Zest&Bark Canine Wellbeing

02/06/2026

❓Did you know that deworming your dog right before surgery can cause potential issues?❓

This is an important question that requires careful consideration, as timing medications around surgery can impact your dog's safety and recovery.

Main concern with dewormers right before surgery:

❌ Gl upset and dehydration risk
❌ Increased liver stress
❌ Potential drug interactions
❌ Compromised immune system
❌ Complicated post-surgical monitoring
❌ Toxin release during vulnerable time
❌ Electrolyte imbalances

Best Practice:

✅ Deworm 2-4 weeks BEFORE surgery
✅ Allow body to recover and stabilise
✅ Ensure dog is in optimal health for surgery ✅ Resume parasite prevention after full recovery

Please, remember: Your vet should always be informed of ANY medications, supplements, or treatments given before surgery. When in doubt, ask! It's better to delay routine deworming than to compromise surgical safety.

Holistic Perspective

From a holistic viewpoint, we want to:

🌿 Minimise stress on all body systems
🌿 Support natural healing
🌿 Avoid overwhelming the body with multiple challenges
🌿 Time interventions for optimal outcomes
🌿 Prioritise when necessary (surgery success)

Your dog's body can only handle so much at once.
Give it the best chance by spacing out stressors and supporting overall wellness.

❓Have you got a surgery scheduled for your dog?
Feel free to share your concerns-I'm here to help!

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

21/05/2026

Safe Outdoor Adventures This Season

Did you know that hot pavement can burn your dog's paws in just a few seconds? As we head into the warmer months, outdoor adventures with our dogs become more tempting-but they also come with hidden dangers.

Keep Your Dog Safe This Season:

🐾 The Pavement Test

Place your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws!
Walk during cooler times-early morning or evening.

💧 Hydration is Key

Dogs can't sweat like we do. Always bring fresh water and take regular breaks in the shade. Signs of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy.

🌿 Natural Paw Protection

Before adventures, apply coconut oil or natural paw balm to protect their pads. Consider dog boots for hot surfaces or rough terrain.

⏰ Timing Matters

The sun is strongest between 10am-4pm. Plan walks and hikes outside these hours when possible.

🚫 Know the Hazards

• Blue-green algae in water (toxic!)
• Ticks and fleas in long grass
• Toxic plants on trails
• Overheating and heatstroke

✅ Pack Your Holistic Adventure Kit

• Fresh water + portable bowl
• Natural paw balm
• Cooling bandana or vest
• First aid essentials
• Shade source

Holistic Tip:
After outdoor adventures, give your dog a cooling paw soak with chamomile tea or diluted apple cider vinegar. This removes allergens, soothes hot paws, and checks for injuries.

Remember:
Adventure should be fun AND safe.
Listen to your dog's signals-if they're slowing down, seeking shade, or seem uncomfortable, it's time for a break.

What's your favorite safe outdoor spot with your dog? Share it in the comments!

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

20/05/2026

15/05/2026

I have been looking for this book for a long time!!! 🐾🙏

14/05/2026

Shall I tell them it is time for our morning walk? 😴😀🐾

09/05/2026

Seasonal allergies are one of the most common health issues affecting dogs. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from pollen, grass, mold, and other environmental allergens that appear during certain times of the year. A holistic approach addresses not just the symptoms, but the whole dog-supporting their immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving overall well-being.

What Are Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?

Seasonal allergies (also called atopic dermatitis or environmental allergies) occur when a dog’s immune system overreacts to substances in the environment.

Common Seasonal Allergens

🌻Spring:
• Tree pollen (oak, birch, cedar, pine)
• Grass starting to grow
• Mold from spring rains

🌞Summer:
• Grass pollen
• Weeds
• Dust mites
• Fleas (peak season)

🍁Fall:
• Ragw**d and w**d pollen
• Mold from fallen leaves
• Dust mites

❄️Winter:
• Indoor allergens (dust, mold)
• Less common but can still occur

Signs Your Dog Has Seasonal Allergies

🐾Skin Symptoms (Most Common)
• Itching and scratching (especially face, paws, ears, belly, armpits)
• Red, inflamed skin
• Hot spots (raw, weeping sores)
• Hair loss from scratching
🐾Skin infections (bacterial or veast)
• Darkened skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Dry, flaky skin

Holistic approach for seasonal allergies

Holistic care treats the whole dog, not just the symptoms. It focuses on:
⭐️Strengthening the immune system
⭐️Reducing inflammation naturally
⭐️Supporting the body's healing
⭐️Preventing future flare-ups
⭐️Addressing root causes

Seasonal allergies can be frustrating for both dogs and their owners, but a holistic approach offers hope for long-term management and relief. By supporting your dog's immune system, reducing inflammation naturally, minimising allergen exposure, and addressing the root causes rather than just masking symptoms, you can help your dog live more comfortably.

🙌 Diet is foundational - anti-inflammatory, whole foods
health
🙌 Support the gut - probiotics and digestive
🙌 Reduce exposure - environmental management
🙌 Natural remedies - supplements, herbs, topical care
🙌 Strengthen immunity - year-round support 🙌 Be patient - holistic approaches take time 🙌 Stay consistent - regular routines work best
🙌 Work with professionals - holistic and conventional vets
🙌 Observe and adjust - every dog is unique

With a comprehensive holistic approach, you can help them find relief, strengthen their overall health, and enjoy life more fully-no matter what's blooming outside.

Remember: You know your dog best. Trust your instincts, stay informed, and advocate for their holistic well-being.

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

06/05/2026

When we talk about holistic health for our dogs, we often focus entirely on their needs-proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional well-being. But we often forget our own health and well-being.
The truth is, to care for our dogs in a holistic way, we must first care for ourselves.

Dogs are incredibly sensitive to our emotional and physical states. When we're stressed, anxious, or unwell they feel it and often become stressed themselves. They may develop behavioural issues; their own health can be affected. When we are calm, healthy, and balanced, our dogs feel safe and secure; they are more relaxed and happy and our bond deepens.

Caring for a dog requires physical stamina. If we are exhausted, unfit or unwell, we can't give them the exercise they need, we might have less patience, and can not respond effectively in emergencies.
They need our emotional presence. Dogs depend on us for their entire lives-10, 15, even 20 years. To be there for them we should maintain our health long-term.

Care for Ourselves Holistically the same way as we approach our dogs' health (body, mind, spirit).

💚Practical Ways to Balance Self-Care and Dog Care

Walk together. Your exercise is their exercise. Prepare nutritious food for both of you.
Create routines that benefit you and them. Set realistic expectations. You don’t have to be perfect, they love you even when you're not.

Taking care of yourself is not taking away from your dog. It's investing in your ability to care for them.

Holistic health for dogs isn't just about what we do for them-it's about who we are with them. When we're healthy, balanced, and whole, we ensure we can be the loving, capable, steady presence they need throughout their entire lives.
Your well-being is your dog's well-being. Take care of yourself so you can take care of them.

Remember: A healthy, happy you creates a healthy, happy dog.
Self-care isn't selfish-it's; the foundation of holistic care for your beloved companion.

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

P.S.
If you have got a child/children all the above also apply. 😉

01/05/2026

It is going to be a nice, sunny weekend. Please make sure you take water for your furry friends when out walking 💚

Take care & love your dogs, Erika 🐾🥰

22/04/2026

🌍Our planet sustains us all. Today and every day, let's commit to protecting our beautiful Earth for generations to come. 🌏