The Dog Expert Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 6

What if animals already know how to heal themselves? In this episode of The Dog Expert Podcast, Jo Middleton, Emily Dustan and Penny Wood are joined by Caroline Ingraham, founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy and one of the world’s leading experts in animal self-medication. With over 35 years of experience, Caroline’s work explores how animals instinctively select plants, oils and natural substances to support their physical and emotional wellbeing. Together, we explore a fascinating and sometimes controversial question: what happens when we step back and allow animals more choice in their own healing? In this episode, we discuss: • What zoopharmacognosy actually is — and how animals self-medicate in the wild • How this knowledge is applied to domestic animals through Caroline’s work • The role of choice, agency and observation in supporting wellbeing • Why Caroline feels so strongly about giving animals a voice in their own care • Where this approach fits alongside modern veterinary and behavioural practice This conversation sits at the intersection of instinct, science, and philosophy. It invites us to consider not just what we do to dogs, but what we might learn by allowing them to guide us. As always, we encourage listeners to stay curious, think critically, and keep the welfare of the animal at the centre of every decision.