Alternative medicine for your dog

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If you take herbal supplements, have ever treated yourself to a professional massage, or have visited a chiropractor to have that creak in your back fixed - you have an understanding of the benefits of alternative medicine. And as more people realize the benefits for themselves, they take the logical next step of searching for alternative health therapies for their dogs.

What is complementary medicine?

The term complementary medicine is often used interchangeably with holistic medicine. Complementary medicine provides "non-conventional" treatments for a variety of ailments, for both humans and their canine companions. More and more veterinarians and pet owners are embracing some of these new techniques and treatments.

Holistic medicine is a combination of conventional veterinary medicine with one or more complementary therapies. Holistic practitioners consider your dog's entire well-being, not just individual symptoms or conditions, to find the treatment or treatments that will work best. A holistic approach to your dog's problem will usually prove to be beneficial. Ongoing research into a variety of veterinary therapies, both conventional and complementary, has made a marked improvement in the quality of care our dogs receive.

When you are searching for someone to perform these treatments, make sure he or she has been educated in that particular medical discipline. Get a referral from your regular veterinarian if you have to find someone else to treat your dog and make sure that your regular veterinarian receives complete and timely reports on your dog's progress. This ensures the best possible care for your dog.

Some of the more common complementary medical therapies now available are listed below.

Complementary therapies:

Acupuncture

The Chinese have practiced acupuncture for more than 3,000 years. They insert needles into specific points on the body that they believe are located along pathways corresponding to different organs of the body. Acupuncture helps relieve muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, and stimulates nerves. In addition, it helps the body release natural pain control hormones and other helpful chemicals. Acupuncture points are sometimes stimulated with electricity, heat, massage, or lasers, instead of needles.

Acupuncture has proven to help relieve skin, respiratory, digestive, or  [Continued]

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