Pets Natural Health Store

16/06/2026

🐕🐕

We can try so hard for that “instant” connection that it can feel personal when it doesn’t happen.

They may avoid you.
Keep their distance and show zero interest in affection we can give.

We give them everything but sometimes fail to understand what they have LOST.

They can be grieving.

And we may not understand that, especially when they came from a very damaged background.
But ideal or just awful, it WAS familiar.

Losing that can absolutely affect them

The smell of the home they knew.
The loss of the walk on their favourite street.
Who they saw every morning when they woke up.
The routine they knew.

It’s all gone.

We see they’re struggling and desperately want to help them.

We buy them the comfy bed. But it’s not “theirs”, yet.
It smells different from the old musty blanket they had covered in their own hair.

We buy new toys and want them to play.
But it’s not their favourite game or their favourite toy. That didn’t come with them.

A dog can be in a vastly better environment and situation for them and STILL experience loss.

That adjustment they need?
Sometimes it feels personal.
Like you’ve done something wrong or you're not doing enough.
It feels like a distance and no amount of “trying” from us seems to work.

Their loss is real and it needs to be recognised.

Your new dog cannot feel a connection when theres no safety.
“But, it’s safe here, I would never hurt them”.

They don’t know that yet.
Safety can take days, weeks or months and it happens when it happens.
That 3x3x3 rule?
There is no real timeline we can predictably rely on other than it will take as long as it takes.

But when we are predictable and consistent, and when that feeling of safety envelops them THAT is when you will see those connections.

You’ll see glimpses .
They may be tiny at first or you may see real connection and then distance again.

A little more curiosity.
A bit more confidence.
They’ll start to show more trust.

Your connection now isn't what it will be in the future.

Because safety comes before connection.

All they need right now is to feel safe.

Save this for the hard days 💙

What was the smallest sign your rescue started to trust you?

13/06/2026

🐕🐕🐕

There's an uncomfortable part to this.

We like certainty.

See the signal.
Name the signal.
Understand the dog.

A lip lick.
A yawn.
Looking away.

Most people want one meaning for each.

One signal.
One answer.
One reason.
Done and dusted.

Dogs rarely offer us that luxury.

The same behaviour can be a calming signal, an appeasement gesture or a displacement behaviour.

The signal may be identical.
The meaning may not be.

Certainty is so tempting.

But to read dogs well, we need to stay curious.
We need to look at the context.

We need to question our first conclusion and even our second and third.

And sometimes we need to admit that what we're seeing doesn't fit neatly into what we thought we knew at all.

That's the uncomfortable part.

12/06/2026

🐕🐕🐕

I AIN’T REALLY MISBEHAVING - I’M JUST DOING WHAT DOGS DO!

What we may label as bad behaviour is often nothing more than a dog behaving exactly as nature designed them to.

Dogs are not born understanding human rules, household etiquette or the expectations we place on them.
They don't automatically know that some things are not meant to be chewed, that food left on a countertop is strictly off-limits or that they’re expected to walk calmly on a leash.

When we bring dogs into our lives, we expect them to automatically adapt to a world that is not naturally theirs.
We confine them to houses and yards, expect them to fit into our busy schedules, keep quiet and ignore the countless natural temptations that surround them every day.

When we view behaviour through this lens, frustration should begin to give way to understanding.

Understanding behaviour does not mean allowing dogs to do whatever they want. It means recognizing that behaviour serves a purpose and is fulfilling a need.

Instead of punishing a dog for behaving naturally, we can guide them towards behaviours that are acceptable. We can prevent rehearsal of unwanted behaviour, teach new skills, meet their physical, emotional and social needs, and provide appropriate outlets for their natural needs.

Dogs who are given opportunities to sniff, explore, chew, forage, play, problem-solve and engage with their environment are far better equipped to cope with the expectations placed on them.

The more we understand why dogs do what they do, the more successful we can become at helping them navigate our human world.

When we stop viewing every unwanted behaviour as misbehaviour and start seeing it as communication, we shift from trying to control our dogs to supporting and meeting their needs.

One of the greatest gifts we can give our dogs is our understanding.

