Like human medicine, canine health care has advanced in leaps and bounds (or in some cases, we are just finally realizing the benefit of age-old treatments). If your dog is suffering from an ailment, some of these therapies might just help.
#1 – Laser Therapy
There are both cold (treats surface issues) and hot therapies (treats deep tissues) that are used to treat a variety of issues including arthritis, tendon or soft tissue injuries, wounds, etc. The procedure uses “light to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation.” (www.akcchf.org)
#2 -Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is used for dogs that are recovering from injuries or surgeries, dogs suffering from joint issues, or young dogs with developmental conditions. It needs to be done properly though, so make sure you have a certified trainer working with you vet, otherwise you can do more harm than good. (www.canine-hydrotherapy.org)
#3 – Stem Cell Therapy
Relatively new in both human and canine medicine, stem cell therapies are still being researched. The potential benefits for stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), “modulating inflammation and repairing or regenerating damaged tissues.” (www.veterinarynews.dvm360.com)
#4 – Massage Therapy
You are probably thinking, that’s silly anyone can “massage” their dog. But, these professionals have certifications in canine massage and know the right way to massage your pet to help with: anxiety, strained muscles, sprained ligaments, digestion, pain and swelling (intervertebral, joint, and muscle), decreases blood pressure, increases range of motion, blood circulation, to name just a few. (www.healnw.com)
#5 – Acupuncture
An ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture is finally making its way into the canine world. It works by encouraging the body to heal itself by enhancing blood circulation, nervous system stimulation, and the release of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving hormones.” It can be used on older dog to treat a host of medical issues. (www.petmd.com)
#6 – Chiropractic
Just like people, dogs can get a subluxation (out of alignment) from day to day activity, or high-drive events like agility, flyball, and herding. “Subluxations affect the nervous system, local muscles, joints, and even distance organs, glands, and body functions.” Chiropractic therapy helps realign the joints and spine, relieving the pain. (www.avcadoctors.com)
#7 – Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy in dogs is used to treat cancer, just like in humans. It can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or on its own. The radiation is used to kill or control cancerous cells and also to relieve the signs of disease by at least shrinking the tumor and thereby reducing pressure, bleeding, or pain. (www.peteducation.com)
#8 – Physical Therapy
Canine conditioning, as it is sometimes referred to, has sky-rocketed into popularity as more and more people have gotten into dog sports. While conditioning helps prevent issues, it can also be used as physical therapy should your dog have an injury, arthritis, or genetic defect. Be sure to work with a certified trainer, or you can do more harm than good.
#9 – Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the using of chemicals to treat an illness or disease. Interestingly, in pets, chemotherapy is used more for relieving pain and the symptoms of the disease than for a cure, although some pets are cured. (www.petmd.com)
#10 – Behavior Therapy
Not always something that comes to mind when you think about treating your pet, but it should. A certified animal behaviorist can help your dog with behavior issues that are above a regular trainer’s expertise. From aggression to severe separation anxiety, they can help your dog adjust and teach you how to manage them.
Toledo, United States.
