Top 6 Holistic Therapies for Dogs

“Holistic veterinary care” is one of those buzz phrases that gets tossed around a lot but can be hard to understand. What does it mean to treat your dog holistically?
Holistic care can help your dog by using both conventional medicine to treat injury or disease, and alternative (or complementary) treatments to aid the healing process. For example, if a dog has surgery to remove cancerous tumors, medication is needed to prevent infection and fight the disease, but a holistic treatment like acupuncture or massage may be added to ease pain and encourage healing.
The holistic treatments listed here are some of the most popular and effective alternative therapies used by pet parents. Some of these treatments are more proven than others, and a good vet can determine the best combination of both conventional and alternative treatment for your dog. The right holistic treatment can improve your dog’s health and happiness, and can even extend their life.

Canine Acupuncture
Acupuncture, or the practice of using needles to stimulate pressure points on the body, has been used by humans for thousands of years, and gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1970’s. Acupuncture for dogs took a few years longer to catch on: it was approved as an “alternate therapy” by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1988.
In ancient Chinese medicine, “needling” along certain points of the body was thought to improve the flow of Chi, or energy, thus promoting better health. For dogs, according to the AAVA “needling specific points leads to the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain,” thus stimulating healing.
Although the health benefits are difficult to prove scientifically, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that acupuncture therapy can help relieve dogs of joint and muscle pain, encourage healing after trauma or surgery, and even treat the symptoms of diabetes and cancer.
Acupuncture isn’t cheap; sessions tend to cost around $100, and multiple sessions are needed for best results. But perhaps the best thing about acupuncture is that it has virtually no side effects, and won’t interfere with other treatment or medication.
If you have the budget (and your dog will sit still), it’s a low-risk treatment with potentially huge rewards. Many animal clinics have a licensed acupuncturist on staff, or can readily refer you to a practitioner, so ask your veterinarian if acupuncture is right for your dog.

Canine Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is exactly what it sounds like: physical therapy in water. It’s recommended for dogs who need low-impact exercise, whether they’re recovering from injury or surgery; suffering from joint issues or arthritis; or are simply older or overweight and in need of safe cardiovascular activity. During a a typical hydrotherapy session, your dog will be guided into a pool of heated water (the warmer temperature helps soothe muscles and joints) and led through 15-30 minutes of swimming. Depending on your dog’s comfort level and swimming ability, a harness or life jacket may be used to help keep them level and above water.
Hydrotherapy helps build muscle, improve mobility, increase circulation, and decrease stress, plus it’s a great workout! If your dog is suffering from a degenerative condition or could stand to lose some weight, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a hydrotherapy pool in your area.

Chinese Herbal Medicine
According to the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine herbal medicine “uses herbal ingredients…in particular combinations or formulas to treat particular disease patterns,” and is best used in conjunction with western veterinary medicine to treat chronic conditions. Proponents of herbal medicine claim it can be used to relieve pain, help improve and restore organ function, and strengthen and support the immune system.
As with acupuncture, the benefits of Chinese herbal treatments for dogs are hard to “prove,” but many people have seen their dogs’ health and happiness improve with the use of herbs.
Some herbs are not safe to use alongside medications such as blood thinners and and diuretics, and as is the case with any ingested medication, Chinese herbal treatments do have potential side effects like vomiting and diarrhea. Modern practitioners of TCVM note that it is most helpful alongside western veterinary medicine as part of an integrative health plan.

Magnetic Field Therapy
Magnet therapy is the use of magnetic fields to treat illness or injury, and according to VCA t is “most often used to enhance healing from injuries and wounds” or to treat chronic joint and connective tissue conditions. The bad news is, magnetic therapy isn’t very popular among medical professionals, and you’d be hard-pressed to find solid evidence substantiating claims that the application of magnets can heal your dog. The good news is, magnetic field therapy is inexpensive, non-invasive, has virtually no side effects, and many dog people swear by its healing power.

Laser Therapy
Laser treatment for dogs employs deep-penetrating light to promote a chain of chemical reactions known as photobiostimulation. This process helps relieve pain through the release of endorphins, and it stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated pace.
Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, your dog’s condition will influence how often and long laser therapy is necessary. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require 3 to 8 minutes. Laser treatments for dogs are cumulative, so each additional treatment facilitates a greater improvement in your dog’s condition. The length and frequency of treatments vary by condition, so allow your veterinarian to help devise a sufficient laser treatment schedule for your canine companion.

