Holistic Care for Animals by Taranet

Researched Benefits of Herbs For Animal Health

06/05/26 13:06

Latest Veterinary Research Into Herbs For Animal Health


The use of herbs in veterinary medicine for the health and wellbeing of animals is not new. However, it is only in recent years that there has been an increase in scientific research into their benefits. Even so, it continues to be limited compared for instance to human health research.

In this post, find out more about some recent veterinary research on how herbs can help with animal care.

Ashwagandha root extract for canine health



This study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Sciences in 2026 investigated whether Ashwagandha root extract could improve cognitive function in older dogs.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 12 elderly Beagle dogs (11–14 years old) were given either Ashwagandha root extract (15 mg/kg daily) or a placebo for 60 days. Researchers evaluated learning and memory using a T-maze test and measured cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) scores.

Key findings on benefits of Ashwagandha root extract for dogs
  • Dogs receiving Ashwagandha showed significant improvements in learning, memory retention, and cognitive performance compared to the placebo group.
  • The treated dogs also had higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters linked to mood and brain function.
  • Control dogs showed moderate age-related cognitive decline, which correlated with aging.
  • The study concludes that Ashwagandha root extract may help reduce age-related cognitive decline in dogs and could serve as a nutraceutical or nerve-support supplement for geriatric canines.

Read the full research: Devarasetti, A. K., Bharani, K. K., Bobbili, R., Khurana, A., Veera Hanuman, D. D., Gudepu, R., … Banothu, A. K. (2026). Efficacy of Ashwagandha root extract on cognition parameters in geriatric dogs: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 54(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2026.2628614


Plant-Derived Functional Ingredients in Pet Nutrition



This review explains how pet nutrition is increasingly using plant-based ingredients rich in phytochemicals to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The review categorizes plant-derived bioactive compounds used in dog and cat foods, describing how they work, how they are included in diets, and the results seen in feeding studies.

Key findings include:
  • Polyphenols and flavonoids may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, improve gut microbiome balance, and influence digestive fermentation products.
  • Microalgae and seaweed are important sources of omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, which may support heart health, lipid metabolism, and healthier skin.
  • Combined botanical extracts can affect immune and metabolic functions, though their benefits depend on the animal’s diet and health condition.
  • Cannabinoid research mainly focuses on safety and absorption:
  • In dogs, effects are dose-dependent, and high doses may cause neurological side effects.
  • In cats, absorption is lower, but long-term use is generally well tolerated and may reduce osteoarthritis pain.
  • The review also notes important limitations in current research, including small study sizes, inconsistent methods, varying ingredient formulations and doses, and short study durations. The authors conclude that larger, longer, and more standardized studies are needed to better support evidence-based functional pet food development.

Read more: Srisa A, Kamonpatana P, Promhuad K, Wongphan P, Seubsai A, Klinmalai P, Harnkarnsujarit N. Plant-Derived Functional Ingredients in Pet Nutrition: Phytochemical Classification, Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Application in Dogs and Cats. Animals (Basel). 2026 Mar 27;16(7):1034. doi: 10.3390/ani16071034. PMID: 41976013; PMCID: PMC13072038.



Rosemary as a liver protector in rats


This study examined whether an ethanolic extract of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) could protect the liver in female Wistar rats.
The research was conducted by scientists at Ibn Tofail University and published in 2026 in the International Journal of Veterinary Science.
The researchers wanted to evaluate the hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects of rosemary extract because rosemary is widely used in Moroccan traditional medicine to treat liver disorders.

They focused on:
  • liver enzymes,
  • blood biochemistry,
  • oxidative stress,
  • and liver tissue structure.

The study concluded that low to moderate doses of rosemary extract may help protect the liver through antioxidant effects, with rosemary having potential to be used as a dietary supplement for liver disorders,
but high doses may lose these benefits or produce opposite effects.

The researchers emphasized that more studies are needed, especially clinical trials and long-term safety studies.

Find the research study online at https://www.ijvets.com/pdf-files/25-141.pdf


In conclusion

A holistic approach to your animal's health can make a massive positive difference. Get more ideas by taking a look at other Natural Pet Care blog posts, and the rest of this Taranet website. Search the sitemap

And as always if your animal is unwell in any way, do get a professional veterinary surgeon to examine your animal to determine the best care required.

Find out more on veterinary research with a holistic approach here

Do you know someone who'd find this information on holistic animal health 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!

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

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


Plant Based Pet First Aid Essentials

23/04/26 18:05

Why Plant-Based First Aid Matters for Pets


Cleaning out your animal first-aid kit for something safer, simpler, and more effective


When our pets get a scrape, develop a hot spot, or cannot stop licking an irritated patch of skin, most of us reach for whatever is already in the cabinet. But many conventional first-aid products contain ingredients that deserve a second look, especially for animals who groom constantly, lick what is put on their skin, and live with chronic exposure to the same environmental toxins we do.

