Many pet owners are turning to holistic health care as an alternative to help their well-loved pets live healthy, long and happy lives.

Perhaps the most important aspect for a dog’s health would be a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to make sure the joints, organs, and digestive systems make work in harmony. The skin and coat of your dog is probably the first sign either of health or illness in a dog. A great diet for your pet dog is holistic in approach, with meals consisting primarily, though not exclusively, of meat. The most important thing is to avoid processed foods.

Using a variety of essential oils, plant extracts, herbs and flowering essences, people have treated numerous ailments and conditions over the past thousands of years. Ancient healing practices have found their way into the field of pet healthcare in the recent times, to keep up with the increasing demand for a more natural approach to dog health diagnosis and treatment.

Calendula and chamomile may be recommended for promoting the healing of wounds, with the latter often being used for the treatment of respiratory ailments also. If your dog is suffering from constipation or a bowel disorder, crushed flaxseed mixed with plenty of water may be helpful. Dry, itchy skin, can be soothed with oats, and if your dog is having trouble sleeping, you may well find that lavender essential oil may help your to relax fall asleep just as well as it will work for yourself if you suffer from insomnia.

Before concocting any type of herbal remedies of your own, make it a point to do plenty of research and be absolutely certain that what you’re giving your dog isn’t toxic or harmful in any way, as not all herbs and flowers are safe for pets, or even people for that matter. It is always wise to consult with your veterinarian about the proper care and possible remedies for holistic dog health.

There are an increasing number of veterinarians these days who are putting great stock in holistic dog health, making it a large part of their practice. A veterinarian who practices holistic pet care treats animals as a whole, rather than identifying a certain problem and prescribing one type of treatment related to that specific injury or illness.

For example, your dog has suddenly come down with a red, irritating rash and has started losing some fur. A “regular” vet would most likely prescribe a topical ointment and an antibiotic medication to stop the infection and itching.

While a “regular” vet would probably prescribe an antibiotic to treat most skin irritations and infections, as well as a topical ointment to address the itching, a holistic veterinarian will probably place more emphasis on finding out what could have caused the rash to occur in the first place, which, of course, was the root of the infection. With holistic care, the dog’s indoor and outdoor environment, his daily lifestyle, eating habits and nutritional intake are all taken into consideration before attempting to diagnose or treat the animal.