Holistic medicine for dogs explained

Holistic medicine for dogs explained

As more and more people experience the tremendous benefits of holistic medicine, sometimes combined with a homeopathic approach, to treat their common illnesses, the question often arises as to whether this way of thinking will apply to their dogs. Today, complementary treatments, therapies and holistic medicine for dogs are gaining more traction as pet owners and veterinarians work together to find effective methods to extend and improve the lives of our beloved animals.

Coming from the word “holistic,” holistic medicine takes a comprehensive approach to medical care, treating the body as a whole unit rather than just focusing on one disease or its resulting symptoms, as conventional or Western medicine often does. Some examples of holistic medicine for dogs include the use of herbal supplements, massage and physical therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, and acupuncture.

In many cases, holistic medicine is used as a last resort or when traditional treatments alone do not work. However, there are many circumstances that require both modern and holistic medicine to achieve the most favorable results, such as: B. a broken leg that requires surgery to repair along with holistic methods to shorten healing time.

Although there are several different modalities involved in holistic medical care for dogs, many of them rely in part on modern medications and treatments. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese form of medicine using incredibly fine needles, has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain and improve overall health and has now made its way into the world of veterinary medicine.

In addition to the use of needles, acupuncture can also involve similar techniques such as acupressure, which involves applying pressure with the fingertips, or even laser or ultrasound to treat ailments and conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, stomach problems, and speed recovery time after surgery. Acupuncture can even replace some surgeries and be a natural alternative to painkillers or steroids.

Trigger point therapy is another method of holistic medical treatment used to relieve pain in dogs. Trigger points are painful areas in muscles with restricted blood flow that, when irritated, cause pain that radiates to other muscles. Trigger point therapy, which may require chiropractic care, massage therapy, or acupuncture, releases the trigger points to provide pain relief.

There are a number of herbal remedies used in holistic veterinary medicine and it is strongly recommended that you only use herbal medicines prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. Although herbal and herbal medicines are natural, they can be quite strong, with some even having toxic effects, especially when mixed with other medications or given to dogs with allergies.

Some herbs used to cure dog illnesses include licorice as an anti-inflammatory, passionflower or valerian as a sedative, and black walnut or wormwood in place of traditional dewormers.

One of the most important principles of holistic medicine for dogs is proper nutrition. The foundation for a long, vibrant life always starts with the right nutritional balance, and it is essential for dogs to eat a healthy diet without a range of added chemicals, by-products and artificial colors. Whole grains, organic vegetables, fish, and whole grain-fed beef, lamb, or chicken are highly recommended to give dogs the energy and vital nutrients they need to thrive.

In addition to addressing current illnesses and conditions that are already affecting the body, holistic treatment methods are also used in veterinary medicine to ward off disease and improve the dog's overall health and hopefully extend its lifespan.