Spring is a season for renewal. As the weather warms, we can get outside more and cultivate our own health and well-being. This season we encourage you to do the same for your pet and to take a fresh look at integrative therapies that can help your pet to live longer and live better.     

While conventional veterinary treatments have been the cornerstone of veterinary care for many years, we encourage pet parents to look into the healing benefits of many holistic options. Integrative therapies, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, IV vitamin C, stem cell therapy, cold laser therapy, and microbiome replacement therapy (MBRT), are widely used at Longevity Veterinary Center with wonderful results. Here is a quick summary of what each of these holistic therapies is and what they have to offer:     

Chiropractic     

Chiropractic care involves the manipulation of the spine and joints to restore proper function, alleviate pain, and improve overall health. Just like humans, pets can suffer from misalignments in their spine or joints due to injuries, poor posture, or aging. These misalignments can result in pain, mobility issues, and even organ dysfunction. Chiropractic adjustments can help to release pressure from nerves and encourage proper nerve communication, improving mobility and relieving pain.     

Benefits: Chiropractic care can help your pet with conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, and general stiffness by reducing pain and increasing mobility. By adjusting the spine, the body's entire nervous and skeletal system can function optimally thus reducing pain and improving the body's own ability to heal and operate effectively.     

Acupuncture     

Acupuncture is a centuries-old practice that involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulates the body’s natural healing processes.     

Benefits: Acupuncture can be effective for treating pain, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and speeding injury recovery. Acupuncture can help with a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive issues, and neurological disorders. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety in pets, making it a valuable treatment for behavioral concerns.     

IV Vitamin C Therapy     

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient known for its powerful antioxidant properties. In IV vitamin C therapy, high doses of vitamin C are administered directly into your pet’s bloodstream to bypass the digestive system, allowing for higher absorption and immediate benefits. IV Vitamin C Therapy is also an integrative cancer treatment that helps to detoxify the body. When your pet is sick or stressed, vitamin levels can quickly be depleted. IV Vitamin Therapy can be particularly useful for pets with respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and cancer.     

Benefits: When administered intravenously, vitamin C helps boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote the healing of damaged tissues. IV vitamin C can boost energy levels, fight infections, and reduce allergic reactions. It also helps neutralize harmful free radicals and supports detoxification. IV vitamin C is particularly helpful for pets recovering from surgery, managing chronic illnesses like cancer, and improving overall immune function. It can also aid in detoxifying your pet’s system and reduce oxidative stress.     

Stem Cell Therapy     

Stem cell therapy is a type of regenerative medicine used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, as well as injuries to bones, joints, tendons, and the spinal cord. The goal of stem cell therapy is to regenerate tissue in the part of a body that has been damaged from a disease or is losing function over time. Stem cells have the unique ability to transform into different types of cells, making them ideal for healing injuries, inflammation, and degenerative conditions.     

Benefits: Stem cell therapy is commonly used to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, ligament injuries, and cartilage damage. It can help reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve the quality of life for pets with chronic or degenerative conditions. Stem cell therapy offers the potential for long-term healing without the need for invasive surgery.     

Cold Laser Therapy   

Cold laser therapy is an integrative treatment in which low-intensity light at specific frequencies is applied to the body, typically over injured or inflamed areas or tissue. The low-intensity light, referred to as "cold laser," is used to improve blood flow and to decrease pain and inflammation to injured tissues. The treatment can speed wound healing, reduce swelling and inflammation, increase blood flow, and stimulate nerve function.     

Benefits: Cold laser therapy is often used to treat conditions like arthritis, muscle injuries, wound healing, soft tissue injuries, and post-surgical recovery. It’s a safe, painless, and non-invasive treatment option that can significantly improve your pet's mobility and comfort.     

Microbiome Replacement Therapy (MBRT)     

MBRT is the practice of restoring your pet's gut bacteria through a single or multiple fecal transplants from a donor having an ideal microbiome. The microbiome refers to the trillions of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that live in your pet’s digestive system. These microorganisms play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. MBRT works to rebalance the whole-body system and improve health. The treatment reinvigorates and balances the gut bacteria but can also transfer other benefits such as improving the health of your pet's skin, coat, gums, and teeth.     

Benefits: MBRT can improve gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, constipation, IBD, and bloating. It can also boost your pet’s immune system, reduce inflammation, and even help manage conditions like food allergies and anxiety. Restoring balance to the microbiome is essential for promoting long-term health and wellness.     

Integrating These Therapies for Maximum Wellness     

The beauty of integrative therapies is that they work synergistically to promote your pet's overall health and well-being. By combining traditional veterinary medicine with chiropractic care, acupuncture, stem cell therapy, and other holistic treatments, you can provide your pet with a comprehensive, well-rounded approach to health.     

To get started on your pet’s wellness journey, reach out to us at (973) 606-1101 and schedule an appointment with one of our integrative veterinarians. We look forward to showing you the many holistic options that can be used to bring your pet longevity and vitality.