Holistic therapies can include but are not limited to: traditional Chinese medicines, acupuncture and western herbs, chiropractic or structural manipulations, applied kinesiology, massage and touch therapy, Aryuvedic therapy, iridology, crystal therapy, color therapy, aromatherapy, positive thought and prayer, homeopathy, bach flower therapy, vitamin therapy, mineral therapy and glandular therapy, food or dietary therapy, exercise and the judicious use of pharmaceutical drugs and surgery.
The idea which makes each of the therapies 'holistic' is how they are applied to the whole individual. Holistic medicine focuses on understanding the patient as a unique individual whose mental, emotional, spiritual and physical selves are an integrated whole.
Suppliments can consist of vitamins, minerals, glandular, herbal and dietary. A lot of the food we eat is of questionable nutritional value. Even if it is 'good' food it may be lacking in vitamins and minerals due to depletion of the soil nutrients or to the processing of the food to make it convenient for us or to make it have a longer shelf life. Artificial colors flavors, and preservatives can aggravate or cause immune system dysfunction. Vitamin, mineral and glandular supplementation can make a huge difference in the quality of a pet's life. But they also must be used carefully for some can be toxic if taken incorectly. Also, clean, pure water is extremely important.
Chinese and 'western' herbs have been used successfully for centuries. Herbs' healing potential are very often due, not just to their "drug like" effects, but due to the cofactors present that are nutritive, supportive and help the individual to rebalance.
Vaccinations are an integral part of a pet's life. It is a legal requirement for dogs and cats to receive rabies vaccinations. The initial rabies vaccine should be boostered by a 3 year rabies vaccine in one year, then repeated once every 3 years. The entire state fo Florida acknowledges 3 year rabies vaccines following this protocol. (In the future we may have approved 5 year, then 7 year rabies vaccines. Go to www.rabieschallengefund.com to find out more.) Homeopathic remedies are available to reduce the potential ill effects this vaccination can cause in susceptible pets.
Other vaccines are not legally required but are suggested to be done yearly by some veterinarians. Boarding facilities, travel papers and health certificates often require proof of vaccination. Blood antibody levels, (titers) can be done to assess the immune level for the 'core' diseases (parvo, hepatitis & distemper for dogs, and calcivirus, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia for cats). Also, now there are 3 year vaccines available for these 'core' diseases.
Homeopathic 'nosode' vaccines are available and have shown some protection ability against some contagious diseases, (mostly 'kennel cough'), but their efficacy is not 'scientifically' proven and their limited protection is at best only of a short duration.
