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Visiting The Veterinarian: Alternative Treatments

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You know what a veterinarian does. Right? The vet is an animal doctor who gives your pet vaccinations, takes care of her when she's sick, and provides preventative care. But that's not all. Vets also offer other services that you might not know about. Check out some of the not-so-well-known veterinary services that some animal hospitals and vet practices offer.

Acupuncture

You've seen the practice used on people—sticking needles in various points on the body to help heal, reduce stress or deal with some other issue. But acupuncture isn't only for humans. Animals can also benefit from this health service. Some vets offer acupuncture as part of a holistic medicine program. If you're considering this service, keep in mind—only a licensed veterinarian should perform acupuncture. The professional should have training and extensive experience administering this technique to animals. During the treatment, the veterinary acupuncturist will insert thin sterile needles into your animal along specific points. This method can treat a variety of chronic and acute conditions including gastrointestinal issues, musculoskeletal problems, and even behavioral challenges.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic vets use a combination of diet, physical exercise, and alternative medical treatments to help your pet feel better. At its foundation, homeopathy focuses on using "like to cure like." Instead of using man-made medications or chemicals to treat your pet, this branch of veterinary medicine uses natural remedies. Like acupuncture, only a qualified, licensed, and well-trained vet can administer homeopathic treatments. While homeopathy is used to help many conditions and diseases that affect animals, only the expert (licensed vet) can create a plan of treatment. Never attempt to treat your pet using herbs (or similar remedies) on your own.

Nutrition

Along with homeopathic treatments, some vets use nutrition (what your pet eats or isn't eating) as a way to treat disease. Some conditions or issues that your pet may face are the result of nutritional deficiencies. A nutrition evaluation and course of treatment may also be used along with other methods to keep your pet feeling well.

Not every veterinarian uses what you might think of as "traditional" medical techniques. Even though modern veterinary medicine has made many advances and can certainly help your pet. Alternative methods provide other options that you may not have thought about. If you're looking for a way to help your pet that doesn't involve chemicals or your furry friend hasn't responded to conventional treatments, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine and nutritional therapies are all strategies to talk to the vet about. For more information, contact a company like Bay Street Pet Suite Hotel & Day Spa.


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