Thursday, February 11, 2010

Holistic Lyme Disease Treatments For Dogs

Holistic treatments are an option for treating Lyme disease in dogs.


Your dog's risk of contracting Lyme disease increases in the spring and fall months. Lyme disease is caused by ticks, which live in tall fields of grass and wooded areas. The symptoms of Lyme disease may include pain, sensitivity to touch, loss of appetite, lameness and fever. California and Michigan have reported the highest number of Lyme disease cases. Veterinarians in many areas are integrating holistic medicine and have found these treatments to be effective.


Acupuncture








According to holisticpetinfo.com, acupuncture is a safe and effective way to combat the effects of Lyme disease in dogs. Acupuncture can help give the immune system a boost and reduce the inflammation that is often associated with Lyme disease. Acupuncture.com states that many dog owners try acupuncture when traditional Western treatments for Lyme disease fail to give the dog relief.


Probiotics


Dogs who develop Lyme disease may need to take antibiotics, such as tetracycline or doxycycline, for several weeks. Holistic practitioners often prescribe probiotics to be taken during antibiotic therapy. Probiotics keep healthy bacteria thriving, protect the dog's digestive tract, and help boost the immune system to combat the effects of Lyme disease.


Immune Support


According to holisticpetinfo.com, immune system support is important to keep your dog's immune system fighting the effects of Lyme disease. This helps your dog use his own natural defenses to fight infection. Ferrum phosphate is a holistic ingredient that can help accomplish this goal. Milk thistle may also help improve the dog's liver function during antibiotic treatment.

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