Alternative health care for dogs, such as holistic healthcare, is quickly becoming the way for owners to make sure that their beloved pets are healthy, playful, and living long, happy, full lives.

Perhaps the most important aspect for a dog's health would be a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to make sure the joints, organs, and digestive systems make work in harmony as well with the skin and coat being healthy. A great diet for your pet dog should remain a holistic approach as meals should consist of meat, vegetables, and whole grains. The important thing is to avoid processed foods.

Herbal Remedies are Very Good for Your Dog's Health

Using a combination of various essential oils, flowering essences, plant extracts, and certain herbs, people have been treating a host of ailments and health conditions for the last few thousand years. As of recently, these ancient healing practices have found their way into pet care and are now becoming increasingly popular as more and more dog owners are looking for safer, healthier, and less invasive alternatives to treating their pets.

Some plants commonly used for treating ailments in dogs include calendula and chamomile. Both help heal wounds, and chamomile is also helpful in treating respiratory issues too. To help your dog to recover from constipation or bowel disorders, you can try crushed flaxseed mixed with lot of water. For dry, sensitive skin, oats are helpful for dogs' skin as with humans, and if your puppy cannot sleep well, the smell of lavender may help them relax so they may sleep soundly. 

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.

Holistic Medicine for Animals

Nowadays, many veterinarians are developing faith in a holistic dog fitness approach, and are using it as a way to augment their practices. 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.

For example, your dog has suddenly come down with a red, irritating rash and has started losing some fur. A "regular" vet would most likely prescribe a topical ointment and an antibiotic medication to stop the infection and itching.

A holistic veterinarian may also prescribe those two remedies, but there will be 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.

In light of growing concerns over pet food recalls, questions about whether or not to vaccinate, or how many immunizations may be "too much," or if we're overmedicating our pets as well as ourselves as a society, dog owners continue to search for effective ways for keeping their beloved best friends as healthy and happy for as long as possible.