Meet Caroline - Veterinary Naturopath
What is naturopathy for animals?
Naturopathy is a healing method based on the self-healing capacity of the body. It is also called alternative, complementary or holistic medicine, the central point here is that not only the problem is looked at, but the total nature of the animal, the unity between body and mind.
Naturopathy is not new, in fact it is thousands of years old and forms the basis of current medical science. Since ancient times, natural philosophers from various parts of the world have written about it. The book Traditional European Naturopathy by Van Asseldonk and Elling gives a clear overview of how naturopathy has developed over the centuries.
How does naturopathy work for animals?
In naturopathy we assume that every animal is a unit of body and mind that is constantly in interaction with its environment. If an imbalance occurs in this unit, physical and/or psychological complaints can arise. Naturopathy does not focus on combating the disease or symptoms, but on stimulating the natural self-healing ability. After all: an animal does not get sick from a bacterium or other pathogen, a reduced resistance gives a bacterium the opportunity to make an animal sick. By using natural resources to stimulate the natural self-healing ability and support processes within the body, the complaint and the cause are addressed. In addition, all living conditions must be right: housing, nutrition, but also the ability to display natural behavior. In short, all the basic needs of an animal to become and stay healthy.
How did you come up with the name “Nature of the Beast”?
The name of my practice reflects the way I work and how I look at animals. I try to discover by asking questions, observations, striking appearances, behavior and communication with the owner, what the character of the animal is, who the animal is, and how it communicates and relates to its environment. Ultimately, all this information is important to form an image for advice about its natural needs that keep it in balance.
What kind of health issues can naturopathy help with?
Aard van het Beastje is an advisory practice for natural solutions for non-urgent health issues of pets, especially dogs, cats and horses. I provide advice in the field of practical and applied natural medicine for animals. This can be in the field of nutrition, supplementation of nutrition, transport, handling, learning, training methods and support for chronic health problems.
My advice often concerns the living conditions and basic needs of our beloved pets. Many owners are only limitedly aware of the natural needs of their animal. There is so much to gain here for both animal and owner, I am happy to contribute to that in my practice!
What kind of services do you offer?
Therapies for which I am certified and which I use in my practice are:
- Aromatherapy
- Phytotherapy ( Herbal medicine, one of the oldest preventive and curative methods of recovery that exists and which animals in nature always use, if possible.)
- Cell salt therapy
- Bach Flower Therapy
- Massage techniques
I often work with a holistic veterinarian, trainer and/or nutrition expert. I also regularly refer to specialists in natural animal care such as canine masseurs, animal osteopaths, R+ horse training, pet shops, trimmers or Happy Catfluencers.
Do you have any general tips?
General tips are actually difficult to give, because my work is always custom-made because I start from the nature of the individual. However, important general tips that always apply are:
Tip 1: Become the expert of your own animal by looking at your animal: what does your animal tell you with its behavior: How it eats? How it walks? How it communicates? How is the animal feeling? Is it an animal that is very withdrawn or more extroverted by nature? This information quickly gives you as the owner an idea of how your animal is doing.
Tip 2: Try to discover who your animal is and whether your animal is sufficiently recognized for what it was “made” for. Questions that fit in here are: Does your hunting dog get the chance to track? Does your puppy have enough chance to really rest? Does the breed fit in with your busy family? Is your dog allowed to show its natural behavior? So is it allowed to peck a bird? Is it allowed to bite a horse? Is it allowed to growl a dog? Is it allowed to lash out a cat?
Are you looking for naturopathic advice?
Curious and looking for advice? Take a look at the website of Aard van het Beastje .
Note: A veterinarian should always be the first point of contact for all health problems of your animal.