Holistic Lifestyle for Dogs: How Herbs, Mushrooms and the Outdoors Can Help

Caring for a dog holistically involves supporting their body, mind and environment in a balanced, natural way that emphasizes prevention and harmony, rather than merely addressing symptoms. Incorporating herbs and mushrooms into a dog’s daily routine, and learning which are most beneficial throughout the year, are effective ways to achieve this balance. The idea is to support immunity and other internal healing mechanisms before problems arise.

It is helpful to adopt a “dog-as-ecosystem” approach, where all aspects of their well-being are seen as interconnected. A dog’s organs, nervous system, physical health, emotional state and environment continually influence one another. For example, stress can trigger a cascade of responses, such as overstimulating the nervous system, leading to digestive upset or a weakened immune system. Similarly, exposure to toxins might contribute to behavioral changes because the nervous system is inextricably related to the liver’s role in detoxification. Herbs can address these connections and help maintain balance across a dog’s entire ecosystem.

Choosing the Right Herbs and Mushrooms

Because emotional health is closely tied to physical health, calming herbs and mushrooms can help maintain physical balance by reducing inflammation, supporting digestion and detoxification, and enhancing overall organ function. Here are some of the most effective choices.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) also stimulates bile production, which aids in the digestion of fats and proper stool formation.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Use milk thistle seed rather than a standardized extract of silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle.

Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica/urens) also provides anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) directly impacts the nervous system by reducing stress-induced gastrointestinal discomfort.

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) modulates the immune system, the gut and the nervous system.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) improves coat condition, liver function and helps balance the microbiome.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Stress and Anxiety Herbal Infusion

1 tsp dried dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)

1 tsp dried milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum)

1 tsp dried nettle leaf (Urtica dioica/urens)

1 cup boiling water

Combine dandelion root, milk thistle seeds and nettle leaf in a shatterproof glass container. Pour one cup of almost boiling water over the herbs and cover to let them steep for 15 minutes. Strain, reserving the liquid, and cool. Give one tablespoon for every 20 pounds of body weight. It can be mixed with food.

Nature Nurture

Along with a daily infusion of herbs and mushrooms in a dog’s diet, spending time in nature will benefit them tremendously. Whether walking in the woods, playing fetch at the park or lying in the grass, this connection to Earth provides grounding, mental stimulation, physical exercise and emotional nourishment. Feeding our furry best friends natural, calming ingredients and spending time with them outdoors is the ideal recipe for a balanced, happy and healthy life.

Rita Hogan is a clinical canine herbalist with more than 20 years of experience and author of The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice. Learn more at CanineHerbalist.com.