12/06/2026

🐕🐕🌿🌱

🌿 MILK THISTLE & “DETOXING”: WHAT DOES THE SCIENCE ACTUALLY SAY? 🐾

We live in a world filled with environmental chemicals.
Research has shown that both humans and animals are exposed daily to pollutants through:
• Air
• Water
• Plastics
• Pesticides
• Household chemicals
• Processed foods

This has led many pet owners to explore herbs and supplements that may help support health, especially liver health.

One herb that receives enormous attention is Milk Thistle.

But what is science … and what is marketing?

🧬 WHAT IS MILK THISTLE?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a medicinal herb used for thousands of years. Its active compounds are collectively called silymarin, with silibinin being one of the major bioactive components.

Researchers have studied silymarin extensively because it appears to have:
• Antioxidant properties
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Liver-protective actions
• Cellular protective mechanisms

In veterinary medicine, milk thistle is most commonly discussed in relation to liver support.

🧠 THE LIVER: THE BODY’S CHEMICAL PROCESSING CENTRE

The liver is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body.

It plays critical roles in:
• Metabolising drugs
• Processing waste products
• Regulating nutrients
• Supporting immune function
• Breaking down environmental compounds

However, contrary to many internet claims, the liver does NOT simply become “clogged with toxins”.

Healthy dogs already possess sophisticated detoxification systems involving:
• The liver
• Kidneys
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Immune system
• Skin and lungs

The body is constantly processing and eliminating compounds through highly complex biochemical pathways.

That said, environmental exposure science itself IS very real. Modern animals are exposed to far more synthetic compounds than at any other point in evolutionary history.

🧪 WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SHOW?

Studies suggest silymarin may help:
• Reduce oxidative stress
• Stabilise liver cell membranes
• Support liver tissue regeneration
• Modulate inflammation

Because of this, veterinarians sometimes use milk thistle as supportive care in dogs experiencing:
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Certain toxin exposures
• Medication-related liver stress
• Chronic liver disease

Supportive care is the key phrase here.

Milk thistle is not a magical “cleanser”.
It is a herb that may support normal liver function under some circumstances.

⚡ WHAT ABOUT CANCER CLAIMS?

This is where online information often becomes exaggerated.

Laboratory studies have shown that silibinin can affect cancer cells under experimental conditions. Researchers have observed:
• Reduced tumour cell proliferation
• Increased programmed cell death (apoptosis)
• Changes in inflammatory signalling

But laboratory findings do NOT automatically translate into proven cancer treatments in living dogs.

At present, there is insufficient evidence to claim milk thistle prevents or cures cancer in dogs.

Science is rarely that simple.

🧪 WHAT ABOUT ALLERGIES?

Another common claim is that allergies are caused by a “dirty liver”.

Current veterinary immunology does not support this explanation.

Allergies are complex immune-mediated conditions involving:
• Genetics
• Immune system dysregulation
• Skin barrier function
• Environmental exposures
• Microbiome interactions

Histamine release primarily involves immune cells such as mast cells, not because the liver is “overloaded”.

Could reducing oxidative stress and inflammation indirectly support some dogs?
Possibly.

But milk thistle should not be viewed as a cure for allergies.

🐾 IS IT SAFE?

Milk thistle appears relatively safe for many dogs when appropriately used, although side effects can occur:
• Diarrhoea
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Gas
• Allergic reactions in sensitive animals

It may also interact with medications because the liver processes many drugs.

Always speak with your veterinarian before adding supplements, especially if your dog:
• Has liver disease
• Is on medication
• Has cancer
• Is pregnant
• Has chronic illness

🌱 THE BIGGER PICTURE

No supplement replaces:
• Proper nutrition
• Exercise
• Sleep
• Stress reduction
• Preventative veterinary care
• Emotional wellbeing

Herbs can sometimes support health.
But no herb can compensate for poor overall management.

Milk thistle may have value as part of evidence-informed supportive care, particularly involving liver support, but it is not a miracle detoxifier or cure-all.

As dog owners, one of the most important things we can do is stay curious, question bold claims, and follow evidence over marketing.

Science matters.
So does critical thinking. 🖤

- Donna Williams,
Emerald Park Border Collies.
www.emeraldparkbc.com

"Making life better
- one dog at a time!"

