Self selection – the animals choice.

Self-selection; What is it and why is it so important?

Self-selection, also termed ‘self-medication’ is an animals innate ability to choose what they need in their diet to rebalance their body systems. This could be to rebalance their gut bacteria, help ease the pain of aching muscles or joints, help with skin conditions, or even help with what we humans call ‘behavioural’ issues.
All sounds simple right? Well yes it should be, but in reality, the way we manage our horses and dogs lifestyles can have detrimental effects on the natural plants they need to self-select. We’ve all heard on T.V programmes and in the news how we are losing biodiversity which is affecting our bees and our insects; we are losing natural flora which the bees and insects thrive on. This is the same natural flora or herbs our animals choose to self-select or self-medicate. I will talk more about the issues surrounding biodiversity and how we can help in future blogs.

Self-selection by Horses.
I went to a yard recently where a horse was suffering digestive issues and joint pain. The natural answer was found in the willow trees on the property, which were previously fenced off from the horses. Like many owners, this horse carer was worried about her horses eating anything that isn’t grass. Lucking he now he helps himself to the willow leaves and twigs when he feels he needs to, and is thriving with a healthier gut and better mobility. Why willow? Willow contains salacin, a water soluble glucoside which is a powerful analgesic (painkiller) scientifically proven to reduce muscle and joint pain, and works in a similar way to aspirin. Unlike the drug, willow along with many other natural pain killers, also contains a mucilage compound which helps protect the gut lining hence why it was a natural choice for this horse to self-medicate. Just one example of how nature can help.

Self-selection by Dogs.
Many dog owners actively discourage their animals to eat plants; after all dogs are carnivores right? Of course, but dogs eating grass and other herbs for a multitude of reasons. Probably the most common of these is eating grass. As any dog owner will know the effects of this may not be pleasant for us. Grass is often selected to make dogs purge i.e. either be sick or have runnier faeces. However, ‘purging’ the gut of toxins from foods, drugs, worms, and the bi-products of gut bacteria is perfectly natural in moderation of course! Other favourites for dogs to self-select include members of the carrot family like cow parsley and hog weed. Sometimes the leaves are eaten, other times the dog just chooses to ‘nip’ into the leaf for a sudden burst of flavour. These can be selected for their anti-inflammatory properties, helping musculoskeletal issues, for digestion and for cell regeneration.

Now you can see why self-selection is so important to natural animal health, but what can you do if herbs are not available for self-selection or you are worried about areas polluted by chemicals. The answer to that is the straight herbs supplied by Animal Aromatics. If you’re not sure what to offer, why not try our free online consultation service. Simply fill out the consultation form, and we will supply you with a bespoke herbal kit.