common Questions + New Diagnosis Support
Emergency check: If your dog is rapidly declining, having breathing trouble, repeated vomiting, collapse, severe pain, seizure clusters, inability to urinate, or abnormal gum/tongue color, skip the guide and seek urgent veterinary care.
What testing should I ask for before guessing?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Ask what diagnosis is being ruled in or out.
  • Ask what testing would change the plan.
  • Get copies of every result, not just “everything looks normal.”
  • Track symptoms alongside test dates, medications, food changes, and supplements.
  • Use testing to reduce guessing, not to collect random data.
Common vet tests CBC/chemistry, urinalysis, culture, stool testing, cytology, thyroid panel, tick panel, imaging, ultrasound.
Functional resources I may consider AnimalBiome, Innovative Pet Lab, ParsleyPet, Glacier Peak, Hemopet, OncoK9/OncoTect-type cancer screening when appropriate.
When testing matters Repeated symptoms, medication loops, abnormal bloodwork, chronic GI, recurring ears/skin, urinary issues, weight loss, and vague decline.
Avoid for now: Guessing through the same flare repeatedly, adding supplements before knowing what system is struggling, or accepting “normal” without seeing the numbers.
My vet gave steroids and antibiotics but no clear diagnosis

Consider These Suggestions

  • Ask what diagnosis is being treated.
  • Ask what testing would clarify the picture.
  • Start gut support if antibiotics are being used.
  • Track symptoms before, during, and after medications.
  • Watch for yeast, diarrhea, panting, thirst, hunger, restlessness, and behavior changes.
What I’d be thinking about Microbiome Labs probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii, RestorFlora, milk thistle, Standard Process liver/gut/immune support.
Food-first support Lower starch if yeast is involved, moisture, better protein, no random treats, gut-supportive foods.
Oils/herbs Frankincense, Copaiba, Lavender, marshmallow root, nettles, burdock.
Modalities: Not always first-line, but ozone, Reiki, acupuncture, or animal communication may fit chronic inflammatory, immune, or stress-linked patterns.
Avoid for now: Repeating the same medication loop without asking what is being missed, adding a pile of supplements without a goal, or ignoring yeast after antibiotics/steroids.
Call the vet now if: Symptoms worsen quickly, breathing changes, severe lethargy, vomiting/diarrhea after medication, swelling, collapse, or allergic-type reaction.
What should I support if my dog is on antibiotics?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Ask what infection is being treated and whether testing/culture is needed.
  • Support the gut during and after the medication period.
  • Watch for diarrhea, appetite changes, vomiting, yeast, licking, and recurring ears/skin.
  • Keep food simple and hydrating while the gut is stressed.
  • Plan the rebuild, not just the prescription window.
What I’d be thinking about Saccharomyces boulardii, FidoSpore/MegaSpore, RestorFlora, FMT if repeated antibiotics, Standard Process gut/immune support.
Food-first support Broth, moisture, simple meals, no processed treat buffet, fermented foods later if tolerated.
Watch for Yeast flares, loose stool, poor appetite, vomiting, increased itching, recurring symptoms after stopping meds.
Avoid for now: Assuming the gut is fine because the medication ended, skipping probiotics, or ignoring repeat antibiotic cycles.
What should I support if my dog is on steroids?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Ask what the steroid is expected to do and what the plan is after the course ends.
  • Watch for increased thirst, hunger, panting, restlessness, accidents, behavior changes, and GI upset.
  • Support the gut and liver.
  • Reduce starch if yeast or skin issues are part of the picture.
  • Track whether symptoms return when the steroid stops.
What I’d be thinking about Milk thistle, Standard Process liver/adrenal/immune support, probiotics, omega-3s, food cleanup, minerals.
Food-first support Hydrating meals, lower starch, cleaner protein, no sugary treats, gut-supportive foods.
Watch for Yeast, diarrhea, appetite changes, mood changes, symptom rebound, medication side effects.
Avoid for now: Repeating steroid cycles without looking for the root issue, ignoring yeast, or adding lots of supplements without considering medication load.
My dog is on gabapentin or trazodone and seems worse

Consider These Suggestions

  • Track exactly what changed after starting the medication.
  • Note wobbliness, sedation, weakness, appetite changes, agitation, diarrhea, panting, or behavior changes.
  • Ask what the medication is supposed to accomplish.
  • Ask how long it should take to see improvement.
  • Ask what the plan is if your dog is not improving.
What I’d be thinking about CBD, electrolytes, milk thistle, Standard Process support, gut support, pain/inflammation tools.
Oils/herbs Lavender, Copaiba, Frankincense, chamomile, passionflower, valerian with caution if sedatives are being used.
Modalities PEMF, cold laser, red light, massage, acupuncture, Reiki.
Avoid for now: Assuming decline is just the disease, layering calming products without considering sedation, or continuing “prescription and hope” if the dog is clearly worse.
Call the vet now if: Severe sedation, collapse, trouble walking, trouble breathing, severe agitation, seizure changes, or rapid decline.
My dog is on prescription food. Do I have to stay there?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Ask what the food is supposed to accomplish.
  • Ask which ingredient or nutrient target is doing the “therapeutic” work.
  • Get copies of the diagnosis and bloodwork.
  • Look at moisture, protein quality, starch, fat, synthetics, and ingredient quality.
  • Do not stop a medically necessary diet without understanding the condition.
What I’d be thinking about Fresh food alternatives, targeted nutrition, Standard Process support, enzymes, minerals, omega-3s, gut support.
Common issues Kidney, pancreas, urinary, liver, GI, weight, allergy, heart, diabetes, recovery diets.
Modalities Depends entirely on the diagnosis. Food is the starting point, not the whole story.
Avoid for now: Assuming the prescription food is the only option, or assuming it is always wrong. The dog, diagnosis, and goals matter.
My dog won’t eat

Consider These Suggestions

  • Do not ignore appetite loss, especially in puppies, seniors, diabetic dogs, pancreatitis dogs, kidney/liver dogs, cancer dogs, or seizure dogs.
  • Check for nausea, pain, fever, mouth pain, stress, medication side effects, or recent food changes.
  • Offer moisture-rich, easy-to-digest food if appropriate.
  • Consider broth or electrolytes.
  • Track how long it has been since your dog ate normally.
What I’d be thinking about Beam electrolytes, broth, probiotics once eating resumes, digestive enzymes, CBD if pain/anxiety/cancer is involved.
Oils/herbs Ginger, Copaiba, Lavender if stress is involved, chamomile, marshmallow root.
Modalities Reiki, acupuncture, animal communication, red light/cold laser if pain is involved.
Avoid for now: Waiting too long in a fragile dog, force-feeding without knowing why the dog will not eat, or using rich/fatty foods to tempt a pancreatitis-prone dog.
Call the vet now if: Refusing food with vomiting, lethargy, pain, diabetes, puppy/senior status, known pancreatitis, kidney/liver disease, cancer, or more than a short missed-meal pattern.
Liver + Detox Support
Emergency check: Liver concerns become urgent with jaundice, repeated vomiting, not eating, severe lethargy, neurologic signs, collapse, painful abdomen, pale/yellow gums, or rapid decline.
Elevated liver enzymes

