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Holistic Dog Health Care

by Melinda Smith

Holistic dog health care has emerged as a natural way for dog owners to ensure that their cherished pets are as healthy as possible, living long, happy lives well into old age.

Nutritional needs are perhaps the most important aspect to consider when it comes to a dog's health, as theirs are somewhat different from ours and will require a certain balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to ensure everything from the digestive systems to the bones, joints, and organs as well as the skin and coat are as healthy as possible. A diet of meat, vegetables, and whole grains without any processed foods or unnecessary fillers is usually recommended when following the holistic approach to dog care.

Throughout the course of various millennia, humans have controlled illness through the remedial use of various herbal, floral and other plant extracts. As of recently, these ancient healing practices have found their way into pet care and are now becoming increasingly popular as more and more dog owners are looking for safer, healthier, and less invasive alternatives to treating their pets.

Some plants commonly used for treating ailments in dogs include calendula and chamomile. Both help heal wounds, and chamomile is also helpful in treating respiratory issues too.Flaxseed mixed with lots of water may help cure dogs who are constipated or have other bowel problems. For dry, itchy skin, oats are as soothing to a dog's skin as they are to a human's, and if your pup is having trouble sleeping, smelling some lavender may help them to relax and finally fall soundly asleep.

Before concocting any type of herbal remedies of your own, make it a point to do plenty of research and be absolutely certain that what you're giving your dog isn't toxic or harmful in any way, as not all herbs and flowers are safe for pets, or even people for that matter. Also, ask your veterinarian for their input and recommendations when it comes to holistic dog health and using all-natural remedies for their care.

Nowadays, many veterinarians are developing faith in a holistic dog fitness approach, and are using it as a way to augment their practices.A veterinarian who practices holistic dog care treats your pet as a whole, rather than looking at a certain issue and utilizing one type of treatment to treat that specific injury or illness.

As an example, if your dog has suddenly come down with some sort of rash on his skin causing irritation, redness, itching, a possible infection, and some fur loss, a "regular" vet might send you away with an antibiotic to treat the skin infection in addition to a topical ointment to address the itching.

A holistic veterinarian will be more concerned about the source of the rash and why it happened even though they may still prescribe the two remedies.With holistic care, the dog's indoor and outdoor environment, his daily lifestyle, eating habits and nutritional intake are all taken into consideration before attempting to diagnose or treat the animal.

Holistic dog health care is becoming more popular as an alternative to purely conventional veterinary care. It is thought that holistic pet health care encourages a healthier, longer life for pets.

Published June 25th, 2008

Filed in Pets