Monday, August 30th, is National Holistic Pet Day
Monday, August 30th, is National Holistic Pet Day. The term “holistic” has grown in popularity over the past few years. It’s a term that refers to treating the mind, body, and soul. Holistic approaches to health look at diet, the environment, and lifestyle overall to see if there are any ways to improve these factors. National Holistic Pet Day serves as an annual reminder to consider pets’ entire health, from nutrition to any chronic conditions. Today we will discuss how we utilize holistic medicine and acupuncture in our practice.
Holistic Medicine and Acupuncture: The Mount Carmel Animal Hospital Way
In the Hereford Zone, Dr. Grace Calabrese offers holistic veterinary therapy several days a week at MCAH. Dr. Clark also performs acupuncture at MCAH. We define holistic veterinary therapies as a way to encourage the body to use its strength to heal. These therapies take into account symptoms on a physical, mental, and emotional level. These factors determine a course of treatment. These holistic therapies differ based on each patient and look at the patient’s history, temperaments, and quirks. In other words, pets with the same issues may receive very different treatment. For that reason, you need a holistic veterinarian with formal training.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture refers to when a veterinarian places small, thin, and sterile needles into specific points of the body to help heal them. The exact mechanism of how acupuncture is still not known. It is believed that inserting the needles at specific points stimulates the release of natural chemicals to decrease pain and promote healing. Eastern medicine has practiced this form of therapy for thousands of years to treat many different ailments.
Veterinarians can use this method alone or with Western medicine practices to help the body heal itself. Cats and dogs, like people, have many different acupuncture points. Holistic therapies can help heal issues such as musculoskeletal problems like arthritis, kidney and liver disease, and skin conditions. The overall goal of acupuncture is to increase vitality, energy, and quality of life.
These treatments are virtually painless, so much so that pets do not need general anesthesia and are awake during the entire treatment. They may feel a tiny prick. However, it dulls the more the needles go into the acupuncture points.
Four Ways to Honor National Holistic Pet Day
- Keep Your Canine Companion or Feline Friend’s Weight Healthy
- Practice Doga (Dog Yoga)
- Groom Your Pets Regularly
- Pay attention to your pets’ nutrition.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!