12/06/2026

🥕🫐🍎🐕🐕

🍎🥕 THE 10 BEST FRUITS & VEGETABLES TO SHARE WITH YOUR DOG 🫐🥦

While dogs are biologically designed to thrive on animal-based nutrition, certain fresh fruits & vegetables can provide excellent additional nutrients, antioxidants, fibre & phytonutrients when fed appropriately & in moderation.

The key is understanding that these foods should complement a species-appropriate diet - not replace it.

Here are 10 of my favourite fresh additions to share with dogs & why they can be beneficial:

🥦 1. BROCCOLI
Rich in antioxidants, fibre, vitamin C & sulforaphane --- a powerful plant compound studied for its anti-inflammatory & detoxification-supportive effects.

Broccoli also supports gut health & beneficial bacteria within the digestive tract.

🥕 2. CARROT
Excellent for:
• beta carotene
• eye health
• immune support
• natural fibre

Raw carrots can also provide a satisfying crunch for some dogs while being far lower calorie than processed treats.

🫐 3. BLUEBERRIES
Tiny nutritional powerhouses packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress & cellular damage.

Blueberries are particularly supportive for:
• brain health
• ageing dogs
• immune function
• inflammation reduction

🍎 4. APPLE (WITHOUT SEEDS)
Apples provide:
• fibre
• vitamin C
• hydration
• natural plant antioxidants

The seeds should always be removed due to cyanogenic compounds.

🍉 5. WATERMELON (NO SEEDS OR RIND)
Fantastic for hydration during warmer weather.

Watermelon contains:
• potassium
• lycopene
• vitamin A
• vitamin C

Low calorie & refreshing for many dogs.

🥬 6. SPINACH
Contains iron, magnesium, folate & chlorophyll along with various antioxidants that support cellular health.

Like many leafy greens, spinach is best fed in moderation rather than excessively.

🎃 7. PUMPKIN
One of the best natural digestive supports.

Pumpkin is rich in soluble fibre & can help support healthy stools during both constipation & mild digestive upset.

Excellent for gut health.

🍓 8. STRAWBERRIES
Contain antioxidants, fibre & vitamin C.

They are also lower in sugar than many fruits, making them a reasonable occasional treat option when fed in moderation.

🥒 9. CUCUMBER
Low calorie, hydrating & gentle on the digestive system.

A great crunchy snack option, especially for dogs needing weight management.

🍌 10. BANANA
Provides:
• potassium
• magnesium
• vitamin B6
• natural energy

Best fed occasionally due to higher natural sugar content, but excellent as a training treat or enrichment addition.

A few important reminders ⚠️

🐾 Fruits & vegetables should only form a small portion of the diet
🐾 Animal proteins, organs & healthy fats should remain the nutritional foundation
🐾 Introduce new foods gradually
🐾 Always feed plain - no seasoning, sauces, garlic, onion or artificial sweeteners
🐾 Some foods are toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, avocado pits & macadamias

Fresh whole foods can provide wonderful nutritional enrichment when used thoughtfully. I always prefer real foods with genuine biological value over ultra-processed commercial treats loaded with starches, sugars, dyes & preservatives.

At Emerald Park Border Collies, I believe nutrition should nourish the body, support long-term health & work with canine biology ..... not against it. 🐾

- Donna Williams,
Emerald Park Border Collies.
www.emeraldparkbc.com

"Making life better
- one dog at a time!"

09/06/2026

“Complete-and-balanced pet nutrition can be complicated and sometimes mistakes happen, but ensuring a diet contains the optimal (or at least safe) balance of nutrients is the first and foremost responsibility of any brand making, marketing, or selling pet food. Being able to do so repeatably and at scale is the name of the game. At some point in the value chain, pet food manufacturers are failing to adequately test the vitamin and mineral blends they use in their formulations.” – BSM Partners

