How To Decide On Your Holistic Animal Therapy Career

My Taranet website aims to raise awareness about complementary therapies for animals. It educates people seeking careers in holistic animal care. The field can be confusing, with many professional organizations and therapies. So, where should one begin to train in a specific therapy?

First of all my number one piece of advice is to know what animals you want to work with.

Some courses enable you to work with all types of animals (either on completion of the initial course, or with further training). This includes:

• Veterinary surgeon
• Veterinary nurse
• Physiotherapist
• Hydrotherapist
• Osteopath
• Chiropractic
• Zoopharmacognosy
• Plus others too

Or other courses, enable you to specialise early on. For instance, there are courses specifically in canine massage and equine muscle release therapy. These would mean you could work with dogs only or horses only.

Once you have decided what animals you'd like to work with, then think about what sort of work you'd like to do. Working with animals to promote their health in any capacity can be very rewarding. Different courses will have varying entry requirements. But don't let that put you off! Do investigate what your ideal work with animals is. And if that is a veterinary surgeon and you need to take some initial examinations or qualifications to meet the entry level, then it will be worth it if you can achieve your goal.

For many complementary animal therapies, there are various different training routes.

Whereas to be a veterinarian, there are much simpler course options! (At least to get initally qualified, you can of course take further postgraduate qualifiations to get more specialist training - for instance to train in veterinary acupuncture).

This is where the complementary animal therapy sector can get confusing. I've noticed some subtle disparaging of some professional associations and qualifications. This just adds to the confusion.

My two top tips to choose your training course include:

1. Does it offer hands-on training? I believe online learning is valuable, but in-person sessions with experts are crucial. Only then can you truly grasp an animal's health and the effects of therapy. Online methods can fall short in providing necessary skills and knowledge.

2. What professional association will you be able to be a member of on completion of your course? Look at the professional body and see what it will offer you. Insurance, continuous professional development are just two benefits from many. What professional standards do they have? I am not going to say any association is better than another. But do choose one that gives you access to continuous learning. Choose one you feel is doing its best to promote professionalism in the animal care industry with an evidence-based approach.

A common question I'm asked is whether veterinary surgeon's will be happy to refer clients to you, on completion of a certain course.

Working with veterinarians is essential, as animals must be registered with a vet. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon's Code of Conduct states this around musculoskeletal practitioners (physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic):

"Musculoskeletal maintenance care for a healthy animal, for instance massage, does not require delegation by a veterinary surgeon. However, the animal must still be registered with a veterinary surgeon. Maintenance should cease and the owner of the animal should be asked to take their animal to a veterinary surgeon for clinical examination at the first sign that there may be any underlying injury, disease or pathology. Alternatively, the musculoskeletal therapist may ask the client for formal consent to disclose any concerns to the veterinary surgeon that has their animal under their care."

If you have a reputable qualification, are a member of a reputable professional organisation and can clearly state what and how you can help animals, then a veterinarian will almost certainly be happy to consent to their animal clients to be seen by you.

Taking time to build good professional relationships is a vital part of your building your business. Read my business coaching blog here for some tips to develop your animal care business.

Read more on different complementary therapy for animals training options here:

• Canine Bowen
• Chiropractic for Animals
• Equine Bowen Therapy
• Equine Massage
• Equine Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Osteopathy for Animals
• Physiotherapy for Animals
• Thermography for Horses
• Veterinary Acupuncture

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

Exciting News About This Natural Pet HealthCare Blog
It's been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 UK Animal Blogs on the web. Check out this here

About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse

How Lime Essential Oil Can Help Your Dog's Wellbeing

Using Essential Oils With Animals?

Essential oils are commonly used by people for a range of human wellbeing benefits. Not only do essential oils usually smell amazingly great, but they can help with many health and wellbeing situations.

Our animals too can benefit from some essential oils. Have you ever noticed your pet or horse or other animal, smell certain plants or flowers when out in the field or garden? They will self-select what plant or flower they need to help them feel good.

Zoopharmacognosy or animal aromatherapy are the terms sometimes used to describe the use of essential oils with your animal. Read more in my Taranet advice page here.

Why Use Lime Essential Oil For Your Dog?

Dogs will often use Lime essential oil to help with:

1 digestive issues

2 liver problems

3 general wellness

Of course as with any complementary therapy it's essential to get veterinary advice for a proper diagnosis of any health and wellbeing issues. And also to then get a veterinarian approved treatment plan.

There are many veterinarians who do advocate the use of natural approaches. There also specialist holistic veterinarians you can get help from too.

Why Can Lime Essential Oil Help Your Dog?

Lime (latin name - Citrus × aurantiifolia) is understood to comprise various therapeutic qualities, which can be used to help specific health issues. As well as of course a lovely citrus aroma.

