By Frances Reese |
Our pets offer us comfort and love every day. As pet parents, we constantly seek ways to return that empathy, and keeping an open mind to different care approaches can allow us to support them in new and profound ways. One of the fastest-growing fields in animal wellness is holistic care.
Terms such as “holistic” and “alternative care” can conjure up images of crystals or unproven remedies. Tell loved ones you’re using holistic methods for your pet’s care, and they may label you as an inadequate pet parent. Yet this field of care is far more nuanced, based on many time-tested practices and scientific backing with research that is increasingly growing.
At its core, a holistic approach believes that the body knows how to heal itself once the right support is administered. It complements traditional veterinary medicine by focusing on a pet’s overall well-being to address chronic pain, post-surgery recovery, and general wellness. Holistic care options for pets include acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic adjustments, herbal remedies, and nutritional support. Local professionals emphasize the importance of consulting with your primary veterinarian, as these methods are best used in conjunction with traditional care.
Here in the Triangle, a growing number of practitioners are offering these services to provide comprehensive support for our furry friends.
Chiropractic and Massage
For issues related to the musculoskeletal system, physical therapies can offer significant relief. Having practiced human chiropractic care for nearly three decades, Dr. Hoag of Optimum Health Chiropractic in Raleigh got back to her roots in equine sciences to receive a certification in animal chiropractic. She sees many types of conditions, but most often treats injuries from common play or impaired limbs. While animals don’t produce the same “cracking” sound, the practice is similar to human care, with an intention to address trigger points and realign the body so that nerves can heal as they are supposed to.
Melanie Hampton, a Certified Canine and Equine Massage Therapist with over 30 years of experience as a registered veterinary technician, utilizes her extended knowledge of animal physiology to reduce tension, increase flexibility, and support healing. Massage therapy is proven to lower cortisol levels and calm the nervous system in both humans and animals. Hampton is also certified in Reiki and Healing Touch for Animals, an energy field therapy. As a mobile provider, she brings stress-free, convenient care directly to pets.
Ancient Practice, Modern Application
After experiencing the benefits of acupuncture herself, Dr. Tierra Hawley of Total Quality Mobile Veterinary Care became certified in the technique. Originating in China and in practice for thousands of years, acupuncture targets specific meridians (energy pathways) in the body. Recent research suggests the needles create microtraumas, which trigger the brain to release natural endorphins and opioids to comfort the body. When treating osteoarthritis and neurological issues, Dr. Hawley shares that results can last one to two weeks, and can improve through consecutive treatments.
Diet and Integrative Care
A foundational element of any holistic approach is nutrition. Unleashed, the Dog and Cat Store began in 2007 at a booth at The Raleigh Market. The business now features 11 stores statewide, focused on providing the best high-quality, natural pet food. Owners Amy and J.P. Phinney provide their staff with regular training to equip pet parents with knowledge beyond the purchase of food, as examining a pet’s diet can support all other holistic care methods.
For owners seeking a variety of treatments under one roof, several local practices offer comprehensive care. Peak Paws Advanced Veterinary Hospital, a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital in Apex, also offers holistic pet care through one of its emergency veterinarians, Dr. Emily Yunker. With training in Integrative Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Yunker provides holistic examinations to guide pet parents through individualized care plans, and the practice also provides services such as soft-tissue mobilization, cryotherapy, underwater treadmill therapy, and acupuncture.
Similarly, while known as a full-service practice, Shiloh Animal Hospital in Morrisville provides chiropractic, cold light laser, and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, which utilizes acupuncture, herbal medicines, food therapy, and tui na (a form of medical massage) to offer alternative treatments for a variety of needs.
Ultimately, holistic care is about expanding the toolkit we use to support our pets. By integrating these time-tested practices with the strengths of modern veterinary medicine, pet owners can provide a fuller spectrum of care, returning the love and comfort their animals give them every day.