Consider These Suggestions

  • Get a copy of the full bloodwork, not just “liver enzymes are high.”
  • Ask which enzymes are elevated: ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin.
  • Review medications, flea/tick products, vaccines, anesthesia, toxins, diet, treats, supplements, and recent illness.
  • Add moisture and clean up the bowl immediately.
  • Do not start an aggressive detox without knowing what is going on.
What I’d be thinking about Milk thistle, SAMe, TUDCA, Standard Process liver/gallbladder support, Beam Minerals, fresh food, lower synthetic load.
Testing to discuss Repeat bloodwork, bile acids, ultrasound, tick panel, thyroid/Cushing’s discussion depending on the dog.
Food-first support Moisture, cleaner protein, fewer processed treats, lower chemical load, liver-supportive fresh foods when appropriate.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
elevated liver enzymesALTALPASTGGTbilirubinmilk thistleSAMeTUDCA
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Review which enzymes are elevated and what else changed before the bloodwork.
  • Look at medications, flea/tick products, anesthesia, vaccines, toxins, diet, and treats.
  • Choose liver support such as milk thistle, SAMe/TUDCA, Standard Process, herbs, oils, and food cleanup in the right order.
  • Decide what follow-up labs or imaging questions to ask your vet.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Aggressive detox, ignoring medication side effects, assuming elevated enzymes always mean primary liver disease, or removing protein without understanding the diagnosis.
Call the vet now if: Jaundice, vomiting, not eating, severe lethargy, neurologic signs, collapse, painful abdomen, or rapid decline.
Skin + Allergies + Ears
Emergency check: Skin/ear issues become urgent when there is facial swelling, trouble breathing, severe hives, open or infected skin, head tilt, severe ear pain, swelling, bleeding, or loss of balance.
Allergies

Consider These Suggestions

  • Remove random treats, chews, flavored meds, pup cups, table food, and mystery snacks.
  • Start a food and itch log.
  • Check paws, ears, belly, armpits, stool, and skin smell.
  • Look for yeast signs: musty odor, greasy skin, red paws, recurring ears, licking.
  • Start with food and gut support before buying another itch product.
What I’d be thinking about FidoSpore/MegaSpore, RestorFlora if chronic, omega-3s, quercetin, nettles, Standard Process immune/liver/gut support.
Food-first support Lower starch, clean protein, moisture, food trial if needed, rotation once stable.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Lavender, Frankincense, nettles, marshmallow root, quercetin/bromelain.
General range notes: Probiotics often need at least 4B CFU daily. Omega-3 may need therapeutic EPA+DHA levels. Quercetin products often land around 5–10 mg/lb/day, but product form and the dog’s situation matter.
Technology + bodywork: Ozone, red light, cold laser, PEMF, lymphatic work, Raindrop/NAT, Reiki, or acupuncture may apply in chronic skin/gut/inflammatory patterns.
Avoid for now: Assuming Benadryl fixes food intolerance, switching foods every few days, adding five supplements at once, or ignoring yeast.
Call the vet now if: Facial swelling, trouble breathing, severe hives, open/infected skin, lethargy, fever, or rapid decline.
My dog won’t stop itching

Consider These Suggestions

  • Check for fleas and flea dirt.
  • Remove new foods, treats, shampoos, laundry products, lawn chemicals, sprays, and plug-ins.
  • Pull the extras from the bowl for now.
  • Check ears, paws, belly, armpits, and skin smell.
  • Start a food/itch log.
What I’d be thinking about Food Change, Probiotics, omega-3s, quercetin, nettles, Green Tea Misting Spray, CBD if inflammation/stress is high. Epsom salt soaks.
Food-first support Lower starch, remove processed treats, add fresh moisture, review protein intolerance.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Lavender, Frankincense, nettles, calendula, marshmallow root.
Technology + bodywork: Red light, cold laser, ozone, PEMF, Reiki, and lymphatic support may apply depending on the dog.
Avoid for now: Benadryl, using only shampoo while ignoring food/gut health, or ignoring fleas because you do not see them.
Call the vet now if: Skin is raw, bleeding, infected, oozing, painful, or your dog is frantic and cannot rest.
Yeast

Consider These Suggestions

  • Look for yeast signs: musty smell, greasy skin, red/brown paws, recurring ears, licking, darkened skin, and constant itching.
  • Remove starchy treats, dental chews, processed snacks, and random extras.
  • Review the food for starch load, protein intolerance, and synthetic-heavy ingredients.
  • Start gut support. Yeast is rarely just a skin problem.
  • Check for antibiotic or steroid history, because both can change the gut/skin picture.
What I’d be thinking about FidoSpore, MegaSpore, RestorFlora if chronic, FMT if the gut is really not holding, omega-3s, Standard Process gut/immune/liver support.
Food-first support Lower starch, clean protein, fresh food, moisture, no sugary treats, no constant carb-heavy chews.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Lavender, Lemongrass with guidance, Purification-style blends, nettles, marshmallow root.
General range notes: Gut support often needs to be more than a basic sprinkle probiotic. I generally want at least 4B CFU daily for many dogs, and chronic yeast dogs may need deeper microbiome rebuilding.
Technology + bodywork: Liver Detox, Ozone may apply in chronic yeast/skin patterns. Lymphatic work, Raindrop/NAT, Reiki, or acupuncture may be helpful depending on the dog.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
yeastitchy pawsear infectionsstarchy foodprobioticsgut rebuildskin support
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Review food starch, treats, chews, antibiotics/steroids, allergies, and recurring ears/paws.
  • Build a lower-starch, gut-supportive plan with probiotics or FMT if needed.
  • Choose herbs, oils, skin support, liver support, and environmental cleanup.
  • Track what improves first: smell, licking, stool, ears, or skin.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Treating yeast like it is only a shampoo problem, ignoring the food, repeating antibiotics/steroids without gut rebuilding, or pouring oils into irritated ears.
Call the vet now if: Skin is open, infected, painful, bleeding, oozing, swollen, or your dog is miserable and cannot rest.
My dog’s ears are gross

Consider These Suggestions

  • Look at color, smell, discharge, pain, head shaking, scratching, and whether one or both ears are involved.
  • Ask for an ear cytology if this is painful, recurring, smelly, yeasty, or not clearing.
  • Review food, yeast, allergies, swimming/grooming, and antibiotic/steroid history.
  • Do not pour oils, alcohol, peroxide, or random cleaners into a painful ear.
  • Start gut/skin support if ears keep coming back.
What I’d be thinking about Cytology/culture, food intolerance, yeast, probiotics, omega-3, Standard Process immune/gut support.
Food-first support Reduce starch, remove trigger proteins, stop starchy treats, food intolerance trial if ears keep returning.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Lavender, Lemongrass with guidance, calendula, mullein, nettles. Not poured into the ear canal.
Technology + bodywork: Cold laser around ear tissue, ozone with trained guidance, and acupuncture may apply to chronic inflammatory patterns.
Avoid for now: Treating recurring ears as just ears, pouring oils into the canal, repeating meds without asking why it came back, or ignoring food/gut health.
Call the vet now if: Head tilt (vestibular disease?), painful ear, swelling, bleeding, loss of balance, suspected ruptured eardrum, severe odor with pain, or sudden hearing/balance changes.
My dog is on Apoquel or Cytopoint. What else should I consider?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Do not stop at symptom control. Ask what is driving the itch: food intolerance, yeast, fleas, environmental load, gut health, immune stress, or toxin load.
  • Track whether the medication controls symptoms fully, partially, or not at all.
  • Clean up the bowl and remove treat/chew chaos.
  • Support the gut and skin barrier. Liver cleanse.
  • Look for recurring ears, paws, yeast smell, and seasonal patterns.
What I’d be thinking about Microbiome Labs probiotics, omega-3 EPA/DHA, quercetin/nettles, Standard Process immune/liver/gut support, Beam Minerals.
Food-first support Lower starch, cleaner protein, moisture, food trial if needed, rotation once stable.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Lavender, Frankincense, nettles, calendula, marshmallow root.
Avoid for now: Thinking symptom control means the root issue is gone, ignoring yeast, or staying on the medication loop without food/gut work.
Food + Gut + Stool
Emergency check: Gut issues become urgent with repeated vomiting, blood, black/tarry stool, severe pain, dehydration, weakness, bloating, puppies/seniors, or a medically fragile dog.
Food intolerance trial

