Alternative Medicines for Animals

There are several different types of alternative medicine that can be used for animals. Alternative medicines for animals include acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, Reiki, Bach flower remedies and herbal medicine. Alternative medicines should ideally be administered by a vet who is experienced in the use of alternative medicines for animals. An inexperienced person administering alternative medicines to animals could cause unintentional harm and could be liable if the animal belongs to someone else. Take advice from an experienced and qualified person before practicing alternative medicines for animals.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is part of an ancient practice that is part of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine-pointed needles into various energy points on the skin to release "blocked" energies. Horses, dogs and cats respond well to acupuncture in the treatment of back injuries, neck injuries and arthritis, in addition to many other complaints.

Homeopathy

• Homeopathy is the treatment of treating "like with like." The theory of homeopathy is that by administering a substance to the body that is similar to the the disease, the body will heal. Homeopathic remedies have been used to successfully treat many health problems of horses, dogs and cats. There are thousands of homeopathic remedies, so advice should be sought from a qualified person.

Aromatherapy

• Aromatherapy is the practice of using "aromas," extracted from plants in the form of essential oils, to treat a particular problem. Unlike herbal medicine, it is not the plant parts themselves that are used, but the volatile chemicals obtained from various parts of the plant. Horses are particularly receptive to the use of aromatherapy, but cats and dogs can also be treated with it. Herbal remedies can work in a similar way to aromatherapy, except that it is the actual plant material which is used, not just the aromas.

Bach Flower Remedies

• Bach flower remedies were developed by Dr Edward Bach (1886 to 1936), an English physician, in the early 20th century. Bach flower remedies are based on the emotional welfare of a patient. Remedies from plants such as aspen, rock rose and willow are used to restore psychological imbalances. Horses, dogs and cats respond well to Bach flower remedies and other flower remedies based on the Bach system.

Reiki and Energy Work

• The use of Reiki and other energy work can also treat problems in animals. Reiki does not rely on touch. Reiki works on balancing the energy in the body in an attempt to heal. Animals are receptive to the healing power of Reiki and other energy work when administered by a qualified practitioner.

American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines

• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has guidelines designed to help veterinarians make informed choices with regard to the practice of alternative medicines for animals. In addition, the establishment of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association informs the public about using alternative medicines for animals and how to find an alternative medicines vet.

  An alternative medicines vet is accountable to the American Veterinary Medical Association and state laws regarding the practice of alternative medicines for animals. Documentation pertaining to the full law of the practice of alternative medicines for animals, including the referral by vets to outside practitioners, is available for viewing on the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website.