Complementary Therapy
Using complementary and alternative forms of care can help your dog feel better and may even reduce his/her dependence on some medication. There are a number of modalities that can benefit the dog with Addison’s disease. The key to success with alternative care is to look at the whole animal. It is very important to not simply substitute an herb for a pharmaceutical. For most people it is easiest to undertake this effort under the guidance of a holistic vet. A number of list members have both conventional and holistic vets participating in the care of their dog.
Diet & Nutrition:
It is very important that any dog, particularly one with Addison’s disease, have a strong nutritional foundation. Some people achieve this through carefully selected, commercially available foods.Some list members choose to home cook for their dogs, and others feed a primarily raw diet of whole foods. It is in the best interest of your dog to research nutrition and feed in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Read more »
Western Herbs:
Using herbs for medicinal purposes have been around as long as humankind. Many herbs in particular can help our ADogs deal with symptoms they may be experiencing. From an upset stomach, to stress, to elevated liver enzymes, herbs can be beneficial. Because herbs are medicine, they aren’t appropriate in all situations, nor are they free of possible side effects. When using herbs, it’s always a good practice to involve your vet in the process. It’s important that he or she know what herbs you are using with your dog as they can impact medications, blood tests and other procedures.
Read more »
Herb/Medication Interactions:
Herbal Remedies: Effects on Clinical Laboratory Tests
Non-herbal Supplements:
Probiotics and other non-herbal supplements, often called nutraceuticals, are showing up in all kinds of products. These supplements can also be helpful to ADogs. While most supplements are safe, there can be side effects. It’s always a good practice to involve your vet with any treatments you want to try with your ADog. As with herbs, it’s important that your vet knows what supplements you are using with your dog as they can impact medications, blood tests and other procedures. Read more »
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) including acupuncture:
Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is a sophisticated
and organized health care system that parallels the natural world. Each
of the body's organs is aligned with a particular season and natural element.
Each is associated with a certain emotion, scent, flavor, and color.
The Chinese practitioner reads the landscape of her patient in this manner
to determine where there is disharmony and how to treat it. It can
help an extremely wide array of issues, including arthritis, skin problems,
behavior issues, seizures and endocrine diseases. Treatment
may include the use of Chinese herbal blends, acupuncture or dietary changes.
Read more »
Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is a specific kind of holistic medicine that works under the law of similars or like cures like. It is a 200 year old practice of medicine used much more commonly in Europe and the United Kingdom. It is becoming more mainstream in the United States through products such as cold medicines Zicam and Cold-Eeze and Hyland’s Teething Tablets. Generally speaking, homeopathy is best used under the guidance of a trained and experienced veterinary homeopath. Read more »
Flower Essences including Rescue Remedy:
Flower essences are used to influence the mental or emotional state. They are not to be confused with herbal remedies, essential oils or perfumes. Instead they are very dilute tinctures, similar to homeopathic remedies, made from flowers. The most well-known flower essence is the five flower combination, Bach’s Rescue Remedy. Read more »
Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy is more than just a pleasantly scented candle or potpourri sachet. Used properly, aromatherapy can help an anxious dog relax or an ill one regain his appetite. The essential oils used in aromatherapy, such as lavender (excellent for calming) or eucalyptus, are an extremely concentrated form of plant matter. The oils are obtained either through distillation or are mechanically expressed. “The subtle use of aromatherapy can enhance all healing therapies…[it] stimulates the immune system and promotes healing,” says Celeste Yarnall, PhD in Natural Dog Care. Read more »
Tellington TTouch:
Tellington TTouch is a gentle hands-on method that develops a deeper understanding of animals and ourselves and helps to heal our relationships with each other, nature and the environment. This method is successful with horses, dogs, cats and other companion animals. In fact, it can be helpful for any being with a nervous system. Read more »
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PLEASE READ
If you are thinking about using
complementary therapies for your dog, we suggest talking with your vet about your intentions especially if using
herbs and/or supplements. The use of herbs or supplements may influence prescribing of medications and the results of certain laboratory tests. If you are unsure about the use of complementary therapies for your dog, please discuss it first with your veterinarian or seek the help of a qualified holistic veterinarian. They can help you explore the therapies that may best help your dog. Above all else, please research, research, research before leaping!
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