Consider These Suggestions

  • Pick one main protein.
  • Remove all other proteins.
  • Stop chews, flavored treats, table food, and random toppers.
  • Track stool, itching, ears, paws, vomiting, appetite, and behavior.
  • Keep the trial clean enough to actually learn something.
What I’d be thinking about FidoSpore/MegaSpore, digestive enzymes, omega-3 once fat tolerance is clear, Standard Process digestive support.
Food-first support One protein, no mixed treats, no mystery chews, simple meals, moisture.
Oils/herbs Slippery elm, marshmallow root, chamomile, Copaiba, Ginger, digestive blend with guidance.
Technology + bodywork: Usually not first-line unless pain, stress, chronic inflammation, or appetite patterns are involved. Acupuncture, Reiki, or animal communication may apply in select cases.
Avoid for now: Calling it a food trial while still feeding six different treats, changing foods every few days, or guessing based on one good or bad stool.
Is chicken and rice really the best bland diet?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Do not assume chicken and rice is best for every dog.
  • Chicken is a common problem protein for many itchy/gut-sensitive dogs.
  • Rice may not be ideal for every inflamed gut, yeast dog, or dog needing lower starch.
  • Broth, fasting/resting the gut when appropriate, or a different simple protein may make more sense.
  • If diarrhea or vomiting keeps returning, ask why instead of repeating bland diet forever.
What I’d be thinking about Broth, simple fresh food, probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii, electrolytes, enzymes, stool testing if recurring.
Food-first options Broth, simple tolerated protein, pumpkin when appropriate, moisture-rich meals, no treat buffet.
When I’m cautious Pancreatitis, puppies, seniors, repeated vomiting, bloody stool, dehydration, chronic GI dogs.
Avoid for now: Feeding chicken and rice for days without balancing nutrition or asking why the gut keeps flaring.
My dog is vomiting — what color is it?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Note the color: clear/white foam, yellow bile, undigested food, green, brown, red, or coffee-ground/black.
  • Track timing: after eating, overnight, after treats/chews, after meds, after grass, after exercise, or during stress.
  • Remove treats, chews, table food, and new supplements for now.
  • Support hydration if your dog is otherwise stable.
  • Do not keep adding products to a dog who cannot keep food or water down.
Color clues Yellow may be bile/reflux timing. White foam can be empty stomach/nausea. Brown, red, black, green, or repeated vomiting needs more caution.
What I’d be thinking about Food timing, pancreatitis, obstruction risk, liver/gallbladder, medication reaction, toxin exposure, parasites, stress, diet change.
Support if stable Broth, electrolytes, slippery elm/marshmallow later, digestive enzymes/probiotics after vomiting settles.
Avoid for now: Giving oils, supplements, or rich foods during active repeated vomiting, ignoring abdominal pain, or assuming vomiting is normal because it happens often.
Call the vet now if: Repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, coffee-ground/black material, severe lethargy, painful/swollen abdomen, retching without producing vomit, dehydration, suspected toxin/foreign body, or your dog cannot keep water down.
My dog’s poop is a weird color

Consider These Suggestions

  • Take a photo before you clean it up.
  • Note color, texture, mucus, blood, frequency, urgency, and straining.
  • Track food, treats, bones, supplements, meds, parasites, stress, and recent changes.
  • Remove treat/chew chaos while you figure it out.
  • Consider stool testing if this repeats.
Color clues Black/tarry, red blood, pale/gray, yellow/orange, green, mucus-coated, or greasy stool each points to a different question.
What I’d be thinking about Food intolerance, parasites, giardia, bile/liver/gallbladder, pancreas, gut inflammation, stress colitis, medication reaction.
Support if stable Probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii, broth, electrolytes, digestive enzymes, simple meals, gut testing if recurring.
Call the vet now if: Black/tarry stool, a lot of blood, diarrhea with vomiting, weakness, severe straining, dehydration, pale gums, painful belly, or puppy/senior/fragile dog.
Recurring diarrhea

Consider These Suggestions

  • Stop extras: treats, chews, toppers, scraps, bones, and new supplements.
  • Consider a short digestive reset if appropriate.
  • Use broth instead of jumping straight to chicken and rice.
  • Add probiotics.
  • Test for parasites if this keeps happening.
What I’d be thinking about Saccharomyces boulardii, FidoSpore/MegaSpore, RestorFlora, FMT, electrolytes, Standard Process digestive support.
Food-first support Broth, easy-to-digest meals, moisture, no random proteins, no treat buffet.
Oils/herbs Ginger, Copaiba, digestive blend, slippery elm, marshmallow root, chamomile.
Avoid for now: Assuming every diarrhea case needs metronidazole, feeding chicken and rice for days without asking why this keeps happening, or ignoring giardia/parasites.
Call the vet now if: Bloody diarrhea, diarrhea with vomiting, weakness, dehydration, fever, or if your dog is a puppy, senior, or medically fragile.
Colitis or stress diarrhea

Consider These Suggestions

  • Track timing: stress event, boarding, travel, grooming, vet visit, storm, schedule change, or food change.
  • Stop treats, chews, scraps, toppers, bones, and new supplements for now.
  • Support hydration with broth or electrolytes if stool is loose or appetite is poor.
  • Use a simple, easy-to-digest food plan until the gut settles.
  • Start gut support and address the nervous system, not just the stool.
What I’d be thinking about Saccharomyces boulardii, FidoSpore, MegaSpore, RestorFlora if recurring, Beam electrolytes, Standard Process digestive/adrenal/nervous system support.
Food-first support Broth, moisture, simple meals, no treat buffet, kefir later if tolerated, fermented foods once stable.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Ginger, Lavender, digestive blend, slippery elm, marshmallow root, chamomile, passionflower if stress is obvious.
Technology + bodywork: Reiki, animal communication, PEMF, acupuncture, vagus nerve work, and gentle abdominal/bodywork may apply when stress clearly drives gut flares.
Avoid for now: Assuming every stress diarrhea episode needs metronidazole, feeding chicken and rice for days without rebuilding the gut, or ignoring the stress trigger.
Call the vet now if: Bloody diarrhea, diarrhea with vomiting, weakness, dehydration, fever, severe abdominal pain, or if your dog is a puppy, senior, or medically fragile.
Recurring GI issues

