What Animal Iridology Revealed About My Dog’s Health (and Why It Changed Everything)
Discover what I learned by reading my dog Loki’s eyes in an animal iridology course, including signs of injury, toxicity, and a surprising vestibular clue.
I haven’t shared this yet, but I’m currently halfway through a clinical course in Animal Iridology, a fascinating, emerging modality that reads health markers in the iris to gain insight into an animal’s physical, emotional, and energetic state. It’s well-established in the human and equine worlds, but is still relatively new in dogs and cats.
I first discovered this work through Poppy Phillips, one of the very few pioneers in the field of dog and cat iridology. While iridology has a long-established history in humans and horses, it’s extremely new in the small animal world. I’ve been following Poppy’s work for a while, and when she opened this intensive clinical course, I knew I had to jump in, especially knowing this is the first clinical cohort Poppy has led. It’s exciting to be part of this pioneering wave of animal iridology for dogs and cats. Those of us in this first clinical cohort are contributing to the expansion of the eye grids and helping document new markers, laying the groundwork for future research and validation in small animal iridology.
This is my favorite way to learn: elbow-deep, interactive, and full of conversation. No sitting back with silent note-taking. I ask a lot of questions, and I learn best by doing. And last night in class, I had the chance to read my own dog Loki’s eyes.
I was nervous going in, not because of the process, but because of what I suspected might be there. I’ve already learned how much can show up, and I could tell Loki’s eyes were trying to tell me something. Once you see and learn the patterns, it is hard to look at an eye the same again.
Sure enough, there it was.
Some markers confirmed what I already knew: his left CCL injury, for instance, and the deep imprint of his early neuter at just 10 weeks old (which likely triggered immune dysregulation and contributed to chronic joint and tissue issues).
But then came the surprises.
There were signs of a developing injury in the right CCL, likely a compensation pattern, but something that hasn’t yet shown up physically. Suddenly his slower movement and stiffness getting up makes sense. And then, as Poppy pointed out a distinct marking in the iris, I audibly gasped. It was a distinct marker that aligned with the vestibular region on the iris grid and it appeared shortly after Loki experienced an acute vestibular event this past Saturday. The fact that it showed up so quickly after the incident made the connection unmistakable, highlighting how responsive and timely these markers can be in reflecting recent health events. There was also a marker pointing toward the inner ear. He’s already scheduled with our vet for a deeper ear check, but to see that reflected so clearly in his eye was mind-blowing. Inner-ear issues can be the cause of vestibular events.
More concerning findings: Loki is showing signs of low oxygen absorption. And those pretty little speckles in his iris? They’re not just decorative, they’re markers of systemic toxicity. Yikes!
But here’s where it gets even more interesting.
The first three dogs of mine that I reviewed, Loki included, all showed a similar speckling pattern. That raised a red flag. We have well water with a whole-home filtration and softening system, but our garden still uses unfiltered well water in some spots (which plants love for the minerals, but could be risky for other reasons). This pattern made me pause. It might not just be systemic toxins, but an environmental exposure. So I’ve decided to re-test our well water, particularly for heavy metals.
For Loki, I’m starting with a gentle detox, likely bentonite clay or zeolite, and I’ve chosen Cocculus indicus as his homeopathic remedy. It aligns beautifully with his current presentation and energetic picture.
I’m honestly blown away by how much information lives in the iris. The connections between specific markings and real-life health challenges feel both practical and profound. In my work with animals, especially cats, who are so skilled at hiding discomfort, this is going to be an incredible tool. I can see it helping when a diagnosis feels just out of reach, or when symptoms are so subtle they’re easy to miss. The eyes can point us toward additional diagnostics or hidden toxic load, and they can even validate what we intuitively sense but can’t yet prove.
I’m excited to announce that this will be part of the services offered at my practice moving forward, without a doubt. And the more I learn, the more I’m amazed at what the body wants to reveal, if we just know how to look (is this another eye pun?!).
If this kind of insight fascinates you, let me know. I’d love to keep sharing what I find as I move through the rest of the course. There’s a whole world inside those eyes.
Want to know what your animal’s eyes are saying?
While I am still training, I’m offering $30 iridology readings for dogs and cats, exclusively for members of my private Facebook group.
Your pet’s eyes could hold insights into physical issues, toxin exposure, emotional imprints, and more. And while I’m still a student, my mentor, who is brilliant and experienced, is reviewing these cases too. It’s a true collaborative lens on your animal’s wellness.
Thank you so much for reading this post ! Please let me know what you think about iridology.
My name is Melissa, and I’m an animal communicator, energy healer, and holistic pet health coach. I weave together a variety of gentle, natural modalities to support animals and their humans including Reiki, EFT/Tapping, chakra balancing, muscle testing, tuning fork fascia release, canine herbalism, and both feline and canine nutrition. I'm also currently studying clinical animal iridology to further expand the holistic lens I bring to this work.
I live on a little farm sanctuary where I'm happily outnumbered by animals—seven dogs, three cats, and a mix of other furry, feathered, and hooved friends who keep life interesting. My approach is heart-centered and intuitive, combining ancient practices and modern knowledge to help bring balance, comfort, and clarity to our four-legged companions.
Thank you for taking the time to explore ways to enhance the quality of life for your furry companions. I hope my tips and recommendations prove invaluable to both you and your beloved pets. For more information and to discover how I can assist you further, please visit my website at calmingcreek.com.
I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have stories to share or questions to ask, don't hesitate to join the conversation in the comments section below.
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Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require.
I would like to take advantage of your $30 iridology special. I am intrigued.