Holistic Medication For Your Dog - There Still Can Be Risks

Article Topics:

Articles > Health

Holistic Medication For Your Dog - There Still Can Be Risks

Holistic medication has become quite popular not only for humans, but for animals too. Many dog owners are looking for ways to complement, and even replace, traditional vet practices with holistic treatments.

It is believed that herbal and organic supplements, aromatherapy, acupuncture, massage and chiropractic, are treatments that back the body’s ability to heal itself. In some cases, these can really improve your dog’s condition; nevertheless, holistic medicine has to be approached with caution, just as traditional medicine options are.

Even if holistic, medicine that is used carelessly can cause serious disease. As soon as we hear the words ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ we assume it is 100% safe, but don’t forget that some natural substances are exceptionally dangerous, thus, it is important that you understand the nature of the medicine and its potential side effects before you give it to your dog.

Here are some things you must consider when thinking about holistic medicine for your senior dog:

Natural diets and vitamin supplements

For several reasons, many pet owners prepare and cook their dog’s food at home:

Some dogs may have dietary needs that require home cooking, as commercial food may have flavorings, colors, preservatives, and protein or carbohydrate sources that may not be tolerated.

Many people are ethically and morally against the ingredients in commercial dog food. They are against using animals as food sources and thus, choose vegetarian diets for themselves and their dogs.

It is widely believed that a home cooked meal is better because the ingredients, the preparation, and the freshness are controlled. However, you have to know how to balance a meal to give your dog the right amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

An overdose of good things can cause illness. For example, too much vitamin A can cause bone disease, too much vitamin C can produce stomach upsets, a lot of vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium can result in bone demineralization, and raw meat and eggs can cause bacterial contamination.

Herbal supplements and cures

Plants have been used as medicine sources for thousands of years, in fact, most drugs in conventional medicine have their origin in plants, nevertheless, the strength of the plant’s active ingredients varies according to the herb and horticultural practices involved.

Herbs can be sprayed with pesticides, fungicides, or fertilizers, and bad compost may have been used, producing harmful bacteria. Herbs can produce more than one active compound, causing negative side effects like vomiting and diarrhea, and they can make some conditions worse because there is no quality control over their production and dosages.

Some herbs that can become toxic if not used right are: onion, garlic, pennyroyal, and ginseng.

Always let your vet know what kind of natural medication your senior dog is taking, as it may get in the way of other health conditions or medications.

Acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, and massage

These four therapies are used with a lot of success to relieve pain and to treat chronic conditions, but you have to make sure you are dealing with a professional who has taken recognized courses and has studied how to treat animal illnesses.

No matter what path you are considering, always talk to your vet first. Many clinics are now offering holistic services, thus, it is not necessary or recommended that you buy herbs and supplements at the local health store without consulting first.

~ Staff, SeniorDogs.com

If you would like to include this article on your site please include the following information with the article: <a href="http://www.seniordogs.com" target="_blank">SeniorDogs.com</a>
- Caring For Your Senior Dog. Find information about health insurance, medicines, allergies, arthritis, and other topics about your senior dog.