Alternative Medicine for Dogs: Natural Corrective Care for Dogs

Alternative medicine for dogs is quickly gaining in popularity as more pet owners seek natural ways to treat their pets without depending on pharmaceutical therapies. Instead of relying on drugs, pet lovers are focusing on the whole animal.

To learn about some popular alternative therapy treatments for dogs, keep reading.

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

Normally, acupuncture is used as a pain treatment for dogs in lieu of painkillers or sometimes ineffective arthritic relief therapies. By puncturing certain points, acupuncture stimulates the brain to release endorphins, a natural pain killer.

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

Most pharmaceutical drugs come from herbs and plants, but they isolate a particular chemical or component of the plant. In herbal medicine, the whole plant is used rather than only a single part. Also, many herbal remedies are seen as a complimentary program with each herb prescribed to a variety of ailments.

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

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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