Consider These Suggestions

  • Track stool, mucus, vomiting, reflux, grass eating, appetite, gurgly belly, and timing.
  • Pull unnecessary treats, chews, table food, and random toppers.
  • Stop constant food switching.
  • Review antibiotic, steroid, flea/tick, and vaccine history.
  • Consider stool testing if this keeps happening.
What I’d be thinking about FidoSpore, MegaSpore, Saccharomyces boulardii, RestorFlora, FMT, enzymes, Standard Process digestive support.
Food-first support Moisture, lower starch, simple meals, no treat buffet, fermented foods if tolerated.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Ginger, digestive blend, slippery elm, marshmallow root, chamomile.
Avoid for now: Accepting “sensitive stomach” as the final answer, switching food over and over, or using treats and chews that muddy the picture.
Yellow bile vomiting at night or early morning

Consider These Suggestions

  • Track timing: overnight, early morning, before meals, or after certain foods.
  • Try a small bedtime snack if your dog is otherwise stable.
  • Review meal spacing.
  • Look at food quality, starch level, fat tolerance, and digestibility.
  • Consider reflux, liver/gallbladder stress, pancreatic stress, or gut inflammation.
What I’d be thinking about Digestive enzymes, probiotics, electrolytes, Standard Process digestive/liver/gallbladder support.
Food-first support Small bedtime snack, broth, moisture, better digestibility, review fat tolerance.
Oils/herbs Ginger, Copaiba, slippery elm, marshmallow root, chamomile tea.
Call the vet now if: Vomiting is repeated, your dog cannot keep food/water down, there is abdominal pain, blood, weakness, dehydration, or food refusal.
Parasites: worms, weird stool, and negative fecals

Consider These Suggestions

  • Do not guess based only on one photo of poop.
  • Save a fresh stool sample if you can and ask your vet about fecal testing.
  • Take photos of anything that looks like worms, rice, mucus, blood, black stool, or unusual material.
  • Clean up poop immediately and reduce reinfection risk in the yard.
  • Support the gut during and after deworming or parasite treatment.
What I’d be thinking about Fecal testing, repeat testing when symptoms persist, parasite type, exposure risk, Microbiome Labs probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii, RestorFlora, FMT if the gut does not recover.
Food-first support Broth, moisture, easy-to-digest meals, no treat buffet, fermented foods later if tolerated, clean bowls and bedding.
Oils/herbs Digestive blend, Copaiba, Ginger, pumpkin seed as food support, slippery elm or marshmallow root for gut irritation.
Important: Parasites are not all handled the same way. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, coccidia, and giardia are different conversations. A negative fecal does not always mean “no parasites” if symptoms and exposure risk still fit.
Technology + bodywork: Usually not first-line. Ozone, Reiki, acupuncture, or FMT may apply when parasites have triggered a bigger gut recovery problem, but the parasite question itself needs to be addressed directly.
Avoid for now: Randomly rotating dewormers, ignoring the yard/environment, assuming one negative fecal answers everything, using harsh gut products without rebuilding, or treating all parasites like giardia.
Call the vet now if: Your dog is a puppy, senior, fragile, weak, pale-gummed, bloated, vomiting, losing weight, dehydrated, has bloody diarrhea, black/tarry stool, or you see a heavy worm burden.
Helpful resources:
Microbiome Labs FMT / Gut Rebuild Testing Resources Ask in the Forum
Giardia

Consider These Suggestions

  • Follow veterinary guidance for the dog.
  • Pick up poop immediately.
  • Clean the yard and high-traffic potty areas.
  • Wash bedding, bowls, and anything repeatedly exposed.
  • Rebuild the gut after medications.
What I’d be thinking about FidoSpore/MegaSpore, Saccharomyces boulardii, digestive enzymes, RestorFlora, FMT if recovery does not hold.
Food-first support Broth, hydrating meals, easy-to-digest food, no random treats, fermented foods later if tolerated.
Oils/herbs Digestive blend, immune-supportive blend, Copaiba, slippery elm, marshmallow root.
Avoid for now: Treating only the dog and ignoring the environment, forgetting bedding/bowls/paws, or assuming one medication round means the gut is rebuilt.
Pancreas + Recovery
Emergency check: Pancreas/recovery issues become urgent with repeated vomiting, painful belly, refusal to eat, weakness, dehydration, bloody diarrhea, collapse, or rapid decline.
Pancreatitis diagnosis

Consider These Suggestions

  • Stop Greenies, fatty treats, greasy foods, table scraps, and mystery chews.
  • Feed small, easy-to-digest meals if your dog is eating and your vet has cleared feeding.
  • Think controlled fat, not zero fat.
  • Support hydration.
  • Review medications if your dog seems wobbly, sedated, weak, or worse.
What I’d be thinking about Digestive enzymes, probiotics, electrolytes, Standard Process pancreas/digestive support, milk thistle, later omega-3 if tolerated.
Food-first support Small meals, high moisture, easy-to-digest fresh food, controlled fat, no greasy extras.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Ginger, Frankincense, marshmallow root, chamomile, milk thistle.
Technology + bodywork: Red light/cold laser for inflammation support, Reiki for comfort, ozone with guidance, gentle bodywork only when pain and nausea are controlled.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
pancreatitislow fat dog fooddigestive enzymeselectrolytespancreas supportmilk thistlebile vomiting
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Review current food, fat sources, treats, chews, and medication side effects.
  • Build a controlled-fat fresh food strategy that still supports recovery and calories.
  • Choose digestive enzymes, probiotics, electrolytes, herbs, oils, and liver/pancreas support in the right order.
  • Decide what needs vet follow-up versus what can be supported at home.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Random dental chews, high-fat treats, assuming low-fat kibble is the whole plan, or adding oils/supplements during severe vomiting without guidance.
Call the vet now if: Repeated vomiting, refusing food, painful belly, weakness, dehydration, bloody diarrhea, or collapse.
Kidney + Urinary
Emergency check: Kidney/urinary issues become urgent with straining to pee, little or no urine, male dogs with urinary signs, blood, vomiting, kidney disease with appetite loss, severe lethargy, painful belly, or rapid decline.
I think my dog has a UTI

Consider These Suggestions

  • Watch for frequent urination, straining, crying/whining when urinating, blood, strong odor, accidents, licking, or small frequent amounts.
  • Get a urinalysis and ask whether a culture is needed, especially if this is recurring.
  • Support hydration immediately.
  • Do not assume every urinary issue is a simple UTI. Stones, crystals, inflammation, kidney issues, diabetes, and other problems can look similar.
  • Male dogs, dogs who cannot pass urine, and dogs in pain need urgent care.
What I’d be thinking about Urinalysis, culture, hydration, D-mannose, cranberry, probiotics, Standard Process urinary/kidney support, Beam Minerals if hydration/minerals are relevant.
Oils/herbs Marshmallow root, corn silk, couch grass, uva ursi with guidance, Copaiba/Frankincense topically with guidance — never into urinary openings.
Food-first support Moisture, fresh food, broth, less processed food, support urinary pH based on actual findings.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
UTIurinalysisurine cultureD-mannosecranberryurinary pHfrequent urination
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Sort UTI symptoms from stones, crystals, inflammation, kidney issues, or diabetes.
  • Review urinalysis/culture results and decide if repeat testing is needed.
  • Choose hydration, urinary soothing herbs, probiotics, oils, and food changes without delaying needed care.
  • Plan prevention if urinary issues keep returning.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Guessing for days, skipping urinalysis/culture in recurring cases, or treating urinary pain as a casual supplement issue.
Call the vet now if: Straining with little/no urine, male dog with urinary signs, blood, pain, vomiting, fever, lethargy, kidney disease, or repeated urinary episodes.
Kidney disease diagnosis

