When our pets get sick, it can feel even worse than when we do. The pain and discomfort of being ill often pale in comparison to watching a loved one go through the same thing, especially when they lack the ability to speak and tell us what’s wrong in clear terms. Without the knowledge to respond properly, many people suffer the agonizing experience of feeling completely helpless.

Fortunately, people don’t have to settle for seeing their animal friends hurting. In addition to obvious steps, such as bringing sick dogs to the vet as soon as possible, various alternative options and Holistic Health for pets are gaining increased acceptance. Here are just a few of the ways humans can do better for the animals that bring them so much joy on a daily basis.

Dietary Modification

Changing a pet’s menu can be tricky, but with care and patience, it may lead to great results. From mitigating arthritis symptoms to reducing general inflammation, making dietary improvements, such as ditching carbohydrate-loaded kibble, can be a highly effective means of pursuing better animal well-being. As with any treatment, however, it’s usually wise to talk to a veterinarian about the safest options and potential risks of specific holistic dog health remedies before moving forward.

Some people favor dietary supplementation using everything from catnip and peppermint for bowel inflammation to glucosamine for arthritis pain. Again, always consult with an expert before administering new substances to pets. When unsure about a particular herb, it’s never a bad idea to start by perusing the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ list of known toxic and non-toxic plants.

CBD Dog Treats and Extracts

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of more than 100 active chemicals found in various species of the cannabis plant. Unlike the more widely known tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning that it doesn’t get people or pets high. It’s also one of the few cannabis-derived substances that can be produced from legal industrial hemp at the levels required to create medical dosages. Further proof of its efficacy and safety may lie in the fact that in the majority of U.S. states with medical cannabis laws, CBD is commonly permitted even when THC remains forbidden.

More and more medical professionals are supporting CBD, saying it has the potential to help many chronic pain sufferers. Numerous vendors offer feline- and canine-centric CBD products in a range of forms, including:

• Hemp and CBD oil supplements
• CBD tinctures for oral administration and pet food supplementation
• CBD dog treats

Which pets might benefit from such products? Advocates report success with using CBD to mitigate the symptoms of various ailments, including

• Stress, fear and anxiety
• Seizures and epilepsy
• Tumors and cancer
• Joint and mobility problems
• Pain and inflammation
• Skin conditions and allergies
• Aging and general wellness issues
• Digestive issues and nausea

Massage

Receiving a nice soothing massage doesn’t only provide excellent relief to pain-stricken humans. When performed by individuals who are qualified to work on animals, it may assist with circulatory issues, swelling and even anxiety. According to the Institute for Integrative Healthcare, animal massage techniques date back to ancient societies in China, Egypt and India, and they’ve even been used to care for racehorses. Although petting is well-known as a great way to strengthen the bond between people and their animal pals, professional massage just might take this concept to new heights.

Get on the Path to Better Canine Health

When it comes to their well-being, dogs face many unique problems and ailments. Fortunately, there are also numerous options that don’t involve high-stress medical interventions or major routine changes.

The proliferation of natural pet care methods means that anyone can find alternative ways to help their dogs face life with a toothy grin. While it’s definitely advisable to do the research needed to identify appropriate remedies for specific animals, new options have made it easier than ever to get started off on the right foot. To learn more about CBD pet products and holistic health for dogs, please check out our buyer’s guide.

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