If we are seeing more chronic skin irritation, inflammation, itching, and sensitivity in pets today, it is worth asking a better question: Are the products we are using helping, or adding to the burden?

Why it is time to rethink conventional first aid for pets


Many over-the-counter first-aid products were never designed with whole-body wellness in mind. They often contain ingredients meant to suppress symptoms quickly, but they may also come with tradeoffs.

One ingredient many people recognize is neomycin, a common topical antibiotic found in first-aid ointments. While widely used, it can also be irritating and is not something many pet parents feel comfortable applying repeatedly to animals who will likely lick the area.

Then there are the broader categories of ingredients many families are trying to reduce in everyday life:

  • parabens
  • phthalates
  • petroleum-based ingredients
  • forever chemicals
  • other unnecessary synthetic additives and endocrine disruptors

These substances create more load for the body. And when that load becomes chronic, it matters. Pets today are already dealing with more skin reactivity, more inflammation, more allergies, and more persistent irritation than many of us remember from years past.

Dogs, especially, often suffer with:

  • hot spots
  • chronic itching
  • inflamed skin
  • dry, cracked paws
  • recurring areas of discomfort and pain

When skin is already stressed, what we put on it matters.

Skin health is not separate from overall health

The skin is not just a surface. It is a living, responsive barrier, and when it becomes chronically irritated, it affects comfort, behavior, rest, and recovery.

For pets, irritated skin often means more licking, chewing, scratching, agitation, and disruption. That creates a cycle: inflammation leads to more irritation, more irritation leads to more self-trauma, and healing becomes harder.

If the products we use add more friction instead of relief, we may be unintentionally making that cycle worse.

That is why many families are moving toward simpler, plant-based first aid.

What plant-based first aid can do


A well-made herbal first-aid balm can offer meaningful support without the overload of unnecessary ingredients.

Plant-based first aid can help:

  • take the sting out of irritated skin
  • calm itching
  • soothe hot spots and rough patches
  • offer anti-inflammatory support
  • support faster skin recovery
  • nourish and protect the skin barrier

And for pet parents, one of the biggest benefits is peace of mind. When a product is made with clean, purposeful ingredients, it feels better to use on a dog who is likely to lick the area or ingest a small amount during grooming.

That matters in real life.

Why Green Goo makes sense for the whole family


Green Goo was created around a simple idea: first aid can be clean, plant-based, effective, and practical.

Instead of building formulas around harsh or unnecessary additives, Green Goo relies on herbs and oils chosen for a reason, to soothe, calm, nourish, and support the skin’s natural healing process.

For pets, that means a first-aid option that can help with everyday skin stress like:

  • itchy spots
  • minor scrapes
  • hot spots
  • rough paw pads
  • dry or irritated patches

For people, it means the very same product can live in the family first-aid kit and be used for everyday skin needs too.

That is one of the biggest advantages of switching to plant-based first aid: you do not need a different single-use product for every little thing.

Clean out the cabinet, simplify the routine

Most of us have a collection of half-used first-aid products tucked away somewhere, products for one very specific problem, products we forgot we bought, products with ingredient labels we have never really read.

A cleaner, simpler first-aid kit means replacing that clutter with a few trusted staples the whole family can use.

When you introduce a plant-based brand like Green Goo into your home, you are not just buying a product for one moment. You are creating a more versatile first-aid solution that works across everyday life.

That means:

  • fewer one-off products
  • fewer mystery ingredients
  • more confidence in what you are using
  • more likelihood that you actually have what you need when small accidents happen

Because let’s face it: little emergencies never happen at the perfect time.

  • A hot spot shows up at bedtime.
  • A paw gets irritated on the weekend.
  • A scrape happens when the store is closed.

It is always better to be prepared.

The bigger shift: less friction, more support

Choosing plant-based first aid is not about perfection. It is about reducing unnecessary friction.

When we remove ingredients that may burden the body and replace them with supportive, plant-based alternatives, we create more space for healing, rest, and recovery. That is true for us, and it is true for our pets.

Sometimes wellness is not about adding more.

Sometimes it is about removing what is quietly working against us.

Final thoughts

Our pets trust us completely. They trust us to choose what goes on their skin, what fills their environment, and how we care for them when something goes wrong.

Choosing cleaner, plant-based first aid is one simple shift that can make everyday care feel more intentional, more supportive, and more aligned with how we want to live.

Because when your first-aid kit works for pets and people alike, you are not just more prepared.

You are simplifying care for the whole family.

