Really, Therapy for Pets?

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If a pet is suffering, prescription drugs are not the only solution. Pets can benefit from alternative treatments that humans also use. Many pets suffer from spinal problems. Once the vertebrae are damaged or out of alignment, the tendons, ligaments, and muscles can be damaged leading to an abnormal use of joints. This damage can evolve into arthritis. Some pets even suffer paralysis. Chiropractic therapy can help restore the proper mobility of pet’s joints and spine. A trained veterinarian can run their fingers down an animal’s spine to feel where vertebrae are out of alignment. The vet can then make adjustments as needed. Chiropractic therapy is particularly helpful with problems such as hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease. Message therapy is another way to treat pets and has been used as far back as ancient Greece. It is often used on competitive horses and greyhound dogs to enhance performance by increasing flexibility, improving muscle tone, and healing injuries instead of using drugs. Holistic, Edmond veterinarians recommend massage therapy for all pets to reduce stress, increase flexibility and movement, boost immune system, relieve pain, increase circulation, and decrease recovery time from surgery or injury. Massage therapy is especially helpful for pets suffering from arthritis, stiffness, or muscle cramps. Another ancient therapy is acupuncture. A primitive acupuncture therapy was practiced in India about 7000 years ago. The use of acupuncture declined after the 1940’s due to the increased use of prescription drugs, but in recent years has increased in popularity. Trained veterinarians can insert fine needles into specific spots on pet’s bodies to stop pain, stimulate circulation, and release brain chemicals that promote wellness. If an animal will not stay still, an infrared device can be used to stimulate the acupuncture point. Acupuncture therapy works great for musculoskeletal problems such as joint pain and neurological troubles such as spinal injuries. Homeopathy therapy is used to treat the whole animal rather than a specific disease or body part. The difference between prescription drugs and homeopathic remedies is that drugs treat the symptoms and homeopathy treats the cause of the symptoms. This treatment can help pets with physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Many pet owners prefer homeopathic therapy because they are easy to administer because it comes in tiny pills or drops and is affordable.