About Us
Having owned dogs with medical and behavioural struggles for many years, we are passionate about helping those dogs in any way possible. We found that Applied Zoopharmacognosy allows us to provide support on a completely new level, empowering dogs to select whatever remedies are most needed for their current condition instead of making that choice for them. We feel it is highly rewarding to offer natural remedies to domestic animals that have lost access to them, and see the animals grow in confidence as they bring themselves back to health through self-selection.
Dr. Kathrin Abegg
I am a trained vet, but never went into practice after completing my studies. I felt that the conventional veterinary approach did not allow me to support animals and their owners on the level I desired. When looking for ways to support my rescue dog Sox who suffers from a chronic health condition and associated behavioural struggles, I learned about Applied Zoopharmacognosy and quickly realised how powerful it can be. Through working in biomedical research for several years, I have a deep understanding of physiological processes on a cellular and molecular level, which helps me in my work as an Applied Zoopharmacognosy practitioner.
I created Canine Plant Medicine in the hope that I can support the emotional and physical wellbeing of dogs who struggle. My special interest lies in anxious and fearful dogs seemingly resistant to conventional behavioural approaches like counterconditioning. Having experienced how stressful and upsetting life with an anxious dog can be, I want to guide owners to connect with their dogs on a new level and develop a deeper understanding of their needs. There is nothing more rewarding than overcoming the feeling that we cannot help our dog when they are struggling.​
I have been working as a qualified nurse for over 30 years, most of them specialised in the intellectual disability sector. My interest in this work has motivated me to obtain several further qualifications in the areas of non-verbal communication, education, mindfulness, palliative care and bereavement.
15 years ago, I took my lifelong passion for dogs to a different level when I began training my own dogs for various dog sports. I am soon to become a fully qualified mantrailing instructor through my own business ‘nose knows’ in the North County Dublin area.
I also volunteer in a charity clinic to work alongside a vet and support them in the care of their animals.
I became aware of Applied Zoopharmacognosy through one of my dogs, Spud, who was diagnosed with a degenerative heart condition and does not appear to do well on allopathic medicine. I regularly work with the plant remedies to support Spud cope with his condition. After seeing the difference it has made to my dogs, I got hooked enough to want to study Applied Zoopharmacognosy and help other people and their pets experience the impact it can have on a dog's quality of life and to the people around them. I love the way I can enable Spud to take care of his health by supplying and offering him the remedies he wants and needs to feel better.
My special interest lies in palliative care, improving the life quality of dogs who are unlikely to recover from their medical condition.
Applied Zoopharmacognosy has helped me care for my dog Smokie in the last few weeks before he passed away last year due to cancer. It still comforts my heart to know that Smokie had a voice until the end and was able to select the remedies he needed for his transition. In combination with my professional qualifications and recent completion of a certification in pet bereavement counselling, I can support dogs and their owners at this difficult stage of a dog's life.
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