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 Holistic Dog Health 101
Ultimate Science-based Guide
When people hear the term “holistic” they typically think
about alternative medicine. It brings to mind acupuncture and
herbal remedies alone. This is a common misconception, as
holistic dog health actually combines several traditional and
alternative therapies to treat ailing dogs into a single
approach with the focus on what’s most important.

Holistic dog health is often confused with homeopathic dog

health. Homeopathic remedies are all about stimulating the
body’s natural healing response with the use of plants,
minerals, animal substances and other natural treatments.
Veterinarians that practice holistic dog health look at the
canine’s overall health – not just a few symptoms – and use
both traditional and alternative treatments.

If you choose to treat your pet holistically, he may be prescribed an herbal remedy or a
prescription drug. He may receive massage therapy or need to have lab work done. In
short, holistic dog health looks for the best and healthiest way to treat a dog without
choosing to be on the traditional or alternative side of the fence.

Are holistic, alternative, organic, natural, and healthy approaches all the
same? No, they are not, and this terminology can sometimes get confusing to pet
owners, leaving them wondering which type of “approach” is best for the dog.

For example, organically produced corn, wheat and other grain products can be natural
and organic, but studies show they may actually be unhealthy for dogs, and some of
these carbohydrate sources are poorly digested by dogs. In the same vein, raw food for
dogs alone may be natural, but not necessarily organic, holistic, or healthy to a canine.
So you have to pick and choose wisely.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 3

Natural dog foods, treats and treatments
The “natural approach” refers to feeding and treating dogs with ingredients and
components that come only from natural sources and with no artificial additives.

When it comes to dog food, the FDA has yet to put a clear definition on “natural” foods,
supplements and treatments for dogs, but they do allow the label to say “natural” if it
“does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.” For
more, read FDA’s “natural” labeling requirements.

Organic dog foods and treats

Organic pet foods and dog supplies are highly government-regulated, so they’re easy to
find. Products bearing the USDA Organic seal were made from ingredients that are 95%
organic (measured by weight). “Organic” has nothing to do with veterinary treatments
of dogs, and only applies in cases of foods and treats.

Again, “Organic” label on pet foods by itself does not equate to being the best food for
the dog, but it is a great indication of a very high quality product. As an example,
here’s a list of some of the best organic dog treats and top USDA certified dog foods –
all of these have been highly praised by vets.

Alternative dog healthcare

Alternative dog healthcare approaches veer away from the regular drug-based
methods. Alternative veterinary medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathic therapy,
and other unconventional ways of treating dogs. Just like organic approach has nothing
to do with treatments, alternative dog healthcare has nothing to do with pet foods or
treats.

Alternative medicine for dogs has been a controversial topic for a long time. Scientists
completely disagree with this methodology, and advise against using acupuncture,
homeopathic therapy and other methods of alternative medicine on dogs.
It’s true: plenty of studies show alternative medicine to be ineffective, but there is
some evidence that certain “alternative” approaches – and acupuncture in particular –
can work. It’s up to you where you choose to stand on this argument.

Holistic dog foods and holistic veterinary medicine

Finally, the holistic approach to dog’s health takes every aspect of the dog into account
– food and nutrition, lifestyle, activity level, supplements, medicine, and treatments. All
these must work together to support the dog’s well-being.

Holistic veterinary medicine is currently a trending topic, and pet food companies are
quick to utilize opportunities. So when it comes to holistic dog foods, FDA is still unsure
what to do with this label (although they are working on how to approach the matter).
In the meantime, pet food manufacturers are pilling onto the bandwagon and label
everything and anything they can as “holistic.”

Like I said before, it’s important to keep in mind that even though holistic may refer to
something better than a regular commercial product, this doesn’t necessarily mean that
all items under that label are safe for dogs. Many of them, in fact, are unsafe. We need
to wait for the regulatory body to take charge on this and establish some ground rules
for companies.

With that being said, holistic dog foods and holistic veterinary medicine field is seeing a
lot of positive results. Plenty of pet owners have anecdotal evidence where their dogs
and cats have benefited greatly from holistic treatments or holistic dog food diets.

Here’s a curious interview on the details of holistic veterinary medicine and what
owners need to know. And in the below video a woman is sharing an interesting story
about her pet and how she came to treat her dog through holistic approach rather than
conventional methods:

Natural & Holistic

While these ideas come from different schools of thought, together they bring us the
natural and holistic dog health approach. This approach encompasses various

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 5

disciplines ranging from traditional to modern, eastern to western. The goal, however,
is always the same: to keep the dog in the best health level with the right dog food,
medicines, and elements that exist naturally.

As dog owners, we already know that a dog’s health and well-being is an integrated
system of many functions, each different from the other, yet interdependent. Whatever
is given to the dog must support its whole being, not only one part.