Consider These Suggestions

  • Get copies of the bloodwork and urinalysis, not just “kidney values are high.”
  • Ask about BUN, creatinine, SDMA, phosphorus, urine specific gravity, protein in urine, blood pressure, and whether imaging is needed.
  • Add moisture to the food immediately. Dry food is not my favorite starting point for kidney dogs.
  • Do not panic-remove all protein without understanding the stage, phosphorus, symptoms, and body condition.
  • Watch appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, drinking/peeing changes, breath odor, and energy.
What I’d be thinking about Moisture, phosphorus strategy, quality protein, Standard Process kidney support, omega-3s, probiotics, electrolytes/minerals if appropriate, blood pressure discussion.
Food-first support Hydrating meals, fresh food, appropriate phosphorus control, better protein quality, broth when appropriate, appetite support.
Oils/herbs/modalities Frankincense/Copaiba with guidance, marshmallow root depending on urinary irritation, acupuncture, Reiki, PEMF/ozone only with guidance.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
kidney diseasekidney valuesBUNcreatinineSDMAphosphorusurine specific gravitykidney diet
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Review labs, urinalysis, phosphorus, urine specific gravity, blood pressure, and appetite.
  • Decide whether the first priority is hydration, phosphorus strategy, nausea/appetite, protein quality, or urinary support.
  • Build a fresh-food approach that respects the kidneys without fear-based protein panic.
  • Choose kidney support products, herbs, oils, and follow-up testing questions.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Staying on dry food because it is “kidney food,” removing protein blindly, aggressive detox, or waiting when appetite drops.
Call the vet now if: Not eating, repeated vomiting, severe lethargy, dehydration, painful abdomen, collapse, trouble urinating, or rapid decline.
Kidney stones or bladder stones

Consider These Suggestions

  • Ask what type of stone or crystal is suspected: struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, cystine, or unknown.
  • Ask whether imaging, urinalysis, culture, pH, and stone analysis are needed.
  • Hydration is non-negotiable. Moisture in the bowl matters.
  • Do not use one generic “urinary supplement” without knowing what kind of stone/crystal conversation you are in.
  • Male dogs with urinary signs need extra caution because obstruction can become an emergency quickly.
What I’d be thinking about Urinalysis, culture, imaging, stone type, urine pH, hydration, minerals, Standard Process urinary/kidney support, diet strategy by stone type.
Food-first support Wet/fresh food, added moisture, appropriate minerals, avoiding random urinary acidifiers/alkalinizers without knowing the stone type.
Natural support Marshmallow root/corn silk for soothing support, probiotics, anti-inflammatory support, oils topically only with guidance — never into urinary openings.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
bladder stoneskidney stonesstruvitecalcium oxalateurine pHurine crystalsurinary diet
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Identify what type of stone/crystal conversation we are in before changing food or supplements.
  • Review imaging, urinalysis, culture, urine pH, and hydration.
  • Build a moisture-forward food strategy that fits the stone type.
  • Choose urinary support, herbs, minerals, oils, and follow-up monitoring carefully.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Guessing stone type, using cranberry/D-mannose as the whole plan, ignoring recurring UTIs, or trying to dissolve every stone naturally without imaging and follow-up.
Emergency: Straining with little/no urine, male dog with urinary signs, crying when urinating, vomiting, painful belly, lethargy, blood, collapse, or known stones with sudden worsening.
Eyes + Color Checks
Emergency check: Eye issues are same-day urgent. Blue, pale, yellow, gray, or brick-red gums/tongue with illness, weakness, breathing changes, or collapse means urgent care.
My dog has an eye issue

Consider These Suggestions

  • Treat eye issues as emergency until proven otherwise.
  • Watch for squinting, holding the eye closed, cloudiness, bulging, redness, discharge, rubbing, injury, or sudden vision change.
  • Use a cone if the dog is rubbing the eye while you arrange care.
  • Ask your vet about fluorescein stain if an ulcer or scratch is possible.
  • Ask your vet about a pressure check for glaucoma it’s very painful.
What I’d be thinking about Injury, ulcer, foreign body, infection, pressure/glaucoma, allergy, dry eye, trauma, systemic illness.
Support after vet guidance Cone, clean environment, no rubbing, nutrition, hydration, immune/gut support if recurring.
Modalities Only with veterinary guidance. Do not use red light, oils, or topical products over/near the eye without clear direction.
Vet now / same day: Any eye injury, squinting, held-closed eye, sudden cloudiness, bulging, red/yellow/green discharge, severe redness, vision change, or obvious pain.
My dog’s tongue or gums are a weird color

