Here is a list of important and insightful key points when it comes to animal self-medication which is also known as Zoopharmacognosy. It is imperative that we create an environment for our domesticated and captive animals that offers them what they would have access to in their natural environment. This practice not only helps them health wise but it is mentally stimulating for them as well.
- Cats and dogs struggle if they don’t have access to certain plants.
- Thoroughly research any plant-based remedies before giving any to your pet.
- Zoopharmacognosy practitioners can use plant-based remedies alongside an animal’s self-medication skills to help address physical and mental issues in domesticated animals, farm animals and captive animals.
- Zoopharmacognosy taps into being able to offer the animal to self-medicate and the opportunity for them to use their senses and instincts which domestication and captivity cause dormant.
- Applied zoopharmacognosy can be used to create an environment which meets the animal’s needs, having this available to them takes out the guess work for our animals.
- Applied zoopharmacognosy is often used to address “behavioural” issues, which as we know is a cry for help.
- When dogs exhibit chewing non-food items, it may be an attempt to self-medicate.
- Most common forms of remedies are herbs, essential oils, carrier oils, hydrosols and clays.
- Humans like to diffuse aromas throughout the room but animals would rather go smell a particular scented object when they are ready to inhale these volatile oils.
Now we have a list of key points for offering our animals the opportunity to self-medicate. We see that it is not only for physical ailments, but for mental stimulation as well. Implement these strategies and your animals will be one of the lucky ones!
“Every animal has their very own Divine inner intelligence. When we take them under our wing, it is our duty and responsibility to have what Mother Earth created available to them. This way, they are free to be who they are, as the beings they truly were meant to be, just as their ancestors.”
Maria Hadjiapostoli