Dog Remedies 101 Guide
An integrative approach to dog care focuses on seeing the dog as a whole. It incorporates a variety of remedies and therapies aimed at addressing health and behavioral problems. Some of these remedies are used together with traditional Western veterinary medicine and behavioral sciences and are known as complementary. For example, nutritional supplements and acupuncture can be used in addition to physical therapy after a surgery. Other remedies or therapies are known as alternative since they are used in place of traditional Western veterinary care; for instance, some holistic veterinarians use Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), homeopathy or naturopathy.
Safety
Always consult your veterinarian before using any natural dog products because some ingredients may negatively interact with traditional medication. Many benefits can be obtained by using natural dog products, but you must make sure it is okay for your individual pet to use them. Also, some natural dog products have ingredients that might not be safe for other household animals, particularly cats, so make sure these stay out of kitty’s reach.
You should also always inform your veterinarian about any alternative and complementary therapies used and find out what type of research exists behind each technique or method. Choose practitioners carefully by deciding what you are looking for in a practitioner, making a list of several possible practitioners and gathering information from reputable professional associations or societies.
List of Common Dog Remedies and Therapies
The following remedies, therapies and techniques are used by veterinarians, dog trainers, groomers and other holistic practitioners to address behavioral and health problems in dogs:
- Herbal Remedies
- Essential Oils
- Homeopathic Remedies
- Organic Products
- Flower Essences
- Bach Flower Remedies
- Dietary Supplements
- Nutritional Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Chinese Medicine
- Aromatherapy
- Acupressure
- Massage
- Crystal Healing
- Animal Reiki
- Vibrational Medicine
- Sound Behavioral Therapy
- TTouch
- Naturopathy
- Multisensory Therapy for Animals
A holistic dog care approach doesn’t have to be separate from traditional veterinary medicine. In fact, all of these natural dog remedies and alternative therapies can be integrated successfully into your dog’s life to make him healthier and happier. Natural dog products simply embrace things like herbs, essential oils, flower essences, organic ingredients, or homeopathic remedies.
You can improve your dog’s overall well being and vitality by adding natural dog products, complementary and alternative therapies to his life.