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Pet Supplies Tips :: Alternative Medicine for Dogs
Alternative Medicine for Dogs: Alternative Medicine Treatments for Dogs
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As people continue to turn to natural medicine, more of us are seeking out alternative medicine for dogs. Just like humans, dogs have natural ways of maintaining their health and we need to harness these evolutionary defenses, not depress them when providing health care.
To learn about some popular alternative therapy treatments for dogs, keep reading.
Osteopathy and Chiropractic care
Studies show that manipulations of the body and bone structure based upon a firm understanding of anatomy are effective for limiting human back pain, joint pain and spinal column discomfort.
In 1996, the American Veterinary Medical Association reported “sufficient clinical and anecdotal evidence exists to indicate that veterinary chiropractic can be beneficial.”
While virtually no research has been carried out on the value of osteopathy for dogs, anecdotal evidence suggest the treatments are effective and especially helpful during recovery after an injury or accident.
Acupuncture
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.
Acupuncture is a medical procedure for dogs and can only be performed by a qualified veterinary acupuncturist. Do not have the procedure carried out by someone who performs acupuncture solely on people. Your vet should be able to recommend a colleague who carries out this procedure.
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.
Most conventional veterinarians understand and accept the medicinal values of herbal therapies buy find it difficult to accept the ancient concepts that underlie traditional herbalism.
Because toxic doses for dogs have not been calculated for many herbs, most veterinarians are, understandably, hesitant to prescribe or recommend a herbal program.
Relaxation Therapies
The ability to relax and breathe is critical to good health – and the same benefits apply to dogs. Teaching dogs to relax or engaging in pet massage is a great way to naturally boost the immune system, increase the dog's alertness, reduce anxiety and even improve digestive function.
Most veterinarians will recommend massage and relaxation as part of a healthy dog's daily program.
Homeopathy
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association - “clinical and anecdotal evidence exists to indicate that veterinary homeopathy may be beneficial.” And though no high-caliber studies of homeopathic medicines have been carried out on dogs, it's a treatment course that's increasing in popularity.
The number of veterinarians who prescribe or include homeopathic remedies and alternative medicine for dogs is increasing. Many vets are willing to accept evidence that natural remedies can work.
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PetSuppliesTips.com :: Alternative Medicine for Dogs