Consider These Suggestions

  • Look at the gums too, especially if your dog naturally has a pigmented tongue.
  • Normal gums are usually bubblegum pink and moist.
  • Pale/white, blue/purple, gray, yellow, brick red, or tacky/dry gums can be a serious clue.
  • Check breathing, energy, temperature, capillary refill, and whether your dog is collapsing or weak.
  • Do not wait on color changes with breathing trouble, collapse, weakness, or severe illness.
Color clues Pale/white can suggest shock/anemia. Blue/purple can suggest oxygen trouble. Yellow can suggest jaundice. Brick red can happen with heat/toxin/sepsis-type concerns.
What I’d be thinking about Oxygen, circulation, anemia, liver/bile, heat stroke, toxin exposure, shock, pain, heart/lung issues.
What to do Check gums, breathing, temperature, and get emergency help if abnormal color comes with illness or distress.
Emergency: Blue/purple, white/pale, gray, yellow gums/tongue, collapse, trouble breathing, severe weakness, heat stroke signs, or sudden behavior change.
Fleas, Ticks + Heartworm
Emergency check: Parasite/vector issues become urgent with pale gums, weakness, heavy flea burden in puppies/seniors, tick-borne illness signs, breathing trouble, collapse, or sudden severe lethargy.
What do you use for fleas and ticks — on the dog and in the yard?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Think layers, not one magic spray.
  • Use a flea comb and check the dog daily during high-risk seasons.
  • Wash bedding and vacuum often. Empty the vacuum outside.
  • Treat the yard, especially shady/damp areas where fleas and ticks thrive.
  • Support the dog’s skin, gut, minerals, and overall resilience.
On the dog Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Citronella-style blends, Geranium in some tick-focused blends, natural sprays, flea combing, bathing when needed.
In the yard/home Cedar-based yard products, beneficial nematodes, keeping grass/leaf litter managed, diatomaceous earth in dry areas with caution, bedding wash, vacuuming.
Inside the dog Fresh food, omega-3s, Beam Minerals, probiotics, skin/gut support, less processed food.
What I’d be thinking about: Exposure risk, yard load, immune/skin health, frequency of checks, essential oil tolerance, chemical sensitivity, and whether the dog has flea allergy dermatitis.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
fleasticksnatural flea sprayyard treatmentcedarwoodlemongrassgeraniumbeneficial nematodes
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Choose layers for the dog, home, yard, and internal resilience.
  • Review exposure risk, skin sensitivity, oil tolerance, and flea allergy dermatitis.
  • Build a seasonal plan that includes checking, repelling, yard cleanup, and skin/gut support.
  • Decide when conventional tools or vet support may still be needed.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Spraying the dog once and ignoring the yard, using oils too strong on irritated skin, forgetting bedding, or thinking healthy dogs never get fleas/ticks.
Call the vet now if: Pale gums, severe infestation on a puppy/senior, flea allergy dermatitis with open skin, weakness, tick-borne disease signs, or severe skin reaction.
What do you use for heartworm?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Heartworm is not the same conversation as fleas and ticks. This one deserves a serious risk discussion.
  • Test regularly. I do not love guessing with heartworm status.
  • Know your dog’s exposure: location, mosquitoes, travel, season, outdoor lifestyle, and missed preventives.
  • Talk with your vet about testing and prevention options, especially in high-risk areas.
  • Natural support may support the terrain and mosquito exposure strategy, but I do not present herbs, oils, or supplements as guaranteed heartworm prevention.
What I’d be thinking about Annual testing, risk level, mosquito exposure, repellents, immune resilience, liver support if using conventional preventives, gut support, detox/drainage as appropriate.
Natural support layers Mosquito management, repellents, healthy skin/coat, fresh food, minerals, immune support, reducing stagnant water, screened outdoor areas.
Products I may consider Beam Minerals, omega-3, Standard Process heart/liver/immune support, oils for mosquito repellency, probiotics, milk thistle when appropriate.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
heartwormmosquitoesheartworm testingheart supportliver supportmosquito repellent
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Review your dog’s mosquito exposure, test history, travel, and local risk.
  • Discuss testing and prevention choices with your vet while supporting the body.
  • Build a mosquito management and repellent plan.
  • Support liver, gut, and immune resilience if using conventional preventives.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Avoid for now: Skipping testing, assuming one natural product guarantees prevention, missing doses without retesting, or treating heartworm like a casual flea-spray question.
Call the vet now if: Coughing, exercise intolerance, weight loss, fainting, swollen belly, breathing trouble, or positive/uncertain heartworm test status.
Nervous System
Emergency check: Nervous system issues become urgent with first seizure, seizure clusters, seizures lasting more than a few minutes, collapse, severe disorientation, inability to walk, or rapid decline.
Anxiety

Consider These Suggestions

  • Check for pain, itching, nausea, gut issues, and poor sleep.
  • Clean up the food bowl.
  • Create a quiet decompression space.
  • Start calming support before the stressful event.
  • Reduce chaos, noise, and over-stimulation.
What I’d be thinking about CBD, Beam Minerals, probiotics, Standard Process nervous/adrenal support, omega-3, gut-brain support.
Food-first support Lower starch, fresh moisture, stable meal timing, gut support, mineral support.
Oils/herbs Lavender, Frankincense, Valor/Peace & Calming-style blends, valerian, passionflower, chamomile.
Technology + bodywork: PEMF, Reiki, Emotion Code, animal communication, massage, vagus nerve work, acupuncture.
Avoid for now: Waiting until the panic starts, assuming trazodone/Xanax is the only option, or confusing sedated with regulated.
Fireworks, storms, or vet-visit panic

Consider These Suggestions

  • Start support before the event.
  • Create a quiet, safe space.
  • Use sound buffering, enrichment, and decompression.
  • Feed a calming, easy-to-digest meal earlier in the day.
  • Have your tools ready before the panic starts.
What I’d be thinking about CBD, Beam electrolytes/minerals, probiotics over time, Standard Process stress support.
Food-first support Hydration, stable meals, no greasy/heavy foods, no sugar/starchy treat overload.
Oils/herbs Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Valor/Peace & Calming-style blends, valerian, chamomile, passionflower.
Technology + bodywork: PEMF, Reiki, massage, vagus nerve work, animal communication.
Avoid for now: Waiting until 6 p.m. on July 4th, overstimulating the dog, or assuming sedation equals calm.
Seizures

Consider These Suggestions

  • Start a seizure log: date, time, length, triggers, food, meds, stress, weather, recovery.
  • Video the episode if safe.
  • Keep your dog cool, quiet, and protected during recovery.
  • Review food (eliminate carbs/starch – consider cooling proteins, eliminate flea/tick products and go natural, vaccines, medications, mold, toxins, and stress.
  • Clean up the diet toward fresh, low-carb, synthetic-free food and supplements . Support the liver, start a gentle detox and get customized help.
What I’d be thinking about CBD, Beam Minerals, milk thistle/liver support, omega-3, Standard Process nervous/liver support, gut support.
Food-first support Lower carbohydrate load, fresh food, fewer synthetics, better hydration, stable meal timing.
Oils/herbs Frankincense, Lavender, Copaiba, milk thistle, skullcap, chamomile.
Technology + bodywork: Reiki, animal communication, PEMF only with caution and experience, ozone depending on the bigger picture, detox/drainage support as part of a bigger plan.
Call the vet now if: First seizure, seizure lasts longer than a few minutes, multiple seizures in a short period, difficulty recovering, collapse, overheating, or injury.
Pain + Mobility
Emergency check: Pain/mobility issues become urgent with non-weight-bearing lameness, inability to walk, dragging legs, knuckling, loss of bladder/bowel control, severe pain, trauma, or rapid worsening.
IVDD diagnosis

Consider These Suggestions

  • Follow strict movement restriction if your vet prescribed it.
  • Stop stairs, jumping, couch access, rough play, and slippery floors.
  • Set up a safe recovery space.
  • Ask your vet what signs mean emergency.
  • Start reducing inflammation through food.
What I’d be thinking about CBD, omega-3, mushrooms/curcumin if appropriate, Standard Process musculoskeletal/nerve support, collagen/connective tissue support.
Food-first support Fresh anti-inflammatory food, controlled weight, better moisture, quality protein, lower unnecessary starch.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Helichrysum, Frankincense, boswellia, turmeric/curcumin, skullcap.
Technology + bodywork: PEMF, cold laser, red light, acupuncture, Reiki. Chiropractic only when appropriate and not in an unstable acute disc crisis. Massage later in recovery when appropriate.
Call the vet now if: Unable to walk, dragging legs, loss of bladder/bowel control, severe pain, rapid decline, knuckling, or worsening neurologic signs.
Limping, CCL, or soft tissue injury

Consider These Suggestions

  • Restrict activity.
  • Stop running, jumping, stairs, and rough play.
  • Check for swelling, heat, pain, or instability.
  • Support inflammation through food.
  • Get a proper evaluation if limping continues.
What I’d be thinking about Omega-3, CBD, collagen, MSM, hyaluronic acid, Standard Process musculoskeletal support, mushrooms/curcumin if appropriate.
Food-first support Quality protein, collagen-rich foods, omega-3 foods, fresh food, weight control.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Helichrysum, Frankincense, boswellia, turmeric/curcumin, yucca with guidance.
Technology + bodywork: PEMF, cold laser, red light, massage when appropriate, chiropractic when appropriate, acupuncture, rehab exercises once cleared.
Call the vet now if: Non-weight-bearing, severe pain, swelling, obvious instability, trauma, or sudden inability to walk.
Arthritis or senior stiffness