When something causes the dog to itch, conventional solutions include anti-itch
liniment, dog shampoo or cortisone for dogs. This may relieve your dog’s itching but
will not, however, treat the root cause of the itching. With the holistic and natural dog
health approach, it will be necessary to look deeper for the underlying condition that
causes itching.

The goal is always to find a natural way to treat the root of the problem
and condition.

Dog food, treats, supplements, and other nutritional and medicinal sources must be in
the form closest to what the dog would find in the wild. Although not totally the same
as other dog health concepts, the natural and holistic approach supports raw dog
feeding and organic dog food supplies. It also supports traditional medicines,
alternative remedies, herbs, Chinese medicine, and many others.

Natural and holistic dog health approach is all about being open-minded to new ways to
treating dogs. However, we must still keep a healthy level of skepticism, look for
science’s health and constantly search for evidence. As veterinarians and pet owners,
we cannot assume that one single approach is always best, and that applies to both
evidence-based veterinary and holistic medicine.
 Details on Holistic and Natural Dog Health
Approaches
There is no hard and fast rule for determining which holistic diet is best for a dog. A
pet parent must consider the whole being of the dog – his needs, activity, medical
history, energy levels, environment and living conditions, diet and supplementation,
medical conditions, and his breed and genetics.

No two dogs are alike, therefore no two dogs have the same needs.

There is a basic premise in feeding dogs, however. Even though domestication of

dogs have led them to adapt and become omnivores, studies show that canines actually
thrive on carnivorous diet that’s high in protein. Moreover, the old myth that protein
can cause renal disease in dogs has also been dispelled many time already.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 7

Therefore, dogs do need a high-protein content in their food, preferably with little to
no grains, and definitely with no artificial ingredients. High-protein dog foods are
commercially available. They come in dried, frozen, or fresh and raw preparations and
contrary to what some owners may believe, they are optimized for perfect dog
nutrition. An alternative way is making your own homemade dog foods.

For owners wanting to get into homemade dog food and particularly a diet similar to
what dogs eat in the wild, there’s plenty of advice out there. The most common canine
diet for that is called BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or bones and raw food
for dogs). The main ingredient is raw meat (poultry, pork, beef, venison, fish), with
ground vegetable and meat mixture and dog supplements.

Raw dog feeding is the most natural way to feed a carnivore, of course. It is important
to emphasize that raw dog feeding is not easy. It requires commitment on the part of
the pet parent to sustain the dog’s raw diet. Not only that, but BARF diet has also come
under fire by many scientists, and indeed, there is evidence showing how certain ways
of BARF feeding aren’t good for dogs.

When these are difficult to obtain, or when your pet refuses this diet, high-quality and
high-protein dry dog food preparations are an option. These are the next best thing to
fresh, raw meats. With these canine diets, nutritional management will be relatively
easier. Commercial dog foods are also more convenient. However, some of the better
ones may be a little costly.

It’s important to note that there’s a recent trend where many owners and some holistic
veterinarians have been bashing commercial canine diets as the root of all evil, with no
evidence to back this up. Going back to my point on being open-minded, I’d like to
remind owners that while certain commercial diets are in fact bad for dogs, there’s
plenty of good ones.

Studies have also shown how commercial canine diets are perfectly balanced to hit all
the marks of modern dog’s nutritional needs. Unfortunately, we have yet to come up
with a methodology to appropriately evaluate commercial dog foods for their quality. At
the moment, the best way is to use a science-based method to breakdown the
ingredients, like what NextGen Dog are doing with their dog food reviews.
There are exemptions to the high-protein diet requirement. This includes dogs with
already developed renal problems or very aggressive behavioral issues. Dogs with these
conditions will not be able to tolerate such high protein content or will not respond well,
as indicated in above studies. In such cases, there is a need for alternative or
replacement canine diets with high-quality protein yet lower protein amount.

Here’s a list of vet recommended dog foods that you will usually hear as suggestions
from your veterinarian. This doesn’t mean you have to stick with these, and depending
on the course of the market, these choices may change. Once again, I’d like to remind
owners to stay open-minded and skeptical, and constantly look to expand their
knowledge on proper canine nutrition.

Appropriate dog nutrition is the most basic requirement to ensure your dog’s good
health. Applying the holistic dog health approach means taking into consideration the
nutritional needs of your Fido.

No single dog food brand is best for all dogs.

All aspects affecting the dog must be taken into consideration when deciding on
his diet, because each dog has a unique set of needs. Just because a bag of pet food
says it’s the perfect dog food for “this type of canine” does not mean that it’s the
perfect food for your specific dog.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 9

 Healing Dogs from the Inside
From the holistic dog health point of view, to treat a dog for a particular set of
symptoms means to “heal him from the inside.” That’s what most holistic vets will tell
you. It also requires respect for the interconnection of all parts that make the dog
whole. A healthy dog is not merely a sum of healthy parts or the absence of an
unhealthy part; it is a healthy and working WHOLE.

