Pet Care - Alternative Treatments for Animal Health



In finding a Complementary or Alternative Medical practice for ourselves, it stands to reason we would be doing the same for our beloved pets. Many of us are looking for natural health and well-being options that are a gentle, unobtrusive and chemical free, for ourselves as well as our furry four legged companions.

Complimentary and alternative medicine is now recognized by many qualified Vets within New Zealand and internationally. Diagnosis and treatment are emerging more commonly in both veterinary and human medicine. Veterinary medicine, is continually changing. Below is a list of some of the types of alternative medicine available to our pets today.



Acupuncture:

Veterinary Acupuncture is available in many centers in New Zealand, it has been shown to be a clinically safe and effective treatment for specific conditions if used properly and competently.

See: AVAA:Australian Veterinary Acupuncture Association



Chiropractic:

Chiropractic care can be integrated into the veterinary practice in many ways. As preventative health care, or as a treatment for animals with chronic back and neck pain or disk disease.

Chairopractic care for animals is helpful in rehabilitation, either recovering from injury, surgery, illness or arthritis, etc.

Fitness, in conjunction with a training programme for our four legged atheletes, weight-loss & muscle toning for general health or competition. Support, in optimising health & well being in a preventative way.

See: Australian Veterinary Chiropractic Association



Holistic Veterinary Medicine:
Holistic veterinary medicine incorporates aspects of both alternative and conventional diagnostic and treatment modalities.

Therapies available at some practices in New Zealand include Acupuncture and Acutherapy, Chiropractic, Moxibustion, Homeopathy, Nutritional Medicine, Homotoxicology and NIS (Neurological Integration System). Reiki (universal healing energy) and Bach flower remedies which help resolve physical, emotional, mental and behavioral issues. Orthobionomy, Homeopathy, Herbal medicine, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.



Many of these therapies are compliments to and should be used along with conventional medicine, surgery, and dentistry.

See: Australian Association of Holistic Veterinarians
also
Holistic Animal Therapy Association of Australia



Homeopathy

Pet Homeopathy involves the treatment of the patient as a whole, mind and body, and includes consideration of lifestyle, nutrition, and other inter-related factors.

Homeopathic remedies are gentle and non-toxic

Your vetinary homeopath will regard the patient’s needs as unique, cosider the your pet's physical, mental and emotional states. Homeopathy is safe to use alongside Veterinary medicines. Homeopathy is claimed to be the second most widely used medical system in the world, its effectiveness has been demonstrated for more than 200 years.

Homeopathy can be used for all conditions including:

• Musculo-Skeletal
• Skin conditions
• Behavioural
• Allergic
• Ears/Eyes
• Dental
• Gastric
• Injury
• Surgical support
• Hormonal
• Cardiac
• Kidney/liver.