naturalpet
Pain-Free Pooch Five Natural Therapies that Work by Jennifer Kachnic
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Because dogs won’t always let us know when they’re hurting, some people assume they don’t experience pain the same way we do, but that’s not the case. Instincts retained from their wild heritage will generally prompt them to hide pain as it’s a sign of weakness.
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Drug-free treatment for common conditions with acupuncture. House calls or office visits by appointment.
Georganna Ranglack, DVM, PhD Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Greater New Orleans Area, North Shore & West Bank
504.874.1189 36
New Orleans
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he truth is that arthritis and muscle or joint injuries are just as uncomfortable for dogs as they are for us, and many canine illnesses generate significant pain. While conventional medications can ease discomfort, they’re not the only or even the best options in many cases. Alternative therapies can be helpful in managing and relieving pain and work best as part of a whole body wellness program designed for a dog’s individual needs. To that end, always consult with an integrative veterinarian before starting any new treatment. Together, practitioner and owner will note that some of the following modalities may be contraindicated in some situations— for example, massage should never be performed on or near a tumor. Canine Massage: Dogs love massage because they crave being touched. Physical contact from another being provides a calming effect and brings comfort. Skin, the largest sense organ in the body, is loaded with sensory receptors and nerve endings that register touch, temperature and pain, and send information to the brain. Massage therapy NOLAHealthyLiving.com
relaxes muscles and also stimulates endorphins, increases circulation, elevates oxygen levels, flushes toxins, helps with inflammation, strengthens the immune system and accelerates healing. All of these benefits can contribute to effective pain management. Acupuncture and Acupressure: Both of these time-honored modalities are based on the concept of keeping vital energy flowing through the body and seek to stimulate key points along the energy meridians beneath the skin. Acupuncture involves the insertion of small needles at these points, while acupressure uses fingers to apply pressure to the same points. Both modalities are widely known to assist in managing pain and anxiety.
“Acupuncture is commonly used to abolish pain from arthritis, disc disease, hip dysplasia and other conditions in cats, dogs, horses, etc. …drugs which have side effects… can usually be eliminated or reduced.” ~Janice Posey, DVM