Alternative therapy for dogs has been around for many years and the industry is currently on the rise as more people are becoming aware of different options for pet care. Natural treatments for dogs in conjunction with modern veterinary practices such as ultrasounds and annual check ups can be beneficial to your dog’s health.
Always keep your vet informed on what medications, supplements and herbs your dog is taking. Herbs are natural, but can become toxic if taken in large doses just like any other medication. The following are five natural treatments for dogs that were commonly requested by customers at my mother’s nutrition store.
Acidophilus
Acidophilus is an alternative therapy for dogs that is used to regulate their digestive system. It works by placing good bacteria into their body to decrease intestinal gas and diarrhea. The lactobacillus bacteria is a live culture or also known as a probiotic.
Pet Authority sells its liquid cranberry and papaya Digestive Supplement for $6.60 and it is also veterinarian recommended for kittens and cats. Always read the directions and suggested daily usage on the bottle to see what serving sizes you need for your pet based on their size.
Glucosamine to Treat Arthritis in Dogs
According to Dr. Foster and Smith, veterinarians and founders of peteducation.com, Glucosamine has been used to treat osteoarthritis in Europe for over 20 years. It is now been used in the United States to treat the effects of arthritis in aging dogs. The number one veterinarian recommended brand of this natural treatment is Cosequin DS for Dogs made by Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. This supplement is available for in chewable tablets online at Amazon or at Pet Smart for around $60 for 250 tablets.
St. John’s Wort
This alternative therapy is used to treat dermatitis, separation anxiety and aggression in dogs. It is commonly used to treat anxiety in humans and should not be taken if your pet is taking any other antidepressants. A dosage of 250 to 300 mg taken twice a day for large dogs has been proven to be useful in clinical studies according to doctor of veterinary medicine Shawn Messonnier, author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can be used to treat inflammatory diseases, allergies, yeast infections and help give your dog a shiny coat. They are also essential for healthy eyes and development of the retina. I like to use the 8 oz bottle of Nodric Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil that retails $27.99.
Canine Multi-Vitamin
I really like to give my dog a daily multi-vitamin and believe it is a highly beneficial natural treatment for dogs. The Only Natural Pet Store sells their brand of Super Daily Canine Multi-Vitamin for $39.99. It is packed with a daily dose of vitamins, minerals and enzymes for your pet.
Sources
http://www.onlynaturalpet.com
http://www.peteducation.com
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/
http://www.herbalremedies.com/