Your furry companion is never just a pet. It's a member of your family. For some, it might even be their closest family. The truth is, for most of us, our pet is our best friend, our closest person.
As part of our family, then, our pet deserves the best possible care, to ensure their good health and quality of life. Fortunately, modern veterinary medicine, as well as animal food technology, have rapidly developed, helping our companions to live longer. Their well-being, however, is still affected by several factors, such as nutrition, environmental elements, genetics, ageing and more.
Regular vet checks are necessary to prevent illness, tackle pet diseases and treat injuries. There is no doubt modern veterinary medicine has advanced so much that it can handle even serious conditions effectively and at relatively low cost. But what more can we do beyond those vet checks? How can we gain insight into what may be affecting our pet’s well being before they show signs prompting us for another visit to the vet?
According to a study in the US, six out of ten owners of pets exhibiting symptoms have tried an alternative method or therapy at least once. In fact, various practices in the field of animal wellness have been prevalent for decades in both America and Europe. There are professionals with expertise in the area of pet behaviour and training, who can recognise signs of a possible irritation or a psychological trait of concern. Today, even parts of the veterinary community embrace the use of alternative and complementary practices; for instance the veterinary association of Austria endorses the use of homoeopathy, acupuncture, osteopathy and traditional Chinese medicine under the umbrella-term of integrative veterinary medicine.
Ever since the 2000s, demand for pet health and wellness services ‘beyond the vet’ has been increasing. Common issues for which pet owners seek help include allergies, chronic illnesses, arthritis, digestion issues, excretion issues, joints and muscles’ problems, as well as conditions for which conventional medicine mostly suggests symptomatic treatment.
Notably, even owners of production animals (livestock) in the field of organic farming and production today prefer more natural approaches. This is even reflected in official legislation, such as the European Union regulations for animal welfare.
Much like in human health, alternative approaches for animals encompass a wide range of practices. It’s worth taking a look at those most established.
This ancient Chinese treatment method is applied either traditionally or in its modern versions in many Western countries. After all, acupuncture is considered a medical practice. As an alternative therapy, it has been tested more than any other in veterinary medicine and is included in veterinary schools. For example, it has been applied in the world's top veterinary school, the Royal Veterinary College University of London, the internationally renowned veterinary school of the University of California, Davis, and the Veterinary Training Center of the University of Sydney.
Acupuncture has several applications, and there are studies that show the effectiveness of acupuncture in pain management and improving the quality of life in animals (dogs) with neurological, musculoskeletal, and autoimmune diseases (5, 6). The technique of acupuncture, as in humans, involves stimulating the nerves, improving circulation, relieving muscles, and regulating appetite.
Acupuncture is even recommended - along with herbal therapy - by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), which suggest its systematic inclusion in pain relief programmes for pets.
Another very old alternative therapy method for animals is herbal therapy, that is, the use of natural products and substances, such as herbs. As is well known, several herbs have constituted (and constitute) the original source of many pharmaceutical substances, before the pharmaceutical industry proceeded to mass and affordable production of synthetic drugs.
Herbal extracts have been shown to have, under certain conditions, beneficial properties: anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and soothing. In combination, under the guidance of a specialist in herbal therapy, the body can benefit from the synergy of the substances contained in the herbs it will consume. However, the consumption of herbs in pets requires caution and knowledge, as depending on the species of the animal, there are plants that it cannot consume, while the effect of a herb in one species may be different in another.
There are many natural supplements on the market, and in various forms, such as ointments, oils, dried leaves, etc. for various uses. Some preparations might be applied topically e.g. to treat skin issues, while others can be ingested. These preparations are designed to be safe for pets when used properly and under the guidance of a trained professional.
Homoeopathy is one of the most popular alternative practices, and it too approaches the body - be it human or animal - holistically. It is applied in the same way, namely through the use of low concentration substances in homoeopathic medicines. Numerous clinical studies on animals have shown many successful instances of homoeopathy, such as in the treatment of E. Coli in piglets, for example.
The use of alternative methods not based on pharmaceutical drugs have the advantage that they can be applied to animals with overburdened excretory systems. As experts mentioned to BBC, more and more pet owners are turning to acupuncture for their pets in order to gradually reduce the amount of drugs they take.
Other practices for animals include physiotherapy (mainly for musculoskeletal issues), hydrotherapy, aromatherapy (mainly for respiratory and skin conditions), and physiopathy, which combines natural, non-invasive methods for prevention and treatment in animals, covering areas from diet to physical exercise and mental state. Bio-resonance is also increasingly integrated into some animal clinics, where it's used to energetically detect which organs or systems are facing issues, from sensitivities and parasitic infections to digestive and respiratory issues.
It's important to note that regardless of how much one believes in the effectiveness of alternative treatments, there's no need for a dilemma between them and the traditional method. In the vast majority of cases, they can complement and work alongside each other, and even enhance the overall treatment. As with alternative treatments for human health, the approach is holistic, focusing not on a single symptom, but on the overall health and well-being of the animals. These treatments aim to identify issues that the animals themselves can't "tell" us about, manage them naturally, and ultimately improve their quality of life.
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