Holistic Medicine: An Appropriate Alternative for Your Pet?

By Shelly Booth

In today's growing medical society, if an ailment occurs, people are looking for new and better ways to treat themselves. The medical profession is also looking toward better ways. With the help of laser surgery, recovery times are much faster and the procedure itself is safer.

Another trend that has been taking the world by storm is the natural approach to healing. We are discovering that many of the ancient remedies used so long ago are truly healing and healthy alternatives. More and more people are using these holistic measures to treat illnesses from the common cold to cancer.

Have you ever taken your pet to the vet because of a skin problem? The vet probably prescribed a drug called Cephalexin. This drug is commonly used in people for bacterial infections. Alternatively, if your animal is suffering from nausea, your vet may have sent you home with Cimetidine, also known as Tagamet. If your pet suffers from anxiety your vet may prescribe Diphenhydramine, also called Benadryl. Do you see a trend here? As with the traditional medicines, we are finding that the same holistic practices we do for ourselves work for our pets as well.

Has your cat ever had a hairball problem, or maybe your dog has been constipated? Would you believe that both of these symptoms can be treated with olive oil? You might be surprised that a little olive oil over the course of a few days may be the ticket to a healthy pet.

Has your pet ever had an infection from a bite or a cut? Beta-Carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the animals system and is completely safe. Vitamin A is a natural antioxidant and immune system booster, but stick to Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A can be toxic if used in large amounts.

We have all heard of people with arthritis using Glucosime Chondroitin. Well the same is true for our pets. If your pet suffers from stiff joints or arthritis, Glucosime Chondroitin every day could be the key to a pain free running and jumping pet again.

We have all heard about the Cranberry Juice trick when suffering from a urinary tract or bladder infection. Again the same is true for your pet. Although you may want to find the pill form of Cranberry, I don't think any of us could get our pet to drink cranberry juice.

Natural remedies along with traditional medicines can carry nasty side effects, if directions and dosages are not followed. Before jumping in and treating your pet holistically, you need to do your homework. Check with your vet, research holistic books and web sites. With all the medical and holistic advancements offered to us, people and their beloved pets are living longer, healthier and happier lives.

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.