There are several different types of lime. Research into citrus fruits (of which lime is one) suggest

"Citrus fruits abilities on the exploited benefits are not far from their rich bioactive compounds and phytochemical contents such as minerals, vitamins, flavonoids and carotenoids. These phytochemicals may act as antioxidants, boosting the action of protective enzymes in the liver, reverse lipid for oxidation of genetic material and improve immune system."

Veterinary Research Into Use Of Lime With Dog Health

• Antibacterial Effect of Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia) Against Opportunistic Bacterial Isolates Causing Otitis External in Dogs (2014)
• Use of Essential Oils in Veterinary Medicine to Combat Bacterial and Fungal Infections (2020)

If you're interested in using lime essential oil to help your dog's health, then speak to your veterinary surgeon or a qualified zoopharmcognosy practitioner.

It is possible to for you to complete a course to understand how best to use yourself too.

Like to buy the high quality doTERRA range of essential oils? Visit my doTERRA website here. Any questions on doTERRA do email me as below

Like help finding a veterinary surgeon or therapist for your animal?
Please email me at info at taranet . co. uk

Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

Exciting News About This Natural Pet HealthCare Blog
It's been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 UK Animal Blogs on the web. Check out this here

About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse.

How To Help Your Animal's Skin Health Naturally

Skin conditions affect many animals at some point during their life. In fact, research suggests: "Dermatological problems are one of the most commonly reported and hardest to resolve problems encountered by veterinarians in small animal medicine" (Scott et al., 2001).

There can be lots of different causes - including:

• Food allergies
• Allergies caused by the environment (e.g. smoke, pollen, dust, etc)
• Fleas and mites
• Ticks
• Fly bites
• Hormonal imbalance
• Injuries (e.g. wounds)
• Plus many others too!

If your animal has any kind of skin complaint, then you should seek professional veterinary advice. Some conditions can be easily confused with another. So it’s always essential to know what the problem is, which a veterinary surgeon can help you with.

How Will You Know Your Animal Has a Skin Condition That Needs Treating?

There can be many symptoms, such as:

• Itching and scratching
• Licking/over-cleaning the skin
• Raw, red or sore spots.
• Flaky skin
• Bald spots
• Bumps and spots

These can all be potentially distressing for your animal. Some animals are more sensitive than others. But even what looks like a mild symptom, can develop to be more serious if not identified and treated sooner rather than later.

How To Help Your Animal With a Skin Condition Holistically?

1. Immune health
My number one tip is to ensure your animal has a healthy immune system as possible. This can be overlooked, but is a basic of good health. As I talk about in my immune health for animals advice page here, “wounds that won't heal and repeated illness. All of these can be signs of an immune system that's being challenged, and needs some support.”

2. Herbal Health - Aloe Vera
My second tip, but is linked to the first one is use Aloe Vera daily as a part of overall health. Why you might ask? Well I’ve used Aloe Vera for myself and my animals for over 20 years, both as a supplement (to help promote good immunity) and also as topical skincare. Get more information at my aloe vera for animals here. And if you’d like to buy then as I sell a large range of pure aloe vera skin and health care please email me with any queries at info at taranet.co.uk.

3. Other Herbs for Your Animal's Skin Health
There's a large range of herbs to help your animals skin health. Read about 4 popular herbs in my Natural Pet Health Blog post here.

In choosing a herbal skincare product for your animal, check the ingredients. The quantities and composition can vary a lot. Some herbs can be taken as a supplement or a topical skincare lotion, or both.

4. Veterinary Homeopathy
There are many veterinary surgeons around the world who've completed additional training in homeopathy. So either ask your own vet for their advice or ask to be referred to a specialist homeopathic vet for a consultation. You'll find many different remedies that can be used to help with skin health, the most suitable will depend on the presentation of your animal, and what symptoms he or she has.

There are some specific conditions that manifest as serious skin ailments. These include:

• Equine Sweet Itch

So How Can A Holistic Approach Help Your Horse Pony or Donkey With Sweet Itch?

This is distressing condition can affect horses, donkeys and ponies. As I mention in my summer healthcare for animals advice page “Every equine is different - some will experience sweet itch more severely than another, and some will respond to a treatment more quickly and more effectively than how another horse, pony or donkey will.” There’s a range of holistic approaches to help manage sweet itch naturally which you can learn more about here.

• Ticks

These little critters can cause severe skin irritation and even srious illness. So must be taken seriously. Get advice on how to help manage ticks for your dog holistically, with my blog post here.

