Homeopathic medicine focuses on prevention through diet and physical treatments. Used for decades, holistic medicine is a safe, natural alternative to standard medical treatments. Used in conjunction with traditional veterinary care, homeopathy can strengthen a dog's immune system, making dogs less prone to disease and helping them achieve optimum health.
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Available Therapies
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Holistic medicine includes various treatments, including nutrition. An organic diet is among the best preventive measures for dogs. It boosts immune systems, helping prevent illness while improving dogs' defenses against serious medical issues. Acupuncture, chiropractic and physical therapy can strengthen certain functions in dogs. Give vitamins that are effective against heart disease. Try dietary supplements in forms from water-soaked diluted herbs to essential flower oils. Talk to specialists for the best treatments for your pet.
Diet
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A homeopathic diet for adult dogs is a balanced diet of organic foods. Meals usually consist of whole grains and organic meats without fillers, preservatives or processed foods. Look for commercially prepared homeopathic food to replace lower-quality, higher-calorie food. Read the ingredients list. High-quality food includes meat among the first items, vitamins, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. If you feed your dog boiled chicken, remove skin and fat. An organic diet aids in digestion and keeps a dog's coat shiny and free of itching.
Arthritis
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Many aging dogs suffer from arthritis. Glucosamine combined with other supplements eases joint pain. Ask your veterinarian which combination is best for your pet. Take your dog to a pond to swim to relieve inflammation. Some cities offer aquatic therapy programs for dogs. Try acupuncture for large-breed dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia. Moist heat applied to joints also helps. Offer your dog a comfortable bed away from drafts to give support from hard floors. Give yucca root as an herbal treatment to help joint pain.
Skin and Allergies
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Many herbs, including lavender and garlic, repel fleas and ticks. Brewer's yeast does also. You can also use crushed tansy leaves in your dog's bedding to discourage fleas, and keep the bedding clean. Apply a cooled tea bag to hot spots to soothe skin. Clip hair around hot spots to let air dry them out. Often lamb or poultry in the diet helps dogs with allergies.
Stress
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Many dogs suffer from vet visits, separation anxiety and noises from vacuums to thunderstorms. Rescue Remedy has been used successfully to treat stress and anxiety in pets. Look for it in natural food stores. Follow directions for putting drops in your dog's water. Valerian is another herb that helps treat stress.
Considerations
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While holistic medicine alone is not always sufficient for dogs with compromised immune systems or diseases in advanced stages, for many dogs a blend of homeopathic and traditional medicine offers the best of both worlds. Holistic treatments can be effective while being less invasive. Ask your vet how you can incorporate organic treatments with traditional medical care.
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