Holistic Pet Care
Herbs for Pets: Free Holistic Pet Care Resources
Our pets are family, and they deserve the same informed, intentional care we want for ourselves. This page is my running collection of the best free resources I have found for raising dogs and cats naturally: herbal references, raw feeding guides, titer testing information, holistic vet directories, books, videos, and more.
Everything here is for educational purposes, not medical advice. Use it to ask better questions and make educated decisions alongside a vet you trust.
On this page
Vaccines & Titer Testing · Books · Free Articles · Videos & Channels · Raw Feeding · Find a Holistic Vet · Herb & Plant Safety · FAQ
Pet Vaccines & Titer Testing
Pet Vaccine Information
We deserve full, informed consent for our pets' health choices, just like our own. There has been growing discussion about the possible side effects and harms of routine vaccination, so I compiled a list of resources where you can dig into the research and make an educated decision with your vet.
Learn About Pet VaccinesTiter Testing Resources
Many vaccines produce immunity that lasts far longer than the 1 to 3 years printed on the label. Titer testing shows whether your pet is still immune before you revaccinate. Learn about titers, state vaccination policies, and medical exemptions for senior or sick pets.
Learn About TitersFree Articles from My Blog
Featured
The Hidden Dangers of Flea and Tick Medications for Pets and What You Can Do Instead
Flea and tick meds are notorious for bad reactions, and spring is when fleas and ticks wake back up. I go over the issues with these commonly prescribed meds and what I do instead to prevent infestation.
Itchy Paws Natural Remedy: 7 Safe, Natural Ways to Soothe Your Dog's Feet
Fast, gentle home remedies for itchy paws: oatmeal soaks, coconut oil, diet tweaks, and more to calm your dog's irritated feet naturally.
Enhancing Your Dog's Health: The Power of Herbal Medicine
An introduction to three gentle, well tolerated herbs for dogs (chamomile, ginger, and parsley), how to work them into your dog's diet, and what to discuss with your vet before starting any new herbal protocol.
YouTube Videos & Channels
Dr. Judy Morgan
An integrative veterinarian with nearly four decades of experience in acupuncture, chiropractic, and food therapy. Her channel is packed with practical guidance on natural healing therapies and minimizing chemicals, over-vaccination, and poor quality processed food.
View channelRodney Habib: Planet Paws
A digital storyteller, science junkie, and co-author of The Forever Dog. Planet Paws covers pet nutrition, longevity research, and interviews with leading holistic vets.
View channelCrunchy Pets with Dr. Karen Becker
An episode of Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark featuring holistic vet Dr. Karen Becker. They dig into raw diets, hidden toxins in pet food, vaccines, heartworm, and what actually helps dogs live longer.
Watch on YouTubeBooks & Paper Media
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Mark of the Beast: Hidden in Plain Sight
By Dr. Patricia Jordan
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The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice
By Rita Hogan, C.H.
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The Forever Dog
By Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, DVM & Rodney Habib
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Herbs for Pets
By Mary Wulff-Tilford & Greg Tilford
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Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats
By Diane Stein
*Amazon links on this page are affiliate links. IvyHerbal.com may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase a book using one of these links. We highly encourage purchasing these books locally and/or used if available.
Raw Feeding Resources
A species-appropriate diet is the foundation everything else builds on. These sites will take you from total beginner to confidently formulating balanced raw or gently cooked meals.
Perfectly Rawsome
One of the most comprehensive free raw feeding sites available, covering species-appropriate diets for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Detailed BARF and prey model guides, nutrient breakdowns, recipes, and connections to certified canine nutritionists.
perfectlyrawsome.comRaw Fed & Nerdy
A science-based resource created to fill the gap in nutritional guidelines within the raw feeding community. Offers a free full course on raw and cooked home-prepared diets for dogs and cats, plus a supportive Facebook group. Founded by Savannah Welna, Cert. ACN.
rawfedandnerdy.comPrimal Pooch: Raw Feeding Guides
An extensive free library covering every aspect of a raw diet: proteins, organs, bones, supplements, transitioning, portion sizing, and sourcing.
primalpooch.comPrimal Pooch: Master Resource List
A curated directory linking to dozens of the best raw feeding websites, holistic vets, books, podcasts, and communities. A great one-stop jumping-off point.
primalpooch.comDogs Naturally Magazine
Run by holistic veterinarians and natural health experts, this is one of the most respected free publications covering raw feeding, natural healthcare, vaccine discussions, and integrative care for dogs.
dogsnaturallymagazine.comBella & Duke Raw Feeding Guides
Expert-written guides on transitioning, portioning, and preparing raw food for dogs and cats, contributed by nutritionists, vets, and vet nurses.
bellaandduke.comKeep the Tail Wagging
A long-running blog by raw feeder Kimberly Gauthier sharing first-hand raw feeding experience, beginner guides, sourcing tips, and integrative pet health topics.
keepthetailwagging.comHpathy Veterinary Q&A
A free newsletter and monthly Q&A with a homeopathic, holistic-minded veterinarian. I have found some really good tidbits for both cats and dogs in the past Q&A archives.
hpathy.comFind a Holistic or Integrative Vet
Working with a vet who respects your approach makes everything easier, from titer testing to herbal protocols. These free directories help you find holistic, homeopathic, and botanically trained veterinarians near you, and many offer telehealth consults.