Consider These Suggestions

  • Add traction: rugs, runners, mats.
  • Stop jumping from beds/couches.
  • Review weight.
  • Add anti-inflammatory food support.
  • Track good days and bad days.
What I’d be thinking about Omega-3 therapeutic EPA+DHA, CBD, collagen, MSM, hyaluronic acid, green-lipped mussel, Standard Process musculoskeletal support.
Food-first support Fresh food, quality protein, sardines/mackerel if tolerated, lower starch, hydration.
Oils/herbs Copaiba, Frankincense, Helichrysum, boswellia, turmeric/curcumin, devil’s claw with guidance.
Technology + bodywork: PEMF, red light, cold laser, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic when appropriate, Reiki.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
arthritisjoint supportsenior stiffnessomega 3CBDPEMFcold lasermobility
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Review pain signs, weight, traction, muscle loss, food, and current medications.
  • Build an anti-inflammatory food and supplement plan that matches the dog’s age and meds.
  • Choose CBD, omega-3, herbs, oils, Standard Process, bodywork, PEMF, laser, or acupuncture as appropriate.
  • Decide what needs vet evaluation, imaging, or rehab support.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Call the vet now if: Sudden lameness, severe pain, collapse, refusing to walk, swelling, or trauma.
Respiratory
Emergency check: Respiratory issues become urgent with trouble breathing, blue/pale gums, collapse, severe coughing that will not stop, heat distress, or panic-level breathing changes.
Collapsed trachea

Consider These Suggestions

  • Switch from collar pressure to a well-fitted harness.
  • Remove plug-ins, fragrance sprays, smoke, candles, and harsh cleaners.
  • Keep your dog cool and calm.
  • Reduce barking and excitement triggers.
  • Work on weight if needed.
What I’d be thinking about Omega-3, antioxidants, mineral support, Standard Process respiratory/connective tissue support if appropriate.
Food-first support Weight management, anti-inflammatory food, omega-3 foods if tolerated, hydration, lower processed-food burden.
Oils/herbs Frankincense, Copaiba, respiratory blend by careful diffusion, marshmallow root, mullein, licorice with guidance.
Technology + bodywork: Cold laser/red light, acupuncture, Reiki. Avoid anything that stresses breathing.
Call the vet now if: Breathing difficulty, blue/pale gums, collapse, severe coughing fit that will not stop, or distress with breathing.
Dental + Small Injuries
Emergency check: Dental/injury issues become urgent with facial swelling, severe mouth pain, broken/loose teeth, uncontrolled bleeding, infection, not eating, or sudden foul odor with illness.
What do you recommend for teeth cleaning?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Start with the mouth, not just the tartar you can see.
  • Brush if your dog will allow it, using dog-safe toothpaste.
  • Use food and chewing strategy to support the mouth, not sugary/starchy dental chews.
  • Look for gum redness, bad breath, loose teeth, pain, drooling, face rubbing, or chewing on one side.
  • Get a dental exam if there is odor, pain, heavy tartar, loose teeth, or inflamed gums.
What I’d be thinking about Brushing, raw meaty bones when appropriate, oral microbiome, diet quality, enzymes, dental exam, dental X-rays if disease suspected.
Products I may consider Dental/oral probiotics, plaque support products, raw bones if appropriate, ozone dental care, Standard Process support based on the dog.
Food-first support Lower starch, fresh food, appropriate chewing, fewer sticky processed treats, mineral support.
Avoid for now: Greenies as the whole dental plan, hard chews that crack teeth, ignoring bad breath, or assuming visible tartar is the only problem.
Call the vet now if: Facial swelling, tooth root abscess signs, bleeding mouth, severe pain, not eating, loose/fractured tooth, or sudden foul odor with illness.
Should I put my dog under anesthesia for a dental?

Consider These Suggestions

  • Ask what grade of dental disease your dog has.
  • Ask whether dental X-rays are included.
  • Ask about pre-anesthetic bloodwork, heart/lung concerns, IV catheter, monitoring, and pain plan.
  • Ask what happens if extractions are needed.
  • Understand that anesthesia-free cleaning only addresses what can be seen above the gumline.
What I’d be thinking about Risk/benefit, age, heart/liver/kidney status, infection burden, dental X-rays, pain, quality of life, anesthesia safety steps.
Support before/after Bloodwork review, hydration, probiotics if antibiotics are used, milk thistle if medication load is high, soft/easy food after extractions.
Natural support Reiki, ozone discussion, nutrition, oral microbiome, anti-inflammatory food, post-procedure recovery support.
Avoid for now: Choosing anesthesia-free cleaning because it sounds safer if your dog has true periodontal disease, ignoring below-gum disease, or delaying needed care because of fear alone.
Anesthesia clearing and dental recovery support

Consider These Suggestions

  • Ask for pre-anesthetic bloodwork and discuss any heart, liver, kidney, seizure, breathing, or senior-dog concerns before the procedure.
  • After anesthesia, support hydration, appetite, gut, liver, comfort, and rest.
  • If antibiotics or pain meds are used, plan gut support and watch for appetite/stool changes.
  • Feed soft, easy-to-digest food after extractions or mouth pain, following your vet’s instructions.
  • Track recovery: alertness, breathing, appetite, water intake, pain, stool, urination, and incision/mouth bleeding.
What I’d be thinking about Milk thistle, Standard Process liver/recovery support, probiotics, electrolytes, broth, CBD with medication caution, gentle detox/drainage later if appropriate.
Food-first support Moisture, soft meals, broth, quality protein, no hard chews while the mouth heals.
Modalities Reiki, gentle PEMF with guidance, ozone dental discussion, red light/cold laser only with appropriate direction.
Avoid for now: Aggressive detox immediately after anesthesia, hard chews after dental work, skipping gut support after antibiotics, or assuming prolonged grogginess is always normal.
Call the vet now if: Trouble breathing, collapse, extreme weakness, uncontrolled bleeding, repeated vomiting, severe pain, pale gums, not waking normally, or refusal to eat/drink beyond the expected recovery window.
My dog tore a toenail

Consider These Suggestions

  • Stay calm. Toenails can bleed dramatically.
  • Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze.
  • Use styptic powder or cornstarch if you have it.
  • Prevent licking/chewing with a cone or cover if needed.
  • Keep it clean and dry until you know how bad it is.
What I’d be thinking about Is the nail partially attached, quick exposed, bleeding controlled, toe swollen, dog painful, or nail bed infected?
Natural support Clean saline rinse, calendula, manuka honey dressing if appropriate, Lavender/Helichrysum nearby with guidance after bleeding is controlled.
Pain/inflammation CBD, Copaiba, rest, foot protection, vet pain care if needed.
Avoid for now: Letting the dog lick it raw, wrapping too tightly, putting oils into an open bleeding nail bed, or letting a half-torn nail keep catching on things.
Call the vet now if: Bleeding will not stop, the nail is hanging/partially torn, severe pain, swelling, limping, infection, or the dog will not let you touch the foot.
Cancer + Chronic Disease
Emergency check: Chronic disease becomes urgent with trouble breathing, collapse, severe pain, bleeding, refusing food, pale gums, distended abdomen, jaundice, severe weakness, or rapid decline.
Lipomas, lumps, and bumps