A recent article from BSM Partners highlights a troubling trend: vitamin D has become one of the most frequently recalled nutrients in pet food, with at least six major vitamin D-related recalls occurring over the last eight years. The issue often isn't the meat, vegetables, or main ingredients in the food, but tiny vitamin and mineral premixes that typically make up less than 0.5% of a recipe. Because testing finished products for nutrients like vitamin D can be expensive, some manufacturers rely heavily on supplier certificates of analysis, periodic verification, or ingredient testing rather than testing every finished batch. When an error slips through, the consequences can be enormous. Major recalls involving companies such as Hill's Pet Nutrition, Sunshine Mills, Purina, and others have affected millions of pet meals, caused serious illness, and been linked to reported pet deaths. The article argues that better testing, tighter quality control, and greater oversight of premixes are critical because a mistake in a microscopic portion of a recipe can ultimately impact the health of countless pets. These companies make billions of dollars on their products; do you think testing for nutrient accuracy should be automatic?

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Once organic “food” was just food 🍱

03/06/2026

🍎🥕 THE 10 BEST FRUITS & VEGETABLES TO SHARE WITH YOUR DOG 🫐🥦

While dogs are biologically designed to thrive on animal-based nutrition, certain fresh fruits & vegetables can provide excellent additional nutrients, antioxidants, fibre & phytonutrients when fed appropriately & in moderation.

The key is understanding that these foods should complement a species-appropriate diet - not replace it.

Here are 10 of my favourite fresh additions to share with dogs & why they can be beneficial:

🥦 1. BROCCOLI
Rich in antioxidants, fibre, vitamin C & sulforaphane --- a powerful plant compound studied for its anti-inflammatory & detoxification-supportive effects.

Broccoli also supports gut health & beneficial bacteria within the digestive tract.

🥕 2. CARROT
Excellent for:
• beta carotene
• eye health
• immune support
• natural fibre

Raw carrots can also provide a satisfying crunch for some dogs while being far lower calorie than processed treats.

🫐 3. BLUEBERRIES
Tiny nutritional powerhouses packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress & cellular damage.

Blueberries are particularly supportive for:
• brain health
• ageing dogs
• immune function
• inflammation reduction

🍎 4. APPLE (WITHOUT SEEDS)
Apples provide:
• fibre
• vitamin C
• hydration
• natural plant antioxidants

The seeds should always be removed due to cyanogenic compounds.

🍉 5. WATERMELON (NO SEEDS OR RIND)
Fantastic for hydration during warmer weather.

Watermelon contains:
• potassium
• lycopene
• vitamin A
• vitamin C

Low calorie & refreshing for many dogs.

🥬 6. SPINACH
Contains iron, magnesium, folate & chlorophyll along with various antioxidants that support cellular health.

Like many leafy greens, spinach is best fed in moderation rather than excessively.

🎃 7. PUMPKIN
One of the best natural digestive supports.

Pumpkin is rich in soluble fibre & can help support healthy stools during both constipation & mild digestive upset.

Excellent for gut health.

🍓 8. STRAWBERRIES
Contain antioxidants, fibre & vitamin C.

They are also lower in sugar than many fruits, making them a reasonable occasional treat option when fed in moderation.

🥒 9. CUCUMBER
Low calorie, hydrating & gentle on the digestive system.

A great crunchy snack option, especially for dogs needing weight management.

🍌 10. BANANA
Provides:
• potassium
• magnesium
• vitamin B6
• natural energy

Best fed occasionally due to higher natural sugar content, but excellent as a training treat or enrichment addition.

A few important reminders ⚠️

🐾 Fruits & vegetables should only form a small portion of the diet
🐾 Animal proteins, organs & healthy fats should remain the nutritional foundation
🐾 Introduce new foods gradually
🐾 Always feed plain - no seasoning, sauces, garlic, onion or artificial sweeteners
🐾 Some foods are toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, avocado pits & macadamias

Fresh whole foods can provide wonderful nutritional enrichment when used thoughtfully. I always prefer real foods with genuine biological value over ultra-processed commercial treats loaded with starches, sugars, dyes & preservatives.

At Emerald Park Border Collies, I believe nutrition should nourish the body, support long-term health & work with canine biology ..... not against it. 🐾

- Donna Williams,
Emerald Park Border Collies.
www.emeraldparkbc.com

"Making life better
- one dog at a time!"

02/06/2026