JB BardotAlternative medicine for the treatment of pets has received a lot of interest over the last few years, as more and more people look for safe and natural ways to cure themselves and their smallest family members. Modalities ranging homeopathy to, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and herbal medicine are routinely utilized by millions of people all over the world; and many have rid their pets of chronic diseases that conventional medicine has failed to cure.
Pharmaceuticals, vaccinations, and antibiotics can all cause irreparable damage to an animal’s health; and the side effects can cause serious problems and occasionally, even death. Protecting you pet’s health is just as important as that of caring for any other member of the family, and alternative medicine holds the cure for a wide range of common pet ailments such as skin disorders, diabetes, cancer and a wide range of digestive and urinary tract conditions.
Allopathic veterinary care can also be extremely expensive, and those on a low income may worry about what might happen if their pet becomes ill. Fortunately a wide variety of alternative pet medicines can be purchased for only a few dollars, and many people may already have the necessary treatment in their own pantry.
Turmeric
There are many natural herbs and spices that are potent medicines that help maintain optimum health, and many of these substances can work wonders for our fur-babies when used in the correct dosage and potency. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial wonder herb that has been used by ancient eastern medical practitioners for centuries. Turmeric will help to relieve and often cure symptoms associated with arthritis, prevent bacterial infections, purify the blood and even help to prevent and heal cancer. It is important to be aware that turmeric can slow blood clotting when taken everyday, so it is not advisable to give it to pets that are taking anticoagulant drugs or are pregnant. Dose size is important when using turmeric and other herbs, especially when treating cats. Check with a holistic vet or other natural health practitioner who is both familiar with using turmeric and treating animals.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar also has a multitude of uses for pet’s health, and it is safe to use in small quantities. Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to pet’s food will make them less prone to fleas and ticks, and washing ears out with a solution of one tablespoon apple cider vinegar to one cup of warm water will help to clear ear mite infections. Wiping your pet’s fur with this solution may also help with mild cases of mange, and undiluted vinegar can be used as antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes. Adding a tablespoon or two to a large bowl of water helps to keep their digestive tracts and urinary system functioning smoothly and creates an alkaline-forming environment that helps to fightdisease.
Transfer Factor
Transfer factor products have been causing a stir in the field of alternative medicine for both humans and animals; and their incredible healing ability can be used to treat your pets suffering from a wide range of disease such as kennel cough, canine distemper, parvo, diabetes, and even cancer. Transfer factors are small molecules taken from a human or animal colostrum that have developed immunity against disease. These molecules can then educate new cells on the correct form of defense against disease, increasing immune system function by up to 400%. Transfer factor can also balance out the immune system and modulate its function in the case of an auto-immune disorder. Transfer factor is available as dietary supplements at health food stores or online. Certain formulas contain only the transfer factors and other formulas or brands include additional ingredients to boost the overall health of the patient. A number of holistic vets recommend giving animals the supplements intended for humans, but in smaller doses. Like other forms of natural medicine, the same products are interchangable between humans and animals with the simple adjustment of dose or potency. Transfer factor comes in small capsules that can be added to you pet’s food or given directly into the mouth wrapped in a treat.
As with all family members, receiving a cancer diagnoses for a pet can be a heart wrenching and terrifying experience for everyone involved. Cancer drugs used for the treatment of animals are just as toxic and damaging to the body as those available for humans, so researching a few alternative methods may prove beneficial to your pet’s health. Transfer factor has been named as an effective treatment for leukaemia in dogs and cats by many different veterinary doctors, and can potentially shrink cancerous tumors after only a few doses. Transfer factor is also highly beneficial when given in small doses prophylactically during your pet’s life to help boost the immune system and treat allergies and other long-term intractable conditions.
Natural remedies such as essaic tea, milk thistle, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and reishi mushrooms are said to reduce tumors in animals, but as there has been no firm research into their effects it is not advisable to rely solely on them to cure a pet’s cancer; however, some of these remedies may be included in Transfer factor capsules. Most alternative therapies including Transfer factor can be used alongside conventional treatments as a complementary therapy, and can help to control the unpleasant side effects associated with certain cancer drugs.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a highly effective tool for treating pet illness; however, it can be difficult for beginners to understand which treatment is suitable for their pet’s individual needs. Purchasing a homeopathy first aid book and remedy kit, or consulting a holistic vet familiar with using homeopathic medicine on animals should provide a good basis for understanding homeopathic medicine. Using this gentle and effective medical modality can open up a whole world of natural treatments for your pet that can cure any number of health problems.
Like humans, animals are equipped with their own natural defenses and antibodies that are capable of fighting off all kinds of diseases and bacteria that can enter the body. When the immune system is compromised or unable to handle the problem alone, Mother Nature provides a host of natural treatments that can lend a helping hand, and restore balance and harmony to all earth’s creatures.
Sources:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/successful-cancer-treatments-for-dog.html
http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/cancer.html
http://www.cancertutor.com/faq/faq_petcancer.html
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/AnimalWellness/Pets.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1011-TRANSFER%20FACTOR.aspx?activeIngredientId=1011&activeIngredientName=TRANSFER%20FACTOR
http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-use-transfer-factor-plus-for-dogs
turmeric is awesome stuff, get it while you still can!
PS, buy the organic stuff, as always if possible, not irradiated etc.