You’ve probably heard about holistic medicine for humans, but for your pet? Holistic living for our animal companions is quickly gaining ground in the promotion of optimal health and well-being. So popular in fact, Tuesday, August 30th is Holistic Pet Day.
According to TheWholeDog.com, National Holistic Pet Day was founded by Colleen Paige of the Animal Miracle Foundation and it’s all about HEALTH and a more natural, integrative (“whole”) and preventative lifestyle which focuses on – and embraces – the whole animal, instead of just focusing on disease and the treating of individual symptoms.
Typically, traditional veterinarian medicine (also known as western or conventional medicine) focuses on an isolated health condition, disease, physical organ or system. Treatment often targets masking or relieving the symptoms instead of addressing and resolving the underlying issue. While both conventional vet medicine and holistic care are important, natural therapies and treatments may prove more effective especially when traditional animal medicine has failed to resolve a chronic, or lingering, health issue.
What is “Holistic Pet Care?”
Holistic pet care focuses on an “integrated” wellness approach to “whole” animal health and well-being and typically includes the following areas:
Diet:
- With an emphasis on nutritional whole and raw foods
- Plenty of fresh water free of chemicals, fluoride and chlorine
Lifestyle:
- Physical (including plenty of fresh air, exercise and chemical-free grooming); and
- Mental Stimulation, Proper Socialization and Emotional Balance
Environment:
- Both Indoors and Outdoors
Medical History
Alternative Therapies
As commonly used with humans, holistic care for pets includes the following alternative therapies and modalities (healing interventions):
Acupuncture:
- Needle and Laser
Laser Treatment:
- For arthritis, back pain, trauma and wounds, surgery and inflammation
Massage, Reiki and Chiropractic (spinal manipulation and manual therapy)
Nutraceuticals:
- Herbal (also known as botanical) and Homeopathic
- Supplements, Minerals & Vitamins
Aromatherapy
Magnet Therapy
Ultrasound Therapy
So on August 30th, take the opportunity to re-evaluate the quality of life you are currently providing for your animal family member. Could you do something better, different or more natural? It’s not necessary (or even recommended) to change everything overnight when it comes to your pet’s health. Just take some time to prioritize their health and educate yourself on best practices especially from a holistic perspective. Changing even one thing toward a better life for your pet) is priceless.
9 Ways to Care for Your Pet More Holistically
For more information about holistic pet care, go to these websites:
FetchPetCare.com
Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine (VIIM.org);
EarthClinic.com;
HolisticPetInfo.com; and
Doctors Foster and Smith’s PetEducation.com.
To find a holistic veterinarian in your local area, search the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association’s database at www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/.
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