Homegrown Health: Natural Remedies to Improve Your Pet’s Well-Being

The global wellness industry exceeds a trillion dollars a year, and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. In fact, the global pet care market alone is expected to hit $245 billion in 2023. There is a prominent overlap between wellness and pet care, and as people continue to value natural remedies, forecasted trends promote holistic pet care.

Members of the Family

Most families consider their pets valuable members of the group. As such, they are properly cared for, worried about, and doted on. Natural health products are celebrated for healing or supporting the symptoms of many conditions in people, and the same can be said for pets, as well. That said, however, it is crucial to conduct extensive research and discuss your pet’s options with your veterinarian before using natural pet supplements. 

A Broad View

Holistic pet care seeks to understand and treat the whole animal. With the goal of treating the entire patient and not just their disease(s), holistic pet care may combine both alternative and conventional strategies. While some herbal treatments for pets can stand alone to prevent or relieve problematic symptoms, they can also guard against potential side effects of necessary medications. In this way, holistic pet care can improve a pet’s overall wellness and vitality. 

Natural Pet Remedies

Due to their powerful effect on animals, herbal treatments for pets should only be used under the guidance of a qualified and experienced veterinarian. Our staff can help you identify possible issues and determine which natural remedies are safest (and the most effective) for your pet. 

Whether your goal is preventing possible conditions or treating specific symptoms, the following herbal treatments may be considered after speaking with your veterinarian:

• Aloe vera for skin wounds, injuries, or irritations
• Milk thistle can promote liver health
• Ginger can be brewed into a tea for soothing upset tummy
• Calendula flowers can be boiled into an antiseptic wash
• Goldenseal can be used to treat tummy troubles and various infections
• Probiotics can aid in indigestion
• Turmeric and alfalfa can be used to treat inflammation
• Omega-3 fatty acids promote joint and heart health
• Oats can be used in place of gluten-based foods, but also provide a remedy to various skin conditions, too
• Boswellia tree syrup can deliver drug-free pain relief

Essential Oils for Pets

Pure therapeutic grade essential oils for pets can be safe and effective, but many should be off-limits due to their potential for toxicity. Products vary widely and often subject pets to dangerous additives. For these reasons, essential oils for pets should only be applied under the direction of your veterinarian. 

Veterinary Acupuncture

In addition to herbs and traditional veterinary medicine, we are excited to provide veterinary acupuncture for the following conditions:

• Arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems
• Pain
• Neurological conditions
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Reproductive disorders
• Post-operative recovery

If you observe even slight changes in your pet’s appearance or behavior, it’s always worth it to have them examined. Please reach out to us at (703) 920-5300 with any questions or concerns, or to schedule an appointment. Arlington Animal Hospital is always here to help your pet.