Natural healing practices and lifestyle can make all the difference to our human body, mind and spirit, so why would our dogs be any different? With easy steps and a little effort we can promote a positive shift in our pet’s physical and mental health.

The healing principles of Ayurveda, one of the predominant mind-body healing sciences of the East, can be utilized to understand people—and four-legged creatures—from a more integrated and holistic perspective. Ayurveda teaches that each being is a unique individual.

Just as we educate and empower ourselves when it comes to self-care, let’s remember to include our companion animals in our circle of influence. We should see our dogs as the dynamic and multi-dimensional beings they are in order to support their health.  

The Ayurvedic approach provides various methods to nourish and restore balance through the five senses – taste, touch, smell, sight, and sound. All information received by body and mind (for two or four-legged beings) is channeled through these five gateways and integrated into the system. With this in mind, choices can be made to favor what nourishes while reducing what exaggerates imbalance, so equilibrium can be restored naturally and holistically.  

For instance, when we listen to calming, grounding music, it encourages us to feel calmer and more grounded. When we listen to salsa music, we feel more passionate. When we listen to rock, we wanna rock! Our sense of hearing triggers a certain mind/body response.

Applying Ayurveda to Dogs

Dogs may not necessarily salsa dance (although I’ve seen a few questionable YouTube videos) but they do feel more energetic when they hear stimulating music. They’re calmed by earthy tones and soothed by cooling aromas. Their bodies function optimally when fed high-quality food and they may suffer on a diet of processed meals. Their behavior is improved and training becomes easier when they are better understood. Just like us, their entire life can be transformed by adjusting their environmental influences.

Ayurveda describes imbalance as a disturbance, often an elevated state, of one’s dosha (mindbody type). Simply said, a dog’s body and mind can go out of balance in some of these ways:

• Too airy/light/dry: Vata dosha imbalanced
• Too hot/intense/moist: Pitta dosha imbalanced
• Too heavy/slow/inert: Kapha dosha imbalanced

Tips to Promote Balance for Dog’s Doshas

Balance the Vata dosha

• Favor warm, moist food.
• Add pureed seasonal vegetables lightly cooked in sesame oil to food.
• Doggie massage. (Deep, audible breathing for extra relaxation for both!)
• Calm, grounded communication from human companion.

Balance the Pitta dosha

• Favor cooling foods such as apple (no seeds), yoghurt (unsweetened), cucumber, banana.
• Coconut oil (eaten or topically; daily recommendation is up to 1 teaspoon of oil per 10 pound of dog).
• Swimming and other cooling activities.
• Non-aggressive, mentally stimulating play.

Balance the Kapha dosha

• Green leafy and other fresh vegetables, pureed.
• Regular, daily, vigorous exercise.
• Bright, invigorating colors and patterns of collar, name tag, bedding, et cetera.
• Use only natural, healthy treats.

Make any changes—even positive ones—slowly and gradually. Be consistent. When facing a behavioral or physical challenge with your dog, ask yourself if you can identify a human version of this symptom anywhere in YOUR life. Our dogs are often our mirrors.

With some extra attention and care, their overall wellbeing and behavior can be enhanced, and their unique personality will shine!

The information written here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or behavioral advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian or other qualified animal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or behavioral condition that your pet may suffer from.

Amanda Ringnalda

Amanda Ringnalda is the founder of SoulPlayMates, an education, dog rescue, and advocacy nonprofit. She is also a Certified Vedic Educator and the Vice President of client services at the Chopra Center for Wellbeing at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California. Amanda teaches workshops on Ayurveda for Dogs including upcoming workshops on Doshas for Dogs at the Chopra Center on March 12 and April 30. soulplaymates.org.

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When it comes to dog products, I feel like I’ve tried them all and can sum up most of my experience in four ways: 1. Disappointing, as in never again. 2. If they had only done-this-or-added-that, it would have been great. 3. Good, solid product, and 4. Use it and never lose it. Here are a few that made it into my rotation and never left:

1. Four Paws tension gate

Sturdy, adjustable, no drilling, and not terrible to look at.

2. Kong Toys

Made of nearly indestructible rubber (I said nearly). Fill with food, even freeze with food, hand over to your waiting pup, and enjoy some free time while your dog works this great treat.

3. Ruffwear Safety Beacon Light

Bright lights help you see your dog in the dark (and they blink, too).

4. Black Diamond Rock Climbing Carabiner

Clip this to the leash and then to your belt for a tethered, super secure walking experience.

5. PAWZ Rubber Dog Boots

A boot that is ice, snow, salt, lawn chemical, hot surface, and water proof, and allows a dog’s feet to move freely inside? A winner.

6. Bio-degradable poop bags

Watch Addicted to Plastic, then use these to clear your conscience.

