Natural Pet Care: Types of Holistic Medicine for Dogs
Are you making your dog’s health a big enough priority in your life?
Believe it or not, about 20% of dog owners don’t take their dogs to the veterinarian on an annual basis. If you fall into this category, you aren’t doing enough to ensure that your dog stays healthy.
But taking your dog to the vet at least once a year is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to caring for your four-legged friend. You should also feed them the right foods, exercise them, and consider using holistic medicine for dogs to keep them as happy and healthy as they can be.
Here are some of the different types of holistic medicine for dogs you should consider using.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is something that’s been around for thousands of years. But it wasn’t until a decade or two ago that some vets started prescribing canine acupuncture to their clients.
Just like with regular acupuncture, the canine form involves sticking a series of thin needles into certain parts of a dog’s body. It’s designed to get rid of pain and relieve any pressure that your pup might feel.
Canine acupuncture is a holistic medicine for dogs that can be used to treat things like:
- Back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Arthritis
It’s worth trying if your dog isn’t able to get around like they used to.
Massage
Most dogs love when their owners give them belly rubs. They provide dogs with a sense of comfort and develop a healthy trust between you and your pup.
Dogs respond well to having other parts of their bodies rubbed and massaged as well. You can provide your dog with pain relief and make them feel good by rubbing their head, their back, and even their paws.
You can also choose to take your dog to a trained dog masseuse who can use massage on your dog to:
- Improve the blood flow throughout their body
- Reduce any swelling that has taken place due to an injury
- Bring down their anxiety levels
Dogs enjoy massages every bit as much as humans. They allow dogs to kick back and relax for a while as someone else takes care of their aches and pains.
Herbs
There are a lot of people who have turned to herbs over the years for their supposed health benefits. But did you know that dogs might respond well to herbs, too?
Herbs like chamomile and kava, for example, have shown to soothe and heal some dogs. But it’s important for your dog to be given the right blend of herbs. Work with a specialist if you choose to take this approach to using holistic medicine for dogs.
CBD Oil
Many Americans have bought into the CBD craze in recent months. They’ve started using CBD to treat everything from chronic pain to anxiety.
If you’re a big believer in CBD, you might want to think about using dog CBD for your four-legged friend. Studies suggest it can help dogs suffering from:
- Pain and inflammation
- Nausea
- And even seizures
Just make sure you look for CBD that has been specifically designated for use with dogs.
Start Using Holistic Medicine for Dogs Today
Your veterinarian can talk to you about a wide range of medications that could be beneficial for your dog. But you should also consider investing in holistic medicine for dogs if you haven’t done it already.
These types of medicine are great for those who want to do everything possible to take good care of their dogs. They can increase your dog’s chances of living longer and experiencing fewer medical issues.
Read our blog to learn more about treating a dog that suffers from anxiety naturally.