After weeks of dealing with a dog that didn't seem to be doing too well, I realized that there had to be something I could do. I began looking around for a great veterinarian who could help, and I was able to find an excellent provider that accepted my insurance. They were really great to work with, and they came to our rescue when our animal seemed past the point of return. I wanted to start a new blog that would help other people to learn when to take their dogs, cats, birds, and other animals to the vet when they need to.
As dogs get older, they can experience a range of growing discomforts and health problems. It's not uncommon for an older dog to struggle with joint issues, arthritis, reduced flexibility, and digestive issues. Some of these can be prevented in part by excellent diet and exercise regimens, but your dog simply will lose the vigor of youth.
There are some things you can do to help your dog feel more comfortable as they age, including alternative treatments that help reduce chronic health problems.
Hydrotherapy
Does your dog have hip or joint issues that make regular walking painful or even impossible? These problems are common in some dog breeds, and they become more pronounced over time. Hydrotherapy provides a way for your elderly dog to stay active without any impact on the joints. Since staying active can help to prevent old-age weight gain which will only make joint trouble worse, hydrotherapy is sometimes the only option you might have. Heated pools can also help reduce stiffness and improve circulation, so your dog will better even when they are not in the water.
Massage
Have you ever wanted a nice massage at the end of a long day? You might not have thought about massaging your dog to help relieve pain, but doggy massage can help improve blood circulation to sore areas. If your dog has acute pain in specific joints or muscle areas, you'll want to take the dog to a massage specialist to help make sure you don't accidentally cause more pain by attempting the massage yourself.
However, you can also learn some safe techniques to do at home that will reduce stress and anxiety. Dogs can become depressed as they age, especially if they are not as able to do the things they used to enjoy, resulting in increased stress. Massage can help provide relief and increased bonding between you and your pet.
Acupuncture
An ancient form of alternative medicine, acupuncture has been used by humans for centuries. You might see an animal acupuncturist to help your dog deal with the pain of chronic illness. Acupuncture is used to treat pain in a range of illnesses, including digestive problems and kidney problems that often show in the later years of a dog's life. Talk to your vet, however, before starting any sort of acupuncture program for your dog, or ask your vet if this therapy might be helpful for your dog specifically.
Contact a company like Downing Center For Animal Pain Management for more information and assistance.