Alternative and Holistic Pet Care and Wellness Options
By epetsure
In honor of National Pet Week, we are exploring natural and holistic services available to pets and pet parents. Having a sick pet is one of the scariest and saddest experiences many pet parents will have to endure. Unfortunately, many of the medications designed to help pets feel better, also make them feel sick. It’s not uncommon for drug reactions to include fatigue, loss of appetite, low grade fevers, skin irritations, etc… This only makes it harder for the pet to overcome the illness and more difficult for pet parent to watch their fur babies suffer even more.
Herbal medications
- Can work just as well as the chemical kind, or even in complimentary with them to help relieve any side effects or adverse reactions.
- Reduce Pain. Traditional veterinary pain specialists now recommend acupuncture as part of their treatment protocol for most patients. It is commonly recommended for painful osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease and cancer patients. Natural alternatives can effectively reduce pain and in turn reduce the need for drugs with harmful side effects. It can also aid in postsurgical recovery.
- Manage Chronic GI Disease. Natural alternatives have been very effective in the management of inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS) and chronic digestive disorders. Most types of GI disorders respond favorably to Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) protocols, which reduces the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
- Relieve Chronic Skin Disease. Skin problems including allergies can be helped by herbal medicine. Most significantly, they reduce the need for cortisone and its side effects.
- Treat Metabolic Diseases. Hypothyroidism, Cushings and Addisons Diseases, Diabetes, and other metabolic diseases respond favorably to natural approaches.
- Aid in Seizure Treatment. Natural approaches have reduced the need for Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide. There are fewer behavioral changes and less stress on the liver with the herbal treatments.
- Improve Nutrition. Premium diet recommendations can make a big difference in both healing and wellness.
Massage Therapy
Another wellness remedy beneficial to pets is massage therapy. Regular massage therapy on pets has shown an increase in the circulation of blood and bodily fluids that help clear the internal and adrenal systems. This aids in fighting infections and increasing immune system’s response. Massage therapy also works to ease stress and promote relaxation. Older pets can benefit from increased mobility and the release of tension in muscles and joints. It is especially helpful for senior pets because it creates a better quality of life, especially for pets with arthritis, joint problems, hip dysplasia, or other similar conditions.
Acupuncture
In addition to aiding in all of the things that massage therapy does, acupuncture is a wonderful tool for combatting respiratory issues like asthma and skin problems like granulomas and allergic dermatitis. It’s also shown to be beneficial to pets with neurological issues like facial paralysis, and select reproductive problem.
Chiropractic (Manual Therapy)
Just as it has helped people, the practice of manipulating and adjusting the head, neck, back and pelvis of animals has shown in studies how it can reduce pain and return the neurological system to normal function. This practice can also help digestion, liver and kidney function through massage and stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Hydrotherapy
Also known as water therapy, it can be used as an alternative or complement to weight-bearing exercise and medication. It can speed recovery after operations or slow the progression of degenerative conditions. This is most prevalently used in dogs, allowing the dog to exercise in water by providing support and giving the muscles and nerves a chance to regenerate after an illness, injury or operation. This is also a great way for obese dogs to get in much needed exercise without placing too much on their joints.
Payment Options
Since alternative and holistic treatments can become expensive, we are including a list of Pet Health Insurance companies offering plans that cover alternative and holistic therapies (some restrictions/limitations may apply):
