Healthier New Year for Fido
by Sheila McCormick on January 7th, 2009
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Millions of Americans are living healthier lives by taking nutritional supplements and availing themselves of the many alternative treatments that have gained popularity in recent years. But Mother Nature’s bounty is not limited to Homo sapiens. More and more pet owners are turning to natural sources in order to maintain their pets’ health and to treat diseases or injuries.
Because of this evolving trend holistic veterinarians are recommending nutritional supplements for pets. Flaxseed oil, for example, can provide the same important omega-3 benefits to pets that it offers for humans. The oil will keep their coats shiny and healthy and can also be used to prevent and treat skin irritations.
Older dogs suffering from joint pain and stiffness may benefit from glucosamine chondroitin, a supplement often used by humans with painful joints. Over time (in humans and dogs) the cartilage between the joints starts to decay or wear away, causing movement to be painful and inflammation to occur. The same supplements used by humans can help to replenish that lost cartilage, providing extra cushioning to those painful joints and giving your dog some much needed pain relief.
Those vitamin C supplements that we humans take to boost our immune system can do the same thing for Fido, especially as your pet grows older. Vitamin C can help delay the problems associated with joint and tissue damage.
You should check with your veterinarian before you start a regular protocol of natural herbal health supplements for your dog, especially if the dog is on any kind of medications or has had allergic reactions in the past. Do your homework, make a list of the supplements that you think would be beneficial for your dog, and then consult with your vet before you go shopping.
Other natural remedies that have shown great promise for use with pets include massage therapy and magnetic therapy. Massage therapy helps pets heal more quickly from illness or injury and gives them an overall sense of health and wellbeing.
Magnetic therapy for pets has gained significant popularity in recent years. The principle behind magnetic therapy is simple. A magnet is able to align molecules in a uniform direction. Since animals (and people) are made of billions of molecules, using a magnet over a specific area of the body can align the molecules, stimulating circulation and speeding healing time. Magnetic therapy can be safely used in conjunction with other treatments. The biggest challenge of magnetic therapy for animals is figuring out a way for the animals to stay in contact with the magnets. One way to do this is by using a magnetic pet bed. Magnetic collars can also be used.
Check your local veterinarian listings to find a holistic veterinarian in your area and make a new year’s resolution to care for your four-footed friend with natural remedies.
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