Naturally Healing
PIA Australia
October 15, 2014
As most of us two-legged species look for more alternative ways of healing our aliments. Today, more than ever, this is also true of our fellow canine and feline friends.
More and more alternative medicines are becoming open to our pets, with many veterinarians now working hand-in-hand with many new-age practices:
Veterinary Acupuncture
This is probably the most common alternative practice undertaken on our pets. Physicians have been using acupuncture on animals as early as the 1970s. In China it is said the technique has been used on pets for thousands of years. Acupuncture can treat a range of ailments including; musculoskeletal problems like arthritis, skin problems like dermatitis, gastrointestinal problems, and more. The treatment involves fine needles being placed into specific points on the body to stimulate a healing process. Research suggests that the treatment shows positive results, and even though it will not cure every problem it can certainly help alleviate pain and other symptoms. Acupuncture is one of the safest treatments for animals if administered correctly.
Healing Herbs
There are many herbs that are good for our pets. For older dogs, celery is a great source of nourishment. After finding my aging Dobermann munching on my celery I was intrigued to discover that celery actually contains anti-inflammatory properties and loads of nutrients. Amazingly my dog was actually self-medicating for his arthritis using my veggie patch. In fact many holistic veterinarians believe that dogs and cats can self-medicate using herbs and vegetables from the garden. Alfalfa has also been known to help with sore joints and mobility issues. Some other herbs that can help your pet include:
Oregano; high in antioxidants and has been reported as an antimicrobial (helps destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms). It’s a non-toxic herb that can assist with digestive problems such as gas and diarrhea. You can even now purchase pet oregano in an oil form!
Basil: great antioxidant and also helps destroy the growth of nasty microorganisms. It’s also known for it’s anti-viral properties.
Rosemary; this dog-safe herb is high in B6, iron and calcium and some research suggests that it’s a good antioxidant.
There are plenty more, in fact many have written great books on the benefits of adding herbs to our pet’s diets. If you do notice your pet nibbling on a certain herb do a bit of research, you might be quite surprised that your beloved animal is smartly helping themselves to some holistic healing properties that reside in your yard.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a 100% natural medicine that has been used for centuries to cure and assist many ailments in humans and pets alike. Homeopathy is a system of complementary medicine where problems are treated using tiny doses of the natural substance, which in larger amounts could produce the symptoms of the problem. Little vials with droppers can be added to your pet’s diet to help with problems such as; skin problems, behavioural issues, surgery, ear and eye problems and much more.
Bowen Treatment
This treatment is becoming more and more popular and involves touch and massage. The technique is minimally invasive and incredibly relaxing. The theory is that it helps the body to remember how to heal itself by stimulating different receptors and areas of the body. Many pets have seen impressive results and it can assist with animals of all shapes and sizes and has helped with rehabilitation, injury and disease. Animals have showed improvement in their overall happiness, and pain problems. Ailments such as skin-conditions, allergies and behaviour have also seen positive results. If you want more information about this amazing technique find your local animal Bowen Treatment specialist, or ask your local Holistic Veterinarian.
Holistic Veterinarians
Many people ask, what are Holistic Veterinarians? It is a type of veterinary medicine, which uses alternative medicine and treatments for animals. It has an emphasis on empathy and minimal invasiveness with a natural approach to alleviating issues and curing aliments. Many Holistic Veterinarians are also ‘traditional’ Veterinarians, who have decided to expand their training into alternative medicines. Today, many holistic and ‘traditional’ Veterinarians work together to help owners and pets have the best of both worlds particularly when working with cancer patients or those suffering from sever and persistent problems.
Complimentary techniques have been used for centuries and, alongside traditional veterinary care can give your pet the very best of everything. Many people (myself included) didn’t seek out alternative care for my pets, until all else had failed. Today, many vets are now seeing the benefits of using alternative techniques in combination with traditional forms, and it’s only our pets that are reaping the rewards. Chat with your local vet today and see if any of these methods could help your pet to a better well-being and health.
A BIT ABOUT THE BLOGGER:
Nadia Crighton is a well-known and accomplished Australian Journalist and pet magazine Editor. As a busy mum of four humans, two dogs, 50 sheep, three cats, a handful of chickens and a goat named Billy, she simply adores pets of all shapes and sizes.
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