Pet Health Expertise Unleashed:
Integrative Tips for Pet Wellness
November is here, and at Pet Health, we are dedicating the entire month to integrative care for pets! Our talented veterinarians have come together to share their top tips for using integrative therapies to enhance your pet’s well-being. Integrative care blends traditional veterinary treatments with complementary therapies to create a personalized approach for every pet. Let’s dive into what our doctors recommend to improve the lives of your furry friends.
Dr. B’s Tip: Finding the Right Response for Every Pet
Dr. B believes integrative care is all about finding what works best for each pet, as no two pets respond to treatments similarly. “Every pet is unique, and that means what works for one may not work for another,” he explains. “For example, I’ve seen some pets respond incredibly well to treatments like CBD while others see no noticeable effects. Similarly, some pets are too anxious for acupuncture but do great with laser therapy.”
His key advice is to stay open to different therapies and be patient in finding the right combination that suits your pet’s needs. “It’s all about testing options and not giving up if something doesn’t work immediately. With persistence and flexibility, we can find the best approach for your pet.
Dr. Lewis’s Tip: Acupuncture for Back Pain
Dr. Lewis loves to incorporate acupuncture early on, especially for acute cases like Type 1 Intervertebral Disc Disease (commonly seen in Dachshunds with back pain). “For my acute Intervertebral Type 1 Disk cases, acupuncture can be a game-changer. These pets are often in severe pain, and options can be limited without turning to invasive surgeries,” she shares.
Acupuncture can show immediate improvement, so Dr. Lewis recommends starting it early in the treatment plan rather than as a last resort. “It’s a great way to relieve pain without jumping straight to invasive procedures.”
Dr. DeVilbiss’s Tip: Acupuncture and Laser Therapy for Acute Injuries
While acupuncture and laser therapy are often associated with chronic conditions, Dr. DeVilbiss also encourages starting these treatments for acute injuries. “Most of my acupuncture consults are for pets with long-standing issues that haven’t responded to medications, but starting these therapies early in the treatment process can speed up recovery and encourage faster healing,” she explains.
By combining acupuncture and laser therapy with traditional treatments, Dr. DeVilbiss has seen excellent results in pain management and recovery from acute injuries.
Dr. Clarke’s Tip: Weight Loss and Acupuncture for Mobility Issues
Dr. Clarke swears by acupuncture for mobility problems, such as arthritis or back issues, but she also emphasizes the importance of weight management in treatment plans. “Calorie intake and weight management are things pet parents can control, and weight loss combined with acupuncture works wonders for mobility problems,” she says.
Sometimes, the weight loss alone is enough to improve a pet’s mobility, making other treatments like acupuncture unnecessary. “There have been many cases where just the weight loss alone made such a huge difference that additional therapies weren’t needed,” Dr. Clarke adds.
Dr. Mkhitarian’s Tip: The Power of Omega-3 for Joint Health
Dr. Mkhitarian’s go-to supplement for integrative care is fish oil (omega-3). “Omega-3 is fantastic for many conditions, from osteoarthritis to general anti-inflammatory effects. It can even help maintain an ideal weight and promote longevity,” he explains.
Dr. Mkhitarian cautions that omega-3s are potent but don’t provide immediate results. “It takes approximately two months for omega-3s to fully incorporate into the lipid bilayer of cells, so patience and consistency are key,” he advises. Over time, omega-3 supplementation can significantly improve joint health and overall well-being.
Dr. Pizzillo’s Tip: Physical Therapy for Orthopedic Conditions
Dr. Pizzillo’s top integrative medicine tip focuses on the power of physical therapy, especially for senior dogs with orthopedic conditions. “Keeping muscle mass on our senior pets can help decrease their arthritis pain,” she says.
Her favorite exercise is walking up hills or low-angle stairs, which helps strengthen the glutes and hamstrings. “Desert Breeze Park next to our clinic has some great hills for this type of exercise,” she suggests. Another excellent option is using the rehabilitation department at the Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center. “Physical therapy is incredibly effective at keeping our older pets mobile and reducing pain.”
A Holistic Approach to Pet Wellness
At Pet Health, we believe in the power of integrative care to improve pets’ lives. Every pet is unique, and finding the right combination of traditional and complementary therapies can make all the difference in their health and well-being. From acupuncture and laser therapy to physical therapy and omega-3 supplementation, our doctors offer a wide range of integrative options tailored to meet your pet’s specific needs.
As we focus on integrative health for pets throughout November, take the time to explore new treatments that could benefit your pets. Whether it’s acupuncture for pain relief, weight management for mobility, or physical therapy for strengthening, there’s an integrative solution that can help your pet live their best, happiest life.
