What is Alternative Veterinary Medicine

MyFriend Team
- March 20, 2023

In the past couple of years, Alternative Veterinary Medicine and therapy have evolved beyond hospital walls and clinic doors. Like holistic medicine practices for humans, the options and possibilities are endless! Whether that would be acupuncture, massages, herbal medicine, the list goes on. That’s why MyFriend is taking you all to get to know all the alternative ways to care for your furry friend!

Disclaimer: This article’s purpose is to inform and educate pet parents about the options, choices, and alternatives that are available. Please keep in mind that we are not trying to promote or favor any methods, in particular, we simply want to educate our friends in an objective and unbiased nature. We still recommend going to the veterinarian if there are any concerning symptoms.

Differences between conventional and alternative veterinary medicine

Conventional veterinary medicine is the process we usually see when visiting a veterinarian or clinic. Accurate numbers, figures, and observable symptoms are used to give a diagnosis. Modern medicine practices such as administering prescription medication, surgery, or radiotherapy, as well as preventing illnesses through vaccines are the most common methods that pawrents seek out. This method has scientifically proven data and a bunch of studies involved, and it’s usually the first option pet parents consider when their fur babies are ill.

Alternative or Complementary Veterinary Medicine focuses on finding the root of the issue, instead of treating the symptoms. Methods of treatment tend to be very different from Conventional Methods. They can include physical therapy or a personalized (puppersonalized?) plan, and complementary medicine is usually practiced in adjunction with conventional methods. Depending on the animals’ size, body, and many other factors. Your practitioner should be in contact with the veterinarian for advice specifically for your pet.

Alternative and conventional veterinary medicine routes both require professionals with experience and education before becoming a practitioner. Conventional practitioners are those that pet parents most commonly seek out, and those who specialize in alternative medicine tend to be a supplement to the existing treatment plans to assist and improve their overall health – not to treat an urgent condition or damage that might be time sensitive.

The most common option for pawrents

Alternative veterinary medicine has grown immensely in recent years, to help pet parents give their fur babies the best health! Since this field is gaining traction in Thailand, MyFriend would like to inform you of all the alternatives and options for your pet out here in the land of smiles! Please do not forget to consult with your vet to get an accurate recommendation.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been part of Chinese holistic medicine for thousands of years. Recently, these practices have become more popular among pets! It’s been stated that acupuncture can aid with pain management and inflammation, and improve bowel health, as well as blood flow, and blood oxygenation. Acupuncture is also often used to help with joint pain, and also stimulate the central nervous system – so those suffering conditions related to the nervous system like seizures, or skin issues that are related to the thyroid, or even heart conditions can benefit from acupuncture.

Hydrotherapy

is a great choice for treating animals that love using their strength and energy! Dogs that have chronic conditions that affect the bones and joints can greatly benefit from hydrotherapy. During the session, there will be harnesses that will help carry their body, so they’re still above water – while there is a small treadmill underneath, so they get the exercise they need, without putting too much stress on their pain points. This alternative treatment is getting more popularized, and we suspect it’s also because you don’t need a huge pool to get this done!

Chiropractic

During the past year, chiropractic treatment methods have become well-known in the pet community in Thailand. A chiropractor helps the patient relieve problems with their bones, muscles, and joints with a manipulation technique that consists of pulling, adjusting, or also even yanking motions! So the bones and joints are in the correct positioning, decreasing inflammation and results are almost immediate – although regular maintenance is often recommended.

Osteopathy

Is a treatment method that doesn’t consist of any modern medicine or specific instruments – but uses the practitioner’s hands to determine the diagnosis and treatment methods. Osteopathy focuses on finding the root cause of conditions to improve the nervous system, overall circulation, and lymphatic system. Osteopathy usually requires a lot of monitoring, attention, and care from the practitioner and owner, as animals can’t communicate their pain to us verbally.

All the alternative veterinary treatments and medicine mentioned above are options that have gained attention in the last few years. Other than the list, there are also treatments like homeopathy, herbal medicine, physical therapy, and even massages available.

While pet parents try to give their fur babies the best health and the best life pawsible, alternative veterinary medicine can supplement and improve their health, while preventing new illnesses or ailments from emerging. Although we have to say, alternative treatment and therapy for pets shouldn’t replace conventional veterinary practices. If your pet is exhibiting abnormal behavior, symptoms, or accidents, please seek professional medical veterinary care immediately for a diagnosis and for urgent care. Listen to the vet and keep those health appointments and vaccinations up to date!

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