Holistic Dog Care

How Your Pet Can Benefit

What is holistic dog treatment? Holistic dog treatment refers to treating the whole dog, not just the symptom or the problem your dog might be experiencing. Holistic comes from the word whole, which means you can't separate the parts from the whole. Everything gets considered, from your pet's diet, to his environment, to his moods, which often are a direct reflection of his environment. Everything is connected and to treat your beloved dog holistically, you must take it all into account.

Giving your dog holistic treatment does not necessarily exclude drugs, because sometimes, a drug might be just what your animal requires. But in treating your dog holistically, your pet will be healthier because much of the treatment will actually help prevent disease. Personally, I feel the less drugs the better. Of course, if your dog has an infection or something critical has happened, by all means, drugs are necessary. However, for the most part, if you are aware of your dog's emotions, his environment and his diet, dog holistic medicine will go a long way in the care of your animal, as well as your bank account!

When you're upset or short with your four-legged friend, they feel it. And, not only do they feel it, they absorb it. If you want to understand why your beloved dog is acting out, you need look no further than your environment. Are you or anyone in your household experiencing something that's emotionally challenging? Well, Fido can feel it, too. A dog is not just a dog. Your dog is a complete energy system onto himself, as are you.

It's a scientific fact that energy cannot be created or destroyed and that everything is energy. That means you, me, the iguana and Fido, too. We all feel deeply and the more aware you are, the healthier and happier you and your pets will be.

Here are some dog holistic treatments that are extremely helpful in caring for your animals.

1. Chiropractic. Most holistic vets offer chiropractic services. Fido will thank you!
2. Nutrition.I cooked for my dogs for years. Yep. Boiled ground chicken, turkey or beef, mixed with a bit of rice, garlic, onion and greens. I know most of us, including myself, no longer have this kind of time. BUT. I still boil ground meat and spoon it over a good kibble, and my pups are in heaven. There are many canned dog foods that are excellent. Just make sure they don't have any corn or wheat fillers, and are free of animal by-products. Hint: you won't find good canned food at the grocery store.
3. Supplements. Pets are no different from us. We live in such a toxic world that we all need a little help nutritionally. Fish oil will help lubricate your dog's joints, while providing him with antioxidants so necessary to ward off disease. I have put a pinch of powdered greens, often called spirulina, in my dog's food for years. You can buy that at any health food store. It's actually more economical, rather than buying from a pet food store, and you can use it, too. And if your dog is older, a little glucosamine will go a long way in easing arthritic pain.
4. Homeopathic remedies. I'm a big believer in these and have had great success treating my animals with homeopathics. Homeopathics help restore balance to your dog's systems. My dog, Mr. Peanut, had a benign lump on his back. When my vet gave me homeopathic drops, I didn't think it would work. I was shocked when two weeks later, the lump lifted right out of his back, leaving a tiny hole, which quickly healed.
5. Acupuncture. It works on the basis of opening energy blocks in the body's system. I've seen it work miracles.

Because holistic dog medicine as well as holistic care in general has become more widely accepted, there is a lot of information available. Find a good holistic vetholistic vet in your area and take it from there. You can find a list of them at www.ahvma.org (opens in new window)