Discussing Non-Traditional Medical Approaches And Whether Or Not They’re Right For Your Pet
We all want what’s best for our pets in regards to their health, well-being, and happiness. With all of the various information, medicine, and medical practices on the market, it can be difficult and overwhelming to decide what is best for your pets. This article aims to discuss and shed some light on the more non-traditional medical approaches for pets. Some examples include massage, herbal medicine, nutrition, and various forms of therapy. While these non-traditional approaches aren’t well suited for every pet out there, it’s important to know what is out there and what options your pet has. Keep reading to learn more!
Disclosure
Full disclosure, ParaMount Pet Care is not a certified medical professional in regards to pet health and care nor are we affiliated with any veterinarian and/or animal hospital. This article contains our opinions on the topics of holistic healing, treatment, and medicine. These opinions are derived from our years of experience with various animals and should not be taken as medical advice, but rather personal suggestions. For more professional veterinary supported information regarding holistic treatments for your pets, check out the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website.
Herbal Medicine
One of the most basic and natural forms of holistic medical treatment comes in the form of herbal medicine. Herbal medicine has been used to treat both humans and animals for thousands of years, long before modern western medicine. Many people argue that herbal medicine is a healthier alternative to pharmaceuticals and various man made drugs. Typically speaking, these herbal medicines have less side effects and drawbacks than medicines produced in labs and factories. Most of these herbal medicines are used to relieve pain, strengthen/support immune systems, and help improve/restore organ function. Some examples of holistic herbs used on pets include kava, valerian, and chamomile. Keep in mind that every pet is different and will respond to medicine in different ways. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet any holistic herbal medicine to ensure it’s the right choice for your pet.
Nutrition
One of the most important and controversial aspects to your pets well being is their overall nutrition and diet. Everyone has a different opinion on what is good or bad for your pet’s diet, but ultimately you must make the decision on what your pet eats on a regular basis. While every pet’s diet varies depending on what type of animal they are, every pet needs the proper amount and types of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins to stay healthy and happy. To learn more about what food is best for your pet (specifically dogs) check out our previous article entitled How To Choose A Dog Food. Having a healthy and nutritious diet can make a world of difference in your pet’s life including reducing inflammation and easing symptoms of chronic diseases (arthritis, diabetes, etc.). Examples of holistic pet food include anything that is made out of natural ingredients and of human-grade quality. These foods typically don’t contain fillers, byproducts, and are made without chemicals or fertilizers.
Therapy
There is an abundance of different types of holistic therapy that can be performed on both humans and pets with varying results. The ultimate purpose of these various forms of therapy are to heal, restore, and relax the participant. Some examples of holistic therapy include massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, and hydrotherapy. Massages can help relax both your pets’ muscles and their minds as it is both relieving and therapeutic. Dogs especially can benefit from this as they are very active animals and use a great deal of their muscles on a regular basis. Aromatherapy uses a combination of calming herbs and essential oils to help relax and destress your pet. This is especially good for pets with anxiety and high stress levels. Hydrotherapy is essentially physical therapy, but it takes place in water. This is ideal for pets that need low-impact exercise, suffer from joint problems or arthritis, or are recovering from injury or surgery. Acupuncture and acupressure are both considered forms of traditional chinese medicine (TCM). Acupuncture encourages the body to heal itself by correcting energy imbalances within the body which can help with blood circulation, pain relief, and reduce anxiety. Acupressure acts on the same premise except with specific pressure points on the body as opposed to needles. It is also known to help with things such as blood circulation and anxiety.
The Holistic Approach
The non-traditional holistic approach isn’t for every pet or owner, but it’s important to know what your options are. If modern medicines and pharmaceuticals aren’t working or are producing unwanted side effects, then we suggest considering some of the aforementioned holistic approaches for your pets. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian first before trying any of the methods or medicines listed here. You want what’s best for your pet and so do we. We hope this article helps shed some light on the various holistic options on the market and that some of them will help improve your pets’ health and quality of life.
0 Comments