Holistic treatment methods are popular with many people, but what you may not know is that many of these treatments will provide the same positive benefits to your dog. The following holistic methods are an excellent complement to regular veterinarian care and can greatly benefit the overall health of you and your dog.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that benefits the muscles and circulatory system of your dog, as well as help with the healing of any wounds they receive. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that provides protection against free radicals and will cause the skin of both you and your dog to glow.
Many pet foods come with Vitamin E, and there are many foods that can be added to your dog’s diet that will provide this nutrient. Eggs are a great source of Vitamin E. A few other good sources include spinach, dandelions, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a technique that stimulates the body’s pressure points with needles. Humans have benefitted from this technique for thousands of years. Acupuncture was approved as an alternative treatment method for dogs in 1998 by the American Veterinarian Association.
The benefits to your dog are joint and muscle pain relief, promotion of healing following surgery, and treatment for cancer and diabetes. The best thing about these benefits is that you and your dog can enjoy them together.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy provides low-impact exercise to aid dogs in recovery from surgery or an injury. It is also beneficial to dogs who suffer from arthritis and other joint issues or who are a little overweight.
A typical hydrotherapy session involves leading your dog into a pool of heated water. The warmer water temperature helps to ease the pain of joints and muscles. Once in the water, your dog will spend up to an hour walking on a treadmill or swimming. A life jacket or harness may be used to keep your dog above water and level if he or she is uncomfortable or not a good swimmer.
Hydrotherapy can also benefit you by providing a boost to your immune system, relieving stress, and easing any pain you may feel in your joints.
CBD
The compound CBD, or cannabidiol, is found in both hemp and cannabis. CBD does not normally contain the THC that provides cannabis with its psychoactive properties. In fact, most CBD products are made from hemp.
CBD has been known to relieve neuropathic pain in dogs. Your dog can also benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties, benefits to the cardiovascular system, ability to stimulate appetite, decreased anxiety levels, and cancer-fighting properties of CBD oil.
Because of the noted health benefits, there are numerous studies on CBD oil that have come out in recent years though most of them focus on treating humans. However, a study sponsored by the Canine Health Foundation is currently underway at the College of Veterinarian Medicine at Colorado State University. The study seeks to document holistic health practices and the benefits of CBD for dogs who suffer from epilepsy.
CBD benefits for humans are similar to canines and include heart health, pain relief, acne reduction, and neuroprotective properties.
Massages
Massages promote healing in both dogs and humans by increasing the flow of blood to the area being massaged. A good massage will also relieve stress, relax muscles, and stimulate the nerves.
Veterinarians concur with the premise that giving your dog regular massages will improve the mental and emotional well-being of your dog while providing another opportunity for bonding with your pet.
Massages are also one of the oldest and well-known holistic health practices for humans. The potential benefits include:
- Pain reduction
- Stress reduction
- Improved circulation
- Improved flexibility
- Immunity enhancement
- Increased energy
- Improved mood
- Reduced swelling after surgery
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine blends combinations of herbal ingredients to provide relief from diseases, according to the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is suggested by the institute that Chinese herbal medicine be used along with traditional veterinarian medicine to provide health and healing to your dog.
Dog owners who swear by Chinese herbal medicine explain that dogs can benefit from decreased pain, improved organ function, and a boost for the immune system. The documented evidence of these benefits is lacking, but many people report watching the health of their dogs improve after treating them with Chinese herbal medicine.
Some herbs may have a negative interaction with medications like diuretics and blood thinners. You should also pay attention to any signs of stomach discomfort for you or your dog when you consume herbal medicines.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy for dogs is a mainstream practice now. While aromatherapy has proven to provide many positive benefits to humans, the prevailing logic is that dogs will benefit more due to the powerful sense of smell they possess.
The essential oils used for aromatherapy have been known to reduce both inflammation and anxiety. It is also believed aromatherapy can help fight infections and soothe the pain of muscle aches.
Magnetic Field Therapy
The Veterinary Clinics of America explains that magnetic field therapy is used to improve the healing of injuries and wounds. The technique provides relief from chronic joint pain, and it uses magnetic fields to provide these benefits.
Magnetic therapy is not at this time one of the most well-known holistic health practices. Because of this, there is little documented research on how well this treatment works. However, many dog owners will readily attest to the benefits of this technique. Lack of side effects and noninvasiveness are two more positive aspects of this holistic practice.
The health of you and your dog is something the two of you can improve together. One way to do this is through the use of holistic health practices. When combined with traditional Western medicine, the many treatments mentioned above will ensure that both you and your canine remain in the best health possible. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian and your own primary care provider before embarking on any new treatment protocols, and enjoy good health with your furry friend.
Don’t forget to check out these other articles about pet health from Ruff Ideas:
- 25 Ways to Control Your Dog’s Itchy Skin
- 50 Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Breath
- Prevent Nasty Infections With These Tips for Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears