Holistic Pet Care: The Secret to Longer Lives for Some Animals

RICHFIELD, Ohio (WJW) – Whether through acupuncture or antioxidants, veterinary health care is enabling pets to have longer lifespans by combining alternative therapies with conventional techniques.

"I was genuinely astonished that you could provide such treatments for a dog," remarked Janet Menko. Her canine, Archie, is undergoing several therapies to address various health issues.

Earth grounding therapy offers optimism to individuals battling cancer.

The 14-year-old mixed breed Pit Bull, who was adopted as a rescued dog and previously served as a therapy animal, is fighting against prostate cancer, chronic kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Despite these challenges, he is remarkably thriving and continues to play energetically in the yard just like a young pup due to his ongoing treatment.

"It happens very fast and doesn’t cause him any discomfort; plus, he appears to enjoy it," stated Menko.

These age-old treatments with a contemporary spin are offered at the Dancing Paws Animal Wellness Center located on W Streetsboro Road in Richfield, reflecting an expanding trend towards natural healthcare solutions.

Archie undergoes acupuncture with a laser rather than needles and also receives chiropractic adjustments along with various other treatments.

After a storm dislodged their nest, local bald eagle chicks perished.

Dr. Neal Sivula states that acupuncture by itself can address various health issues, noting "It can be utilized for managing pain, aiding with allergies, treating arthritis, neurological disorders, and issues related to different organs, such as kidneys and digestion."

Alternative therapies encompass therapeutic massages for better blood flow, craniosacral therapy to regulate the nervous system, and chiropractic adjustments.

"It’s similar to what happens with us humans; we check our spine, look for regular movement between the bones, identify problems, and then perform an adjustment," explained Dr. Sivula.

Other tips for increasing lifespan encompass: abundant physical activity; ensuring proper dental hygiene, particularly for indoor cats, and providing top-tier nutrition, ideally with proteins fit for human consumption.

"He mentioned that feeding once a day isn’t ideal. They believe that the bare minimum should be two times a day," he stated.

All Ohio Giant Eagle stores may have bread containing glass shards: Recall

Natural supplements also play a key role in maintaining general well-being.

We believe that fish oil and glucosamine are highly beneficial. Fish oil offers numerous advantages; it promotes healthy skin, aids in proper digestion, strengthens the immune system, supports eye health and cognitive function as one ages, and serves as a mild daily anti-inflammatory," he stated. "We also appreciate glucosamine because it helps prevent arthritis and spine-related problems.

One crucial piece of advice he offers is to remove harmful chemicals from your house and particularly your garden to avoid cancer.

Moreover, there is fresh insight into how vaccinations can be managed to avoid any hypersensitivity issues in all pets and particularly for those that have experienced adverse reactions before.

By vaccinating responsibly," explained Dr. Sivula, "we suggest conducting titers (blood tests) to confirm whether a particular vaccine is necessary. Additionally, we advise pet owners that whenever possible, spacing out vaccinations over different appointments—rather than administering them all at once—is a prudent approach; for instance, giving one vaccine initially and then returning after about a month for subsequent doses.

Cedar Point modifies height restrictions for three of its attractions.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that these tips, when combined with conventional veterinary care, can assist pets in living longer lives, and further studies are presently being conducted.

However, Janet states that she already acknowledges it has enhanced Archie’s quality of life.

Even with his gray snout and health problems, she mentions that after his treatments, he still runs around the yard doing zoomies and, more importantly, appears to be pain-free and joyful.

Oh, he certainly seems full of energy afterward," she remarked, "It's as though you wouldn't abandon a relative. I'm not going to desert my dog; he means everything to me, truly.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This content must not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

To stay updated with the most recent news, weather forecasts, sports updates, and live streams, visit Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.