Can herbal medications and supplements be used alongside traditional treatments for cats and dogs?
Yes, most herbal medications are very safe, and we can use them together with either short-term or long-term traditional Western medication.
How can herbal medications be used to treat my dog or cat's health issues? Do you have any examples?
There are a lot of different herbal medications. For example, Chinese herbal medications usually come in formulas, which are combinations of multiple herbs. There are herbal medications to treat pain, to help with ligament healing, for kidney problems, liver problems, and even to help dissolve stones in the bladder. Different types are used depending on the individual case. Chinese medicine doctors perform thorough exams and take comprehensive histories, considering factors like whether the animals prefer cold or warm temperatures, their temperament, and personality. In Chinese medicine, different personalities relate to different constitutions, which are predisposed to specific diseases in different systems. Once we have the whole picture, including a thorough Chinese medicine exam, we decide on a treatment plan that may include acupuncture and herbal medications or other supplements. Acupuncture and herbal medication can be used together for a better overall effect.
What is the role of nutrition in this herbal medication and supplements?
Nutrition is another big part of Chinese medicine, including food therapy. Chinese medicine prefers fresh food, reflecting Chinese culture's focus on cooking and the nutritional effects of different foods. Each meat or vegetable has different properties; some are warmer, some colder, some better for blood regeneration, and some for certain diseases. When boiling soups, for example, we select different herbs to put in. The same principles apply to dogs and cats. Fresh, cooked food is considered better for health. We understand that not everyone can cook at home, and if you do, it's important to ensure the nutrition is balanced. We recommend the website balanceit.com for guidance. If cooking at home isn’t an option, fresher commercial foods are okay, as are traditional balanced commercial foods. We look at what's in the food, like protein, meat, and vegetables, to determine if it's suitable for the dog's or cat's condition. For example, pets prone to inflammation might benefit from colder foods, while those feeling cold or with ligament issues might need warmer foods for better blood regeneration.
What type of forms do these herbal supplements come in?
Herbal supplements come in a variety of forms. They often come as powders that are easy to mix with food and generally don't taste bad, so dogs and cats usually don't mind eating them. If preferred, they also come in capsules or tiny round pills called "Teapills," which require giving multiple small pills simultaneously. Some common ones are available as tinctures, which are in liquid form.
What are some common side effects that you would see with herbal supplements?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, like vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog or cat is very sensitive, I recommend starting with a half dosage for a few days. If they are doing fine, you can increase the dose. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, stop the medication for a few days until the side effects subside. Once they're eating better and not vomiting or having diarrhea for a few days, you can reintroduce the supplement at a quarter or half dosage and monitor how they are doing.
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