Holistic dog health care is becoming a natural way for pet owners to ensure that their cherished pets are at their healthiest, living long, happy lives to the absolute fullest.
Nutritional needs are perhaps the most important aspect to consider when it comes to a dog’s health, as theirs are somewhat different from ours and will require a certain balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to ensure everything from the digestive systems to the bones, joints, and organs as well as the skin and coat are as healthy as possible. A diet of meat, vegetables, and whole grains without any processed foods or unnecessary fillers is usually recommended when following the holistic approach to dog care.
Your Dog’s Health and Herbal Remedies
Using a combination of various essential oils, flowering essences, plant extracts, and certain herbs, people have been treating a host of ailments and health conditions for the last few thousand years. As of recently, these ancient healing practices have found their way into pet care and are now becoming increasingly popular as more and more dog owners are looking for safer, healthier, and less invasive alternatives to treating their pets.
Some of the plant life that’s used for treating dogs include both calendula and chamomile for promoting the healing of wounds, and the latter is often used for the treatment of respiratory ailments as well. For dogs suffering from constipation or bowel disorders, crushed flaxseed mixed with plenty of water may do the trick. For dry, itchy skin, oats are as soothing to a dog’s skin as they are to a human’s, and if your pup is having trouble sleeping, smelling some lavender may help them to relax and finally fall soundly asleep.
Before concocting any type of herbal remedies of your own, make it a point to do plenty of research and be absolutely certain that what you’re giving your dog isn’t toxic or harmful in any way, as not all herbs and flowers are safe for pets, or even people for that matter. Also, ask your veterinarian for their input and recommendations when it comes to holistic dog health and using all-natural remedies for their care. (Don’t necessarily expect your conventionally trained vet to be in favor of natural remedies, however).
Holistic Veterinary Care
Today there are an increasing number of veterinarians who are putting great stock in holistic dog health, making it a large part of their practice. A veterinarian who practices holistic pet care treats animals as a whole, rather than identifying a certain problem and prescribing one type of treatment related to that specific injury or illness.
For instance, if your dog has suddenly come down with some sort of rash on his skin causing irritation, redness, itching, a possible infection, and some fur loss, a “regular” vet would probably prescribe an antibiotic to treat the skin infection and then perhaps a topical ointment to address the itching.
A holistic veterinarian may also prescribe those two remedies, but there will be more emphasis on finding out what could have caused the rash to occur in the first place, which, of course, was the root of the infection. With holistic care, the dog’s indoor and outdoor environment, his daily lifestyle, eating habits and nutritional intake are all taken into consideration before attempting to diagnose or treat the animal.
In light of growing concerns over pet food recalls, questions about whether or not to vaccinate, or how many immunizations may be “too much,” or if we’re overmedicating our pets as well as ourselves as a society, dog owners continue to search for effective ways for keeping their beloved best friends as healthy and happy for as long as possible.
And the great thing is that the more holistic your approach to the care and health of your dog, the less you’ll actually need expensive veterinary treatment – because your dog will always be in great health!
If you’re interested in holistic dog health and saving on vet bills, the Vet Secrets Home Study Course is invaluable. It’s a course compiled by a holistic veterinarian to assist pet owners to keep their pets healthy naturally!
Dear Brigitte: Are PUGS the only breed that are talked about in this Newsletter. My Friend is a Pomeranian & has a very enlarge Heart for which his Vet holds no hope of shrinking,but am hoping to find at least a natural way to minimize his continous & horrendous coughing fits. Vet prescribed enalapril, which I stopped & Lassix 2x a day & for cough they now gave him Torbutrol/Butorphanol which I am giving him reluctantly, since it does help to reduce the coughing. I have him on CANINE HEART HEALTH PROGRAM from Five Leaf Pet Pharmacy for 2 months. I also started him on CANINE CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT (GENESI S LTD) bought at Only Natural Pet Store, and he seemed to be getting little better until they started painting & using Chemicals in our Apartment House Halls, which has no ventilation. If you have any other suggestions please let me know. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Edelgard
Actually I have a question. What would you do for a dog that has had chronic diarrhea most of his life. He has been dewormed, treated with Albon and Flagyl several times and still has very loose to mushy stools.
I failed to mention he is almost one year old, male Husky mix.
Sounds like the same problem with my 12 year old Pom.
Hello Eldegard,
This site, and my Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter are dedicated to ALL breeds of dogs.
The Canine Heart Health program you mention is one that I actively recommend on my site.
Anyone else who is interested can check it out here – http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/HeartDisease – it’s a great product.
As for the other product you’re using, I just took a look and it also looks very good as a supplement for dogs that have cardiovascular issues. For anyone who wants to check it out, I’m putting details below:
Â
Â
Â
Genesis Resources Canine Cardiovascular Support for Dogs – $ 53.99
A well-rounded formula targeting the entire cardiovascular system. Includes the essential nutrients Vitamin E, Magnesium, and Selenium supported by strong antioxidants such as Grape Seed extract, Coenzyme Q-10, and Siberian Ginseng.
Â
You mention the painting in your apartment block. Chemicals in paint can certainly be toxic when breathed in, so of course ventilation is very important if there is painting going on, or other chemicals being used.Â
Regards,
Brigitte
Hello Sheila and Hello Andrew,
There are some good natural pet diarrhea remedies available.
There’s one that you might want to look at here –
http://www.dog-health-care-information.com/diarrhea.
Regards,
Brigitte
One of my dogs has Rhinitis. The vet has Coco Puffs on Prednisone 5mg, one tablet every other day. Is there another alternative to prednisone. I am giving him holistic nose relief drops, but it does not seem to stop the stuff coming out of his nose. Any suggestions?
looking for a course i can do for holistic approch on dogs and cats healing.I am a dog groomer and have been using holistic approch on a lot of dogs with good sucess now i want to be qualified to do so as my customers require it .Can you please advise me on how to go about doing so .
Thank-you
Christine Stranaghan
What does your vet say? And what do you feed him.?