• Mud Fever

This can affect all kinds of horses, ponies and donkeys and can be extremely painful and distressing. Even causing apparent lameness if the irritation and soreness is such that putting the leg to the ground hurts. Get tips on how to help manage equine mud fever holistically here.

In conclusion - there are many ways a holistic approach can help your animal have healthy skin. Hopefully this has been helpful. You can find information on a large range of complementary therapies here at Taranet.

Even modalities such as massage can help with skin health, by removing toxins from the body. So please explore this website to learn more about how a holistic approach can help your animal, large or small.


Veterinary Skin Health Research

• Scott, D. W., Miller, W. H. and Griffin, C. E. (2001). Small Animal Dermatology. (6th edn.), W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia. cited Khurana et al
• Find information on other veterinary research looking at holistic approaches here - with my research page.

Finally….Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

Exciting News About This Natural Pet HealthCare Blog
It's been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 UK Animal Blogs on the web. Check out this here

About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse

Puppy Portraits: Unleash Your Inner Photographer with These Doggone Good Tips

Pet photography has become a cherished pastime, with platforms like Instagram serving as the perfect stage to showcase our four-legged friends. Capturing stunning, memorable images of your dog that stand out in a crowded social media feed requires more than just a smartphone and a cute subject. A touch of expertise can elevate your photos from adorable yet amateur, to professional and truly captivating. In this article shared below by Taranet, we'll cover some essential tips to help you achieve just that.

Purchase Top-Quality Gear

When setting up to capture those perfect moments, don't overlook the tools of your trade. An adjustable tripod can provide the stability you need, ensuring that your shots are not compromised by unwanted shakes or tilts. Additionally, consider utilizing a remote shutter, which enables hands-free photography. This allows you to interact with your dog, drawing out those charming expressions without being tethered to the camera.

Turn Your Photo Into a Poster

Creating a stunning poster is another effective way to showcase your dog and make your photos truly unforgettable. An online poster maker offers an expansive platform for featuring your favorite photographs, allowing you to highlight your canine companion in a visually compelling format. Photoshop can be a huge help here – especially when you use Advanced AI features for image editing. This digital tool opens the door to endless creative possibilities – and the result is a personalized piece of art that not only amplifies the charm of your dog but also serves as a striking visual centerpiece for any setting.

Other Ways to Showcase Photos

To showcase photos of your dog creatively, consider creating a dedicated social media account that highlights their adventures and daily life, allowing you to share their charm with a wider audience. Another engaging way is to print your favorite images on high-quality paper or canvas, creating a personal gallery at home or custom gifts like calendars and greeting cards. Additionally, digital photo frames can offer a dynamic display, cycling through a curated selection of your dog's photographs, keeping the visuals fresh and engaging in your home.

Become a Master of Lighting

If photography is painting with light, then understanding how to use it is vital. Natural light, when harnessed appropriately, gives your photos a vibrant, organic look. However, direct sunlight can create harsh shadows, spoiling the overall effect. Opt for soft, diffused lighting, especially during the "golden hours" of early morning and late afternoon, to give your photos a professional, Instagram-ready sheen.

Choose Between Indoor or Outdoor Locations

Choosing between indoor and outdoor locations for photographing your dog hinges on several factors, including the dog's personality, the desired backdrop, and lighting conditions. Indoor settings offer a controlled environment where lighting and background can be manipulated, making it ideal for capturing detailed portraits without distractions. Conversely, outdoor locations provide a natural, dynamic setting that can capture your dog's adventurous spirit and interactions with the environment, though it requires more adaptability in terms of lighting and weather conditions.

Take Good Action Shots

To capture stunning action shots of your dog, it's crucial to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion, ensuring sharp images even when your pet is moving quickly. Pre-focusing on the area where you anticipate your dog will move through can help you capture the perfect moment, as it reduces the camera's lag time in focusing. Additionally, shooting in burst mode allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession, increasing the chances of getting that perfect, dynamic action shot amidst all the movement.

Pick the Right Spot

The setting in which you photograph your dog plays a significant role in the final product. A comfortable, familiar environment helps your pet relax, allowing their natural charm to shine through. Imagine a photo taken in a cozy room or a well-loved park; your dog’s expressions in such familiar settings are bound to make your photos more engaging and true to life.

Master the Right Angles

Capturing your dog from the right angle can make a world of difference. Different angles provide varying perspectives, making your photos unique and intriguing. Imagine a shot taken from ground level, capturing your dog's viewpoint; it offers a refreshing take compared to the standard overhead shots, making your Instagram feed all the more captivating.

Engage Your Dog's Attention

A great photograph requires the subject's engagement, and dogs are no exception. The use of toys can go a long way in drawing your dog's attention towards the camera. A well-timed squeak or a tempting treat can elicit that captivating gaze or cheerful smile that could become your next viral hit.