About The Author

Jodi Scott is the founder of Green Goo, a plant-based first aid and herbal wellness company inspired by the healing power of plants. With a background in pre-med and advanced study in psychoneuroimmunology, she is passionate about helping families simplify wellness by choosing cleaner, more supportive products for both people and pets.
www.greengoo.com

Selecting Bach Flower Remedies for animals

03/02/26 18:25

How to Choose the Right Bach Flower Remedy for Your Animal


The Bach Flower Remedy system comprises 38 different remedies. This may seem a lot to navigate. You may already be aware of one 'remedy' - which actually comprises 5 of them, which is Rescue Remedy. This can helpful for 'crisis' and 'emergency' situations.

Where do you start choosing a Bach Flower Remedy?


So as there are 38 where do you start? First off they are for balancing the emotions, and help with negative mental states. As you know yourself, there are many emotions you experience every day. The reasons for these can be various. And the same applies to our animals. It's important to emphasise that they are not used to treat physical illness direct. Indeed some ailments such as broken bones cannot be treated with a Bach Flower Remedy.

By restoring emotional wellbeing they can help the body's equilibrium. This is important. You can have two horses for example, who may appear to have the same issue. But their recovery and progress will be different. This is because everyone, animal or human is different. How we respond to situations is different.

If two horses were on box rest following a ligament or tendon injury, then their response to this will vary. One horse maybe subdued. Another may appear very fraught, kicking the walls for instance. So the emotional responses will require different Bach Flower Remedies.

Rescue Remedy Considerations


It's worth noting that although Rescue Remedy is helpful to have, if used often. This can suggest an underlying issue., that needs resolving. For instance it can help if there are thunderstorms that your animal finds scary. But depending on your animal:

• 'Mimulus' could help. As this is for everyday fear and anxiety caused by known things.
• Whereas 'Rock Rose' can help with terror and extreme fear.
• Aspen can help with fear or anxiety with no known cause.

Understanding your animal's 'normal' emotions and how he or she copes everyday is important. That way you can ensure the best remedies are used.

So in conclusion…. with 38 remedies in the Bach Flower Remedy system, you will have a whole lifetime of choice! As your animal goes through different life stages and experiences day to day life, there will be a remedy to help.

Being aware of your animal's behaviour and emotions is important. So take time to watch, listen and 'just be' with your animal, Whether you've had them a short time or for many years you can find a remedy in the system to help.

Remember.. With any issue it's important to get professionally qualified help.

There's many qualified Bach Flower Remedies practitioners around the world. Always seek their help first, to avoid the remedies being used incorrectly. Or complete a training course yourself. The Bach Centre have a Level One online course or face-to-face training you complete. For more information please email me or visit https://www.bachcentre.com

Get more information on Bach Flower Remedies for animals on other pages here at Taranet:




A holistic approach to your animal's health can make a massive positive difference. Get more ideas by taking a look at other Natural Pet Care blog posts, and the rest of this Taranet website.

Do you know someone who'd find this information on holistic animal health 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!

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

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

5 New Years Resolutions For Your Horse

09/01/26 18:01

5 Changes You Could Make To Your Horse's Care For The New Year


Do you make new years resolutions? As a horse owner you may already include your horse in your resolutions. Or is it something you've not thought of before for your horse?

We all want to do best for our animals, whether that's our horse, pony, donkey or other animal. So what can you do to make a positive change this new year? Here are five tips you can think about taking on.

5 Ways To Help Your Horse Be Happier and Healthier This Year


  1. When did your horse last have a massage? Or another therapeutic treatment such as chiropractic? It's important not to wait til a problem emerges and then have to find a solution. As with people, a massage or other hands-on therapy can be relaxing. Together with helping the mind, this can help muscles and ligaments. Whether your horse is busy enjoying the field most of the time, or stabled, or exercised often. Then massage can be invaluable to help mind and body to be at their best. Read more about equine massage and other hands-on therapies for your horse here.
  2. How do you worm your horse? There's increasing evidence that chemical wormers should be used sparingly. Worm counts are an excellent way to understand more about your horse's worm burden. Together with that there are herbal options to help promote good intestinal health. Such as Verm-X. Read more about holistic equine worming here.
  3. Dental care, when did your horse's teeth last get checked? Many horses, ponies or donkeys will experience some type of dental issue. These can be due to a conformational problem, age or injury amongst other causes. Getting your horse's teeth checked can be stressful. As with people, some horses don't like their mouths being looked at. Get some tips on holistic equine dental care here at my advice page.
  4. Want to improve your relationship with your horse? Tuning into your horse's energy can help understand your horse better. A skilled animal communicator can help unlock any blockages in your relationship. Read more about animal communication with this Natural Pet Care Blog post from Annie Bourke. Plus listen to this Animals Naturally podcast episode with Joan Ranquet to learn more.
  5. Review your horse's lifestyle. So what I mean is, is your horse as healthy as possible? Is your horse has happy as possible? A good immune system can help your horse withstand the challenges of everyday life. Same as humans. Check out my advice page on immune health to learn more.

