BOOK REVIEW | ‘The Herbal Dog’: Rita Hogan Delivers Definitive Guide to Canine Herbalism

Basic Information

• Title: The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice
• Authors: Rita Hogan
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press
• Publication Date: February 4, 2025
• Genre: Non-fiction, Pet Care, Holistic Medicine, Herbal Medicine
• Format: Paperback/Softback
• Page Count: 464 pages
• ISBN-13: 978-1644119594
• ISBN-10: 1644119595
• List Price: $24.99
  (Note: Actual prices may vary. Check with retailers for current pricing.)
• Publisher Website: Healing Arts Press
• Author Website: canineherbalist.com

Rating

4.5 out of 5.0 paws Outstanding

(learn more about our rating hierarchy here)

Recommendation

The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice is best suited for dedicated pet owners who are serious about taking a holistic approach to their dog’s health and are willing to invest time in learning herbal medicine principles. While the book’s comprehensive scope and clinical depth make it invaluable for those committed to natural pet care, its textbook-style format and complexity may overwhelm casual readers or those seeking simple remedies. Pet owners should be prepared for a significant learning curve and potential costs in sourcing quality herbs and supplies. However, for those ready to embrace this approach, Hogan’s expertise offers an unparalleled resource that could transform their dog’s health and longevity. Conversely, the book is an ideal and important reference work for canine health practitioners.

Brief Summary

With The Herbal Dog, clinical canine herbalist Rita Hogan presents a comprehensive 464-page guide that teaches pet owners how to use energetic principles and plant medicine to address their dogs’ individual health needs. The book combines over 20 years of clinical experience with scientifically-backed protocols for common canine conditions, offering both theoretical foundations and practical applications for holistic dog care.

Pet-Related Themes/Content

• Holistic canine health
• Herbal medicine for dogs
• Natural remedies and protocols
• Canine nutrition and energetics
• Alternative veterinary care
• Preventive pet wellness
• Individual dog constitutional assessment

Detailed Review

Rita Hogan’s The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice represents what may well be the definitive work on holistic canine herbalism, bringing together decades of clinical experience with rigorous attention to safety and efficacy. As a clinical canine herbalist with over 20 years of specialized experience, Hogan approaches dog health through the lens of individualized care, treating each animal as a unique ecosystem rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions.

The book’s foundation rests on energetic principles—categorizing conditions and remedies as cool, warm, dry, or damp—a methodology that distinguishes Hogan’s approach from more conventional herbal guides. This system allows readers to understand not just what herbs to use, but why specific plants work for particular dogs and conditions. Rather than simply listing remedies, Hogan teaches readers to think like herbalists, considering each dog’s constitution, temperament, and specific physiological needs.

The comprehensive materia medica forms the book’s backbone, detailing canine-specific herbs with precise information about their applications, energetics, dosage recommendations, and crucial contraindications. This level of detail reflects Hogan’s clinical background and commitment to safety—a critical consideration when dealing with plant medicines that can be potent and potentially harmful if misused.

Hogan’s protocols for common canine conditions span from digestive issues like acid reflux to complex problems such as allergies and chronic skin conditions. Each protocol includes multiple remedy options—herbal tinctures, glycerites, phytoembryonics, flower essences, essential oils, and medicinal mushrooms—allowing readers to tailor treatments to their specific circumstances and comfort levels.

The book’s scientific credibility is reinforced by endorsements from respected integrative veterinarians, including Dr. Karen Shaw Becker and Dr. Judy Morgan, who praise Hogan’s ability to bridge traditional herbalism with evidence-based veterinary medicine. Professional review publication Kirkus Reviews noted that even skeptical readers will be “enormously educated,” highlighting the book’s educational value beyond its specific recommendations.

However, the book’s comprehensive nature presents challenges for average pet owners. At 464 pages of detailed, technical content, The Herbal Dog reads more like a professional textbook than a casual pet care guide. Some readers may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. The book is intended as a continued use reference — a working manual rather than a casual quick-reference guide.

The practical implementation can pose another hurdle. Creating the herbal preparations Hogan recommends requires sourcing numerous specialized ingredients, many of which aren’t readily available at typical retail outlets. This reality may limit the book’s accessibility for pet owners seeking immediate, affordable solutions.

The book’s approach to canine organ systems and their interconnections provides valuable insights into holistic health principles, but the complexity may frustrate readers accustomed to straightforward symptom-treatment approaches. Hogan’s emphasis on understanding root causes rather than merely addressing symptoms requires a fundamental shift in thinking that not all pet owners may be prepared to embrace.

Despite these challenges, the book will bring satisfaction to readers who are serious and committed. The book has transformative potential for dedicated pet owners. While the book demands significant investment in time and resources to apply the information provided, it is sure to deliver meaningful results for those who fully engage with its teachings. For readers willing to undertake the substantial learning curve, Hogan provides the tools and knowledge necessary to implement sophisticated herbal protocols safely and effectively.

The book succeeds admirably in its stated goal of empowering pet owners to take a hands-on approach to their dogs’ health and longevity. It is certain to become a key reference book on the shelves of holistic and integrative professional practitioners.

Given its comprehensive scope, clinical foundation, and the author’s unparalleled expertise in the field, the Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice will undoubtedly remain a respected reference on the subject of canine wellbeing for years to come.

About the Author

Rita Hogan, C.H.

Rita Hogan is a clinical canine herbalist with over 20 years of specialized experience in holistic canine herbalism. Based in Olympia, Washington, she serves as an educator, speaker, writer, formulator, and herbal medicine maker. Hogan’s approach integrates traditional herbalism with science-based integrative veterinary medicine, emphasizing the importance of treating each dog as an individual with unique constitutional needs.

Her work focuses on helping dog owners, natural practitioners, and veterinarians understand herbal medicine through what she calls “plant language”—using energetic principles to match appropriate remedies with specific conditions and constitutional types. Hogan combines various therapeutic modalities including diet modification, flower essences, herbs, medicinal mushrooms, and phytoembryonic therapies to address dogs’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

As both a practitioner and educator, Hogan has built a reputation for her ability to handle complex cases and her skill in making sophisticated herbal concepts accessible to pet owners. Her clinical expertise is complemented by her commitment to integrative care, supporting traditional herbalism alongside conventional veterinary medicine when appropriate.

Key Points/Takeaways

1. Teaches individualized herbal medicine based on each dog’s unique constitution and energetic needs
2. Provides comprehensive materia medica with detailed safety information and contraindications
3. Offers specific protocols for common canine conditions using multiple therapeutic modalities
4. Emphasizes root-cause treatment rather than symptom suppression
5. Requires significant commitment to learning and potentially substantial investment in herbs and supplies
6. Backed by endorsements from respected integrative veterinarians and strong customer satisfaction

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptionally comprehensive coverage of canine herbalism with clinical depth
• Strong scientific credibility backed by veterinary endorsements
• Emphasis on safety with detailed contraindications and dosage guidelines
• Individualized approach recognizing each dog’s unique needs
• Multiple therapeutic options for each condition
• Author’s extensive clinical experience evident throughout

Cons

• Dense, textbook-style format may overwhelm casual readers
• Requires significant investment in learning herbal medicine principles
• Many recommended herbs and supplies may be difficult or expensive to source
• Complex approach may frustrate those seeking simple, immediate solutions
• Time-intensive implementation of protocols and preparation methods

Where to Buy

The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice is available through major online retailers and in bookstores.

Preview

Reviewed by Pawzhub on August 26, 2025