Treating health problems with a barrage of pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines and even surgeries isn’t the only option for humans, so why should it be for your pet?

Research continues to emerge illustrating the harmful and often unintended side effects of many conventional medical treatments, which are costly to the consumer and bad for the environment, as the industrial processes behind the development of pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines routinely pollute the air, water and soil.

Drug companies also test their products on animals, causing unnecessary pain, suffering and death, a concept that likely conflicts with the love and respect that pet owners share for their animals.

Arguably, the most compelling reason to treat your pet holistically is the preventive care that they will receive, reducing your trips to the vet by averting problems before they begin, rather than masking symptoms with drugs.

Preventive care also ensures that your pet will live the longest, healthiest life possible, free from chronic pain, illness, allergies, discomfort and other health problems that may not be caught early on if you’re still visiting a conventional veterinarian once a year or less.

Alternative medical treatment for your pet

Naturopathic doctors, who use a system of medicine based on the healing power of nature, treat humans in a manner that considers the whole body, including physical, mental and spiritual aspects.

Holistic veterinarians work similarly in that they treat your pet’s whole body, searching for the root cause of illness and disease by studying their diet, exercise regimen, and their comfort and happiness at home, as well as other lifestyle factors.

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When you take your pet to a holistic vet, some of the treatments they may suggest include chiropractic, herbal remedies, nutritional therapy and even acupuncture.

If surgeries or other conventional treatments are required, they will certainly perform those; however, afterwards, rather than sending your pet on their merry way, they will still search for underlying issues to prevent future problems.

Most importantly, holistic veterinarians treat each animal as an individual, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, which is almost always destined to fail.

For more information on alternative medicine, visit AlternativeMedicine.news, powered by FETCH.news.

Acupuncture for your pet

Originally developed by the Chinese, acupuncture dates back to at least 100 B.C. and is the placement of needles along specific points on the body called meridians that release the flow of energy, also referred to as qi, when pressure or stimulation is applied.

Acupuncture may treat a variety of ailments in humans, including chronic pain, depression, fatigue, stroke, obesity, insomnia, arthritis, allergies and many more.

Fortunately, acupuncture can produce amazing results for animals too.

When administered correctly, acupuncture may assist small pets with musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, intervertebral disc disease and traumatic nerve injury, feline asthma, skin problems and gastrointestinal complications including diarrhea and selected reproductive issues, according to the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS).

In larger animals, acupuncture can help relieve sore backs, downer cow syndrome and neurological problems such as facial paralysis, skin, allergy and respiratory ailments, and gastrointestinal complications including nonsurgical colic and selected reproductive problems.

Acupuncture is also great tool for preventing disease and maintaining overall health.

“Most people think of acupuncture as a pain reliever, but it’s more than that,” said Dr. Basko, a certified veterinarian with IVAS in Ft. Collins, Co. “Acupuncture can boost the immune system and improve organ functions, and it has other benefits. It can complement conventional medicines and procedures without dangerous side effects.”

Locating a holistic veterinarian in your area

Finding a holistic vet in your area can be a daunting task for some, as the concept is still relatively new and may not yet be available everywhere. However, you can search for holistic vets by city and state on the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website.

Find a holistic vet near you and get your pet the care they deserve!

Additional sources:

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

AHVMA.org

EffectivePetWellness.com

Mom.me

IVAS.org