Alternative Therapies for Animals
Alternative therapies for animals cover an amazingly broad field of endeavors and interest in it is increasing all the time. Some of the therapies include acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Acupuncture for dogs has been found to be beneficial in the same ways that acupuncture for humans has been helpful. In the most technical sense, acupuncture is the application of small-gauge needles to various points on the body in order to elicit physiological responses to treat many different diseases and conditions. It is often especially useful in treating pain. In a larger sense, acupuncture is an ancient procedure used in Traditional Chinese Medicine in order to treat whole-body conditions.
Today veterinary acupuncture is more widely accepted as part of mainstream practice by many veterinarians. Chapters on acupuncture are now standard in many veterinary texts. It’s estimated that some 150,000 veterinarians and 700,000 paraveterinary assistants are trained in acupuncture worldwide.
Aromatherapy is another field that has also been applied to animals. Aromatherapy works through the senses of smell and touch and dogs are just as affected by these senses as humans. Aromatherapy depends on the use of essential oils, oils which have been reduced from and captured the “essence” of various plants, fruits, and flowers.
Essential oils are typically strongly antiseptic. They can be detoxifiers and they may be revitalizing. According to some, they increase resistance to disease and even strengthen the immune system. When you use essential oils in your home you can control and eliminate pet odors as well as purify the air, getting rid of dust, dander and allergies.
However, aromatherapy has more to offer your pet than pleasant fragrances. Essential oils and their fragrances also produce reactions in pets. They can affect your pet’s overall health and his emotional well-being. You can use aromatherapy blends to relieve skin problems, relieve itching, to get rid of fleas, to ease arthritis, to boost energy, and to help your dog stay calm and sleep.
Homeopathy is a form of medicine that is different in outlook from traditional Western medicine. Homeopathy depends upon the idea that “like cures like.” For instance, if your dog had diarrhea, you would treat the dog with something (in minute amounts) that causes diarrhea. Similarly, if you have a fever, you would pile on blankets to raise your temperature. That’s homeopathy.
The idea behind homeopathy is that all of us, pets and people, have the ability to heal ourselves. We have health problems when something interferes with that healing ability. Homeopathy tries to restore our healing abilities by stimulating our body’s own healing responses. That’s why homeopathic remedies often cause symptoms similar to the ones your pet is already showing.
In most cases the things used in homeopathic remedies are greatly diluted to the point where they have lost all toxicity. They may sound alarming but they are usually safe and don’t produce additional side effects. Common homeopathic ingredients include sulfur, bee venom, and even poison ivy.
Homeopathy is sometimes in the news because homeopathic practitioners often oppose vaccinations.
There are said to be over 2000 different homeopathic remedies and they are used for just about all of the illnesses that can affect dogs today. There are vets today who are being trained in both traditional Western veterinary medicine and in homeopathy.
Homeopathy is usually not recommended for dogs which have been harmed by trauma, accident or if their body is already damaged by disease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be used for pets just as it is used for people. It usually entails a combination of herbs, acupuncture and massage. There are cases where your dog’s health issues, particularly as he ages, may respond better to TCM than to Western veterinary medicine, especially if the Western drugs have serious side effects.
TCM is often very effective in easing arthritis pain and in improving mobility. You can discuss possible dietary changes with a TCM practitioner. Well-known supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin will also work well with a TCM regimen. However, instead of giving your dog Rimadyl or Deramaxx, you can talk to the practitioner about using a combination of Chinese herbs designed for your dog.
If you add acupuncture along with the change in diet as well as some massage work, a dog with arthritis may find new life.
Allergies can also be helped with TCM. TCM can also help a dog with cancer when it is used pre- and post-operatively.
These are just a few of the alternative therapies being explored for animals. Others include: energy healing, essences, herbs, massage therapy, nutrition, oxygen therapy, physical therapy, and reflexology.
Article Links on Alternative Health Remedies for Pets
- Natural Green Cat Flea Remedies
- Acupuncture for Animals
- Homeopathic Vets
- Natural Cat Vitamins
- Natural Dog Vitamins
- Reiki for animals
- Dog Vitamins VS Supplements
- Magnetic Therapy for Horses
- Using Flower Essences
