Complementary Health for Animals

"The most natural course of action for an animal when it feels out of sorts is to look to nature for help. They always turn to natural medicine as a first port of call. How many times do you see a dog turn to chewing couch grass, horses nibble tree bark and sheep turn to ivy leaves in order to help their bodies heal?
The problem is that most domesticated pets are very limited in access to nature's medicine chest by what grows in their own particular back garden, so where do they go from there?
There are a number of therapies and techniques that can applied to animals as well as humans. These include (but are not limited to): Acupuncture, Bowen Technique, Chiropractic, Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Reiki, Shiatsu, Massage and Hydrotherapy. Practitioners are usually either i) Vets who have investigated a therapy into their practice, or ii)Complementary/alternative practitioners who have added animal clients to their human practice.

Firstly there are very specific laws in this country that govern how we can treat sick or injured animals. Animals have to be referred to a vet for diagnosis and treatment. Any complementary approaches should be discussed with a qualified vet, as should any herbal or nutritional supplements. A lot of questions that you might like to ask your vet, in line with any complementary healthcare advice you are seeking, might include those which are shown in the sort of approaches used by an animal healing centre.
Different complementary therapies may well be helpful for different types of pet problems, e.g. many dogs are now suffering from eczema which can be due to a number of reasons, such as dietary allergy, chemical sensitivity, allergies to pesticides used on grass verges and hedgerows etc. So a vet's diagnosis is vital before you can start to discuss complementary support packages like dietary supplementation, or natural anti-histamines for allergies, or blood cleansers etc.
Other therapies that have been beneficial are therapies like the Bach Flower Remedies that deal with the emotional state and behavioural aspects of animals. For example of rescue dog that is nervous and frightened of people may respond to a few drops of Mimulus - Bach Flower Remedy in its drinking water. A qualified practitioner can point you in the right direction here.
Pure essential oils can be used with caution with animals from a basic first aid of dealing with cuts and minor injuries, to discouraging fleas and washing bedding etc.
Sometimes these aromatherapy oils can be combined with massage that is specially learned by practitioners to apply to animals. Some Bowen Technique practitioners are specially trained to apply the technique to animals, especially horses (Equine Bowen Technique). Magnetic massage and magnetic products can also be very helpful particularly with stiff joints.

There are homoeopathic vets who use a powerful form of energy medicine based on homeopathic principles instead of conventional treatment which may have side effects. If you vet is not homeopathic then you may wish to consult a homeopath and enquire of they would liase with your vet.
Healing is a non - invasive therapy for animals but a vet would need to be consulted and might even ask to be present as this is a requirement by law.
Phytobiophysics (Flower Formulas) cover a complete spectrum of animal flower formulas for all eventualities.
The possibilities are endless within complementary medicine but you will need to seek appropriate qualified advice first. Also it is worth bearing in mind that our pets so often reflect the issues of their owners, be that stress or health related concerns. So many times when you ask a complementary health care practitioner for advice for your pet they will advise you on your health, as the owner.
Our pets seem to understand instinctively that a problem shared is a problem halved. So do not be surprised if a therapy programme is suggested for yourself.

Some questions you might like to ask your vet:
What veterinary medication is my pet on?
What are the side effects of the veterinary medication?
How long will my pet need to be on veterinary medication?
How can we monitor together improvements in my pet's health?

Information provided by:
Linda Porter B.A., Cert.Ed., MFSHG, BFRP, MACTA, APBP, BCMA Reg.