RICHFIELD, Ohio (WJW) – From acupuncture to antioxidants, veterinary healthcare is helping pets live longer by integrating holistic treatments with traditional methods.
“I actually was surprised you could do something like that for a dog,” said Janet Menko. Her dog Archie is receiving multiple therapies for numerous health concerns.
The 14-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix rescue dog, and retired therapy dog is battling prostate cancer, chronic kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease, but incredibly is doing very well and still runs in the yard like a puppy thanks to the treatments.
“It’s so quick and it’s painless for him and he seems to like it,” said Menko.
They are ancient remedies with a modern twist being performed at Dancing Paws Animal Wellness Center on W Streetsboro Road in Richfield, part of a growing natural care movement.
Archie gets acupuncture using a laser instead of needles and chiropractic adjustments among other therapies.
Dr. Neal Sivula says the acupuncture alone can help improve numerous conditions, “We can actually use it to manage pain, to help with allergic problems, arthritis, neurologic problems and other organ problems, kidney issues, and digestion.”
Other treatments include therapeutic massage to improve circulation, craniosacral therapy to balance the nervous system and chiropractic care.
“It’s no different than when we as people go, we feel the spine, feel for normal motion between the bones and find issues and we make an adjustment,” said Dr. Sivula.
Some other longevity tips include: lots of exercise; including indoor cats, good oral care, and feeding high quality foods, preferably human grade proteins.
“Once a day feeding is not a good idea. We think twice a day as minimum,” he said.
Natural supplements are also important for overall health.
“We feel fish oil and glucosamine are really effective. Fish oil has so many benefits, it’s great for skin, great digestion, immune system, good for vision and the brain as they age and it’s a nice gentle anti-inflammatory to take every day,” he said, “Glucosamine we also love as a preventive for arthritis and spinal issues as well.”
Another very important tip he says is to eliminate toxic chemicals from the home and especially the yard to prevent cancer.
And there is new thinking when it comes to administering vaccines to prevent any sensitivities in all pets and for those that have had negative reactions.
“Vaccinating responsibly,” said Dr. Sivula, “We can recommend titer (blood test) testing to make sure they need a specific vaccine. And we always counsel owners, it’s always good practice if they can manage to have vaccines given at separate times so they’re not getting a whole load on the same day, maybe spread it out so they get one on day one and go back a month later and so on and so on.”
Antidotal research already shows these tips when combined with traditional veterinary medicine can help pets live longer with additional research currently underway.
But Janet says she already knows it has improved Archie’s quality life.
Despite his gray snout and health issues she says after his treatments he does zoomies in the yard and most importantly seems pain free and happy.
“Oh, he definitely has so much pep in his step after we’ve come,” she said, “It’s like you wouldn’t give up on a family member. I’m not giving up on my dog like he’s my best friend, he’s my world really.”
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