You don’t need a lot of critical thinking skills to understand that a dog medicine for
canine arthritis should not be given if the dog’s other organs will eventually suffer
from it. The dog with loose stools may not only have an issue with food and diet. He
could be nervous, stressed, or experiencing an emotional condition. Many variables do
come into play.
A holistic veterinary practitioner uses many different methods and tools to address
dog’s health issues and help dogs live “holistically healthy.” No single solution in holistic
canine health is cut and dry. Instead, holistic vets combine different medicines and
approaches. Some of these include the many types of natural healthy canine diets,
herbal and eastern medicine, conventional or western medicine, acupuncture,
homeopathy, chiropractic therapy and aromatherapy.

The important things to remember when administering medicines are common sense:

 Don’t give drugs to merely suppress symptoms. Giving cortisone to

dogs, for instance, is commonly administered to relieve itching, but what
presents as itching can actually be a deeper problem. By suppressing itching,
another more serious symptom may appear, such as chronic diarrhea. If
another drug or chemical-based medicine is again used to suppress this
symptom, the real health issue remains unresolved.

 Drugs weaken the body’s natural immune system. Symptoms are often
the body’s means of communicating that something ails it. If we suppress it,
the body finds another way to communicate – another symptom! Meanwhile,
we have already introduced drugs and toxins that weaken the dog body’s
natural ability to ward off diseases. Worse, the real health issue has not been
addressed.

What the holistic dog health approach states is to examine all of these symptoms.
Alleviate discomforts by natural methods that do not suppress and do not harm the
dog’s natural immune systems.

And here’s where the evidence-based approach fails. No studies so far have accounted
for this fact, yet if you connect the dots, it all makes sense.

We have plenty of evidence showing that drugs do suppress the immune system and
while healing some parts of the body they may harm others.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 11

 Boosting Dog’s Immune System
Boosting your dog’s immune system is one of the core principles of holistic dog
health. A canine that has a strong immune system is highly able to heal himself
naturally. As humans we have already figured this out and used this
approach ourselves, and now it’s our job to optimize our pets’ immune system so that
dogs can cure themselves naturally.

From the holistic vet’s point of view, prevention is better than cure. And this is
where many science-minded and holistic minded vets and owners come together.

Optimizing a dog’s body’s natural defenses is the key to long-term physical and mental
health, longer lifespan and ultimately happiness. This is a long-term, even lifelong, way
of raising healthy dogs. Pet owners who look for instant cures may not find this
compatible with their expectations, nor does this fall under what many dog companies
selling supplements and foods would preach.
Toxins, poor diet, pollution, and unhealthy lifestyle combined can overwhelm a canine’s
body and impair his body’s natural functions. A compromised immune system makes
the body vulnerable to allergies. It can also lead to organ failure, degenerative
diseases, cancer, and a host of other disorders.

Many diseases often lead to behavioral disorders and emotional imbalances, all
contributing to a dog’s state of being unwell. Note that this “state of being unwell” is
not due to one single reason; there’s a multitude of factors that come into play, and
what’s what we need to look at first and foremost.

These hazards are all present in the modern environment. They impinge on the health
of our now domesticated dog who did evolve and who did change, and we now need to
respond to this evolutionary law. Pollutants and toxins are present in food, medicines,
shampoos, vaccines, water, and air.

Like most pet owners living sedentary lives, a modern dog of these pet owners often
has little physical activity to be proud of. It is quite common for these dogs to develop
canine arthritis, hip dysplasia, chronic skin diseases and other health problems. It’s also
typical to see digestive issues, canine diabetes, heart diseases and heart failures,
kidney and liver diseases and obesity in dogs.

None of this should be happening, but as we continue to change the laws for ourselves,
this change affects domesticated dogs as well. Therefore, it’s our responsibility to
respond with appropriate actions to ensure that instead of worsening our pets’ health,
we continue to improve it. Optimizing our dogs’ immune system is the best place to
start.

Then, enhancing the immune system begins with a healthy canine diet.

Highly processed and low quality, cheap dog foods contain preservatives and high
amounts of artificial ingredients. These may affect the dog’s health adversely. Dog food
and ingredients within it must be free from insecticides and chemical inputs. They must
be natural and raw – supportive of the dog’s natural design, digestive system, and
biological functions.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 13

Ideally, a well-balanced canine diet will provide all the nutrients required for the dog. It
will prevent obesity, and strengthen immunity to diseases. It is the foundation of good
health in dogs.

When choosing the route of a holistic dog health approach, many methods are used to
boost canine’s immune system. This includes the controversial methods as well, such as
acupuncture, which involves balancing of life energy, as well as the use of herbal
medicine and homeopathic remedies to cure disorders with only natural ingredients.

