According to the American Association of Holistic Veterinarians, holistic medicine develops treatments based on all factors affecting the patient, including the specific diagnosis, the environment in which the dog lives and the dog's relationship with its owner. Holistic treatment originates from a desire to be humane and use minimally invasive and stressful treatment methods. Holistic treatments may be combined with conventional treatments or used on their own to treat a variety of ailments that affect dogs.
-
Homeopathy
-
Homeopathic therapies originate with Hippocrates. Homeopathic remedies involve small doses of substances that, in larger quantities, cause symptoms of illness.For example, in dogs, nosodes--and alternative to vaccination--are used to prevent heartworm infection. Heartworm nosodes are developed from the blood of infected dogs. Homeopathic remedies also seek to restore energy balances in the chi, or energy field, of the dog's specific organs. For example, homeopathic remedies for cataracts, another problem common in dogs, work to restore energy balance in the stomach.
Chiropractic Therapy
-
Chiropractic therapy adjusts the alignment of the spinal vertebrate with the primary goal of preventing uneven and painful pressure on joint surfaces. Chiropractic treatment also restores balance to the animal's chi and relieves pressure on nerves that may inhibit organ function. Holistic veterinarian Gloria Dodd notes that chiropractic therapy is often helpful for dogs because of the stress on neck vertebrae caused from pulling on a collar and leash. This may cause multiple vertebrae to become misaligned. Hip dysplasia, an orthopedic abnormality common in larger dogs, may also suggest chiropractic therapy, as the dog will often shift its weight to remove weight from the hips and, in the process, twist the spine.
Herbal Medicine
-
Herbal medicine has been practiced worldwide for thousands of years. Herbal medicine differs from traditional drug therapy in that herbs provide nutritional benefits and may act synergistically with each other, allowing smaller dosages to be used. In dogs, a holistic veterinarian may prescribe a variety of treatments for different ailments. For example, Dr. Dodd notes the effectiveness of using dandelion, milk thistle and blackberry leaf for cleansing the liver as part of treating hepatitis and other liver diseases. The anti-depressive properties of St. John's wort make it a good treatment for separation anxiety, aggression and other behavioral problems common in dogs, while chamomile can calm hyperactive dogs and treat stomach upset.
Acupuncture
-
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that has been used for 3,500 years. Acupuncture involves inserting needles at points along meridians through which chi, or energy, flows, stimulating the flow of energy that has been blocked by disease. As it does with humans, acupuncture also has a range of uses for treating medical problems in dogs. Acupuncture is frequently used to treat chronic pain and inflammation, though it may be appropriate for a range of other problems common in dogs, from urinary incontinence to intestinal upset.
-