Alternative Medicine for Dogs: Natural Health Approaches for Your Beloved Pet

As people continue to turn to natural medicine, more of us are seeking alternative medicine for dogs. Just like humans, dogs have natural ways of maintaining their health, and we need to harness these progressive defenses, not depress them when providing health care.

To learn more about different types of natural medicine and treatments for canines, read on.

Osteopathy and Chiropractic Care

Manipulating the body through chiropractic care and osteopathy has been shown to reduce back pain, joint pressure and spinal problems. In fact, in 1996, the American Veterinary Medical Association concluded that both anecdotal and clinical research proved veterinary chiropractic care is beneficial.

While virtually no research has been carried out on the value of osteopathy for dogs, anecdotal evidence suggests the treatments are effective and especially helpful during recovery after an injury or accident.

Acupuncture Needles

Acupuncture serves as an alternative "medicine" for dogs and is typically used as an effective painkiller. Painkilling drugs work by mimicking the brain's pain-killing chemicals like endorphins. Acupuncture, instead, stimulates the release of natural endorphins.

Remember that acupuncture for dogs should only be performed by a veterinary acupuncturist and should not be done by an acupuncturist who only works on people. It is a medical procedure and should be treated as such. Instead, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation in your area.

Herbal Therapies

While herbs and plants are a major source for all pharmaceutical drugs, herbal remedies use the whole plant rather than an isolated chemical. In herbalist medicine, the choice of herbs will depend on both the dog's personality as well as its medical condition.

While many veterinarians understand herbal remedies and will accept that various treatments have a medicinal value, they are also hesitant to prescribe or recommend herbal therapies. This is because toxic doses of herbs are largely unknown for dogs. So, before you undertake an herbal medicine program with your dog, do your research carefully.

Relaxation and Massage

Relaxation is a critical part of good health - improving our breathing, anxiety, muscle pain and stress. The same holds true for dogs, and many veterinarians will actually prescribe massage and relaxation as treatment for pain, anxiety, stress or sleeping problems.

Homeopathy

Even the American Veterinary Medical Association has concluded that veterinary homeopathy may be beneficial for dogs. Because homeopathy is typically non-toxic, particularly in low doses, it is considered safe for canines.

More and more veterinarians are beginning to prescribe alternative medicine for dogs, from touch therapy treatments to herbal remedies. So, ask your vet about natural therapies during your next visit as a health option for your pet.

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