It may also include such methodologies as adjusting the position of the spinal column
and bone joints by canine chiropractic therapy to address central nervous system and
pain issues in dogs. These and other alternative methods veer away from allopathic
medicine, which is how holistic vets often refer to conventional and western medicine.
 Natural and Commercial Dog Supplements
A complete natural diet will most likely provide your dog with all the vitamins,
minerals and nutrients he needs. When a diet is not so balanced or varied, though,
there is a need for occasionally including specific dog supplements. Standard holistic
dog health approach dictates that these nutrients be sourced from natural foods rather
than artificial, but this again comes to your personal take on the matter.
Here are some of the natural sources of nutrients to supplement your dog’s diet:

 Alfalfa leaf or stem – amino acids, beta-carotene, biotin, calcium, copper,

enzymes, fiber, folic acid, iron, magnesium, niacin, pantothenic acid,
phosphorus, potassium, protein, and vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K.

 Apple cider vinegar – biotin, calcium, copper, iron, folic acid, magnesium,
niacin, pantothenic acid, pectin, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium,
sulfur, and vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 15

  Codfish, tuna, or navy beans – iodine.

 Flax seed oil, Hemp oil, Krill oil, or Fish oil – essential fatty acids.

 Kelp – biotin, bromine, calcium, choline, copper, inositol, iodine, potassium,

selenium, vitamins A, B, C and E, and zinc.

 Yogurt – probiotics and good bacteria for the dog’s digestive health.

Dog supplements must be used in moderation. A complete and varied diet is almost
always enough to provide all the nutrients needed by active dogs. If using supplements
in powder or liquid form, make sure you thoroughly inspect labels and avoid those dog
supplements that contain binders, sugar, yeast and other fillers.

For those who are more open to using commercially made supplements for dogs,
there’s plenty of evidence on the positive response in dogs and their
effectiveness, particularly with supplements such as fish oil. It’s no surprise, since even
though certain supplementation such as vitamins may be useless, we did find in human
trials how many other supplements greatly benefit our bodies.

You can find a list of vet recommended dog supplements right here. There’s more
supplements for dogs available, but note that not all of them may be as good or even
needed for canines. If you’re curious, here’s a huge list of all (or 56) most popular
supplements for dogs.
 Dog’s Natural Environment and Lifestyle
Beyond dog food and pet medication, the dog’s way of life must also be considered.
This aspect could be a serious dilemma for most pet owners who want to raise dogs
holistically. You shouldn’t let it deter you from going with the holistic dog health
approach, however, and here’s why.

There are several ways for dog parents to provide pet foods and canine medicines that
mimic the dog’s natural instinct to hunt for prey and medicate themselves in the wild.
The problem is that not every pet parent can easily provide the natural environment for
dogs.

Dogs living in cities will not have the full expanse of fields where they could chase their
prey and run free. At best, they have a few blocks to walk. More often than not, pet
dogs are confined during the best part of the day and for the bigger duration of their

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 17

lives. With limited space and hectic schedules in urban settings, this aspect usually
poses the greatest dilemma confronting pet owners.

There’s nothing new with regards to what we must supply our dogs with. So to improve
a dog’s quality of life, owners must strive to provide them with plenty of daily exercise,
natural sunshine, fresh air, and activities to stimulate their minds and improve their
cognitive abilities.

By all means, a dog must not be left locked in a place with nothing to do. A dog must
have access to the outdoors. He needs an open area with natural lighting and at least a
real tree and untreated plants. He must have outdoor activities, like long walks or
hunting on weekends. Dogs need opportunities to chase critters and gnaw on plants
and twigs.

Even though they have evolved over the course of 10,000 years to be completely
different to their wolf counterparts, canines are still animals with needs and instincts.
They may feel comfortable and tolerate your two bedroom apartment’s environment,
but they do feel the need to go outside and be part of the nature. So arranging
something as often as you can may improve their health significantly.

Here are some articles to inspire you to take your dog outdoors:

 A Basic Guide to Hiking with Dogs

 Hiking With a Dog? Here’s What You Need to Know
 Puppy’s First Campsite: Bringing Home to the Outdoors
 Camping With Dogs: Tips, Guidelines, Do’s And Don’ts
 How to Prepare Your Dog for Camping
 Methods of Holistic Dog Health Approach
When it comes to “going holistic,” a variety of natural methods are employed with a
focus to raise strong, happy and healthy dogs in the most nature-like manner. One of
the goals is to improve their immune system. A long-term goal is to protect them from
diseases, enhance longevity and improve their overall quality of life and well-being.
Here are some of the methods employed with a holistic dog health approach.

Natural dog food diet

Wholesome dog foods made of natural ingredients are available commercially, like it’s
been mentioned above. It is important to inspect labels for every ingredient used in
that specific dog food brand. You’ll also want to verify suppliers and certifications, and
even ask about sources of ingredients used if you care enough.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 19

Dog food’s composition must contain high amounts of protein. Today, many dog owners
feed their canines a high carbohydrate diet and tons of grains. And even though dogs
can survive on a highly grain based diet, if they do not have any allergies or other
reasons to consume so much grains, it’s best to avoid them according to studies
indicated above.

