Inflammatory bowel disease affects dogs much like it afflicts humans. This condition involves inflammation and immune response in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The bowel becomes unable to absorb food and water properly. If your dog loses his appetite, has chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, vomiting or steady weight loss see your veterinarian immediately. Ask her about holistic treatments.
-
What is Holistic Medicine?
-
Holistic medicine approaches health in a whole way, recognizing the interconnected nature of all creatures and balancing all parts of the being. Holistic practitioners seek the root cause of an illness and treat the patient instead of the symptom. Holistic medicine challenges Western medicine, recognizing the side effects of pharmaceuticals, and instead uses natural, safe and effective methods.
What is IBD and Its Causes?
-
Inflammatory bowel disease is a serious ailment where inflammatory cells invade the wall of the stomach and/or the intestine. The body creates these cells in reaction to an injury or invasion. According to Western medicine no one knows the cause of IBD, for humans or for dogs, so it focuses on the symptoms and the condition and prescribes immuno-suppressants such as steroids. Holistic practitioners view IBD as the body's natural response to repeated irritation of the bowel caused by ingesting standard commercial pet food, overuse of oral drugs, exposure to chemicals and toxins, poor air quality, stress or lack of exercise.
Dietary Changes
-
Veterinarian Autumn Drouin recommends home-prepared meals consisting of a single protein and carbohydrate (such as duck, turkey, venison or rabbit with millet, quinoa, amaranth, peas, green beans or sweet potatoes). Add more fiber to slow down the bowel (pumpkin, guar gum or pectin). Holistic veterinarian Gloria Dodd emphasizes the importance of eliminating "consumed toxins" (low-quality pet foods and oral drugs). Create meals with organic foods using 60 percent lean protein, 20 percent cereals, 20 percent vegetables and a small amount of virgin olive oil. Introduce this new diet gradually, mixing it in with the old food over a period of one week until your dog is eating all freshly made foods. Begin with cooked foods and then use raw foods.
Herbs &Supplements
-
Along with healthy foods, give your dog natural supplements to support his system. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances such as Traumeel, aloe vera gel, licorice, marine fish oil, curcumin, N-acetyl cysteine, lipoic acid, MSM, glutathione precursors, cat's claw, boswellia, vitamins E and A, slippery elm, Mexican yam and marshmallow. Probiotic supplements will help combat parasitic infection. Give your dog ModuVet to support his immune system. Work with a holistic veterinarian to determine what supplements are best for your dog. Holistic health is individual.
Eliminate Emotional/Mental Causes &Stresses
-
Holistic medicine claims health depends not only on physical well being, but also mental and emotional health. The state of the mind directly affects the body's strength and vitality. Eliminate as much stress as possible from your dog's surroundings. Excessive noise, lack of exercise, isolation and loneliness affect your pet's health, just as it would your own. Make sure you interact with your dog on a daily basis and do not allow anyone to mistreat it. Speak to your veterinarian about how to maximize your dog's health and happiness. Acupuncture and massage are excellent for improving health, bonding with your pet and relaxing it. Ask your veterinarian for a referral.
Overall Health
-
Holistic medicine aims to heal the whole being, mind, body and soul. Western medicine focuses on the symptoms and treats the disease in an isolated manner as if it exists on its own. Holistic medicine may be unknown territory to some, but it is becoming increasingly popular. Ask a trusted veterinarian about your options to improve and maintain your dog's health naturally.
-