08/30/2025
🌿 National Holistic Pet Day 🌿
Featuring expert insights from Dr. Anke Löhnert Granger, holistic veterinarian (UK)
Today, we’re diving into what it really means to care for our pets holistically—from the inside out.
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💡 What is Holistic Pet Care?
According to Dr. Granger, “Holistic means treating the whole animal—not just the disease.” While the term often brings to mind alternative therapies like acupuncture or herbal medicine, it’s truly about balance—addressing physical, emotional, and environmental health together.
“Most vets already think holistically,” she says. “But traditional medicine focuses more on diagnosing and treating specific conditions. Holistic care looks at the full picture—how lifestyle, stress, food, movement, and even social connection affect wellbeing.”
In the UK, only vets can perform treatments like acupuncture, but other modalities like massage or energy work can be done in partnership with a vet. And yes—Dr. Granger recommends always having a trusted traditional vet for emergencies or complex medical issues. Holistic and conventional medicine are partners, not competitors.
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🐶 How Grooming Plays a Role
Grooming isn’t just cosmetic—it’s an essential part of whole-body health.
At It’s a Pet Thing, we believe in calm, nurturing grooming that:
✔️ Reduces stress
✔️ Catches skin or coat issues early
✔️ Uses gentle, natural products
✔️ Supports emotional wellness through touch
✔️ Encourages routine, which is grounding for pets
Hot oil treatments, de-shedding, even calming massages—these aren’t indulgences, they’re part of a preventive, sensory-rich care experience.
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🧠 Mind & Body Are Connected
Dr. Granger reminds us that the brain is part of the body. “Dogs and humans are social animals. Stress, isolation, and boredom affect health, just like diet or movement.” Supporting emotional health through calm environments, routine, enrichment, and loving touch is just as important as a good diet or strong joints.
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🥦 Diet & Lifestyle: It’s All Connected
Dr. Granger shared several wellness pillars:
🔹 Good breeding (avoid extremes)
🔹 Balanced upbringing & environment
🔹 A healthy, fiber-rich diet that encourages chewing
🔹 Avoiding obesity
🔹 Daily movement & play
🔹 Thoughtful use of supplements (Omega-3s especially)
🔹 Professional guidance with herbs or remedies—“Natural” doesn’t always mean “safe”
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💬 In Dr. Granger’s Words:
“Instead of seeing the body like a machine with separate parts, we have to care for the animal as a whole—including their mental health and environment.”
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So today, let’s celebrate our pets by caring for every part of them—body, mind, and spirit. ❤️
