4 Alternative Medicines for Pets and Their Benefits – Oprah Mag

While 2020 has been a doozy for us humans, its been pretty sweet for the canine population. Covid-19 doesn't present much of a health threat for dogson the contrary, the pandemic has brought pups a number of benefits. Shelters are emptying out, more people are interested in fostering, and pets are getting more attention and affection, points out Heidi M. Cooley, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Vancouver, Washington. All of this newfound together-time means many pet owners have become as focused on their dogs wellness as they are on their ownand are increasingly interested in non-traditional therapies to help their dogs feel as good as possible. Four in ten of us routinely use treatments like yoga, herbs, meditation, Reiki, and massage to cure what ails us, so why not treat our pets to the same?

Experts say complementary therapies may indeed help pups of all ages, sizes, and breeds who are suffering from discomfort of the body or mind. Just be sure to check with your vet before proceeding. Veterinarians understand not only the potential benefits, but also the potential harm an alternative treatment can cause, says Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club. Plus, they should be attuned to whats best for your particular dog. Treating a six-pound geriatric Pekingese with metabolic issues can be different from treating a mostly healthy 3-year-old Newfoundland, notes Klein.

If your vet isnt open to thinking outside the box, Klein suggests getting a second opinion or consulting the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, a group of vets who advocate for the use of integrative medicine. Here are some popular alternative therapies for four-legged friends:

You...get pricked to nix a nagging ache. (Acupuncture is effective for neck and back pain, osteoarthritis, and frequent headaches.)

Your dog...can go under the needle, too; its been recommended for musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, asthma, allergic dermatitis, traumatic nerve injury, and some G.I. and reproductive issues. It may well be worth a try: In a study following 181 dogs for up to 24 weeks, Brazilian researchers found that regular acupuncture reduced musculoskeletal pain in the vast majority of cases.

Note: Worried about keeping your pup still while hes being poked and prodded? Dogs generally become very relaxed, most likely because of endorphin release, says Ernie Ward, DVM, founder of DogGone Healthy, a nutritional and behavioral care practice in Calabash, North Carolina. Ward says licking or pawing the needles is rare.

You...drop a tincture under your tongue or rub a cream on your lower back. Trendy CBD (or cannabidiol, a nonintoxicating compound in cannabis) is a hot area of research and is used to self-treat everything from anxiety to chronic pain.

Your dog...can swallow a pet-formulated tincture or doggy treat from one of the many brands flooding the market, such as Honest Paws, Dope Dog, and Charlottes Web. Products like these are promoted to address pet ailments like pain, anxiety, and seizures, but the scientific data on CBD use is sparse, says Tina Wismer, DVM, medical director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Preliminary findings from a small study at Colorado State University did show that 89 percent of dogs with epilepsy had less frequent seizures after receiving CBD. A larger study funded by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation is now under way.

Note: Consult your vet first, start with a low dosage, then keep a close eye on your pup. Some dogs have developed signs of toxicity after ingesting CBD products; its difficult to tell whether they might also contain THC, which can be poisonous to animals. Call your vet immediately if you notice your pet acting lethargic or disoriented, or walking or behaving strangely.

Yourun or exercise in a pool when your lower extremities cant handle the impact of less-forgiving surfaces, or soak in a tub to relieve physical aches and psychological stress.

Your dogcan trot on an underwater treadmill (or be held and assisted in the water) to recover from an orthopedic or neurological issue. This treatment, often used in pet rehabilitation centers, is a way to help pets safely heal and build muscle strength. The warm water can also ease pain and help your dog chill out.

Note: No matter how gentle this practice may seem, it could be traumatic for dogs who strongly dislike or fear water, says Cooley. Nor is hydrotherapy recommended for pets with sensitive skin, open wounds, or incisions. Your best bet is to bring your pet to a rehab facility with an underwater treadmill, but if there isn't one nearby, a vet may be able to talk you through an adapted version of the treatment that involves a pool or tub.

You...go for a monthly session to relax your muscles and nerves.

Your dog...is always up for a good rubdown. A vet specializing in rehab might recommend massage to help reduce pain and improve range of motion and circulation.

Note: If the therapist is too rough, the bodywork could wind up worsening an injury, warns Klein. Sensitive dogs may also react by biting the hand that kneads them. Klein suggests seeking a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner or a vet who is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Theyre trained to get pets back on their paws.

with additional reporting by Corrie Pikul

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4 Alternative Medicines for Pets and Their Benefits - Oprah Mag