As a pet owner, you should be aware that veterinarians treat your pet in various ways. Some doctors only offer conventional treatments, while others also offer complementary therapies. Integrative veterinarians provide a specialized combination of conventional and alternative treatments.
Arthritis causes chronic pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility in pets. This blog post will cover integrative medicine and how it can help with arthritis in your dog or cat.
What Is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine is concerned with healing and looks at the whole animal. A holistic veterinarian considers a pet’s physical health, emotional issues, diet, and lifestyle. They will also consider conventional and holistic approaches when recommending treatment for your pet.
Among the many integrative medical techniques are:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal medicine
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Homeopathy
- Nutritional therapy
It is worth remembering that many people once thought of holistic medicine as “alternative” medicine. This type of care was regarded as a last-resort “alternative” for patients who had exhausted all other conventional medical options. Holistic therapies are now used alongside traditional medical procedures. As a result, avoid confusion because the term “alternative medicine” is no longer applicable.
How Is Integrative Medicine Beneficial to Your Pet?
Integrative medicine places a strong emphasis on illness prevention and the promotion of health and well-being. Integrative medicine can also help pets with arthritis in the following ways:
Exercise
Regular exercise can help maintain joint strength and flexibility, but choosing a suitable activity for each pet is critical. Integrative medicine practitioners can recommend exercise routines that are appropriate for arthritic pets.
Physical Therapy
Joint mobility can be increased, and pain can be decreased with physical therapy. Integrative medicine practitioners can supervise stretching and strengthening exercises at home.
Herbal Medicine
You can use herbal remedies to treat arthritis pain and inflammation. Integrative medicine practitioners can recommend specific herbs that are both beneficial and safe for animals.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can effectively reduce pain and increase mobility in pets with arthritis. It works by causing endorphin release, which is a natural pain reliever.
Chiropractic
These adjustments can help pets with arthritis regain joint mobility and reduce pain. Integrative medicine practitioners trained in animal chiropractic can perform safe and effective adjustments.
How Can a Combination of Therapies Help Arthritic Pets?
Veterinary rehabilitation, cardiology, diagnostic lab services, and other therapies may be beneficial for managing arthritis in pets. Some benefits of combining these various treatment modalities are as follows:
Holistic Approach
By combining various treatment modalities, you can treat arthritis in pets holistically. When developing a personalized treatment plan, this method considers the entire pet’s medical history, lifestyle, and specific needs.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
Diagnostic laboratory services can help determine underlying medical conditions that are aggravating or causing arthritis symptoms. This could aid in directing care and improving outcomes. You can check this link for more information.
Pain Management
Veterinary rehabilitation can provide pain management options such as therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, and massage therapy. Cardiology can help manage heart-related pain, common in pets with arthritis.
Nutrition
Nutrition is critical for effectively managing arthritis in pets. Because they have anti-inflammatory properties, cardiology, veterinary rehabilitation, and a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can all work together to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
Medications
Diuretics and ACE inhibitors are two drugs that a veterinary cardiologist in Vienna, VA, can prescribe to treat heart disease symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These medications can help to manage arthritis symptoms.
Complementary Therapies
Pet cold laser therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal treatments can help pets with arthritis symptoms. You can use various treatments to meet the specific needs of each pet.
Conclusion
You can use integrative medicine to treat pet arthritis completely. Integrative medicine practitioners can provide a personalized treatment plan that considers each pet’s unique needs by combining traditional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. By working closely with a group of veterinary professionals, pet owners can help their animals live longer, healthier lives with fewer signs of arthritis.
