Alternative therapy has become a popular way for humans to treat a variety of symptoms, ailments, and diseases. Alternative therapies are different than traditional forms of treatment, as they usually involve a more natural and holistic approach to healing. When used on pets, it's called alternative animal therapy. As with humans, there are various types of alternative animal therapies.
Here are three types of alternative therapies that veterinarians sometimes use.
1. Physiotherapy
Sometimes called physical therapy, this type of alternative animal therapy uses things like stretching and exercises to help heal injuries or deformities. It is widely used when an animal has an orthopedic or neurological issue. It can also help pets to recover more quickly after surgery or after a limb amputation. Besides doing certain types of stretches and exercises, other things that veterinarians do to help animals heal include the following:
- Massage
- Heat and ice treatments
- Hydrotherapy
- Ultrasound therapy
Oftentimes, the first step in physiotherapy is to help reduce pain. After that, the goal is to help the animal regain strength so that they can return to their normal physical activities.
2. Acupuncture
This traditional Chinese medicine involves inserting thin needles in certain points in the body. One of the most common health issues acupuncture is used for is pain relief. This goes for both humans and animals. Along with reducing pain, acupuncture is used on animals to treat the following issues:
- Arthritis, traumatic nerve injury, and other types of musculoskeletal problems
- Asthma and other respiratory problems
- Allergic dermatitis and other skin issues
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and colic
For animals that are involved in racing, jumping, or other types of sports, acupuncture can also help to treat sports injuries and prevent them from reoccurring.
3. Homeopathy
This type of alternative therapy involves the idea of using a diluted substance that causes a certain symptom in a healthy person to also cure the symptom in a sick person. Other people also define homeopathy as the belief that the body can cure itself. When used with animals, homeopathy is often used instead of prescription medications.
Homeopathy is an alternative animal therapy that is designed to work with an animal's immune system. It is also believed to have fewer negative side effects than prescription medications and can both prevent and treat certain conditions.
Some conditions in animals that homeopathy is used to treat include:
- Digestive issues
- Allergies
- Hormonal imbalances
- Anxiety
Some examples of homeopathic remedies include sulphur, arnica, euphrasia, and borax.
For more information on alternative animal therapies, contact a veterinarian's office like the Downing Center For Animal Pain Management.
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