I’ll admit it – I got a Covid puppy! Like so many others, the lifestyle changes of those months meant our family was suddenly in a position to welcome a pet we might have otherwise thought we were too busy for. Enter Milo, our lively Irish Water Spaniel, who bounded into our lives in April 2020. And honestly? We’re all the better for it.
Since his arrival, my daily routine has completely changed. I now walk every single day, sometimes for up to an hour – something I never would have done before. And because Milo is such an important part of our family, keeping him healthy has become a real priority for me. Seeing so many dogs develop autoimmune conditions or require surgery, I’ve become passionate about supporting his health in the most natural way possible.
One of our biggest wake up calls came when Milo was about three. We went on holiday, and he had to stay in a kennel, which meant a round of vaccinations and medications. A few months later, he started itching like crazy and developed what we initially thought was conjunctivitis. When we took him to the vet, we were surprised to learn that his eye issue wasn’t an infection – it was likely a reaction to something in his diet. And guess what the most common allergen for dogs is? Chicken! We cut chicken out (which, by the way, is in almost every commercial dog food), and his eyes cleared up completely. Every so often I test the theory but even the smallest bit of roast chicken skin gives him gooey eyes again.
Figuring out what to feed him has been a journey. I was drawn to raw feeding over ultra-processed kibble, so we experimented with different raw diets until we found what suited him – and us. Now, he thrives on a mostly raw diet with one meal a day and a little cold-pressed kibble as a top-up. His digestion has improved, and his energy levels are through the roof.
But even after the diet change, the itching persisted. We used drops from the vet, which helped, but I started to question the sheer amount of medication our pets are given. Vaccines, tick treatments, mite drops, kennel cough meds – it all adds up, not just in their bodies but in the environment too. When your dog is running around peeing in nature (in our case, the stunning Glengarriff Nature Reserve), it makes you think twice about what’s in their system.
That’s when I started looking for natural alternatives, and I was very happy to discover The Natural Vet Company, a new Cork-based family business making herbal pet care products developed by a vet. We recently launched their range in Organico, and Sinead, the founder, came to train our team. A qualified Veterinary Herbalist, combined with over a decade of experience as a veterinary surgeon across Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, Sinead has used her expertise to create effective, natural remedies for pets.
Her range supports a variety of pet health issues, from skin conditions to anxiety, arthritis, digestive troubles, and more. One standout for me is her Green Lipped Mussel supplement for joint care. Sinead discovered that vets in Australia rely on Green Lipped Mussel instead of pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories. Not all Green Lipped Mussel extracts are created equal, though – some are gritty and ineffective, while others (like hers) are soft, pure, and packed with benefits. It’s actually human-grade – which for me really sums up Sinead’s commitment to quality.
Another incredible product is ‘Calm,’ a natural remedy for pets who struggle with stress. Whether your pet is restless, reactive, or just a bit stubborn in training, this gentle formula helps soothe without the need for heavier medications. Before reaching for pharmaceuticals, this is definitely worth a try.
For Milo, Sinead’s Skin & Coat supplement has been a game-changer. It’s a powerful mix of essential fatty acids, amino acids, and herbal support designed to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy coat. If your dog struggles with recurring skin issues or ear infections, this could be a great daily addition. Since starting it, Milo’s itching has reduced dramatically, his skin is less dry and flaky, and – bonus – his ears no longer smell!
Because Irish Water Spaniels are prone to joint issues, I also give him the Joint Care supplement occasionally. With ingredients like Hemp Oil, Green Lipped Mussel, Ashwagandha, and Devil’s Claw, it’s an excellent natural option for supporting mobility as he gets older.
If you’re interested in exploring natural pet care, The Natural Vet Company’s range is now available at Organico. It’s exciting to see more holistic options for our four-legged family members, and I love knowing that I’m supporting Milo’s health in a way that’s both effective and kind to the environment.
Have you tried natural remedies for your pet? I’d love to hear your experiences!
We’re venturing back into holding small events up over the Deli, and the first is a Face Yoga Pamper morning with Irene Dunne and in collaboration with Trilogy, happening Saturday April 12. Tickets are very limited, but keep your eyes peeled as we are planning to hold more events like this in the coming months.