Many holistic veterinarians may also argue that even though grains themselves may be
natural, they are not a natural part of a dog’s diet. This wouldn’t be my first or only
argument against an all-grain based diet, but it’s a good reason to start with. This leads
us to the next method.

Raw feeding
As we have already established, in certain cases,
dogs thrive and need raw meat diets, but this
isn’t always the case.

Raw dog food diet feeding method is based on the

principle that dogs are 100% carnivores, and they
need foods that mimic those that a carnivore
finds in the wild. Changing your dog’s diet or
switching to raw feeding may not be crucial to
your dog’s health, but it’s one of the options you
have to explore.

Considering that only nutrients from digested food are absorbed by the body, it is
important that dogs are fed only the types of food their body can optimally benefit
from. There’s no point feeding a dog something that cannot be absorbed by his body.
Not all vets will support this idea, and once again, there are good arguments on both
sides.

The dogs’ digestive system is designed to process raw food without any issues. Their
canine teeth are designed to tear and chew raw meat and bones, because this is how
they initially evolved from wolves. The digestive system of dogs, including the digestive
enzymes they produce, is designed for digesting high protein foods.
If you decide to completely switch to a holistic approach, then it is important to find a
holistic veterinarian who does support this approach but who’s also open minded
enough to consider all the drawbacks that come with certain homeopathic, alternative
medicine and particularly raw feeding approaches, and then find the best way to use
the goods from both worlds.

Massage
Here’s a surprising fact that not many owners know: dogs generally want to be
massaged. Not petted – massaged. Whether for hygienic or remedial
purposes, massage is an effective therapy to help pets overcome fear and anxiety
issues. It can also reduce swelling and enhance blood circulation. Correctly
administered, a doggy massage relieves pain and revitalizes your Fido’s body.

On top of that, giving your dog a massage is a great way to familiarize with a pet’s
build and immediately notice any changes, lumps, changes in weight, and overall
condition. Needless to say, massage builds and strengthens the bond between a dog
and his pet owner.

Aromatherapy
Scent is undoubtedly one of the most important facets in a dog’s life. A dog’s sense of
smell is about 100,000 times more acute than that of humans. In response to scent,
they can manifest their reaction either of alarm or discomfort.

Aromatherapy essences are widely used to help dogs relax and improve their mood.
You can also use them to encourage sleep or treat disorders. Holistic dog health
approaches use aromatherapy to calm dogs, relieve pain, repel insects, and treat burns,
nausea and allergies.

Essential oils from chamomile, helichrysum, lavender, niaouli, and peppermint may be
quite effective for use on dogs for various ailments. There’s no evidence to that, but
many pet owners report anecdotal evidence on how aromatherapy helps their pets.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 21

Not all essential oils are beneficial to dogs, however. Some may even be harmful,
including camphor, wintergreen, and wormwood. Essential oils must always be used in
the diluted form when applied to dogs. Since dogs are very sensitive to smell, it is
important to consult a vet before trying this type of treatment.

Chiropractic treatments
Dogs suffering from back or neck pains may benefit from a
chiropractic treatment, just like humans do in some cases.
Chiropractors move or realign bones in the spine and other
parts of the body to alleviate suffering. More studies have
shown how certain health conditions in dogs are actually
associated with their vertebrae which can then be helped with
chiropractic treatments.

Be very careful when choosing chiropractors. This is a

controversial approach because not all chiropractors are good,
and because there’s a very fine line between fixing something
and breaking it when it comes to chiropractic treatments.

A dog chiropractor must be specialized in treating dogs specifically, because canines

need gentler pressure as compared to humans undergoing chiropractic treatment. It
may be surprising to some that it’s not that difficult to break something in a dog’s body
while “massaging” him.

Chiropractic treatments are based on the principle that disorders could stem from
misalignment of the dog’s spine and dislocation of joints and tissues. It may or may not
be a root cause of plenty of other health conditions in canines, but further research is
still needed.

Correcting these through manipulations, various issues involving the

musculoskeletal and central nervous systems in dogs are treated. Refer to professional
and certified chiropractic vets and practitioners, or the American Veterinary Chiropractic
Association if you’re considering this therapy for your dog.
Herbal treatments
As with acupuncture, herbal treatments evolved from traditional Chinese medicine. In
the wild, animals instinctively use herbs and plants to cure certain ailments or injuries.
Herbalists preparing formulations for dogs say that they’re simply making it easier for
domesticated animals to avail of this natural cure.

