During the show “1000 Why – 4 Therefore,” a question was raised about a dog with spots on its pupils. The veterinarian explained that cataracts can develop in later years. The owner wanted to try a treatment with cold-pressed castor oil, one drop each evening. Many owners have reported the same issue: their dogs suddenly lost sight or experienced a gradual decline in vision. Such problems are often not purely ophthalmological but also immunological and metabolic. Understanding the human dog relationship and its impact on health is the first step toward healing.
The Eyes Reflect Inner Health
Just as the eyes can be affected by diabetes, visual degeneration in dogs indicates a deeper imbalance in the body. The eye is difficult to regenerate, but it’s not impossible to stop degeneration. The goal is not to “fix the eye” but to stop the process that breaks it down.
We return to the relationship with the dog, reducing stress, and applying the principles of holistic care. Stress is one of the main triggers of diabetes and autoimmune diseases. It disrupts mineral balance and weakens the microbiome, which is the foundation of immunity. Poor nutrition—too many carbohydrates and sugars, and too few proteins—further worsens the condition. In this process, the adrenal, thyroid, and parathyroid glands are often affected, leading to increased acidity in the body and a range of symptoms, including eye problems.
Castor Oil and Alternative Approaches
Experiences with castor oil vary, and there is no universal solution. Before treating the symptom (the eyes), it is important to understand the cause, because loss of vision is only a signal of a deeper problem within the dog’s body.
The eyes are part of a complex system, and if your dog has vision problems, ask yourself:
What is my dog trying to show me through this symptom?
Why does my dog not “see”? What in our human dog relationship or environment remains unseen?
By working on nutrition, reducing stress, and restoring emotional balance, you help the body stop losing function and begin the process of healing.
Trust and closeness — the foundation of a dog’s health and emotional balance.
Eye Health Diet for Dogs
This diet is designed to strengthen the immune system, support eye health, and balance the dog’s body through natural ingredients.
Ingredients
450 g lean ground beef
85 g beef liver, chopped or ground
115 g beef heart, chopped or ground
170 g spinach
85 g carrot, chopped or ground
3 eggs (without shells)
55 g mussels (well rinsed; canned is acceptable)
1 pear
3 teaspoons finely ground almonds
3 teaspoons finely chopped mint
55 g sardines in water (added at mealtime)
1 flat teaspoon kelp powder (added at the end)
Note: Give eggshells only to puppies, not to adult dogs.
Preparation
Grind and mix all ingredients into a uniform mixture.
Cooking methods:
In the oven at 160°C for 30–45 minutes.
In a slow cooker on low for 4–6 hours.
After cooking, let it cool completely. Add powdered supplements (like kelp) only after the mixture has cooled. If using capsule supplements, open them and mix the contents evenly into the food. Grind nuts and seeds before adding them. Freeze portions you won’t use within 72 hours. Frozen food retains nutritional value for up to 3 months.
Daily feeding amount: about 3% of your dog’s ideal body weight.
Important Note
Avoid fish oils as a source of omega-3 fatty acids because toxins from polluted waters remain in the fatty tissues of fish. Instead, use flaxseed oil or pumpkin seed oil, added just before serving.
In Conclusion
Eye health does not depend solely on local treatments but on the overall balance of the body. Proper nutrition, stress reduction, and emotional stability can help slow down or stop the degenerative process. When your dog begins to see clearly again, it’s a sign that there is more light and balance in your human dog relationship too.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that precision in nutrition is a reflection of our care. When we measure with love, we feed the soul. Explore our philosophy: Linktree Sasha Riess
Giardia (Giardia lamblia) can seriously impact a dog’s gut health and immune system. While it is a persistent parasite, a supportive natural remedy for giardia in dogs can help strengthen the microbiome and aid the body in fighting the infection. This recipe is simple to prepare at home and completely safe for your companion.
How to Make the Natural Giardia Remedy
The base of this remedy is fresh buttermilk, which provides essential probiotics.
Prepare the Buttermilk: Pour 1 liter (about 4 cups) of unsweetened cooking cream into a blender and blend until it turns into a buttery consistency.
Separate: Transfer the butter into a strainer, drain the excess liquid into a bowl, and rinse the butter under cold water.
The Result: The remaining liquid is your fresh buttermilk. If you don’t have enough, you can substitute it with high-quality kefir.
Preparing the Herbal Ingredients
Herbs like marjoram and oregano are nature’s answer to parasites. In a mortar, place 4 tablespoons each of the following:
Marjoram
Thyme
Oregano (fresh if possible)
Dill
Gently crush them to release their natural aroma and potent nutrients.
