Alternative treatments have been proven effective for many human ailments. Your ailing dog could also benefit from alternatives to medication. Consider these four alternative treatments when your dog is in pain, anxious or unwell.
Alleviate Allergy Symptoms
Just like people can have environmental and food allergies, so can dogs. If your dog is sneezing, has runny eyes or scratches in the absence of fleas, it could be an allergy. Some companies, like 1st Pet Veterinary Centers, know that many commercial dog foods use corn or wheat as a filler. These ingredients are common causes of allergies in dogs. Consider switching to an allergen-free dog food over the course of a week. Another alternative is to make your dog’s food from scratch.
Lessen Fear and Anxiety about Loud Sounds
Many dogs are frightened by loud sounds, such as fireworks or thunder. Several companies make vests or shirts that dogs can wear when such noises are expected. These shirts are stretchy and close-fitting. This is a healthy alternative to giving a dog anti-anxiety medications, and there are no side effects to wearing the shirts. Acupuncture is another way to lessen your dog’s anxiety over loud noises.
Reduce Your Dog’s Risk of Worms and Other Parasites
When your dog goes outside to do its business, walking on the ground puts it at risk for worms and other parasites. You could reduce your dog’s risk of worms and other parasitic infections by using essential oils such as black walnut and wormwood. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian in order to ensure that these oils are safe for your dog. A tablespoon full of food-grade diatomaceous earth could be mixed into your dog’s food as another way of preventing parasites.
Reduce Your Dog’s Arthritis and Joint Pain
As dogs age, they may develop arthritis and joint pain. You might notice that your dog has a difficult time climbing up to the sofa or getting up and down the stairs. Acupuncture could help to lessen your dog’s joint inflammation and pain. Chiropractic care for your dog could also help with the reduction of joint inflammation caused by a spine that is out of alignment.
If you notice a worsening of your dog’s problem, consider a trip to the veterinarian. There are holistic veterinarians who could recommend a change in diet or another alternative treatment that you might not have otherwise considered. Alternative treatments can often be performed in conjunction with diet changes and other types of veterinary care for your beloved dog.
