Alternative Pet Therapy Options For Your Pooch
Dogs will injure themselves over time. These injuries aren't always preventable, but most can be treated. Injuries such as hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, spinal injuries or even spinal injuries can be treated. Sometimes these injuries may require surgery, but there are alternative therapy options that could help without the need to cut your dog and put him through a major surgery. See below for some alternative pet therapy options that may be able to help your pooch.
1. Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a way to help with torn ligaments or hip dysplasia injuries. Your dog will be able to swim in the water with assistance. The resistance with the water helps exercise your dog's joints and muscles, without being too harsh on your dog. This is a low impact way to exercise your dog. You should leave this to a professional, don't try hydrotherapy on your own with your dog.
2. Massage
Massage or chiropractic massage can heal a number of ailments including spinal alignment or disc problems, as well as helping your dog with his balance or with any pain he is experiencing. It may take several treatments to see an improvement in your dog. talk to your veterinarian about this type of therapy for your dog and to get an idea of how many treatments it may take.
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture for your dog is much like acupuncture for a human. It uses tiny needles placed around your dog's body in an effort to alleviate pain, help with anxiety, improve wellness and energy. Acupuncture can be very beneficial, but again, it could take a number of different treatments until you see a difference in your dog.
4. Essential Oils Or Herbs
Herbal supplements or essential oils can be beneficial to your dog as well. They can help with a number of different disorders such as anxiety, arthritis, tumors, weak bones or ligaments, as well as managing pain. Talk to your veterinarian about which of these are best for your dog and how much you should give to your dog. Some essential oils should not be consumed, but rather used as an aromatic spray or as a topical ointment.
There are a number of alternative pet therapy options for your dog rather than surgery. Try these alternatives first before considering a major surgery for your dog, which may take much longer for your dog to recover from. Talk to your veterinarian about these options for your dog.
For more information, contact a business such as Downing Center For Animal Pain Management.