Herbs have been proven to help us calm down, which is why it makes sense to use
them to calm dogs with anxiety problems. Holistic vets recognize the potential of herbs
to soothe and cure various animal disorders as well. They recommend herbs like alfalfa,
aloe vera, chamomile, corn silk, garlic, valerian or kava.

A combination of several herbs specifically formulated for dogs can also be used. Herbal
medicines may cure or at least alleviate symptoms of a host of health issues including
canine allergies, canine arthritis, bladder problems, constipation, coughs, diarrhea,
sores and ulcers.

Here are some of the herbs found beneficial in treating animals:

 Alfalfa – contains coumarin, an anticoagulant; contains phytoestrogens,

helps prevent osteoporosis and heart diseases. It is also used as anti-
allergenic.

 Brewer’s yeast – contains vitamin B and biotin, promotes healthy skin.

 Black walnut hull – used as deworming agent, laxative. It lowers blood

sugar and also used to treat open wounds, insect and snake bites.

 Chamomile – it is effective as antispasmodic and pain relieving agent. It is

also useful in calming the nerves, in normalizing stomach upsets, and as tonic
for weakened muscle tissues.

 Dandelion – contains lecithin, inulin, antioxidants and many other

compounds. It is beneficial for the healthy functioning of the digestive
system, the gallbladder, kidney and liver.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 23

  Fennel – its seeds are used as antispasmodic remedy.

 Milk thistle – contains silymarin which is an antioxidant found to be

beneficial when used to for patients with liver diseases.

 Parsley – its leaves, roots and seeds are used antibacterial agent and
diuretic.

 Peppermint – relieves itching, and can be used for skin irritation caused by
allergy or bacterial infection.

It is important to remember that herbs may also contain toxins, and not all herbs are
beneficial for dogs. You must consult herbal specialists or holistic vets before
administering any of these, especially one who has adequate experience with treating
dogs using herbal medicine. Not everything that is natural can be healthy once you
overestimate a recommended dose.

Acupuncture for dogs

Acupuncture treatment has been around for more than 5,000
years. Needless to say, it started with humans and have recently
been transferred as being part of alternative medicine and
treatments for dogs.

Acupuncture for dogs must be performed by a certified

acupuncturist who inserts sterilized fine needles in precise points
of the dog’s body in order to relieve pressure and pain all over
the animal’s body. It is believed that “life energy,” (as odd as
that sounds) which flows from the body organs, can be disrupted
by disease or injury.

This energy stream, also known as chi (another odd term), can be rejuvenated by the
needles’ intervention at specific points along the energy path. Veterinary acupuncture
can relieve neck and back pains, muscle spasms, limp, and even canine arthritis. It can
also enhance the natural function of the vast organ systems in dogs and cats.

Most importantly, acupuncture can help strengthen your dog’s immune system. It is
important to seek competent practitioners of veterinary acupuncture. Certifying
institutions, such as the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and the American
Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, are best and most important resources that you
may refer to for additional information.

Although I wouldn’t necessarily claim that it’s the “energy” that heals dogs, the fact
remains that acupuncture does help in certain cases, and this has been scientifically
documented. Sometimes, it can be placebo; other times, it’s not.

Homeopathic treatments
This method of healing dogs makes use of the principle that “like cures like”. Elements
that cause certain diseases can be introduced to the body in highly diluted quantities to
develop the body’s own defense to fight the disease. Healing starts from inside out.

This is a way to aid the body in restoring its own energy flow and inherent immunity to
diseases. Remedies come from natural materials and are both preventative and
curative.

When proven to be effective, homeopathic medicines for dogs perform two things:

 Cures without side effects.

 Strengthens the body’s defenses against the disease.

Homeopathy has been used successfully to treat chronic health issues like skin
disorders, gastrointestinal problems, allergies and asthma, arthritis, pain and
weakness. It can also be used to treat acute diseases and emergencies.

There is some evidence that these treatments do work and that they are more than
placebo, but the scientific data is still lacking. I wouldn’t knock homeopathy completely,

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 25

and I would like for more research into this field before the “skeptic community”
completely tear it apart for the lack of credible studies.

Other methods used

Other methods may include:

 Kinesiology
 Physical therapy
 Nose work training (a sport that unleashes the dog in your pet)
 Reiki therapy and other energy therapies
 Color therapy
 Osteopathy
 Sports therapy
 Acupressure
 Zero energy balancing

While some of these methods need further study, they are all worth exploring. Today,
more and more professionals and veterinarians practice holistic dog health medicine
using traditional and alternative treatments for pets. These practitioners not only rely
on prescription drugs, but also on the various treatment methods above to keep pets
healthy.
 Holistic Dog Health vs Conventional Veterinary
Medicine
These approaches differ in almost all aspects and underlying principles pursued.
Obviously, the conventional veterinary medicine, the traditional approach, is the most
common right today, but more pet owners are starting to think outside the box. Pet
parents are more concerned than ever with finding the best care possible for their
canine companions.

