As if dogs weren’t cool enough, did you know that they have the ability to self-medicate??
Zoopharmacognosy is an innate behavior that animals possess in that they know exactly what they need in order to maintain homeostasis, or in other words, bring their mind and body back into balance. We can think of it as self medicating to make them feel better both physically and emotionally, to prevent disease, kill bacteria or to aid in digestion.
When they want to make themselves feel better, they will turn to things found in the wild, such as plants, soil and oils.
You may have seen your dog do this by eating grass. This helps the dog eliminate their problem by either vomiting or passing it through their bowels. It’s not the same as dogs that eat grass because they are hungry and you typically won’t see other dogs joining in. It must be something they use that has no nutritional value.
This is another great reason to provide our dogs with opportunities for off leash freedom which allows for exploring and sniffing. Of course you want to make sure that the areas are safe and free from being chemically treated but be sure to give them opportunities to nibble grass, lick dirt and dig at roots. You never know what ailment they might be trying to cure!
If you enjoyed this healthy diet series, I urge you to visit this site and listen to the podcast from the Online Dog Trainer that features Dr. Karen Becker.
The quality of these dog treats is second to none. I feel so good knowing I’m feeding my dog 100% grass fed beef! He deserves only the best and Patriot Pup delivers!
