Hannah Zulueta You’re trying so hard. You’ve switched your dog’s diet, maybe even worked with a nutritionist like me, but the itching, lethargy, or other symptoms just won’t budge. You feel guilty, like you’re letting your pup down by admitting, “Nothing’s changed.” I hear you, and I want to say: Never feel bad for being honest.
That honesty is brave, and it’s the key to moving forward. As a 52-year-old dog lover, certified canine nutritionist, and TCVM food therapy practitioner, currently studying for my Doctorate in Chinese Medicine, I support owners nationwide whose dogs have chronic conditions like allergies, gastritis or kidney disease.
Recently, a client—let’s call her Mary—shared her guilt about her dog’s unchanged symptoms. Her dog’s skin conditions are complicated. In the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) space, he has a mixed dry and damp imbalance.
She recently wrote the above phrase to me and her story inspired me to write this for you, to share why chronic cases take time and how we can work together to keep going, no shame, no blame.
Why Chronic Cases Take Time (And That’s Okay)
Chronic conditions—like allergies, gastritis, or kidney disease—aren’t like a cut that heals in a week. In TCVM, we see them as imbalances, like too much “heat” (think red, itchy skin) or weak “yin” (like fatigue in kidney cases). These take weeks, sometimes months, to shift, and progress can be subtle—a glossier coat, a bit more energy—before big symptoms fade.
Years ago, I was in your shoes with my dogs, Maggie and Orbit. I switched them to a cooked diet at the integrative vet’s advice, but Orbit’s skin didn’t improve for weeks. I felt frustrated, but those small steps—less dampness, softer fur—kept me going.
If Mary hadn’t told me her dog’s allergies were still bad, we wouldn’t have tweaked her plan. And when I wrote her I said to her was along the lines of, “My relationship with you is one where I take a perspective of collaboration. Tell me everything that is going on even when it looks like we either go backwards or you’re not seeing any movement.”
The way I see it and it needs to be said for each and everyone of you in this same place is you’re not failing when symptoms persist; you’re on a journey, and every step counts.
Read: 5 Signs Your Dog’s Health Issues Might Be Diet-Related ->
Why Multiple Sessions Are Key
Chinese Medicine stands apart from conventional approaches in its emphasis on ongoing observation and adaptation. Unlike a quick fix or a single prescription, TCVM views your dog’s health as a dynamic balance that evolves over time. This means it often takes multiple visits—or in our case, online conversations—to truly understand and address what the body needs. We’re monitoring how the body responds, adapts, and sometimes even takes a temporary step backward before moving forward.
In my experience at the school clinic where we treat human patients, we schedule follow-ups once a week. This regular check-in allows us to track subtle shifts, adjust herbal formulas or acupuncture points, and ensure the treatment aligns with the patient’s progress.
For practitioners in private settings, it’s common to recommend a commitment of 4 to 10 visits upfront. Why? Because the body doesn’t change overnight—it adapts gradually, and we need that time to fine-tune as imbalances like excess “dampness” (leading to itching) or deficient “qi” (causing lethargy) begin to shift.
This isn’t unique to TCVM; think about physical therapy, where patients commit to packages of multiple sessions to rebuild strength and mobility. Progress comes through consistent effort, with adjustments made based on how the body responds each time.
The same principle applies to your dogs. When we’re working to restore balance through food therapy and, in some cases, herbs, it requires patience and ongoing dialogue. Natural healing thrives on observation—we might start with a cooling diet to address “heat” in allergies, but after a few weeks, we’ll reassess based on your updates. Has the coat improved? Is there less scratching? We recalibrate every few weeks or months as needed, because true transformation isn’t a one-shot deal. It’s a collaborative process that honors the body’s natural rhythm.
By committing to this journey, you’re giving your dog the best chance at lasting wellness. And remember, just like with Mary, your honest feedback at each step is what makes it all possible.
Open Communication: No Blame, No Shame
Mary’s email hit me hard: “I feel bad saying this, but nothing’s changed.” I was grateful—she trusted me enough to be honest. That’s what I need from you, too. Whether your dog’s better, worse, or the same, your updates help me adjust recipes or check with your vet. There’s no judgment here, just a partnership.
For Mary, her honesty led to changes in the herbal protocols and I contacted her to implement the changes.
See, her courage, your honesty, and your voice keep us on track. Never hold back—your truth is our roadmap.
Curiosity: Watching for Every Change
Chronic cases teach us to be detectives. Big wins like less itching are great, but small shifts matter too. Is your dog sleeping more deeply? Drinking less? In TCVM, we look at energy patterns—maybe less panting means “heat” is easing. Mary noticed her dog scratched slightly less around his face. That was a clue, even if the allergies weren’t gone.
Another client, whose Texas dog had kidney disease, we saw very small lab changes but said her pup seemed “brighter, more awake and even playing.” We built on that, adding yin-tonifying pork to her diet. Keep a simple journal—note appetite, energy, even mood. You’re not failing if symptoms linger; you’re learning what’s next.
A Shared Vision: What Does “Better” Look Like?
When we started, Mary wanted her dog to itch less. That vision guides us, even when progress is slow. In TCVM, we aim for balance—think warming game meat for a “cold” senior or neutral grains for a sensitive tummy—not instant cures. I craft kitchen-tested recipes to move us toward your goal, whether it’s better labs or a more vibrant demeanor.
Talk with me about what “better” means to you. For some, it’s comfort; for others, it’s energy. Mary and I focused on small wins. Sharing that vision keeps us aligned, no matter how long it takes.
Letting Go of the “Fixer” Mindset
Here’s the hardest part: We can’t “fix” chronic illness overnight. I used to feel that pressure with Maggie and Orbit, like I had to solve everything fast. But TCVM taught me to stay curious, not controlling. What’s this moment showing us? When Mary said “nothing’s changed,” it wasn’t a dead end—it led us to explore a whole different formula and approach.
You’re enough just by showing up for your dog. Let go of guilt or the need to “fix” it all. Together, we’ll ask, “What can we learn?” and keep moving, step by step, with your vet’s guidance.
One of my teachers said to me to be more concerned about being curious and being open to the unknown than what you already know. What you already know, you know. But real growth and real transformation come from being comfortable seeing with your third eye and listening with your third ear, so that you can find the path forward.
You’re on a Journey Worth Taking
Chronic illness is tough, but you’re not alone. Mary’s honesty helped us pivot, and your openness can too. With time, communication, curiosity, and a shared goal, we’ll support your dog’s health, wherever you are. I test every recipe in my kitchen, research stores from Amazon to your local market, and collaborate with vets to make this work for you.
I don’t have a crystal ball, and I’ve learned not to try to predict outcomes. All I can do is commit to being in the trenches with you. If you take one step towards me, I’ll take 100 steps towards you, but it starts with you first. And all I can say is you are in a safe place, a quiet place, a calm place when you put down your armor and work with me.
Ready to keep going or start fresh? Book a virtual consult, and let’s create a TCVM nutritional and herbal support plan that is tailored for your dog. Book now → Or download my free TCVM Symptom Tracker by clicking on the link below:
Disclaimer: Always consult your veterinarian for a medical diagnosis. I provide nutritional support, not medical treatment.
Hannah Zulueta obtained her Certificate in Canine Nutrition from CASI Institute. She is also studying for her Doctorate in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Herbalism from the esteemed Pacific College of Health and Medicine. If you’re as keenly interested in health for yourself, visit her website for human health: Satori Acupuncture and Herbs.
She resides in San Diego with her three dogs, Maggie, Orbit, and Mr. Higgins.
She is available for one on one consultations. She develops evidence-based recipes that meet both NRC and AAFCO nutritional standards while integrating the therapeutic food principles of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine into her formulations.
Additionally, you can find her sharing free content on Instagram.
