As more and more people experience the vast benefits of holistic medicine sometimes coupled with a homeopathic approach when treating their common illnesses, the question often arises if whether or not this same vein of thinking will apply to their dogs as well. Today complementary treatments, therapies, and holistic medicine for dogs are all now gaining more credence as pet owners and veterinarians work together to find effective methods of prolonging and bettering the lives of our beloved animals.
Coming from the word “whole,” holistic medicine utilizes a comprehensive approach to medical care and treats the body as one entire unit, rather than merely focusing on an ailment or its ensuing symptoms the way conventional or Western medicine often does. Some examples of holistic medicine for canines include the use of herbal preparations, massage and physical therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
In many instances, holistic medicine is used as a last resort or when conventional treatments alone have failed to work. However, there are many circumstances that will call for both modern and holistic medicine to bring about the most favorable results, such as a broken leg that needs surgery to be repaired along with holistic methods used to decrease healing time.
Although there are several different modalities involved with holistic medical care for dogs, many of them rely partly on modern medicines and treatments. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese form of medicine involving incredibly fine needles, has been used for thousands of years for pain relief and improving overall health and has now made its way into the veterinary world of medicine.
Besides the use of needles, acupuncture may also involve similar techniques like acupressure in which pressure is applied using the fingertips, or even lasers or ultrasound for the treatment of ailments and conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, disorders of the stomach, and to speed up recovery time after surgery. Acupuncture may even take the place of some surgeries and be a natural alternative to pain medication or steroids.
Trigger point therapy is another modality of holistic medical care used to relieve pain in dogs. Trigger points are sore spots in the muscles with restricted blood flow that when irritated cause pain to radiate to other muscles. Through trigger point therapy, which may call for chiropractic care, massage therapy or acupuncture, the trigger points are released to bring about pain relief.
There are a number of herbal remedies used in holistic veterinary medicine and it’s highly recommended to only use herbal medicine that is prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. Although herbal and botanical medicines are natural, they can be rather powerful with some even having toxic effects especially when mixed with other medication or when given to dogs with allergies. Some herbs used for curing dog ailments include licorice as an anti-inflammatory, passionflower or valerian as a sedative, and black walnut or wormwood in place of conventional de-worming medication.
One of the most important principles behind holistic medicine for dogs involves the proper nutrition. The foundation for a long, vibrant life always begins with the right nutritional balance and it’s essential for dogs to eat healthy without an array of added chemicals, by-products, artificial colors. Whole grains, organically grown 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 dealing with current illnesses and conditions already affecting the body, holistic treatment methods in veterinary medicine are also used to ward off disease and improve the dog’s overall health, and hopefully lengthen life span as well.
Technorati Tags: dogs, Explained, Holistic, Medicine
Apr 13, 2010 | | Homeopathic relief for your pets
Research has shown that health is influenced by physical, mental, and emotional factors.
Holistic medicine includes an evaluation of diet, emotions, behavior, and lifestyle, in addition to the routine physical exam. Holistic Medicine is also
called Alternative Medicine and is an approach that deals with the whole patient, not just the presenting complaint.
The veterinarian will need to know as much as possible about your pet’s environment. History taking will include your dog’s living arrangements as well as past medical problems and treatments. Owners need to be prepared to answer questions concerning their pets fears, food preferences and emotions. The time of day a problem occurs is also an important factor in making a diagnosis. Vets will take extra time to discuss how to monitor results of specific therapies and how to determine whether or not certain environmental factors are influencing their pet’s health.
HERBALISM
Using plants and herbs for medicinal purposes is an ancient practice. You can cut up fresh herbs and mix them into the food, or use the liquid “tincture” form, which is the most potent and the best choice in most cases. Herbs can be used externally as dips and tonics for skin problems. They also have unique properties when it comes to stimulating the immune system for diseases like cancer that are largely un-treatable by traditional methods.
Certain herbs are potentially toxic at any dose and should be avoided. These include: Chaparral, Comfrey, Pennyroyal, Garlic, Tea Tree and Mahuang.