Combining and Storing the Mixture
Add all the crushed herbs into a glass jar with half a liter (2 cups) of your homemade buttermilk or kefir. Mix well, close the lid, and store it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This allows the herbal properties to fully infuse into the liquid
Sasha Riess demonstrates how to prepare a natural supportive remedy for giardia in dogs.
Dosage and Use
To get the most out of this natural remedy for giardia in dogs, follow this specific protocol:
Days 1 & 2: The dog should fast. Only bone broth is given to rest the digestive system.
Day 3: Give 1 tablespoon of the mixture per 22 lbs (10 kg) of body weight, four times a day.
Days 4–7: Feed a light diet (like the carrot soup and rice mentioned in our previous guides).
The Follow-up: Continue providing buttermilk or kefir for another 6 to 8 weeks to fully restore gut flora.
This preparation helps reduce the number of parasites, supports gut flora, and improves digestion during recovery and detoxification.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that precision in nutrition is a reflection of our care. When we measure with love, we feed the soul. Explore our philosophy: Linktree Sasha Riess
Dogs are naturally curious creatures — and sometimes that curiosity gets them into trouble. From foods that can harm them, like chocolate, to everyday objects that can cause digestive issues, every owner should know how to react when their dog eats something they shouldn’t. Understanding dog poisoning prevention is the first step in keeping your companion safe.
What If Your Dog Eats Chocolate?
Chocolate is one of the most common — and most dangerous — foods for dogs. It contains theobromine, a compound their bodies cannot break down. Even a small amount can cause diarrhea and vomiting, while larger amounts may lead to serious poisoning.
If this happens, owners can give activated charcoal as first aid — ideally by syringe directly into the dog’s mouth. Activated charcoal isn’t absorbed by the digestive system; it binds toxins and prevents them from spreading further through the body.
Recognizing the Signs of Poisoning
After your dog eats something suspicious, watch carefully for the following symptoms:
Frequent vomiting
Diarrhea
Weakness or drowsiness
Tremors or restlessness
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Activated charcoal can help as an emergency measure, but a professional exam is essential for effective dog poisoning prevention and treatment.
Should You Induce Vomiting?
Many owners try to make their dogs vomit at home — but that can be dangerous. Never do this without your vet’s guidance, as it can worsen the situation depending on what was ingested (especially if the substance was corrosive or sharp). Each case must be handled according to professional assessment.
If your dog shows any signs of poisoning, seek immediate professional veterinary care.
Prevention Is the Best Cure
Keep all food and objects out of your dog’s reach. Teach clear commands like “leave it” or “drop it” to reduce the risk of swallowing harmful items.
And if an accident happens — stay calm, give activated charcoal, and seek veterinary help right away. Remember: the goal is not just to react, but to prevent. A moment of caution can save your dog’s life.
At Sasha Riess Wellness, we empower owners with the knowledge to act swiftly in emergencies. True dog poisoning prevention starts with a safe environment and a prepared mind. Discover more safety tips: Linktree Sasha Riess
If your dog is afraid of fireworks and firecrackers, there is a simple and completely natural way to help them feel safer. This method requires no special equipment, only a little patience and the correct placement of a light elastic band underneath a fitted shirt.
The holiday season brings joy to many owners, but for their dogs it often brings serious stress. Sudden sounds, explosions, and unfamiliar smells can trigger fear, panic, and the dog’s instinct to hide or run away. Before the noisiest part of the year begins, it is important to prepare your dog so they feel more grounded and protected.
Understanding the Pressure Wrap Technique
One easy way to support them is the calming “pressure wrap” technique, a gentle form of wrapping the body. It does not replace the rituals and preparations you already know are essential, but it is an excellent additional tool.
How to Apply the Elastic Band
The first thing you need is an elastic band. A pilates band works perfectly, but you can use any soft, flexible band that does not rub or tighten too much. What matters most is that it is wide enough to distribute pressure evenly. The band is first placed under the dog’s armpits, crossing over the front of the chest. Then it is brought up over the back and crossed in an X shape. After that, it is brought under the belly and tied so that it rests comfortably without restricting breathing. The purpose is for the dog to feel light, steady pressure, something like a long, gentle embrace.
Many dogs experience severe stress during fireworks and firecrackers.
Locking in Stability with a Fitted Shirt
Once the band is positioned correctly, put a fitted shirt or light garment on top. This adds another layer of security and helps “lock in” the sensation of stability. Many owners notice that within minutes their dog relaxes, lies down, or at least stops trembling.