Once they realize how different holistic dog health is and how many measurable
benefits this practice presents them with, they realize it deserves a closer look. I
consider myself an open-minded and scientifically minded person, but I do like the idea
of holistic dog health for many different reasons. I also always encourage the skeptics
community to consider some of these differences.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 27

Dog food sources
Regular or conventional cheap commercially made dog foods are generally grain-based
and high in carbohydrate content and low in protein. They are also heavily processed
for convenient handling and long shelf life. Some of the very cheap commercial dried
pet foods of low quality were found to contain toxins and carcinogens.

Molds called aflatoxins found in grains, heterocyclic amines found in cooked meat and
fish, and acrylamides found in vegetables cooked in high temperatures have all been
found in certain brands of commercial dog food. Cooking and processing have also
stripped these foods of nutrients. The nutrients indicated on dog food labels are mostly
synthetic additions or fortification.

Holistic dog health approach to canine nutrition will mainly include dog foods or
homemade dog food diets that are closely related or resemble the famous bone and
raw food diet (BARF) or raw meaty bones diet (RMB). These canine diets includes raw
meat, meaty bones, organs, vegetables, and addition of dog supplements.

Like I said before, it’s important to keep in mind that BARF and RMB are quite
controversial in the evidence-based veterinary medicine field, and for a good reason in
some cases. There’s been studies (indicated and talked about above) showing the
drawbacks of feeding dogs raw meat and bones. However, there are also the benefits.
The key is finding balance and getting the best of both worlds.

BARF or RMB canine diets are based on the idea that canines are
carnivores that have teeth, jaws, guts, and a digestive system
designed to process raw meat. These high-protein dog diets aim
to simulate the type and state of foods that would have been
available to dogs had they been living in the wild to hunt and eat
their prey.

Immunity to canine diseases

Some allopathic veterinarians will say that to improve the dog’s
immunity to diseases, he has to be vaccinated for numerous
diseases. Hence, the first few visits to the vet would be for vaccinations. It’s true that
specific vaccines for dogs prevent the onset of certain diseases; however, they also
have side effects and they introduce toxins that accumulate over time in dog’s body.

Some vaccine shots for dogs contain carcinogenic substances that are suspected to
cause chronic diseases, like canine arthritis and canine cancer. There’s some evidence
to the adverse effects of vaccines. A holistic vet will say that a healthy immune system
prevents the onset of diseases. Puppies are protected by maternal antibodies, but
further research into this is needed.

By following holistic dog health methods, some vaccines can be completely avoided,
thereby removing some of the risk for future health issues in dogs. When attacked by
viruses and bacteria, the dog’s body produces its own antibodies to protect itself. A
holistic vet may recommend selective vaccination for diseases that are of serious
concern in the area, and some vaccines have indeed been proven to be very
effective with no side effects.

Once again, it all comes to balance and finding pros and cons on both sides of the
argument. Do not lock yourself into one line of thought and explore as many areas as
you possibly can to ensure that you provide your dog with the most optimal healthcare.

Medications
Conventional veterinary medicine relies on drugs to treat symptoms and diseases in
dogs. Some modern medicines contain chemicals, toxins and synthetic substances that
can wreak havoc to the body’s natural systems. It may suppress one symptom, but
cause another.

Holistic medicine uses naturally sourced elements to build up the immune system and
balance vital life forces. It strengthens the animal’s body from the inside and assists it
to heal itself. Acupuncture is used to revitalize the body and restore energy flow.

Herbs and homeopathic remedies are used to relieve pain and symptoms, and heal
damaged organs. Chiropractic therapy aligns the spine and addresses central nervous

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 29

system issues. These are applied with many other methods to recover physical and
behavioral wellness in dogs.

Not all homeopathic, alternative and holistic veterinary medicine will work for dogs.
Some may be completely ineffective and only promoted by sham holistic vets and
quaks. In those cases, conventional approach is the only one we can provide our pets
with, which in some cases is indeed better than nothing. Other times, it’s best to stick
with the natural approach.

In serious cases where your canine is ill and you’re not sure which approach to take,
I would advise a responsible pet owner to consult with several veterinarians, those who
follow the evidence-based conventional veterinary medicine and holistic veterinarians.
After that, try to draw your own conclusions and use common sense.
 What Do Veterinarians Think of Holistic Dog
Health?
More and more animal health professionals from the evidence-based veterinary
medicine (EBVM) practice are becoming supportive of the holistic dog health approach
for the reasons I outlined above. However, these veterinary health providers comprise
only a small minority. Majority remains to be practitioners of allopathic or conventional
medicine.

If you believe that your pet will be better off with you going the holistic dog health
approach route, find a vet who thinks along the same lines. It’s pointless to continually
struggle with what you believe is best for your dog and what your dog’s vet thinks.

