Alternative medicine is a growing practice among pet owners and owners are increasingly turning to holistic remedies as opposed to conventional medicines.

Holistic remedies are an attractive option for pet owners looking to treat their animals without breaking the bank. Or, exposing them to potentially harmful chemicals found in some medications.

It Starts With Food

Holistic remedies can be used to treat any number of ailments. For example, if your pet is experiencing gastrointestinal issues, you may find that a sharp decrease in food quantity and an increase in the quality of food provide relief.

Pets are often fed more than they need and this can cause problems such as diarrhea and loose stools. Rather than feeding them conventional medicines with potentially harmful side effects, it’s best to opt for something more natural like high-quality food. By doing so, you may find that your pet’s ailments no longer exist.

Additionally, holistic remedies are often cheaper than conventional ones because they don’t require expensive equipment or laboratory tests. Instead, they rely on more affordable means such as herbs or plants purchased from online health stores like PetCareRx.

Acupuncture, Chiropractic Practices, and Massage Therapy

Holistic pet care is often used as an alternative to conventional medicine, but can also be used in conjunction with traditional treatments. An integrative approach is the most common application of holistic care in veterinary medicine today.

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Acupuncture, chiropractic practices, and massage therapy are all part of a holistic approach to pet wellness. These therapies work to “treat the whole pet” by focusing on issues that affect the patient’s body and mind, as well as their environment. As a result of its focus on balance, holistic care may cure some health concerns while improving the quality of life for pets that are not completely cured by more traditional medicine alone.

Treating the Pain Associated With Arthritis

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), acupuncture is a commonly used method of treating the pain associated with arthritis, joint disease, chronic neck and back pain, hip dysplasia, disc disease, neurological disorders, and other medical conditions.

If you’re interested in acupuncture for your pet, AVMA recommends that you consult a veterinarian who understands conventional medicine as well as holistic methods.

Pets With Mobility Issues

Acupuncture can be especially useful for older pets whose mobility issues stem from joint disease or arthritis. It is often recommended as an alternative to conventional pain management treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Here’s how it works: small, fine needles are placed at various points on the body methodically. The process is generally very relaxing for cats and dogs. Once the needles are in place, your veterinarian might apply electrical stimulation or heat to stimulate the nerves and muscles around them. Acupuncture can help improve mobility by reducing inflammation and pain in affected areas of the body, resulting in an overall improvement in quality of life.

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Treatment for Accidents or Falls

Chiropractic treatment for pets most commonly addresses injuries resulting from car accidents or falls. Common symptoms can include limping or lameness in the hindlimbs or front legs. Chiropractic care is generally performed once every few weeks or months depending on the severity of your pet’s injury. Treatment may also consist of adjustments to your pet’s diet and exercise routine.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into major points on your pet’s body to relieve pain and other physical symptoms. It also happens to be an ancient Chinese medical practice that’s been used for thousands of years.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 900 studies are showing that acupuncture has benefits for pets with chronic pain and disorders like arthritis. It’s becoming more popular in veterinary offices because it can help treat many different types of conditions and also because it’s inexpensive. Most vets charge less than $50 per visit, plus some clinics offer discounts if you pay in full upfront.

It’s not surprising that veterinary medicine is broadening its horizons and looking for ways to stay on top of the latest research. One of the most common treatments for many animals with injuries or chronic conditions, however, is acupuncture.

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Final Takeaways

So what does this all mean for you and your pet? The biggest takeaway is that conventional and holistic medicine are not mutually exclusive. Many veterinarians believe herbal remedies work best when used in conjunction with conventional treatment.

The prevalence of alternative therapies in veterinary medicine shows no sign of slowing down, so if you’re interested in exploring them for yourself, do your research and find a reputable vet who has experience prescribing herbs to animals.

It’s also important to remember that even though these herbs are natural, they can still be harmful if misused or overdosed. Do not give your pet any sort of non-conventional treatment without first consulting a veterinarian.

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