Have you ever thought about holistic veterinarian care for your Chihuahua? The following are things that you need to know. What is it? Does holistic care actually work? Which type of holistic care is best for your Chihuahua? Keep reading to learn more …
What is Holistic Veterinarian Care For Dogs?
Holistic veterinarian care is a relatively new trend. As people today turn more and more to natural and holistic healing for themselves, they are also turning to it for their four-legged family members.
Holistic veterinarian care includes both conventional medicine and the use of natural treatment as a complementary treatment in aiding the healing process.
As an example, a dog may have surgery and receive antibiotics to prevent infection, and an alternative method to help ease the pain.
Is Holistic Veterinary Care Just Another Hype?
According to PETMD “holistic medicine is a progressive industry with many learned practitioners. Many benefits of the holistic approach have been published in respected clinical trials and research articles.” ~ PETMD
However, many are still skeptical about new approaches to dog care. But, while traditional Western medicine is mainly concerned with finding the problem rather than treating the problem, the holistic approach is more concerned with prevention.
5 Most Popular Holistic Veterinarian Care Methods
- Acupuncture
- Hydrotherapy
- Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Magnetic Field Therapy
- Chiropractic and Canine Massage
the benefits of acupuncture?
The purpose of canine acupuncture is to promote the body to heal itself. It does this by correcting energy imbalances in the body. It stimulates blood circulation and the nervous system as well as the release of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving hormones in the body.
“According to one study he success rates for Helsinki chronic pain index (HCPI), quality of life assessment, and visual analog scales (VAS) for pain and locomotion were 79%, 84%, 78%, and 78% of the animals, respectively, when both diseases and groups of treatment were combined. Dogs with musculoskeletal disorders had greater improvement in HCPI (P = 0.003) and VAS locomotion (P = 0.045) than those with neurological disorders. The use of acupuncture alone or in combination with analgesics reduced pain and improved quality of life in dogs with neurological and musculoskeletal diseases.”
Acupuncture helps with a wide variety of health issues from arthritis to chronic kidney diseases. Before you decide that acupuncture is right for your dog you may want to discuss it first with your veterinarian. Not all veterinarians are certified in acupuncture.
the benefits of hydrotherapy
We all know how important exercise is for dogs, especially very active dogs. Hydrotherapy can be as simple as making sure your dog gets the exercise that he needs when he can not go outside for whatever reason to treating a serious injury.
When it comes to using holistic methods for healing, there is nothing better than hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy as it is sometimes known, as a great source of low-impact aerobic exercise used for canines with arthritis or other bone or joint issues. Many use hydrotherapy to help their dogs recover following surgery. It is very helpful in the healing process after ACL surgery or surgery to repair a luxating patella.
Hydrotherapy is especially beneficial in helping an obese Chihuahua to reduce his weight safely. Obesity is dangerous for all dogs, but especially for a tiny Chihuahua. Obesity not only can cause a variety of serious illnesses, but it is also debilitating to the dog. It causes lethargy, they have less stamina and are at greater risk during surgery. Don’t miss: 11 Ways Being Overweight Puts Your Chihuahua at risk
why Chinese herbal medicine is beneficial
Many cultures around the world have traditionally used herbs to treat many of the same illnesses as western medicine. The results and the length of treatment depend on the severity of the disease, and the general health of the dog. It is known for treating the following conditions.
- Pain Management
- Arthritis
- Skin Disease
- Reproduction
- Digestive Issues
- Respiratory Conditions
- Allergies
- Immune System Disorders
Adverse reactions are extremely rare and are negligible when compared to those commonly produced by pharmaceutical drugs, but always consult with your veterinarian (preferably a holistic veterinarian) before beginning any treatment with Chinese herbs.
You know your fur baby better than anyone only you can decide what medical approach is right for them.
I do want to mention that I have found Only Natural Pet products to be safe and effective. Their natural products are developed and/or approved by their own holistic veterinarian. You can even shop by your dog’s particular condition.
what is magnetic field medicine?
It sounds a little sci-fi, doesn’t it? I assure you it’s real and effective for some cases.
Holistic Veterinarian Care may include magnetic field therapy that uses magnets. These come in many different sizes and strengths. They come in strips, bars, and beads and are taped or glued to a specific area of the body for a prolonged period of time.
With pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, pulses of electromagnetic energy are delivered to the affected area in a series of treatments that can each last up to an hour.
This form of treatment is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is most often used to enhance the healing from injuries and wounds or to treat chronic conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other injuries and illnesses.
chiropractic and canine massage therapy
Who doesn’t love a massage? Your dog will too, but besides being soothing it also helps with the healing process. In canine chiropractic medicine, the veterinarian uses manipulation to realign and adjust the bones. The basis is balancing the body’s circulation and energy flow. Once that is initiated, the body is better able to heal itself, and will take over and continue the healing that the manipulation therapy started.
what about cbd oil?
Studies so far have shown that many cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects and that CBD oil for dogs can help with pain, tumors, seizures, muscle spasms, skin conditions, appetite stimulation, aggression, anxiety, and neurological disorders.
My Chico is now deceased (at age 17)and he had severe arthritis. My veterinarian is a traditional vet and when I asked him about pain medication for his arthritis he said, “try CBD oil. It’s cheaper and it works better.” That’s a direct quote.
But before you try CBD oil for your dog you need to know that their are huge differences in those that are sold over the counter. Some simply do not have the healing ingredients although it is implied on the label that they do.
If you get the wrong type or brand of CBD oil it simply will do nothing and is a waste of money. Please read: “Answers To Your Questions About CBD Oil For Dogs”. before you purchase.
Getting hydrotherapy
