Meet Canine Herbalist, Rita Hogan
by Christy Caplan
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March 16, 2025 The Herbal Dog: Answers to Your Questions About Holistic Canine Care
The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice by clinical canine herbalist Rita Hogan offers a groundbreaking approach to integrating holistic care into your pet’s routine. Rita shares how to understand your dog’s unique personality, physiology, and needs to customize herbal remedies that can relieve various ailments.
With a focus on clinically proven, safe, and effective treatments, her book covers conditions ranging from allergies to acid reflux, offering insights on herbal tinctures, medicinal mushrooms, essential oils, and more. I sent Rita a few questions based on my life with senior dogs.
Q&A with Rita Hogan
Q: My senior dog has IBD, and while we see improvement with medications, he’s still very picky with food. What would you recommend for managing IBD holistically?
A: For senior dogs with IBD, the first step is stabilizing the gut-brain axis and the vagus nerve, which play a central role in digestion and inflammation. One of my favorite remedies for this is Fig Phytoembryonic Therapy, which is gentle yet effective for balancing the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. You can find it in my store or through qualified herbal suppliers.
To truly support your dog, I recommend learning about their unique energetics, which I cover in detail in chapter three of my book. From there, you can work through the chapter called “Everything is Connected,” focusing on the lymphatic, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. This holistic understanding will guide you in promoting overall balance.
Q: You’ve spoken about dogs as ecosystems before. Could you share more about this concept?
A: Absolutely! Dogs are like interconnected ecosystems where no organ system functions on its own. For example, the gut communicates directly with the brain through the gut-brain axis, the liver processes toxins that affect the immune response, and the nervous system regulates digestion and inflammation.
If one system is off-balance, the effects ripple across the entire body. By understanding this, we can treat the root causes of health challenges rather than just addressing the symptoms. Using nutrition, herbs, and medicinal mushrooms, we aim to restore harmony within the whole-body ecosystem, strengthening your dog’s overall well-being.
Q: My dog has a lot of gas, which I know is related to digestion. What can I give him to reduce gas and improve gut health?
A: Gas is often caused by indigestion, which is tied to gut inflammation. To help with this, I recommend starting with digestive enzymes. These aid in breaking down food more effectively, which reduces gas.
Another helpful remedy is using small amounts of herbal bitters, such as burdock root, which improves digestion. Beets can also support gut health, but don’t worry if your dog doesn’t like them. Add different digestive-supportive herbs to find what works best for your pup.
Q: Of all the organ systems, what’s your favorite to focus on when working with herbs, and why?
A: The nervous system is by far my favorite, and it’s essential to address whenever healing is required. Why? Because the nervous system influences every part of your dog’s body. From managing stress and inflammation to directly impacting digestion, a balanced nervous system is the key to effective healing.
My book is a culmination of my two decades of herbal practice, and the nervous system is a recurring focus throughout. Balance here means balance everywhere else.
Q: The world of herbs can be overwhelming. Where do you recommend sourcing herbs, and how can beginners incorporate them into their dog’s diet?
A: I always recommend sourcing herbs locally whenever possible. They’re fresher and better suited to your environment. For beginners, start small by introducing one or two herbs at a time into your dog’s routine.
For trusted sources, check out Mountain Rose Herbs, Elk Mountain Herbs, and Oregon’s Wild Harvest. I also have a growing resource website, The Herbal Dog, which offers recommendations for the USA, Canada, Western Europe, and beyond.
Q: What inspired you to write The Herbal Dog, and what can readers expect from it?
A: This book reflects the last 20 years of my work as a canine herbalist.
Readers can expect practical, actionable protocols for common conditions and a step-by-step guide to understanding their dog’s constitution and how to best support their health holistically.
Holistic Care for Healthier, Happier Dogs
Rita Hogan’s holistic approach provides a refreshing perspective on canine care. By viewing your dog as an interconnected ecosystem and treating the root causes of health concerns, you can improve their quality of life while strengthening your bond. Whether it’s through understanding their unique energetics or introducing herbal remedies, small steps in the holistic direction can lead to meaningful results.
To learn more about this innovative approach to caring for your dog, be sure to check out The Herbal Dog!