Canine Massage
As with human massage, dog massage encourages healing by improving blood flow, stimulating nerves, relaxing muscles, and relieving stress.
While scientific studies of the benefits of canine massage are few, veterinarians concede that there are a couple major benefits: it feels good, and it promotes bonding between dog and person. After all, who doesn’t love a soothing massage from a loved one?
Of course, if you pay someone to massage your dog, it won’t be cheap. Canine massage therapy runs anywhere from $50-$120 per hour, but you can learn many touch therapy techniques yourself, and one benefit of being your dog’s personal masseuse is that it doubles as preventative care.
Regular rubdowns will help you locate new growths or tender spots (note: if you do come across a strange lump or sore spot in the course of a massage, stop immediately and consult your vet. In some cases, the pressure of a massage can make swelling and pain worse). While massage itself won’t cure your dog’s cancer or heal a broken bone, when used in conjunction with veterinary care, it is a wonderful way to help your dog relax and feel better.
Not all of the above treatments have scientifically proven benefits, but the majority have no dangerous side effects, and they all have fans who say holistic treatments have helped their dogs feel better and live longer. Just be sure to consult a holistic veterinarian who uses alternative treatments consciously alongside Western medicine and can help you determine the best all-around care plan for your best friend. And let your dog be your guide. Sure, they can’t talk to tell you where it hurts or what exactly helps, but their mood, energy level, and response to treatment can tell you a lot!
About Dip’ n Dogs Hydrotherapy – Orlando, FL
At Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, we are certified and caring professionals devoted to restoring and enhancing the health and happiness of your beloved pup. Encompassing a pool, as well as a certified hydrotherapist, this can provide effective and long lasting results for your pet’s injury or illness. We are conveniently located in Winter Park, FL. Contact us today at (407) 227-0030. Our Services include the following: Outdoor Hydrotherapy and In-Home Mobile Therapy for dogs. We look forward to hearing from you!

