Healthy Dog, Happy Life

My path to becoming a Dog Herbalist has been shaped by both lived experience and a deep connection with dogs and the natural world.

From a young age, I was drawn to working with dogs through hands-on roles and volunteer work in shelters. While working in a veterinary office, I began to notice how many chemicals and synthetic products were being used in, on, and around dogs, and felt called to explore more natural, supportive approaches.

Around that same time, my soul-dog, Thor, was struggling with chronic digestive issues and severe anxiety. Introducing herbs alongside daily energy work transformed his wellbeing within months. That experience continues to guide my work today: when a dog thrives, the entire household feels it.

My background in rescue work and grooming through Groom for Love deepened my understanding of canine energetics and the sensitivity of their emotional and physical states. This work led me to study Animal Reiki with Kathleen Prasad, and I’ve been practicing as an Animal Reiki Master since 2017. Energy work, whether in person or at a distance (equally effective), can be a powerful complement to herbal support.

I began formulating and offering handcrafted herbal remedies at farmers markets and festivals, but quickly realized true support goes beyond products. Each dog is so unique. Meaningful results come from understanding the individual dog, their constitution, environment, history, and emotional landscape, and creating tailored protocols and custom formulas made specifically for each dog.

My training includes extensive study in holistic canine health and herbalism, including time at the Holistic School of Living, as well as over five years apprenticing with Rita Hogan. Equally important has been learning directly from plants in their natural environments, developing a relationship with them beyond their “uses”

Herbalism and energy work are not separate practices; they enhance one another. When thoughtfully integrated, they offer a more complete approach to supporting both dogs and their humans, especially in a world where stressors and environmental challenges continue to grow.

My practice is aligned with the mission of United Plant Savers, and I maintain an active membership to support ethical and sustainable herbalism. My piece, Our Sweet Earth, was featured in the Journal of Medicinal Plant Conservation (Spring 2021).

At the core of my work is a simple truth: the plants we share this Earth with carry profound intelligence. When we reconnect with them, and with the natural rhythms that support life, we create the conditions for deeper balance and vitality for ourselves and our dogs.

I see my role as a guide and conduit; helping to reconnect dogs and their humans with the support that has always been here.

Green Peace and Dog Love,

<3 Erica Marie Coston, Clinical Canine Herbalist, Master Animal Reiki Practitioner, Animal Homeopathy Practitioner

Founder, Dog Herbalist

Founder, Groom for Love, a Nonprofit Organization (CURRENTLY ON HOLD)

Founder, The Integrative Herbalist

Click here to read Dog Herbalist’s mission and vision statement.