How a Dog Health Diagnosis Can Help

By Geraldine Dimarco

Many pet owners are turning to holistic health care as an alternative to help their well-loved pets live healthy, long and happy lives.

Nutritional needs are perhaps the most important aspect of dog health, and of course a dog's nutritional needs are completely different to members of the human species. Dogs need a certain balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to make sure their digestive systems as well as the skeletal system, joints,and organs are kept as healthy as possible. Holistic dog diets usually require proteins, vegetables, and a small amount of grains. They do not need fillers and over-processed foods that are so often a feature of commercial dog foods.

Throughout the course of various millennia, humans have controlled illness through the remedial use of various herbal, floral and other plant extracts. Because pet owners prefer less risky and less invasive treatment alternatives, pet care now incorporates ancient healing practices once a dog health diagnosis has been made, or in order to prevent illness and disease in the first place.

Calendula and chamomile may be recommended for promoting the healing of wounds, with the latter often being used for the treatment of respiratory ailments also. If your dog is suffering from constipation or a bowel disorder, crushed flaxseed mixed with plenty of water may be helpful. Dry, itchy skin, can be soothed with oats, and if your dog is having trouble sleeping, you may well find that lavender essential oil may help your to relax fall asleep just as well as it will work for yourself if you suffer from insomnia.

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. It is always wise to consult with your veterinarian about the proper care and possible remedies for holistic dog health.

There are an increasing number of veterinarians these days who are putting great stock in holistic dog health, making it a large part of their practice. A veterinarian who practices holistic pet care treats animals as a whole, rather than identifying a certain problem and prescribing one type of treatment related to that specific injury or illness.

A dog health diagnosis from a holistic vet is likely to look at the dog as a whole, so treating one dog with itchy skin may be different to treating another with similar symptoms, depending upon enivorenmental factors.

While a "regular" vet would probably prescribe an antibiotic to treat most skin irritations and infections, as well as a topical ointment to address the itching, a holistic veterinarian will probably place more emphasis on finding out what could have caused the rash to occur in the first place, which, of course, was the root of the infection. 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. - 29895

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