Why Should You Consider Holistic Dog Health?

by: GeraldineDimarco
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Word Count: 536

Holistic dog health care is becoming a natural way for pet owners to ensure that their cherished pets are at their healthiest, living long, happy lives to the absolute fullest.

Perhaps the most important aspect for a dog's health would be a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to make sure the joints, organs, and digestive systems make work in harmony as well with the skin and coat being healthy. A great diet for your pet dog should remain a holistic approach as meals should consist of meat, vegetables, and whole grains. The important thing is to avoid processed foods.

Herbal Alternatives to the Health of Your Dog

Using a variety of essential oils, plant extracts, herbs and flowering essences, people have treated numerous ailments and conditions over the past thousands of years. As more and more owners of dogs are looking for more safe and healthy ways of treating their pets, ancient healing practices have found their way into the field of pet healthcare in the recent times.

Some plants commonly used for treating ailments in dogs include calendula and chamomile. Both help heal wounds, and chamomile is also helpful in treating respiratory issues too. To help your dog to recover from constipation or bowel disorders, you can try crushed flaxseed mixed with lot of water. For dry, sensitive skin, oats are helpful for dogs' skin as with humans, and if your puppy cannot sleep well, the smell of lavender may help them relax so they may sleep soundly.

Be sure to do your homework before using any herbal concoctions on your dog. Some herbs and flowers can be harmful or even toxic to animals or people. In addition, you should be sure to consult your dog?s vet and get his or her advice when you?re thinking of switching to holistic healthcare and so-called ?natural cures?.

Alternative Medicine for Pets

Today there are an increasing number of veterinarians who are putting great stock in holistic dog health, making it a large part of their practice. A veterinarian who practices holistic pet care treats animals as a whole, rather than identifying a certain problem and prescribing one type of treatment related to that specific injury or illness.

For example, your dog has suddenly come down with a red, irritating rash and has started losing some fur. A "regular" vet would most likely prescribe a topical ointment and an antibiotic medication to stop the infection and itching.

A holistic veterinarian will place more emphasis on determining the cause of the rash as the source of the infection before prescribing those two remedies. Before coming to a conclusion or offering treatment, the dog's entire lifestyle are taken into account; his living environment, nutrition, exercise and all habits.

With all the growing problems with recalls of pet food, decisions as to wether or not to vaccinate pets, possibility for excessive amounts of immunizations, or if we are giving pets too much medication - both as individuals and as a society - owners of dogs are still trying to find good ways to keep their pets healthy and content for as long as they can.

About the Author

If you're interested in holistic dog health as a manner of improving the health of your dog, the very best holistic dog health site is www.HealthyHappyDogs.com  

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