Pawsitive Healing

07/06/2026

A peer-reviewed, randomized controlled clinical trial published in Veterinary Sciences, a Q1 veterinary journal, found that dogs🐕 with osteoarthritis🦴🔥 receiving just 40 mg of UC-II® (undenatured type II collagen) experienced improvements in mobility and comfort comparable to those seen in dogs receiving robenacoxib, a prescription anti-inflammatory medication.

After only 30 days, mobility improved by 32.7% in the UC-II group compared to 31.5% in the medication group, with no adverse effects reported in either group. One of the most surprising findings was how quickly UC-II worked, producing measurable benefits within just one month, faster than many previous UC-II studies have reported.

Unlike pain medications💊 that directly suppress inflammation🔥, UC-II works through a process called oral tolerance, helping retrain the immune system to reduce cartilage-targeting inflammation and support long-term joint health.

It’s important to note that dogs with severe arthritis responded better to the prescription medication, while UC-II appeared most effective in dogs with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

That’s why Dr. Karen Becker included undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) in MOBILITY MATRIX™—a comprehensive, science-backed formula designed to support joints, muscles, cartilage, and connective tissue in both dogs and cats. By combining UC-II with other targeted mobility nutrients, MOBILITY MATRIX™ was created to help pets stay active, comfortable, and moving with ease.

👉🏼Comment MATRIX to learn more about this science-backed mobility formula and we’ll DM you the link.

07/06/2026

28/05/2026

This study explored the role of Withania somnifera/Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) on important gut–microbiome parameters in healthy geriatric dogs. The research team hypothesized that ARE might promote a healthy gut by its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory effects and improve vital parameters for healthy ageing. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Telangana, India. Twelve healthy geriatric Beagle dogs aged 12–15 years were enrolled. The dogs were divided into two groups to receive ARE (15 mg/kg, once daily, orally, for two months) or a placebo control. Various parameters were assessed, including serum haematology, biochemical markers, stool parameters, and gut–microbiome parameters. The results showed erythrocyte counts and haemoglobin levels were significantly increased. Moreover, a significant decrease in important serum liver biomarkers (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) was observed in the ARE-treated dogs compared to that in the placebo control group. In addition, the levels of L-citrulline were significantly modulated by ARE intervention, whereas the intervention did not affect intestinal-type alkaline phosphatase, lactate, and carbamoyl-phosphate synthase. Interestingly, the faecal score reduced significantly with ARE, while the faecal pH remained unaltered. Compared to the baseline, ARE significantly decreased two microbial metabolites, propionic acid, and total short chain fatty acid levels after 60 days of intervention, whereas butyrate and acetic acid levels remained unchanged in the faecal samples. In summary, these findings suggest that ARE has gut health promoting benefits in healthy geriatric dogs by improving haematological and biochemical profiles; the levels of L-citrulline; propionic acid; and SCFA; thus, reducing age-related changes by modulating the microbiome and the associated metabolites.

11/05/2026

https://www.fourflax.co.nz/products/canine-probiotics?variant=45437502947648

01/05/2026

This interesting case report describes how acupuncture and Chinese herbal supplementation were used to successfully treat, support and stabilize a twelve-year-old Labrador Retriever with chronic kidney disease and hind end weakness. A Chinese herbal formulation, Rehmannia Eight (Ba Wei Di Huang Wan), was started when mild azotemia with isosthenuria was noted in laboratory work. Acupuncture was used to provide further support to the kidneys as well as for mobility support. The patient showed mild improvement in the creatinine and the hind end weakness significantly improved, enhancing the patient's overall quality of life.

You can read this in-depth case report here:https://civtedu.org/documents/TWuzq4J6ujLwcLfdT3Wa.pdf

Learn about our Veterinary Acupuncture courses here: https://civtedu.org/courses/acupuncture

11/04/2026

Just real, honest, NZ Venison.

11/04/2026

Probiotics and good diets!

Cancer has quietly become the leading cause of death in our beloved companion animals, especially dogs (and it’s rising in cats, too!). A diagnosis can feel sudden, scary, and devastating. Yet what we are learning is that cancer is rarely random. Research shows a significant portion of cancers are influenced by environmental exposures, which means we have a real opportunity for prevention. Our dogs and cats share our homes, our air, our water, and our daily routines. Because they age faster and live closer to the ground, they often act as early mirrors of the lifestyle and environmental factors affecting all of us.

Small, intentional changes can lower the toxic burden on your pet and on your entire family. Simple steps to support natural detoxification pathways and protect the gut microbiome can make a meaningful difference over time. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. You can help create a safer environment for the ones you love. Check out my latest article to get going, link in comments ⬇️ 🐾.