Four Drug-Free Treatments

Our motto is “we share because we care,” and I thought it was pretty important to “shelf” dog training for a nano-minute (very big grin) and share the latest information about dog health. I want to take a moment and discuss newer and successful medical modalities, which I’ve personally witnessed work and had loads of research supporting their reliability and effectiveness.

While the mentioned modalities may not necessarily cure your dog’s illness, they can certainly relieve pain, increase recovery and boost your dog’s immunity to continue fighting. Plus, pet insurance will cover these modalities! Not sure if your pet insurance will? Contact them to find out. My pet insurance covers 90% of these treatments. 🙂

Disclaimer: If your dog is sick, please seek immediate veterinary treatment. This article brings awareness to newer treatments. Always partner with your veterinarian. He is very open-minded. 🙂

1. Chiropractic Care

If your dog is moving stiffly, limping a bit or competing in any type of dog sport, a chiropractic adjustment may be just what your pooch needs. Chiropractic adjustments are a drug free hands-on procedure that adjusts joints back into place. When joints are out of place, the body responds by tightening muscles around the injury, which forms somewhat of a cast. This is the body trying to heal itself. When this cast forms, this causes your dog to move stiffly, if at all. Once a dog is realigned, chiropractics will continue to adjust along the dog’s body, which stops muscle spams and releases the cast around the previous injury. There are two types of animal chiropractors: a veterinarian who has completed additional training in chiropractic care and a doctor of chiropractic who primarily works with people, yet has completed additional training to understand animal structure. Cost ranges from $50-$150 per session. I usually pay $65 in the Nashville, Tennessee, area.

2. Acupuncture

This is an ancient procedure of inserting tiny needles along meridian points of the body, which relieves certain ailments, depending on which meridian is targeted. Acupuncture can relieve pain and nausea, decrease pain, increase healing for injuries and is extremely beneficial for dogs that are just feeling “off.” Personally, I’ve witnessed the power of acupuncture with Armond, my Bouvier, that is undergoing chemothreapy treatment for bone cancer. Armond refused to eat after a chemo session. It was going on for 10 days. My vet performed acupuncture and within 2 minutes, he wolfed down two cans of dog food. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I’ve always been a huge skeptic, but not any longer! Veterinarians must complete additional training to become certified in animal acupuncture, and dogs tolerate the needles extremely well. Usually, dogs will take a deep sigh and relax. It’s pretty cool to watch. Costs are usually $60-$100 per session. I usually pay $65 or $75 per session, depending on the targeted treatment.

3. Essential Oil Therapy

This is a newer treatment, which is gaining momentum in the veterinary world fast. Essential oils prevent bacteria and viruses from growing or continuing to grow in the body, plus they contain healing properties to help fight illnesses. Why not give your dog’s body a boost to fight infections, viruses, cancer or whatever disease your dog is currently fighting? There are many brands of essential oils. However, it’s best to do your research first and choose someone who has extensive knowledge on which oils are beneficial for your dog. Surprisingly, veterinarians are jumping on board so I would start there first. As dogs are living longer, many vet facilities are offering hospice, which incorporates essential oils to relieve pain and boost a dog’s defenses. Personally, I’ve not used essential oils on my dogs yet, but I’ve had great success when fighting reoccurring sinus infections. And I’m going to try using lavender during dog training classes, as some dogs are pretty stressed. From my understanding, place two drops of lavender in your hands, rub together, and then rub along the sides of your dog’s face and chest. I can’t wait to try it out! Cost is usually a vet’s office exam and cost of oils.

4. Laser Treatment

Cold laser treatment has become much more popular. I was first introduced to it about 8 years ago. My older Bouvier (12-years-old) had a luxuriating patella (moving kneecap) and laser treatments reduced inflammation and relieved pain so much so, she would act like a 2-year-old again. Laser treatment is a drug free option with proven results for decreasing healing times and decreasing pain. Even for spay or neuter incisions, they heal twice as fast! Sessions are usually 10-20 minutes long, and your dog lays on a mat while the vet moves the laser over your dog’s problem area. After a few minutes, most dogs take a deep sigh and relax. My dogs will close their eyes also. 🙂 Ask your vet about laser treatments, especially for older dogs (helps relieve arthritis pain). Cost is usually $30-$50 per session. Some vets offer multiple sessions at steep discounts.

How have these medical modalities affected your dog’s health? It’s so important to share what we know. 🙂

READ ALSO: Why You Should Get Pet Insurance