AHVMA Vet Finder
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association's searchable directory of member vets practicing acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic, homeopathy, and more.
ahvma.orgAcademy of Veterinary Homeopathy
A directory of veterinarians trained in classical homeopathy, including many who offer remote consultations if there is no one local to you.
theavh.orgVeterinary Botanical Medicine Association
The VBMA maintains a find-a-vet listing of practitioners specifically trained in botanical and herbal medicine for animals. This is the directory I point people to when they want a vet who truly understands herbs.
vbma.orgChi University Practitioner Search
Find vets certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and food therapy.
chiu.eduHerb & Plant Safety for Pets
Natural does not automatically mean safe for animals. Dogs and cats metabolize plant compounds differently than we do, and cats in particular are sensitive to many essential oils. Bookmark these free databases before adding any new herb, plant, or oil to your home.
ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants Database
A free, searchable database of hundreds of plants rated for toxicity to dogs, cats, and horses. I check this before bringing any new plant into the garden or the house.
aspca.orgPet Poison Helpline Poison List
A free A-to-Z reference covering plants, foods, medications, and household items that are toxic to pets, with signs to watch for.
petpoisonhelpline.comCatInfo.org
Dr. Lisa Pierson's free feline nutrition site. Cats are not small dogs, and this is the single best free resource I know of on species-appropriate feeding for cats, including transitioning stubborn kibble addicts.
catinfo.orgTruth About Pet Food
Consumer advocate Susan Thixton's long-running watchdog site covering pet food recalls, ingredient investigations, and regulatory issues the industry would rather you not read about. Free recall alerts are worth signing up for on their own.
truthaboutpetfood.comBark & Whiskers
Dr. Karen Becker's free daily articles on natural pet health, nutrition, and wellness. A huge searchable archive covering both dogs and cats.
barkandwhiskers.comWhole Dog Journal
A respected, ad-free publication with a large library of free articles on dog health, nutrition, and training, with a naturally minded editorial approach.
whole-dog-journal.comFrequently Asked Questions
Are herbs safe for dogs and cats?
Many herbs are gentle and well tolerated by pets, but not all human-safe herbs are pet-safe, and cats in particular metabolize plant compounds very differently. Always check a toxicity database like the ASPCA plant list, start with small amounts, and work with a botanically trained vet when possible.
Does my pet really need vaccines every year?
Many core vaccines produce immunity lasting well beyond the label interval. A simple titer test can show whether your pet is still protected before you revaccinate. See my titer testing resources to learn more and discuss options with your vet.
How do I find a holistic vet near me?
Start with the free directories above: AHVMA for general holistic and integrative vets, the VBMA for herbal medicine, the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy for homeopathy, and Chi University for TCVM. Many listed practitioners also offer telehealth consults if no one is local.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical or veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet, supplements, or care routine.
Find a Holistic or Integrative Vet
Working with a vet who respects your approach makes everything easier, from titer testing to herbal protocols. These free directories help you find holistic, homeopathic, and botanically trained veterinarians near you, and many offer telehealth consults.
AHVMA Vet Finder
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association's searchable directory of member vets practicing acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic, homeopathy, and more.
ahvma.orgAcademy of Veterinary Homeopathy
A directory of veterinarians trained in classical homeopathy, including many who offer remote consultations if there is no one local to you.
theavh.orgVeterinary Botanical Medicine Association
The VBMA maintains a find-a-vet listing of practitioners specifically trained in botanical and herbal medicine for animals. This is the directory I point people to when they want a vet who truly understands herbs.
vbma.orgChi University Practitioner Search
Find vets certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and food therapy.
chiu.eduHerb & Plant Safety for Pets
Natural does not automatically mean safe for animals. Dogs and cats metabolize plant compounds differently than we do, and cats in particular are sensitive to many essential oils. Bookmark these free databases before adding any new herb, plant, or oil to your home.
ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants Database
A free, searchable database of hundreds of plants rated for toxicity to dogs, cats, and horses. I check this before bringing any new plant into the garden or the house.
aspca.orgPet Poison Helpline Poison List
A free A-to-Z reference covering plants, foods, medications, and household items that are toxic to pets, with signs to watch for.
petpoisonhelpline.comCatInfo.org
Dr. Lisa Pierson's free feline nutrition site. Cats are not small dogs, and this is the single best free resource I know of on species-appropriate feeding for cats, including transitioning stubborn kibble addicts.
catinfo.orgTruth About Pet Food
Consumer advocate Susan Thixton's long-running watchdog site covering pet food recalls, ingredient investigations, and regulatory issues the industry would rather you not read about. Free recall alerts are worth signing up for on their own.
truthaboutpetfood.comBark & Whiskers
Dr. Karen Becker's free daily articles on natural pet health, nutrition, and wellness. A huge searchable archive covering both dogs and cats.
barkandwhiskers.comWhole Dog Journal
A respected, ad-free publication with a large library of free articles on dog health, nutrition, and training, with a naturally minded editorial approach.
whole-dog-journal.comFrequently Asked Questions
Are herbs safe for dogs and cats?
Many herbs are gentle and well tolerated by pets, but not all human-safe herbs are pet-safe, and cats in particular metabolize plant compounds very differently. Always check a toxicity database like the ASPCA plant list, start with small amounts, and work with a botanically trained vet when possible.
Does my pet really need vaccines every year?
Many core vaccines produce immunity lasting well beyond the label interval. A simple titer test can show whether your pet is still protected before you revaccinate. See my titer testing resources to learn more and discuss options with your vet.
How do I find a holistic vet near me?
Start with the free directories above: AHVMA for general holistic and integrative vets, the VBMA for herbal medicine, the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy for homeopathy, and Chi University for TCVM. Many listed practitioners also offer telehealth consults if no one is local.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical or veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet, supplements, or care routine.
Free Articles from My Blog
Flea and tick meds are notorious for bad reactions, but here we are at the beginning of springtime, when ticks and fleas start waking back up. In this article, I go over the issues with these commonly prescribed meds, and what I do instead to prevent infestation.