December 1, 2021
Things are changing in the field of animal wellness and ‘holistic’ is the new buzzword! So what is a holistic approach to health, and how can this integrative approach help keep your dog thriving and their tail wagging?
Sometimes referred to as alternative or natural therapies, holistic modalities are gaining in popularity when it comes to pets, mainly due to the increasing preference we have for more natural, and less invasive techniques.
We are now collectively aware of the benefits of clean eating, exercise, and use of natural remedies, having enjoyed great results in recent years for ourselves. Therefore, it's of no surprise that as pet-parents, we are now choosing the same for our pets and seeking out holistic medicine practitioners.
First, let’s get back to basics.
What does ‘holistic’ actually mean?
Holistic means considering the whole. Holism is the theory that the parts of the body are interdependent, and cannot exist or be understood, except in relation to the body as a whole. What affects one part of the body, affects the whole body. Similarly, when one part of the body is showing symptoms of ‘dis-ease’, the clues to the origin of the dis-ease lies within the function of the body as a whole.
The holistic approach encompasses more than just the physical body. There are many levels taken into account to ensure optimal health. There are four main pillars to holistic health and wellbeing.
- Physical
- Mental
- Emotional
- Spiritual
Optimum health is achieved when each of these pillars are in balance.
Let’s now look at how this approach compares with conventional veterinary care.
How does the holistic approach differ?
Conventional veterinary care, offered by your local veterinary clinic, has traditionally viewed the body as separate parts. For example, if your dog has an ear infection, a conventional vet would assess and treat the ear and the infection itself, alleviating the symptoms. The ear would most often be treated in isolation to the rest of the body.
A holistic vet would take a ‘whole of body’ approach, not only alleviating the symptoms, but also tracing back to the source of the problem. For an infection to occur, the body’s natural defences must have been compromised in some way. The vet would identify any contributing factors such as diet, grooming, immune system, and gut health. Not only would the current ear infection be resolved, but the ‘weak link’ in the dog’s natural defences would be strengthened against future infections.
Conventional care is always the best option when it comes to providing first aid such as broken bones, cuts, and critical care, but the holistic approach may prove better in preventing and treating chronic health challenges.
Holistic veterinary diagnostic techniques are commonly less invasive, as are the treatments. A range of natural techniques may be used that will nurture and support the body’s own healing process.
As with our own healthcare, prevention is always better than a cure. All natural therapies place an emphasis on prevention, and as such, regular check-ups are advised with your holistic practitioner to ensure any imbalances are identified and resolved, reducing the need for medical intervention.
What are holistic techniques?
Holistic veterinary medicine blends conventional medications and surgeries with an array of natural therapies to deliver the best possible integrative care for your animal. Here are just some of the techniques that may be used.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Chiropractic
- Herbal medicine
- Flower essences
- Homeopathy
- Nutritional therapy
- Kinesiology
Natural methods are often considered safer and have less noted side effects. They are gentler on your dog’s body, causing less damage to other organs. Not only are the treatments less invasive, they're often more economical too!
Holistic veterinary care should not take the place of conventional veterinary treatment completely, but by integrating the two approaches, they complement each other, providing you with more choice over the health and wellbeing of your dog.
One of the easiest ways to start is by switching your dog over to a natural diet. Why not try one of the Premi-Yum recipes and cook your dog up a treat!
Claire Oats
Specialist Animal Kinesiologist B.Sc, Dip Kin
Follow Claire on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on pet health and wellbeing.
About the author
Claire Oats is a Specialist Animal Kinesiologist and Canine Behaviourist from Perth. Claire has worked with dogs for the last 25 years and specialises in resolving behaviour problems using Kinesiology techniques to remove physiological, neurological and emotional stress.
Please note: Claire's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your veterinarian.