Consider These Suggestions

  • Do not assume every lump is a lipoma. Have new or changing lumps checked.
  • Map the lump: location, size, texture, mobility, tenderness, and date noticed.
  • Take a photo and measure it so you know if it changes.
  • Clean up the food: reduce starch, processed treats, low-quality fats, and unnecessary additives.
  • Think lymph, liver, fat metabolism, inflammation, and toxin load.
What I’d be thinking about Standard Process liver/lymph/metabolic support, omega-3s, Beam Minerals, medicinal mushrooms when immune support fits, CBD if inflammation or comfort is part of the picture.
Food-first support Fresh food, lower starch, better fats, sardines/mackerel if tolerated, hydration, weight management, rotation.
Oils/herbs Frankincense, Copaiba, Grapefruit with guidance, milk thistle, dandelion, cleavers/lymph herbs with guidance.
Technology + bodywork: Lymphatic work, massage, PEMF, red light, Reiki, acupuncture, and ozone may apply depending on the dog and the lump history. Avoid aggressive work directly over unknown lumps until evaluated.
Call the vet now if: The lump grows quickly, changes shape/color, bleeds, ulcerates, becomes painful, feels fixed, appears suddenly, or your dog has weight loss, appetite changes, lethargy, or other new symptoms.
My dog was just diagnosed with cancer

Consider These Suggestions

  • Breathe, then organize.
  • Get the diagnosis, location, staging info, bloodwork, imaging, and treatment options in one folder.
  • Clean up the food immediately – perhaps keto or low-methionine. But definitely anti-inflammatory
  • Reduce sugar/starch load.
  • Start thinking inflammation, immune support, detox, gut health, essential oils, antioxidants and quality of life.
What I’d be thinking about Medicinal mushrooms by beta-glucans, omega-3 therapeutic levels, CBD, probiotics, Standard Process immune/organ support, Beam Minerals.
Food-first support Fresh food, lower carbohydrate strategy, quality protein, omega-3 foods if tolerated, hydration.
Oils/herbs Frankincense, Copaiba, Sacred Frankincense or targeted blends with guidance, milk thistle, curcumin, cat’s claw with guidance.
Technology + bodywork: Ozone, PEMF, Reiki, animal communication, acupuncture, massage for comfort when appropriate. Red light/cold laser depends on tumor type/location and guidance.
Search these keywords on my website or in the membership guides:
cancerfresh food for cancerlow carbmedicinal mushroomsbeta glucansCBDozonequality of life
Where I’d go next with you:
  • Organize diagnosis, staging, labs, imaging, medications, and treatment options.
  • Clean up food quickly while keeping calories, appetite, and quality of life in mind.
  • Choose mushrooms, CBD, omega-3, herbs, oils, gut support, minerals, and modalities without creating supplement chaos.
  • Build a plan for what to do this week, what to ask the vet, and what to monitor.
Get Help Choosing Use the Membership Community
Call the vet now if: Trouble breathing, collapse, severe pain, bleeding, refusing food, rapid decline, pale gums, or distended abdomen.
Kidney/liver values: use the specific sections above

Consider These Suggestions

  • Get copies of the bloodwork.
  • Do not panic based on one number without context.
  • Review medications, diet, treats, toxins, supplements, and recent illness.
  • Add moisture to the diet at each feeding.
  • Kidney: d-mannose, cranberry, supplements to start until you build a strategy for diet and support. Juniper Essential Oil.
  • Liver: Add Milk Thistle (slow ramp as tolerated while you build a strategy for diet and liver support).
  • Ask what follow-up testing makes sense.
What I’d be thinking about Standard Process kidney/liver support, milk thistle, SAMe/TUDCA for liver patterns, electrolytes/minerals, probiotics.
Food-first support Moisture, fresh food, quality protein adjusted to the dog’s labs, lower processed burden, hydration.
Oils/herbs Frankincense, Copaiba, milk thistle, dandelion, marshmallow root depending on the dog.
Call the vet now if: Not eating, vomiting, jaundice, severe lethargy, neurologic signs, collapse, or painful abdomen.
Recovery + Senior Dogs
Emergency check: Senior/recovery dogs need urgent help with sudden confusion, collapse, not eating, repeated vomiting, severe weakness, trouble breathing, seizures, severe pain, or incision problems.
Post-surgery recovery

Consider These Suggestions

  • Follow surgical restrictions.
  • Prevent licking/chewing.
  • Support hydration.
  • Feed easy-to-digest, protein-rich food if tolerated.
  • Track pain, appetite, stool, incision, and energy.
What I’d be thinking about Probiotics if antibiotics were used, electrolytes if appetite is poor, omega-3 timing, CBD with medication caution, Standard Process recovery support.
Food-first support Quality protein, moisture, broth, collagen-rich foods, omega-3 foods if appropriate.
Oils/herbs Frankincense, Copaiba, Lavender, calendula, marshmallow root, milk thistle if medication load is high.
Technology + bodywork: Cold laser, red light, PEMF, Reiki, massage later when cleared, rehab when appropriate.
Call the vet now if: Incision opens, swelling/heat/pus/bleeding, fever, not eating, repeated vomiting, severe pain, or sudden weakness.
Senior dog decline or cognitive changes

Consider These Suggestions

  • Track sleep, pacing, appetite, accidents, confusion, vision/hearing, pain, and mobility.
  • Rule out pain, infection, thyroid, kidney/liver changes, and medication side effects.
  • Add traction and predictable routines.
  • Support the brain with food.
  • Keep the dog engaged without overtaxing them.
What I’d be thinking about Omega-3/DHA support, mushrooms, CBD, Beam Minerals, Standard Process nervous/aging/organ support, probiotics.
Food-first support Fresh food, omega-3 foods, quality protein, antioxidant-rich foods, hydration.
Oils/herbs Frankincense, Copaiba, Lavender, Lion’s Mane, milk thistle, ginkgo with guidance.
Technology + bodywork: PEMF, red light, massage, Reiki, animal communication, acupuncture.
Call the vet now if: Sudden confusion, collapse, not eating, seizure, severe weakness, pain, or eye issues, uncontrolled or unknown cause of bleeding, distended abdomen, trouble breathing.

Need Help Choosing What Fits?

This guide is meant to help you stop guessing and take a better first step while you get started on a strategy – with my help. The deeper work is figuring out what fits your dog — because two dogs with the same diagnosis may need completely different support.

A guided plan usually starts by reviewing the food bowl, symptoms, timeline, medications, labs, current supplements, and what has already failed. From there, the focus is choosing the first priorities, reducing supplement chaos, deciding what testing questions to ask, and building a realistic order of operations.

Schedule a Consultation Join the Community Forum for discussions and to take my Remedies & First Aid Class Visit the Essential Oils Page Contact Me
Statements in this guide have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is educational only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always work with your veterinarian for diagnosis, emergency care, medications, and serious or worsening symptoms.