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathists believe that giving an extremely dilute form of a substance similar to the one causing the symptoms, stimulates the body to overcome the illness itself. The remedies used are all natural and are derived from plants, minerals, or animal products. They are precisely diluted one part to 90 parts alcohol then vigorously shaken to become activated. The more dilute the remedy, the stronger it gets and the more intrinsic energy it releases. This energy rebalances the body’s “vital force” or “chi”, which stimulates the body’s immune system to heal itself.
You can buy most homeopathic remedies in a specific strength. The number after the name indicates the strength, for example, Arsenica album 6c. The remedies can be given as pellets or crushed to powder and given by mouth. They must be handled and given according to specific guidelines as they can easily become inactivated.
Homeopathic remedies are compatible with nutritional and chiropractic therapies. However, they should not be used with acupuncture or strong herbal tintures because they can inactivate each other. Working with a homepathic vet is essential for successful therapy.
OTHER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
There are many more alternative therapies than those described here including Aromatherapy, Detoxification, Magnetic Field Therapy and Energetic Therapies like Reiki. As traditional research continues to uncover the efficiency of these treatments, more will find their way into mainstream veterinary medicine.
FLOWER ESSENCES
Flower essences are diluted flower preparations that are used to treat behavioral problems, fears and other psychological problems, especially those associated with stress. They help to rebalance mental and emotional well-being. Originally, Edward Bach, a British physician in the 1930’s, developed 38 different flower essences, each of which was used to rebalance a different emotional situation. These essences are therefore also called Bach Flower Remedies.
Rescue Remedy is one of the most popular. It is a mixture of five flower essences and is commonly used after a physical or emotional trauma or a stressful situation. For example, with a dog stressed by a major change in his or her home life, two drops in or on the mouth or tongue two to three times daily is often an effective remedy. You can also put two to three drops into the water bowl. Most dogs relax and adjust to the change more easily.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific body points to stimulate the body’s immune system to heal itself. It is used to relieve pain caused by arthritic conditions like Hip Dysplasia and Spinal Disc Disease as well as skin allergies, Chronic Bowel Diseases and nervous disorders including Epilepsy. The relief is generally temporary and several treatments are often needed for positive results.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Chiropractic Care involves manipulating the spinal cord to adjust misplaced vertebrae that may be impinging on nerves and impeding movement. It can be useful to relieve musculoskeletal pain resulting from trauma and arthritis as well as other degenerative processes affecting the spine, joints, and bony skeleton.
NATUROPATHY
Naturopaths believe that diseases are caused by a buildup of toxins in the body. They recommend a regime of good nutrition and exercise combined with bathing, massage, and sunshine.
GLANDULAR THERAPY
These are biologically active nutritional supplements given as treats or mixed with food. Many contain glands from hormone secreting organs, such as the thyroid, and are used to stimulate a weakened gland to function normally. These are very safe.
Technorati Tags: Alternative, cats, dogs, health, Holistic, Medicine
Apr 09, 2010 | | Homeopathic relief for your pets
I put this video together to give you some great ideas on how to use Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for your pets. Coconut Oil is a natural remedy for many problems encountered by pet owners. Please visit my blog for more practical uses of Coconut Oil! http://www.coconutoil4life.blogspot.com
Duration : 0:3:12
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: cats, Coconut Oil, dogs, Holistic, holistic pet, Home Remedies, Horses, Natural Pet Remedy, Organic, Pet Care, pets pet care, VCO, Virgin Coconut oil
Oct 20, 2009 | | Homeopathic relief for your pets
I put this video together to give you some great ideas on how to use Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for your pets. Coconut Oil is a natural remedy for many problems encountered by pet owners. Please visit my blog for more practical uses of Coconut Oil! http://www.coconutoil4life.blogspot.com
Duration : 0:3:12
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: cats, Coconut Oil, dogs, Holistic, holistic pet, Home Remedies, Horses, Natural Pet Remedy, Organic, Pet Care, pets pet care, VCO, Virgin Coconut oil
Oct 20, 2009 | | Homeopathic relief for your pets