7. Tuffy’s Mega Ring Dog Toy

A great tug toys that floats, is machine washable, and made tough, but still soft enough for a dog’s mouths and my hands.

Leading dog expert Justin Silver is the co-author of The Language of Dogs, founder of the charity, Funny For Fido, former host of the CBS’ series Dogs In The City, and TV veteran. He currently lives in LA where he helps run his bi-coastal dog care company, also named The Language of Dogs. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook @IamJustinSilver

Staff Writer Lakshmi

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Staff Writer Lakshmi

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“He’s very well behaved for a rescue dog.”  

“Really – you got a purebred dog from a rescue group?”

I have a rescue dog and I get very tired of how often I hear these statements.

What upsets me even more is so-called “conscious” people and yogis who buy dogs. Buying dogs in this day and age is a death sentence for the millions of dogs sitting in shelters waiting to die.

When you buy a dog from a pet store you support puppy mills—manufacturers of puppies with profits in mind. Puppies which come from these mills are kept in horrible conditions and frequently have health issues. These mills are just in business to sell puppies. They will sell just as equally to scientific test facilities as well as pet stores just to keep their bottom line as robust as possible. Nearly all puppies in pet stores come from these types of operations. Not to mention the mothers of puppy mill puppies never see the light of day and endure a torturous life. Making money off a dog’s uterus is one of the most UNCONSCIOUS things you can do.

Facts about rescue dogs

• They are not all timid and not all of them have been abused.

Rescue dogs come in all temperaments and packages. All dogs have so much unconditional love to give. Even abused dogs can make a full emotional recovery in the right home, as long as you provide the consistent care and attention. Plus often abused dogs are so happy to be rescued you’ll find them to be very devoted and loyal to you. You can rescue a dog from a shelter or a breed-specific rescue group. Those in shelters are on death row, so if you can get one from a shelter please do.

• You can get a rescue dog that is a purebred.

There are literally thousands of “breed-specific” rescue groups so you can adopt the dog of your choice without supporting an unethical puppy mill, breeder, or pet store. Visit Pet Finder.com and check out all the PURE BREED dogs available.

• Rescue dogs do not all have behavioral issues and don’t necessarily end up inshelters because of behavioral  issues.

There are many reasons why a dog ends up at a shelter. Many owners die, or lose their apartments or their jobs. Dogs that are strays, born on the streets, or lost are often brought in to shelters. Some owners just don’t have the time or patience to dedicate to a dog. Real behavioral issues usually make up a small portion of rescue dogs in a shelter, and often, these dogs are pre-tested and not even put up for adoption to the public before they are socialized.

Myths about Rescue dogs

• I won’t get “papers” with a rescue dog.

This is a myth: I have “papers” for Bentley; I adopted him from Labradoodle Rescue. He was purchased by a family in Orange County who had a sick child. They thought he would help make the child better, but they did not understand the rigors of raising a puppy; he was so wild they wanted to euthanize him. Instead, Labradoodle rescue took him in. He story is not unique.

•  Rescue dogs are unhealthy and sick.

A veterinarian gives dogs that are taken in by breed-specific groups a complete health exam before they are put up for adoption. If a dog does has  medical issues, you’ll be alerted—unlike a pet store which frequently does not disclose a puppy’s health issues.

• You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Older rescue dogs in shelters will impress you with their ability to learn. Dogs are incredibly adaptable. Give them  guidance, patience, love, and leadership and they will learn new habits and tricks.

Go get a rescue dog—it will change your life. It changed mine.

Beth Shaw

Beth Shaw C-IAYT is the founder of YogaFit and the author of Healing Trauma with Yoga. Healing Trauma with Yoga combines a discussion of trauma from the perspective of modern neuroscience with empowering teachings from yoga philosophy and yoga practice. In the book,13 people share their inspiring stories of how yoga is an essential component of their own path of learning to heal and thrive. Order the book and learn more at: bethshaw.com.

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We can apply the energetics of Ayurveda specifically to our companion animals.

Many of the familiar herbs that we can use for our own health can also be shared with the four-legged animals who share our homes. The following herbs are recommended specifically for pets:
 

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha has been used since ancient times to promote health and longevity. Its active principles (alkaloids and withanoloides) are similar to those of ginseng. Like ginseng, ashwagandha is revered for its anti-aging properties.
 
Specifically, it is used to enhance the immune system and treat anemia, inflammation, bacterial infection, and diarrhea. It is also thought to improve the quality of bodily tissues.
 
Clinical research shows that ashwagandha helps relieve general aches and pains. Ashwagandha is an excellent hematinic and contains high levels of iron and free amino acids such as glycine, valine, tyrosine, proline, and alanine. Moreover, this herb has been shown to be safe for long-term use. Research shows that ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, sedative, antibacterial, and anti-fungal activity.  It also has anti-tumorigenic uses in animals.
 
