3 Alternative Therapies For Pets

Animals can suffer from many diseases, pains, and illnesses. Many pet owners are keen to ensure their pets have the best quality of life possible and are not troubled by persistent pains. As a result, more and more owners are looking to alternative therapies for their pets. Such therapies can help alleviate pain and improve function of the joints and muscles.

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that can help alleviate chronic pain. It involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to stimulate response or interrupt nerve function. Pet acupuncture has grown in popularity, and research has suggested that it can have positive results in the treatment of animals.

Pet acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions. Usually, these are conditions that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis and intervertebral disc disease, or functional diseases, such as facial paralysis and seizures.

Massage Therapy

Massage is a popular alternative therapy that can help to treat pain and improve mobility. For both animals and humans, massage therapy involves the manipulation of the soft tissue in a certain area. This manipulation can help reduce the tension and tightness in muscles, re-model tough scar tissue, and improve range of motion in joints and muscles. 

Massage therapy can be an effective treatment for a number of problems. In particular, it is often helpful for conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, as these lead to areas of overcompensation in the muscle system. Massage can alleviate the pain and tension that this overcompensation can cause. 

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a form of alternative therapy that uses water to help relieve pain and treat medical conditions. Animal hydrotherapy usually involves allowing the animal to swim or walk in a special pool. A harness may be used to keep the animal above water and in position, whilst jets may also be used to add resistance.

Hydrotherapy takes advantage of the therapeutic properties of water. Specifically, suspension in water can help reduce pressure on joints and muscles, and stimulate blood circulation. The use of heated water can also help reduce muscular discomfort and pain. Hydrotherapy can be used to treat conditions including hip dysplasia, chronic bone conditions and spinal injuries.

Furthermore, hydrotherapy is often used in cases where an animal is unable to carry out weight-bearing exercises. The water reduces the load and stress placed on joints, ligaments, and muscles, reducing the risk of further injury. Such conditions include cruciate ligament injuries and chronic obesity.

Consider one of the treatments mentioned above the next time your pet is in pain. If you would like to learn more about pet acupuncture, you can go to websites like the one linked to in this article.


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