What Our Clients Are Saying
Rachel is extremely kind, gentle and motivational towards animals. She provides quality individual attention.
What a great way to help your animal!Chase Milner March 20, 2018
"My Lab mix Tucker, is a new client of Dip'n Dogs. After just a few assisted swims with Rachel, we have seen great results with his weight loss and overall behavior. Rachel is fun and motivating when in the water and Tucker really loves his weekly swim session!"
Patrick Haggerty March 22, 2018
"Rachel is amazing! The changes in Blu’s overall physical health have been worth every effort. I recommend hydrotherapy for any dog’s overall fitness health."
Jennifer Corso Leonard April 29, 2018
"Rachel is wonderful with our fur baby Bella. We were told by Bella’s vet that she needed to lose some weight and we are already seeing results! Bella may not be the easiest client (very much a diva) but Rachel is so patient and gentle with her. Bella is a mix of husky and German Shepherd so we want to keep her fit to prevent conditions that are common with those breeds."
Kaela Rebecca April 30, 2018
"Our little Yorkie Jack has arthritis and our vet recommended trying hydrotherapy. Jack is a yipper but remains calm with Rachel! After his sessions, we do see Jack go up the two steps he usually avoids, with less hesitation and his walking seems easier! Thank you Rachel!"
Joni Browder April 30, 2018
"Our 11 year-old Yorkie just started hydrotherapy for his arthritis. Since starting, he’s a little more agile, and goes upstairs with more ease! Thanks Rachel for all you do and your extra TLC with our little Jack!"
Caitlin Browder May 5, 2018
My beagle, Badger, is overweight (like many beagles are) but I wasn’t too worried because we would go for long walk/runs to keep him healthy. BUT, his hips began to hurt and he wouldn’t walk for more than just a few minutes. I was worried he would become obese! I found Dip’n Dogs online and signed Badger up for hydrotherapy with Rachel. Not only is he almost back to normal with our walks but he has lost a bit of weight! The swims have definitely benefited him. Rachel is kind, patient and very flexible with scheduling appointments. Plus, her package deals help with the cost. I highly recommend her services. Both Badger and I are much happier than we were a month or so ago!”
Camille King July 12, 2018
“Jack’s mobility has benefited from the swimming sessions in a short time. I appreciate the patience and care Rachel has shown with our 17 year old Jack Russell. He needs special attention and she always gives him terrific assistance. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy earlier in his life. I know he would be in even better shape than he is now.”
Seth Miller July 12, 2018
"Hope is getting her second session of water therapy to help with her arthritis in her spine and legs and build her leg muscles back up! Maria and I love her trainer Rachel!"
Andrea Ruiz-Hays July 17, 2018
"Rachel has been awesome and I would most definitely recommend her!! My 12 year old beagle recently had knee surgery and she reached out to me through social media to let me know about her services. When it came time for him to start hydrotherapy as part of his recovery I contacted Rachel and set up an appointment. She was very responsive to messages and easy to get a hold of to set up our first appointment. After our first session my beagle started walking better and showing improvement in his healing process. I decided to buy a 4 session pack from her and taking him to see her weekly. Since we have started, his mobility has improved after each session and he gets around better than ever."
Caitlyn Canada July 17, 2018
"Rachel became certified in canine hydrotherapy through the certification program we offer through The Canine Fitness Institute. Since then, she has been working with dogs daily and I've seen her skills and competence grow by leaps and bounds. She opened her own business in 2018 - Dip N Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy and is doing a great job helping a wide variety of dogs regain strength after surgery, lose weight, become more mobile even though they have arthritis, and more. To further her knowledge, she continues to study and research a variety of orthopedic conditions that routinely affect dogs. She is very personable and her clients love her and the care she gives their dogs. If your dog can benefit from the incredible healing effects of hydrotherapy, I recommend you give Rachel a call."
Sherri Cappabianca July 17, 2018
"Jack was always extremely active throughout his life. Now at 17 plus years, he isn’t able to walk as well as we would like, due to arthritis and atrophy from age a medications he has taken. The hydrotherapy treatments with Rachel have made such a difference. They have helped him maintain his mobility and gain additional strength. Jack swims twice a week with Rachel. He swims very hard and I think he enjoys the mobility in the water that he no longer has on land. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy and Rachel earlier. I don’t think it is ever to early to start your dog swimming. I know would be in even better shape now than he is, if we had started him sooner. I highly recommend Rachel to work with your pet. She always has Jack’s best interest in mind and we certainly appreciate that."
Carrie Miller September 10, 2018
"Rachel is a pro when it comes to helping our dog Ellie feel comfortable during her swimming session. She has a kind nature towards animals and is really good at what she does. I'm glad we found out about her business. I highly recommend her services for your pet's well being."
Andy Schifaro September 10, 2018
"Rachel's calm, confident approach had our dog very comfortable."
Tracy Robinson September 10, 2018
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer September 10, 2018
"Rachel was wonderful with my Dusty who had an FHO done on his right hip but his left hip is not so good either. As of right now his right has healed wonderfully and his left hip is holding strong! I believe it is because of hydrotherapy with Rachel. Dusty had his surgery in March and I can’t go fast enough for him on his walks! I might need some hydrotherapy myself!"
Terrie Sandefur October 3, 2018
"Rachel seems to see and love my Hannah's Spirit. Hannah recently said goodbye, for now, to Hazel, her litter mate and twin. Needing some fun new experiences and with a recent arthritis diagnosis, Dip'n Dogs was a nice adventure. Hannah enjoys the pool. Seems a natural swimmer. And Rachel has a good positive energy!"
Gwen Hartmann October 4, 2018
"Rachel is a caring and experienced dog guardian and is one of my dog, Maisie’s, favorite people. I highly recommend Dip'n Dogs!"
Marcia Caton February 18, 2019
"Sophie doesn't love the pool but Rachel was so great with her that Sophie was giving her kisses by the end! I'm so excited about Sophie continuing her hydrotherapy!"
Katlyn Billue February 18, 2019
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer February 18, 2019
"Guinness and I are so happy that we met Rachel. She is super nice, gentle, patient and knows how to make Guinness comfortable in the pool, because he gets soo nervous. She is helping Guiness get back on his leg after a luxating patella injury. Right now he is doing great and starting to put his leg down when walking. I would definitely recommend Rachel- best hydrotherapy
:) and she does a great job in the pool. Thank you Rachel!"
Noelia Cocco February 18, 2019
"From the instant that I met Rachel, I felt comfortable with her and would have trusted her with any of my dogs. She came and worked with my senior, blind Shih Tzu this summer. My Millicent has arthritis, bad skin, allergies and had recently developed a heart murmur. Rachel made sure to go over Millie’s health history with me and was very aware of how Millie was doing the whole time she worked with her. It is great exercise for an old, lazy dog!"
Kristi Klein February 18, 2019