Our pets are just like us! Especially, when it comes to aches and pains. If you have a pet at home, then you’ve most likely seen him/her in pain at one point or another. Whether it’s an upset stomach or something more permanent like arthritis, our pets tend to experience discomfort just like we do.
When this happens, most of us don’t think twice about rushing to the veterinarian—but have you ever considered an alternative approach? For example, acupuncture for your pet? Believe it or not, holistic pet wellness has been on the rise in Los Angeles, and the results are pretty impressive!
This growing field within the pet health industry includes acupuncture, acupressure, therapeutic bodywork, clinical massages, aromatherapy, and more! Follow along for some information on these alternative treatments.
Acupuncture/Acupressure
As you may know, acupuncture has been used to heal through the insertion of needles into certain pressure points of the body. This practice has been a part of Chinese medicine for centuries and in recent years, more and more pet parents are turning to this method of treatment for their cats and dogs. Acupuncture is often painless for our furry friends and many owners have found that their pets easily fall asleep during the treatment. When acupuncture is performed properly by a certified practitioner, the risk of any side effects are low. Some of the most common reasons pet owners might seek acupuncture are: pain management, arthritis, nerve injuries, allergic dermatitis, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory issues. However, the benefits of acupuncture can go way beyond what we’ve listed.
Note: before you hop on the line and book an appointment, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet about traditional Chinese veterinary medicine first (TCVM).
Therapeutic Bodywork/Clinical Massages
Canine massage is targeted touch therapy for painful conditions. It can strengthen an animal’s body after procedures, provide relief from inflammation, as well as provide psychological comfort. Massage therapy for your pets is an effective, non-invasive treatment that can provide a plethora of benefits. Some different modalities of massage include gua sha, Swedish massage, and even, Myo-fascial release. Therapeutic bodywork should be considered if your pet suffers from inflammation, stiffness, muscle spasms, poor circulation and flexibility, anxiety, and more. These clinical massages are also great to incorporate into your pet’s life if they are having trouble with moving around simply due to old age.
Aromatherapy
It’s no secret that our pets are highly sensitive to smell. With that in mind, it can only makes sense that they can be highly receptive to aromatherapy. This specific holistic therapy method can be beneficial for pets who need support with anxiety, fear, skincare, wound care, respiratory issues, etc. The most interesting use for animal aromatherapy is repelling fleas, ticks, and other pests that our pets are drawn to. Over time, you will learn how to adequately use essential oils for your furry friend’s at-home therapy session. Not only so, you’ll see how vital it is to choose the right essential oils, based on your pup’s needs!
Though 2020 has been a hard year for all of us, let us not forget the needs of our four-legged friends who are just as receptive to stress and anxiety. Holistic pet wellness can be used as a tool to not only lengthen our pets’ lives, but also make it more comfortable and enjoyable for them. Be sure to ask your vet for more information about these different approaches during your next check-up. It could be everything that your furry friend has been in need of!