Dosage:

• 500 mg- 1500 mg twice daily for dogs
• 200 – 500 mg twice daily for cats

Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis), also known as Indian gooseberry, is one of the richest sources of bioflavonoids and Vitamin C. Native to India, this plum-sized fruit is revered for its anti-aging and immune system-enhancing properties. Each amla fruit contains up to 700 mg of Vitamin C. 
 
This natural ascorbate is synergistically enhanced by the bioflavonoids and polyphenols contained in each fruit. In fact, research has shown that the potency of the 8.7 mg of natural Vitamin C complex in amla is equivalent to 100 mg of the most commonly used synthetic Vitamin C.
 
It is interesting to note that the natural ellagic and gallic acids in amla protect the Vitamin C from oxidation and increase its potency. Amla has traditionally been combined with several other herbs and spices.
 
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it has been particularly indicated for anemia, asthma, bleeding gums, diabetes, colds, chronic lung disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, yeast infections, and cancer. It also increases lean body mass, accelerates the repair and regeneration of connective tissue, and enhances interferon and corticosteroid production.
 
Amla also acts as an antacid and anti-tumorigenic agent. In addition, it increases protein synthesis and is thus useful in cases of hypoglycemia. Amla is more beneficial than was previously imagined.
 
Dosage: 

• 500 – 1000 mg every 12 hours for dogs
• 100 – 250 mg for every 12 hours for cats

Boswellia serrata

The gummy extract of Boswellia serrata, a centuries-old botanical remedy, has recently been hailed by modern scientific research for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Boswellia shrinks inflamed tissue by improving the blood supply to the affected area and enhances the repair of damaged blood vessels.
 
Boswellic acid, an active ingredient in boswellia, blocks synthesis of proinflammatory 5-lipoxygenase products including 5-HETE and LTB4, thereby reducing fever and pain, and inhibiting various inflammatory diseases.
 
Both clinical and experimental trials of Boswellia serrata indicate that it produces none of the side effects (gastric irritation, ulcers, and the negative effect on the heart rate and blood pressure) associated with most anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic drugs, or even minor irritations.
 
Dosage: 

• 500 – 1000 every 12 hours for dogs
• 75 – 150 mg liquid every 12 hours for cats

Bacopa

Bacopa monniera (also known as brahmi which, in Sanskrit, means Creator) is a small creeping herb commonly growing in marshy areas throughout India up to 2,000 feet above sea level. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is considered astringent, bitter, cooling, and is well-known as a brain tonic that improves the intellect.
 
It has also been used for the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma as well as other diseases such as epilepsy, seizure disorders, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction.
 
Dosage:Should be given with food.

• For dogs, give up to 250 mg a day
• For cats give 100 mg a day

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric can be used as a fresh green rhizome or a powdered dry rhizome. Curcuma longa has been believed to possess great healing powers. It is a common practice to give Curcuma longa  in any case of trauma or accident to the person even before seeking any medical help.
 
It works on all tissues of the body, but has its great activity on digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems.  It is a very strong anti-inflammatory (even more potent than phenylbutazone and other NSAIDS) in cases of bruises and arthritis. It provides excellent hepatoprotection against liver stagnation and cholestasis.
 
Turmeric purifies blood, relieves stagnation, and is believed to be a free radical scavenger and a potent anti-neoplastic agent. It has good anti-microbial activity without any side effects. Turmeric has been known to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
 
It is believed to inhibit inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. Hence it can be beneficial in IBD, liver problems, arthritis, respiratory problems, and inflammatory conditions.
 
Curcumin can be given mixed with soft food, or can be added to home cooking. It has no taste but it colors the food.
 
Turmeric has the active alkaloid curcumin. This active principle can be given to pets in these dosages:

• 250 mg every 12 hours for dogs
• 100 mg every 12 hours in cats

Dosage for Whole Turmeric:

• ½ to 1 tsp for dogs
• ¼ of a tsp twice daily for cats

 
Please Remember:
Before instituting any diet or herbal supplementation, seek professional help from your veterinarian.
 
In your pets’ diets, avoid chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins, since they are toxic to cats and dogs.
 

