Veterinarians treat your pet in different ways that you should be aware of as a pet owner. While some doctors only offer conventional options, others also introduce holistic therapies. These integrative vets provide a customized mix of traditional and alternative treatments.
Arthritis is a common condition that causes chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in pets. This blog post will quickly discuss integrative medicine and how it can improve arthritis in your dog or cat.
What Is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine examines the entire animal and is healing-focused. An integrative veterinarian considers a pet’s physical condition, emotional problems, diet, and way of life. They will also consider conventional and holistic approaches to give you the best treatment options for your pet.
Examples of integrative medicine approaches are:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal medicine
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Homeopathy
- Nutritional therapy
It’s worth noting that many people used to know holistic medicine as an “alternative” treatment. People perceived this form of therapy as a final “alternative” for patients who had tried all other forms of conventional medicine. Holistic therapies are now used in conjunction with traditional treatments. So, don’t be confused since “alternative medicine” is no longer relevant.
How Is Integrative Medicine Beneficial to Your Pet?
Integrative medicine emphasizes health and well-being promotion and illness prevention through healthy living. Here are some other ways integrative medicine can benefit pets with arthritis:
Exercise
Regular exercise can help maintain joint flexibility and strength, but choosing a suitable activity for each pet is essential. Integrative medicine practitioners can recommend exercise programs appropriate for pets with arthritis.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Integrative medicine practitioners can guide stretching and strengthening exercises that you can do at home. You can click here for more information.
Herbal Medicine
You can use herbal remedies to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Integrative medicine practitioners can recommend specific herbs that are safe and effective for pets.
Acupuncture
This can effectively reduce pain and improve mobility in pets with arthritis. It works by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
Chiropractic
These adjustments can help to restore joint mobility and reduce pain in pets with arthritis. Integrative medicine practitioners who are trained in animal chiropractic can perform adjustments that are safe and effective.
How Can a Combination of Treatments Help Pets With Arthritis?
The combination of veterinary rehabilitation, cardiology, diagnostic lab services, and other treatments can offer several benefits for managing arthritis in pets. Here are some ways combining these different treatment methods can be beneficial:
Holistic Approach
By combining different treatment modalities, you can take a holistic approach to treat arthritis in pets. This approach considers the entire pet’s medical history, lifestyle, and specific needs when developing a personalized treatment plan.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
Diagnostic lab services and pet bloodwork tests can help identify underlying health conditions contributing to arthritis or exacerbating its symptoms. This can help guide treatment and improve outcomes.
Pain Management
Veterinary rehabilitation can provide various options for managing pain, including therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, and massage therapy. Cardiology can also help manage heart-related pain, which you can expect in pets with arthritis.
Nutrition
This plays a vital role in managing arthritis in pets. A combination of veterinary rehabilitation, cardiology, and a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can aid in managing arthritis symptoms because they have anti-inflammatory properties.
Medications
Pet cardiology can provide medications, such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors, to manage heart disease symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. These medications can also help manage arthritis symptoms.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and herbal medicine, can also manage arthritis symptoms in pets. Different treatments can be tailored to each pet’s specific needs.
Conclusion
Integrative medicine offers a comprehensive approach to treating arthritis in pets. By combining conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies, integrative medicine practitioners can provide a personalized treatment plan that addresses each pet’s unique needs. Working closely with a team of veterinary professionals, pet owners can help their pets live longer, healthier lives with reduced arthritis symptoms.
