Holistic Healing

Holistic healing is a form of care that considers the whole animal in the quest for optimal health and wellness. A holistic (integrated) veterinarian may use all forms of health care, from conventional options to alternative therapies, to treat a patient.

Canine acupuncture using electro-stimulator unit

Acupuncture

Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach that has been studied and practiced for over 5,000 years, the use of acupuncture for dogs and cats has been a more recent development.

Dogs and cats are generally quite amenable to acupuncture. It is a form of treatment that can often address problems for which conventional therapies do not exist, or for which the therapy would be far more invasive or toxic.

When acupuncture needles are used to stimulate the energetic channels that run through the body and limbs, regulation and healing of certain organs and areas of the body can occur.
Acupuncture treatments typically take 20-30 minutes. As a general rule a full treatment course averages 6-8 sessions with periodic maintenance treatments if needed.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal treatments have been used to treat illness in animals and people throughout all of recorded history, and beyond. To this day, herbs are studied extensively and then extracted, purified or chemically synthesized to make medicines used in conventional treatments.

The study and use of herbs in their more intact and original forms is believed by herbalists to be far safer and deeper acting than single chemical extractions and synthetic copies of natural substances. Combinations of herbs can be artfully and specifically combined into formulas that balance and potentiate their effects, to heal and nourish an ill patient, in a very gentle manner.

Dr. Levitsky may use herbal medicine as part of the treatments for any condition including kidney disease, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, skin rashes or itching. Animals have been well known to ingest certain plants at certain times, which actually correspond to their seeking out the medicinal qualities of the plant, through their own inner wisdom. The Earth provides for the needs of all life, and often, the plants and animals are able to take care of each other, if they have the opportunity.

Nutritional Counseling

The foundation of good health lies in good food. The old adage you are what you eat comes into play over and over again.

At Healing Paws, we work hard to educate and encourage our clients about options in nourishment that include:

• Home cooked diets
• Raw foods
• Premium commercial diets.

We will help you to choose a food that is appropriate and “do-able” for your animals and your lifestyle.

In addition to everyday dietary choices, many animals can benefit from specific supplements chosen to help them with their unique medical conditions. We can help you to choose supplements that will be beneficial and effective.