Tejender Sodhi

Dr. Tejinder Sodhi graduated from the College of Veterinary Science in Punjab, India in 1983. Dr. Sodhi came to the United States in 1985, where he did his ECFVG certification with the American Veterinary Association. Dr. Sodhi opened his own clinic in Lynnwood, Washington, The Animal Wellness Center and in 1996, Dr. Sodhi opened his second location in Bellevue, Washinton, where he offers a full aquatic center for rehabilitation of animals. Dr. Sodhi’s professional associations include the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), American Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR), Seattle King County Veterinary Medical Association (SKCVMA), International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS), American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA), and the Washington State Veterinarians Medical Association (WSVMA). He is president of the first chapter of Holistic Veterinarians in the state of Washington. Dr. Sodhi is one of three physician brothers who created Ayush Herbs in 1988, offering formulas for people and pets.

www.holistic-pet-care.com

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Orange Bone

Enthralled by its happy atmosphere, Clark DuVal bought the Melrose Avenue shop The Puppy Store (now Orange Bone), in late August, 2008. So when Last Chance for Animals (LCA) supporters stood outside his door protesting two months later, his curiosity was heightened.

“I thought boy, this is such a great store and we work so hard at making sure it stays clean and the puppies are healthy,” says DuVal. “I was really curious about what the problem was and why they would be protesting.”

Since the airing of a segment of The Oprah Show on puppy mills in May, 2008, advocate Kim Sills has lead LCA’s campaign, protesting outside pet stores known to receive their puppies from breeders exploiting dogs. DuVal was the first business owner to step outside and engage Sills in a conversation.

Puppy mills are facilities that mass-produce puppies for wholesale, notorious for deplorable breeding situations. Over-crowded and filthy, puppies and their parents (known as brood bitches) suffer from malnutrition, constant exposure to harsh environmental conditions and inbreeding. According to LCA, 97% of all dogs sold in US pet stores are generated from puppy mills across the nation.

Although DuVal was aware puppy mills existed, he believed his breeders “took extra precautions to make sure that their pups were well taken care of and their facilities clean.”

I Love Orange Bone

Based on Sills’ influence, DuVal decided to investigate his puppy suppliers’ assertions that they were clean reputable breeders and not the puppy mills accused by LCA’s. DuVal’s plan: visit the breeding facilities himself.

“I felt confident I could go back and take pictures and show [LCA] that we’re very careful with where we’re sourcing these puppies from, that they don’t come from bad situations,” says DuVal. But the conversations with breeders ended. “Then I knew I had to make a change.”

Together DuVal and Sills created a new business model to support their commitments to companion animals. “I knew I couldn’t continue with purebred dogs, they’re gorgeous animals and I loved having them in here, but just knowing what might be going on before they got here was just too disturbing,” explains DuVal. His concern was how to find enough puppies to stay in business.

Sills informed him of the overpopulation problem facing Los Angeles County shelters. (According to the LA Animal Service Department, 30,813 dogs were taken into the city shelters in 2008. Of these, 7,518 were euthanized making plenty of puppies to fill the store.) Relationships between Orange Bone and the city’s shelter system struck up, and DuVal spent December selling the store’s remaining purebreds, while Sills visited shelters around the city daily. By January, 2009, Orange Bone was strictly selling rescues. In the month of January alone, they found homes for thirty-six puppies and six adult dogs (some of whom were just days away from being euthanized).

“We feel that this is the biggest way to show the public that shelter dogs are beautiful, loving, sweet companions,” says Sills, who pointed out that it may take hours to adopt a dog from the shelter, which is often a sad place. “These are dogs from that same environment put into a clean, loving space.”

Katherine Heigl At Orange Bone

Part of the clean, loving space is found in the countless hours of careful attention from a team of store employees, volunteers and veterinary professionals. The rescued pups at Orange Bone have been rehabilitated physically and emotionally, have a clean bill of health, are spayed or neutered and outfitted with microchips. Customers are falling in love. “We’re absolutely touched by the reception we’ve gotten from the community. It surprises me how moved people are by what we are doing,” says DuVal. And buying one of these puppies, even after the attention they’ve received, is hundreds of dollars less expensive than buying a puppy mill sourced purebred.

Considered by some to be a puppy messiah, DuVal was just doing what seemed like a good thing to do as a concerned business owner. Without realizing it, or wanting recognition for it, he is living the yogic ideal of ahimsa – compassion or nonviolence – by choosing to rescue animals rather than support an industry that exploits our companions for profit.  Sills has dedicated her life to upholding these ideals through her commitment to the humane treatment of animals.

“Our goal is to put out of business anyone mistreating animals,” says Sills, noting that overcrowding and sometimes even abuse take place even within the shelter system. “If we can change the way America gets their companion animals then we’ve done our job.”

Orange Bone offers puppies, and the occasional dog, of all breeds as well as doggie fashion and accessories. orangebone.com.

Last Chance for Animals is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating animal exploitation. LCAnimal.org.

Meagan McCrary

Meagan McCrary is a Yoga teacher and freelance writer with a masters degree in writing from USC when she’s not playing with puppies. She is the author of Pick Your Yoga Practice.

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