Practice Patience for Perfect Shots

Great shots often come to those who wait. Exercise plenty of patience and take multiple shots to widen your selection pool. The more photos you take, the better your chances of capturing that one perfect moment. Your patience will pay off, as sifting through various shots often reveals unexpected gems.
Capturing Instagram-worthy dog photos is achievable with the right blend of technique and creativity. From investing in quality equipment to mastering lighting and angles, these strategies lay the groundwork for extraordinary pet photography. So, why wait? Implement these tips and start sharing your stunning dog photos with the world.

Taranet is here to help you provide the care your pets deserve. Feel free to check out our Animals Naturally podcast, as well!

About The Author

This is a guest post by Cindy Aldridge

How To Help Your Dog Travel Happier In The Car

If you have a car and a dog, chances are you will either need or want to take your dog out in the car with you. This could be to go for walks, to go to the vets, taking your dog to work with you. Or seeing friends and family or even taking your dog on holiday. But for some dogs travelling can be very stressful. This can mean you have to change your plans, and you may get stressed yourself. As the last thing you want to do as a loving dog owner is create stress for your dog.

How will you know if your dog finds travelling stressful?

There can be several signs including:

• Not wanting to get into the car
• Panting or drooling
• Being sick
• Barking or whining

There can be other signs too. So what can you do to help your dog? The good news is that there are a range of ways to help.

Here are 4 ways to help your dog to be happier travelling:

1. Consider how your dog travels. Does he or she go into the luggage compartment (boot) of your car? Or does he or she sit on the car seats? How are they restrained? Are they in a cage? If they are is it tailor made for your car and is it the right size for your dog? Whatever they sit in or on, is it comfortable? Some dogs prefer to 'nest' and like lots of blankets. A cheap duvet can be a great inexpensive item for your dog to sit on. Despite best efforts, car travel can be bumpy and some dogs dislike getting jolted about. So think about how they are travelling and if it could be more comfortable. Read this Natural Pet Health Blog post on travel safe tips for your dog.
2. How does your dog get in and out of the car? For some dogs getting in and out can be stressful and even painful. Often there is some kind of jump up required. This can be difficult if your dog has any kind of arthritis, joint problem or other health condition. So the number one tip is to get your dog checked by your veterinary surgeon. To help ensure your dog has any ailments diagnosed and treatment organised. Also you could buy either a ramp for your dog to get in and out of the car easily, or one of my favourite items for my dog when he had arthritis was a special dog sling that supported his hind end so he could get in the car easily. If it is difficult due to your dog's mobility, then there are a range of complementary therapies you can use to help. Check out these other Natural Pet Health blog posts for some ideas.
• How to help your dog with hip dysplasia holistically
• Stop effects of arthritis for your dog with a holistic approach

3. Give your dog variety. For some dogs they may get bored going to the same place every time. They may not even like where they are going to (definitely can be the case if they only go to the vets when they have a car trip!). Research (Svendsen, 2019) suggests that boredom isn't restricted to humans, and animals can get bored. Or in contrast, your dog may get scared of the unknown of where he or she is going. Bach Flower Remedies are a complementary therapy that can be useful for a range of emotions. So whatever emotion your dog feels due to travelling, then a Bach Flower Remedy could help. Read more at my Bach Flower Remedies for Animals advice page here.
4. Linking to point 1, if your dog finds car travelling nauseous and is sick. Then what can you do to help? There's several complementary therapies that can be useful for your dog, including:
• Herbal health - Ginger biscuits are a top and inexpensive tip! Ginger is an excellent herb for digestive issues, and a few titbits of ginger biscuits can be useful to try. This can be better than giving your dog food or an ordinary dog treat before travelling. Which can be too much for a dog who gets car sick. V
• Homeopathy - Veterinary homeopathy can also help with several remedies able to help. You can get advice from a veterinary surgeon who has specialised in homeopathy. There are many around the world. Please email info at taranet.co.uk if you'd like help finding one near you.
• Zoopharmacognosy - there are many essential oils that can make a big difference to your dog. Read more at this Taranet advice page.

Other complementary therapies to help your dog travelling?

There's a range of ways to help your dog feel happier and less stressed travelling. Many energy therapies can be worth trying. These include Reiki, Crystal Healing, Radionics. Explore the Taranet Directory for information on lots of therapies.

You could also consider Animal Communication as way to understand why your dog finds travelling difficult. Check out these insights from leading international animal communicator Annie Bourke - with this guest blog post here and my podcast interview with Annie below

Finally….Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

Exciting News About This Natural Pet HealthCare Blog
It's been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 UK Animal Blogs on the web. Check out this here

About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse