Related Terms

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Background

• Green health for pets may include many aspects of environmentally conscious living and alternative veterinary medicine. Pet owners may choose natural or integrative therapies to treat pet illnesses and/or buy organic pet food.
• Natural or holistic veterinary medicine is an approach that aims to encompass the total health of the pet. It may consider many factors that contribute to disease, including the mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, this practice may combine eastern and western medicine. Western medicine focuses on the treatment of the disease, whereas eastern medicine tries to maintain a balance of different elements that can affect health. Holistic veterinary medicine may include traditional or folk practices, as well as knowledge that was developed before the advent of modern medicine, such as herbal treatments.
• As natural therapies and products for humans have gained popularity, similar treatments or approaches have been sought out by pet owners. Since the 1990s, natural and organic foods and products for humans and pets have become widely available. According to holistic veterinary organizations, more pet owners have approached veterinarians about holistic treatments for their pets.
• Pet owners may turn to holistic or alternative veterinary medicine if they feel that conventional medicine has been ineffective. Like humans, many different pets from cats to dogs suffer from long-term conditions that may not respond to western medicine. Long-term pain, arthritis, cancer, digestive disorders, or skin disorders may resist treatment by standard drugs.
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Technique

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Theory/Evidence

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Heath Impact/Safety

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Future Research or Applications

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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