A Natural Step Toward Better Control
This technique is quick, simple, and can be used anytime your dog shows signs of tension. It will not eliminate noise anxiety entirely, but it is a wonderful step that restores a sense of control in your dog’s body.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we understand that physical security is deeply linked to emotional peace. A grounded dog is a resilient dog. Explore our philosophy:Linktree Sasha Riess
As someone who has been sharing advice on dog care for years through social media and now through my blog, I constantly look for ways to help owners make their dogs feel better. Allergies in dogs such as itching, redness, and restlessness can be very uncomfortable, and natural solutions are often what my followers ask for. One recipe that has proven effective includes broth, local honey, pollen, and spirulina. Here is how I prepare it and why I believe it can help.
A Simple Recipe to Help with Allergies
This recipe is simple, and the ingredients are carefully chosen to support the dog’s immune system and reduce allergy symptoms.
1.5 cups of vegetable and bone broth
3.5 tablespoons of local honey
2.5 teaspoons of local pollen
2 teaspoons of spirulina powder
Mix all the ingredients well and pour into molds. After a few hours in the refrigerator, the cubes are ready.
Dosage
One cube per day, about 20 grams, for every 10 kilograms of the dog’s body weight. It can be given daily for a month or until allergy symptoms disappear.
Why These Ingredients Work
Local honey and pollen help the dog adapt to environmental allergens such as pollen, acting as natural immune modulators. Bone and vegetable broth nourish the skin and coat, while spirulina, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, reduces itching and irritation. This recipe is not only healthy but also appealing to most dogs.
Natural remedies can help soothe allergy symptoms from the inside out.
When a Dog Refuses This Recipe
Sometimes I hear from followers that their dog will not even approach such a recipe. From my experience, this is often a matter of trust. Dogs usually eat what we give them when they are calm and trust us. If your dog hesitates, patiently introduce the recipe, perhaps mixed with familiar food.
Natural Care for Happier Dogs
Natural recipes like this one can be a great alternative to medication, but it is important to monitor your dog’s reactions and adjust the diet to its needs. Over the years of conversations with my followers, I have realized how important it is to share practical advice. Try this recipe and help your dog get relief from itching in a natural way.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that true well-being comes from honoring the dog’s natural needs. By choosing natural remedies, you are not just treating symptoms; you are strengthening your dog’s entire system from within. Explore our philosophy here: Linktree Sasha Riess
Have you ever wondered how much sleep your dog truly needs? Experts explain that the amount and quality of a dog’s sleep can be one of the clearest reflections of their overall health and emotional balance.
If your dog sleeps a lot, that doesn’t mean they’re lazy — quite the opposite. It often means that nothing is wrong — that they feel safe, content, and fully at ease.
How Many Hours of Sleep Do Dogs Need?
Dogs sleep much more than humans — on average between 12 and 16 hours per day. Puppies and senior dogs can sleep even longer, while active adults tend to rest in several shorter cycles throughout the day. Unlike people, dogs don’t have one long block of deep sleep. Their rest consists of many light naps and quick recovery phases — moments when their body restores energy, balance, and calm. When they’re not eating, walking, or playing — they sleep. It’s not laziness. It’s nature.
Sleep as a Sign of Safety and Happiness
A calm, well-balanced dog doesn’t feel the need to be constantly active. If your dog sleeps peacefully and takes frequent naps, it’s usually a beautiful sign that they feel safe and loved. Dogs with a consistent rhythm — regular meals, walks, and gentle human presence — rest deeply because their nervous system trusts the environment. Even stray dogs, who live in uncertainty, will nap as soon as they find a quiet and sunny spot. Sleep is their way to save energy and survive.
Even a stray dog knows peace — the strength of a simple life.
When Too Much Sleep Might Be a Warning
While sleep is a sign of security, excessive or unusual sleep can sometimes point to a problem. Pay attention if your dog:
struggles to get up,
shows little interest in walks or play,
sleeps more than usual or doesn’t react to familiar sounds.
These can indicate underlying issues such as joint pain, anemia, hormonal imbalance, or even depression. In such cases, a veterinary check-up is essential.
How to Help Your Dog Sleep Better
Provide a quiet, comfortable sleeping area away from noise, drafts, and constant movement.
Keep feeding and walking routines consistent — dogs find peace in predictability.
Avoid waking them suddenly — interrupted sleep affects their mood and immune system.
Sleep as the Mirror of Trust
If your dog sleeps a lot, it’s usually not a problem — it’s a compliment. A sleeping dog is a trusting dog. Their rest is proof that they feel protected, understood, and free from fear. A healthy, happy dog doesn’t need to stay alert — because they know one simple truth: you are there, watching over them.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that rest is a sacred state of recovery. When a dog sleeps in your presence, they are giving you their ultimate trust. Explore our philosophy:Linktree Sasha Riess
