Chinese Medicine For Your Dog
Canines Respond Well to Traditional Chinese Medical Treatments
Apr 17, 2008
As your dog ages the likelihood of health problems increases. Some canine health issues may respond better to Traditional Chinese Medicine than to western treatments, especially if the western drugs used have serious side effects. When a Chinese herbal formula is combined with acupuncture/acupressure and massage, the dog may show significant improvement.
Treating Canine Arthritis and Neurological Disorders with TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), easing arthritis pain and improving mobility is accomplished in several ways. As with western medicine, dietary changes are often appropriate. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin also fit well into a TCM arthritis treatment plan.
But instead of using NSAIDs as a dog arthritis medication, an herbal combination is designed which takes into account the individual dog’s constitution. The possibility of side effects is minimized and if any do occur they can be eliminated with slight alterations to the formula.
When acupuncture treatments are added to the Traditional Chinese herbal medicine the results may be dramatic. Even better, dog owners can learn some acupressure and Tui Na (Chinese massage) techniques to use between acupuncture treatments so they can be actively involved in making the arthritic dog feel better.
Most canine neurological disorders cannot be treated effectively at this time using western medicine. While Traditional Chinese medicine may not be able to reverse the course of the disease, it is often very helpful in controlling symptoms and making the dog more comfortable and active.
Dog Allergies Respond to Chinese Herbal Treatments
Skin problems, food intolerance, eye irritation and ear infections are all forms that canine allergies may take. Treating allergic dogs can be a frustrating experience but the right Chinese herbal combination can make a huge difference. Acupressure and tui na to relax the dog and move the qi and blood increases the effectiveness of treatment.
Dog skin allergies can manifest as anything from dry, flaky, itchy skin to moist eczema, often called hot spots. Moist eczema is a form of Dampness in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In western medicine shampoos and dietary changes are often the basic treatment. Steroids may be used as well, especially if the dog experiences scratching a lot.
Often moist eczema has a heat component. The dog may tend to feel warm, pant a lot and seek cool places. Using Heat clearing and Damp draining herbs removes the root of the problem rather than just treating symptoms. The diet suggested by a Chinese Herbalist will also use foods that are cooling and drying.
Chinese Medicine and Canine Cancer
Dogs, like people, become more likely to develop tumors as they age. In cases where surgery is a good option a dog with cancer may benefit from pre- and post-operative TCM herbs and acupuncture. Before surgery, acupuncture and herbs to tone the Qi and Blood allow the body to better tolerate the procedure as well as the anesthesia, both of which take a toll on the body.
After surgery, recovery is often quicker if Chinese herbs and acupuncture/acupressure are used as adjuncts to western pain management. And if surgery is not an option, Traditional Chinese Medicine can be used to improve the dog's quality of life.
Just as Traditional Chinese Medicine is helping many people to improve their quality of life, dogs may benefit from a combination of western and eastern medicine.
