Finn – Gastrointestinal, Skin Disease & Anxiety

Finn is a charming 4 year old, male Labradoodle who presented with ongoing gastrointestinal, skin disease and anxiety.  He suffered from frequent diarrhoea/colitis since a puppy.  He also has chronic ear infections and itchy skin.  He required regular cytopoint injections to help with his scratching and discomfort. He was unable to tolerate a raw food diet.

Treatment goals:  To support the gastrointestinal health, microbiome and aid detoxification. To improve the immune / skin health and reduce his levels of anxiety. To reduce exposure to allergens and decrease the use of antibiotics and conventional drugs. To feed a non-processed balanced diet.

Integrative Treatment Plan: Veterinary Nutrition Group formulated a balanced cooked non-processed diet that he has thrived on. In addition we included a herbal tincture, glutamine, omega 3’s, pre/probiotics, medicinal mushrooms and digestive enzymes.  An essential oil blend was formulated to help repel fleas. He received flower essences for anxiety.  In House Vaccination titre tests were advised prior to vaccinations.

Outcome: August 2025

Finn has come a long way, his quality of life and gut stability has improved significantly.  While he still has the occasional bout of gastrointestinal and skin inflammation, the frequency has reduced and the flare ups are not as serious. 

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Owners Feedback: We first met Jacqui with our Labradoodle, Finn, almost two years ago. At the time, he was struggling with ongoing gut issues (runny, mucusy stools) and suspected IBD. We had tried everything—different diets and proteins, multiple kibble changes, transitioning to freeze-dried food and then raw—but nothing worked. Two different vets suggested the “easy fix” - to put him on hydrolysed kibble, which we were strongly against.

At our very first consultation, Jacqui prescribed a range of supplements to boost Finn’s immune system, along with natural remedies she mixes herself to help heal the gut. Together, we agreed on a diet plan: a short course of hydrolysed kibble to reset his system, and then another attempt at raw.

It wasn’t a quick fix—it was a long journey with plenty of trial and error—but Jacqui was committed to finding the right approach for Finn. And she did.

Fast forward six months, Finn’s stools improved dramatically, and he became noticeably more energetic and happy. These days, if he does get diarrhea, it clears up within a couple of days thanks to Jacqui’s magical Heel drops. Raw food, unfortunately, wasn’t the right fit for his sensitive stomach, but Jacqui connected us with a wonderful veterinary nutritionist who created a home-cooked recipe that works beautifully for him.

We can’t thank Jacqui enough for everything she’s done for our Finny. We trust her completely, and her ongoing support gives us real peace of mind, knowing that if his condition ever worsens, she’ll be there to help us get him back on track.

She’s also helped us with his ear infections and natural flea control, so I honestly cannot recommend her enough. Thank you so, so much Jacqui—we are forever grateful! xxx

Simi Merhar – September 2025