These are just five ideas but there are many others too!

A holistic approach to your horse's health can make a massive positive difference. Get more ideas by taking a look at other Natural Pet Care blog posts, and the rest of this Taranet website.

Do you know someone who'd find this information on holistic horse health 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!

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


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

Your Guide to Cat Friendly Houseplants

02/12/25 16:59

Cat-friendly houseplants



I think it’s safe to say that we all love a houseplant. Here in the My Three Cats household, we have tons of them. The two main plants that we have are spider plants and orchids, both being cat-friendly house plants. It is very important to know what houseplants you are bringing into your home for the safety of your cat(s).

Benefits to houseplants

Before we get to the cats (a sentence I never thought I’d type), I thought it would be good to discuss why we like to have houseplants in the first place.
Not only do they enhance the appearance of our homes, but studies also show that houseplants: boost moods, increase creativity, reduce stress and eliminate air pollutants.
Speaking shortly, houseplants make us feel good.

Toxic houseplants and their symptoms in felines



Knowing the symptoms that can show on cats if they have consumed a toxic houseplant is beneficial. Here is a list of symptoms of poisoning:
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Excessive drinking/frequent urination
  • Overall weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Vomiting/diarrhea
  • Rashes/red skin
  • Ulcers in mouth
  • Pale gums
  • Twitching/seizures
  • Collapsing
  • Toxic houseplants

Looking on the Cats Protection website, I found a very useful page showing toxic/non-toxic plants. The website lists toxic plants as well as plants to take caution around. This is because they may not necessarily be toxic, but some parts of the plant could cause harm.
I would highly recommend having a little look at this site: https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/dangerous-plants

Three of the most common toxic houseplants for cats are:


  • Lily (all parts of a lily are toxic to cats)
  • Mistletoe (all parts of mistletoe is toxic to cats)
  • Hyacinths (the bulb of hyacinth is toxic to cats)

Some plants are not necessarily toxic but caution is advised:

  • Aloe vera
  • Asparagus fern
  • English ivy
  • Jade plant
  • Bird of paradise

Enough of the bad plants, let’s go through some cat-friendly houseplants. I have found my research for this section from PetPlan who make it very clear that just because a plant isn’t considered toxic, doesn’t mean it won’t make your pet ill. I guess that goes for a lot of things though really? Sweets aren’t toxic to humans but if you eat too much you’re bound to feel sick.

Money Tree
Not to be confused with a money plant which is a jade plant, “Pachira aquatica” are low maintenance for artificially lighted areas. They like moderately humid rooms and can be watered until water runs from the drainage holes (they should also be dried out between watering).

Hibiscus
In most cases, Hibiscus plants are safe for cats, but the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a type of hibiscus that can harm animals. They require bright, humid conditions with good ventilation, protected from direct sunlight. Indoor hibiscus needs lots of water in hot weather and much less in cold weather. You should water until you see it come out of the drainage holes.

Spider plant
Whilst spider plants are considered non-toxic to cats, it is still advised that cats eating the leaves may pose a potential risk. Spider plants contain chemical compounds that are said to be related to opium – these compounds can result in an upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhoea. They like even moisture and are to be kept in bright to moderate indirect sunlight.

Herbs – including basil, sage and rosemary
Most herbs are safe for cats. Garlic and chives are the most dangerous for your cat – all members of the allium family (onions, leeks, scallions and shallots) are toxic to felines. Even a small ingestion can cause damage to their red blood cells, leading to anaemia or even death.

Catnip
Growing catnip requires minimal effort or care. Catnip is definitely not toxic to cats, however, like most things, if they eat too much of it they can get an upset stomach leading to vomiting or diarrhoea. Catnip doesn’t need much water, but if you see it wilting, give it a deep watering.

Knowing your cat-friendly houseplants


There are just a few of the most common cat-friendly houseplants that you can keep in your homes. Will you be getting any of these to spruce up your house? Or do you already have any of the plants?

About The Author

This is reproduced from an existing blog also published at My Three Cats with permission from Wendy Thomson Melling, owner of My Three Cats Ltd.

Information in this post has been created by research and opinions of My Three Cats. We do not provide medical advice. If your cat experiences any health issues however apparently minor, please get in touch with your vet immediately for advice and treatment.

Visit Wendy's My Three Cats website at https://www.mythreecats.co.uk

Learn more about Wendy Melling and My Three Cats and Why Cats Deserve More in this Animals Naturally Podcast conversation: