Herbal Choices
Herbal choices is a self-selection approach that allows animals to choose specific herbs, plants, and natural substances to support their own physical and emotional wellbeing.
Herbal Choices is also known as Zoopharmacognosy or Innate Botanical Selections.
In nature, many animals instinctively seek out plants, herbs, clays, or other natural substances to help themselves feel better. For example, you might have seen a dog eat grass when they have an upset tummy.
Applied Zoopharmacognosy brings this natural wisdom into a safe, guided setting. By offering dogs a choice of safe essential oils, herbs, or powders, we give them the opportunity to select what their body needs for balance and wellbeing. It’s all about choice, empowerment, and supporting your dog’s natural ability to heal.
These session are recommended for any dog, whether they are suffering with health issues or as maintenance to help their body stay in balance.
Frequently asked questions
What happens during a session?
During the session, your dog will be gently offered a range of botanicals — including hydrosols, essential oils, herbs, and powders — all carefully selected for their therapeutic properties.
These are presented in pairs or small groups with similar actions or benefits. Your dog is then free to interact with, investigate, or ignore each offering. Their responses provide valuable insight into what their body and mind are seeking at that moment.
We continue the process, observing your dog’s reactions and adjusting the offerings, until we reach what we call the “top trump” — the botanical (or combination) your dog most clearly indicates they need.
This approach allows your dog to take an active role in their own healing, guiding the session intuitively and at their own pace.
Sessions last approximately 1.5 hours
You can see some examples of Zoopharmacognosy sessions on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@Lincscaninenut
What happens after a session?
After a session, most dogs are calm, relaxed, and content, a sign that the process has helped them release tension or restore balance.
In some cases, your dog may have selected botanicals that support detoxification or internal cleansing. This can naturally stimulate the body’s elimination processes , for example, through vomiting, increased bowel movements, or changes in urine output. These reactions are normal and temporary, as the body works to eliminate toxins, improve digestion, or restore equilibrium.
You’ll also be provided with a selection of your dog’s chosen botanicals to continue offering at home. This helps to reinforce their healing process and allows you to observe how their preferences or responses evolve over the following days.
If you notice any significant changes — physical, emotional, or behavioural — it’s always valuable to make a note, as these observations can guide the next session.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions can take place either in my clinic in Scunthorpe or in the comfort of your own home (within a 15 mile radius)
If you choose a home visit, all that’s needed is a quiet, comfortable space with as few distractions as possible, where your dog feels safe and relaxed. This helps them engage fully with the process and make clear selections.
Because herbs and powders are offered during the session, things can get a little messy at times! I always bring my own floor coverings, but it’s best to use a room where any spills or powders can be easily cleaned up afterward.
How many sessions will my dog need??
While a single session can certainly be beneficial, we generally recommend a follow-up session within 7–10 days of the first.
This is for several important reasons:
Building trust and familiarity: During the first session, your dog is introduced to the process and the various botanicals. By the second session, the worry or uncertainty is often gone, allowing them to engage more intuitively and confidently. This can lead to different or deeper selections being made.
Addressing layers of need: Sometimes, an animal’s initial selections focus on satisfying a surface-level or immediate need (for example, relieving pain, easing anxiety, or supporting detoxification). Once that need is met, the dog is able to move on to addressing the true underlying issue in subsequent sessions.
Varying rates of response: Some herbal or essential oil offerings can have a noticeable effect within days, while others may take weeks or even months to fully restore balance and function. A second session helps assess progress and adjust the offerings accordingly.
After the first two sessions, we can better determine whether your dog would benefit from further support and how often follow-ups may be needed. Every dog is unique; their emotional state, environment, and physical health all influence how they respond to self-selection.
Do I need veterinary consent?
If you’re booking a herbal session for general wellbeing, maintenance, or enrichment, then veterinary consent is not required.
However, if your dog has an ongoing medical condition, is currently taking medication, or is under veterinary investigation, then vet consent will be needed before we proceed.
Once you’ve booked your session, I’ll email you a vet consent form that you can easily forward to your veterinary practice for approval. This ensures we work safely and in partnership with your vet to support your dog’s overall health.