But I’d like to stress one more time that it’s important to receive input from different
vets standing on opposing sides of the argument. You don’t have to take the advice,
but just listen and draw your own conclusions.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 31

It must be considered, though, that the conventional way of raising pets is a very large
industry. It will not be an easy stride against the tide. Here are the main arguments
of vets and practitioners who support the holistic dog health approach:

 Most common diseases seen in dogs and other pets today can be traced
down to the weakening of their immune system. These diseases include
allergies, skin disorders, diarrhea, organ failure, canine arthritis, dental
problems, seizures, and even cancer. Many behavioral and emotional disorders
are often offshoots of these disorders and imbalances. The sadder part is that,
every drug given to treat these disorders is an attack to the immune system.

 Drugs only suppress the symptoms of an underlying illness. When the

drug successfully suppresses the first symptom, a deeper level symptom appears
next. Another drug will be used to suppress the new symptom, and the same
thing happens again. With this onslaught of drugs and toxins, the real condition
goes unchecked and the body’s natural defense is impaired.

 Selective vaccination, raw diet and proper nutrient management, competent

alternative treatment, and non-reliance to allopathic medicine are the secrets to
healthy and happy pets.

 When pet owners see quick results from a drug treatment, this is often
seen as effectiveness of the drug. Inversely, when a homeopathic treatment
is applied and the dog reacts with skin rashes or diarrhea, it is often wrongly
construed as worsening of the dog’s condition. Often, though, this is the body’s
reaction as it detoxifies or gets rid of what has been ailing it.

Sometimes, alternative methods provide instant results, but often the results take time.
Pet owners must understand that these alternative approaches assist the body to heal
naturally, which is beneficial in the long run.

It must be noted that the holistic dog health approach is a way of life and not merely a
response to a disease. Thus, it does not stop after a symptom disappears. It is an on-
going process, and its effects are long-term.
 Another holistic vet says that elimination of the symptoms does not
necessarily mean curing the disease. Allopathic medicine, though, often
gives more weight on eliminating the symptoms.

 Allopathic doctors give cortisones, antibiotics and drugs because in their

book, they have no other cure for the many maladies that can afflict
animals. If they can’t cure arthritis, then they could at least relieve the pain or
reduce inflammation. When these medicines later damage the kidneys or affect
the digestive tract, then there are other drugs to treat these parts of the body.
Holistic vet doctors now recognize the failure of this kind of treating patients.
They now rely less on drug-based medicines and allopathic protocols.

 Holistic dog health care relies on three things: strengthened immune

system, preventive health, and integration of all the systems in the body.

 Holistic dog health starts with raw food. With variation in meat,
supplementation may only be very minimal. The raw diet will contain protein,
amino acids, calcium, chromium, fatty acids, folic acid, iodine, iron, magnesium,
pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, sulfur, vanadium,
vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E and K, and zinc. Raw vegetables
also contain some of these nutrients and enrich the diet further with
antioxidants, phytochemicals, carbohydrates, and fiber.

 Initial reactions to the raw diet may include diarrhea, vomiting, and lack
of appetite. These reactions are natural because the transition period is also the
period for detoxing. Pets that grew on processed dried foods have accumulated
artificial ingredients, chemicals, and preservatives over time, and their system
will need time to adjust.

 The holistic health approach for pets and dogs work best for pet parents
who believe in the holistic health approach for their own selves. Dogs are
extensions of their human companions. They interact every day, live in the same
home, and comprise the bigger dynamics called home or family. A truly holistic
health approach needs to sync all these systems and make them all work
together.

HOLISTIC DOG HEALTH 101 33

Turning “holistic” all of a sudden can be very overwhelming, both for you and your dog.
As mentioned many times in this article, start with one thing and introduce your dog to
holistic approach very slowly. You may start with a raw diet, or selective vaccination, or
homeopathy, or all-natural feeding. But always move forward, integrating a new
method one at a time and keep track of the changes.

Every method acquired must always be based on making the dog healthy inside out.
Focus on treating a particular system without neglecting the other systems of the whole
dog.

Going holistic is not a one-shot type of thing. It may start slow but should always be in
a sustained manner. You may choose to avoid reverting to the conventional methods,
but you must definitely avoid the extremes of either side. When faced with conflicting
ideas that confuse you along the way, do the simplest and foolproof solution – go back
to the basics and consult with several vets.

In my opinion, all pet owners should never subscribe to just one idea, be it holistic or
conventional method. It’s difficult to keep track of everything what’s going on, but if
you care enough about your pet’s health, then a responsible thing to do is always
consider pros and cons of every approach, and critically look at all possible angles of
the argument.

There are people standing to make money both in commercial and holistic dog health
care. Therefore, as pet owners and veterinarians, we’re not completely safe from the
marketing ploys and lies that dog companies make up to sell their products regardless
of which side of the debate you’re on. Staying skeptical and open-minded is the only
way we can find balance between these two worlds.