Holistic Pet Care

The uses of complimentary medicines, coupled with modern therapies are changing the world of veterinary care. Why has holistic veterinary medicine gone mainstream? Some people are looking for a less invasive humane treatment, while others still have exhausted the traditional medical practices and are looking for other alternatives. The bottom line is that these holistic treatments work. Up to 42% of pet owners today are using alternative therapies combined with replacement treatments to treat their pets. More and more veterinarians are turning their practices into holistic animal treatment centers.

Over the past 10 years there has been a significant increase in the use of alternative therapies and treatments for pets. People are choosing these options for the main reason that they work with little or no side effects. Unlike surgery or drugs, the pet's natural body balance is not disturbed by using chemicals or surgical treatments. Instead, pet owners are choosing to use herbal treatments, physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic arts. These kinds of alternative medicine have existed for thousands of years, but due to the American way of disproving traditional medicine it has not become widely popular until now.

Today you have many different choices for holistic care of your pet. Some people are choosing to feed their pets the best organic foods that are high in nutrition, vitamins, and minerals, but there are many more things you can do if your pet is injured or needs rehabilitation. The use of vitamins and minerals, herbs, strengthening exercise, physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic adjustments are some of the most popular treatments for pets today.

Acupuncture is the traditional Chinese art of using needles to release the flow of energy in the body. According to western practice acupuncture can be used to adjust the nervous system, help the body fight disease, and regenerate the nerves and cells. Just as acupuncture works in the human body, it works exactly the same in dogs, cats, and other small pets.

Taking your dog or cat to the chiropractor may seem like a silly idea, but more and more veterinarians are offering chiropractic practice for animals. Problems in the spine and neck can affect many areas of the body including major bodily organs, nerves, and blood vessels. Misalignment of the spine and neck has also been linked to arthritic problems in pets. Taking your dog or cat to the chiropractor is quite the same as when you go. They will be gently massaged and aligned on a chiropractic table.

Some other treatments that are becoming more popular are neurological treatments for pets that have muscle aches, pains, or spasms, the use of vitamins and minerals, and physical therapy. Pets, like humans often receive the same kinds of physical therapy like strength training, heart stimulating exercise, and hydro-therapy.

Pulsed Signal Therapy (PST), or what is commonly known as electromagnetic therapy has been used for hundreds of years, but it is a rather new treatment for animals. PST has been used in over 19 countries to treat over 200,000 people. Although it is not available in the United States it is available in nearby countries like Canada and Mexico. PST has been proven to help regenerate cartilage and can help stop osteoporosis and degenerative disc syndrome in not only humans, but animals too. PST uses a micro-current either conducted through rubber pads, or in a hot tub. At low, mid, or high frequency PST relieves pain in all joints of the body and reduces swelling associated with arthritis and surgery.

For more information on holistic animal care you can visit the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association at http://www.ahvma.org. On the website you will find resources for treatment centers, and doctors listed by specialty. Holistic care should be an integral part of any pet owners care regimen, not separate or last option. Holistic medicine is all about choices and it is becoming popular fast because it actually works, and is much less invasive than surgery or harsh chemical drugs.