Don’t forget about holistic health care options for your pets!
Many people are becoming more aware of supporting their own health with better diet, exercise, and perhaps even with application of more natural healing methods such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. But did you know that these health care options are becoming more available for pets too?
Here is a list of some common alternative therapies available through holistic veterinarians and veterinary care professionals:
- Nutrition/Food therapy
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Herbal Medicine
- Homeopathy
- Essential oil therapy
- Cold laser therapy
- Ozone therapy
- PT/Rehab
- Massage therapy/Tui-na/Reiki/Healing Touch
These modalities can be used to support general wellness and also to treat common conditions such as:
Arthritis
Back/spine disease or injury
Gastro-intestinal diseases (IBD, colitis, sensitive stomach)
Cancer
Allegies and immune-mediated diseases
Skin conditions
Kidney disease
Heart disease
Liver disease
When looking for holistic pet care, I would recommend finding a veterinarian who prioritizes nutrition and diet in the initial stages of treatment. Nutrition is truly the foundation of health, and should not be overlooked in any disease or health problem. Good quality nutritional supplements (which are selected based on the individual pet and their type of diet, etc) should also be added to the regimen. Quality nutritional supplements can go a long way to improve health and assist the pet in overcoming disease or illness! Other things to look for would be credentials or certifications in specific modalities including acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, etc. Ask the practitioner for a list of treatment options they offer and/or the modalities that they are proficient in.