Treating Arthritis Naturally: Shockwave Therapy

Arthritis affects 1 in 5 adult dogs and a growing number of cats, especially as they age. If your pet is slowing down, struggling to climb stairs, or showing signs of pain after exercise, osteoarthritis could be the cause.

Common signs of arthritis in pets include:

• Limping or favoring one limb
• Difficulty standing up or lying down
• Reluctance to climb stairs or jump into the car
• Decreased interest in play or exercise
• Muscle atrophy or weight gain
• Behavioral changes (irritability, restlessness)

Shockwave therapy can heal arthritis in your pet

NSAIDS (such as carprofen, deramaxx, and galliprant) or steroids (like prednisone or prednisolone) are typically utilized in pets. These can have a horrible impact on the liver and kidneys of any pet.  Additionally, they do NOT reverse joint degeneration. Studies suggest that shockwave therapy offers more than just temporary relief—it can slow progression of arthritis and stimulate actual healing.

It’s  heartbreaking to watch our once-active companions struggle to move, play, or get comfortable. That’s why it’s so important to explore options beyond just medications—especially those that support natural healing and long-term comfort.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

In veterinary medicine, shockwave therapy is used to treat:

• Canine osteoarthritis (1)
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Non-union fractures or delayed healing bones
• Chronic PAIN – such as back pain
• Post-surgical healing – especially after a knee or hip surgery
• Tendon and ligament injuries – like cranial cruciate ligament tears (CCL tears)

This makes it one of the most promising natural arthritis treatments for dogs and cats—especially when combined with physical rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments!

How Does Shockwave Therapy Help Arthritis?

Shockwave therapy addresses arthritis at the source by:

• Reducing inflammation  Shockwave decreases inflammatory markers such as COX-2 and substance P, helping to reduce swelling and pain (3)
• Stimulating collagen production and tissue regeneration (4)
• Increasing blood flow to joints and surrounding tissues  This includes the growth of new blood vessels—which is critical for delivering nutrients to damaged joints (3)
• Modulating pain through nerve desensitization  By desensitizing nerves and decreasing local pain receptors, ESWT offers lasting relief without pharmaceuticals (2).

In summary, this holistic therapy doesn’t just mask symptoms—it promotes actual healing.

The Natural Choice for Pain Relief

One of the greatest advantages of shockwave therapy for pets is that it is:

• Non-invasive
• Drug-free
• Performed without anesthesia!
• Well-tolerated—even relaxing for many pets (including both cats AND dogs!)

For pet parents seeking a natural arthritis treatment without relying on long-term medications, shockwave offers real hope.

It’s also safe to combine shockwave with other integrative therapies, including acupuncture, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and nutritional support—making it a powerful tool in holistic veterinary care.

What to Expect: A Typical Treatment Plan

• Treatments take 10–30 minutes.
• Usually 4–8 sessions, spaced at least 72 hours apart.

• Improvements are often noticeable within the first few treatments and continue for several months as tissue remodeling progresses.

The pet lies comfortably on a mat or padded surface while the practitioner applies the handheld probe to the affected area.

Some pets even fall asleep during treatment—it’s that gentle.  Watch little Emi in the video during her shockwave treatments above!

Conclusion

Arthritis doesn’t have to mean a life of pain or pills for your pet. Shockwave therapy offers a safe, effective, and natural alternative that targets the root cause of joint degeneration and encourages healing from within.

At Healing Paws Center in Fort Lauderdale, we’ve seen incredible transformations. From senior dogs who couldn’t climb stairs, to athletic dogs with chronic elbow pain, to cats with hip dysplasia—we’ve witnessed pets regain their joy, movement, and vitality thanks to shockwave therapy.

If your pet is showing signs of arthritis, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how shockwave therapy can give your furry friend a new lease on life—naturally.

References:

1. Haussler, K. K., et al. “Short-term clinical effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis.” The Canadian Veterinary Journal11 (2012): 1187–1191.
2. Kieves, N. R., et al. “Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in veterinary medicine.” Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice5 (2017): 1161–1175.
3. Wang, C. J., et al. “Biological mechanism of musculoskeletal shockwaves.” Journal of Orthopaedic Research6 (2003): 983–989.
4. Dahlberg, J., et al. “Extracorporeal shockwave therapy increases subchondral bone porosity in osteoarthritic joints.” Veterinary Surgery4 (2005): 359–364.
5. Lopes, M. A. F., et al. “Clinical use of shockwave therapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis.” Veterinary Record17 (2014): 438

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Why Vitamin D? 

When it comes to your pet’s health, most owners know to keep up with vaccines, heartworm tests, and dental cleanings. But one crucial part of wellness often goes overlooked: Vitamin D levels!

Vitamin D is not just a “bonus” nutrient — it’s an essential part of your pet’s immune, skeletal, and even cardiovascular health.

And unlike humans, dogs and cats can’t synthesize enough Vitamin D from sunlight alone, making it entirely dependent on diet and supplementation.

So why should you test it?

Why Vitamin D Matters for Pets

Vitamin D (specifically 25-hydroxyvitamin D) is essential for multiple key processes in the body, including:

• Immune response – it plays a role in fighting infection and inflammation
  • Low Vitamin D levels have been associated with increased inflammation and decreased survival in critically ill dogs. (2)
  • Vitamin D is an immunomodulator that helps prevent immune overreactions. Testing is especially relevant in pets with: allergies, chronic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and autoimmune arthritis or IMHA
• Heart health – deficiencies have been linked to serious conditions like cardiomyopathy and kidney disease
  • In one study, lower Vitamin D levels were also associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiac events. (6)
• Kidney health
  • Low Vitamin D levels are commonly found in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), potentially contributing to secondary hyperparathyroidism, poor phosphorus regulation, and progression of renal damage (1)
• Calcium and phosphorus balance – crucial for strong bones and teeth
• Muscle strength and nerve function

Low levels of Vitamin D can silently contribute to:

• Chronic inflammation
• Weak bones or dental issues
• Increased risk of infections
• Poor healing or post-surgical recovery

Are Some Pets at Greater Risk?

Yes! Your pet may be more likely to have low Vitamin D if they:

• Eat primarily homemade, raw, or limited-ingredient diets OR commercial diets
  • Even many commercial pet foods do not meet ideal Vitamin D targets despite meeting AAFCO minimums (3)!
  • Vitamin D levels in food do not always correlate with blood levels in pets, meaning dietary intake alone may be an unreliable indicator of sufficiency. (5)
• Have chronic conditions like kidney or liver disease or CANCER!
• Are aging or immunocompromised
• Have frequent infections, joint issues, or low energy levels

How is Vitamin D Tested in Pets?

Healing Paws Center can perform a simple blood test can measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, the most accurate marker of Vitamin D status. It’s often included in our broader nutritional or wellness panel.

At Healing Paws Center, we recommend Vitamin D testing for:

• Pets with unexplained fatigue, inflammation, or mobility issues
• ***ALL CANCER PATIENTS  Dogs with lymphoma and other cancers have been found to have lower Vitamin D levels, and higher Vitamin D levels at diagnosis have been linked to longer survival times. (4)
• Those on non-standard diets
• Senior pets as part of routine checkups
• Pets recovering from injury, illness, or surgery  In a study of hospitalized dogs, those with low serum Vitamin D levels had a higher risk of death, making it a potential biomarker for overall health. (2)

The results tell us whether your pet is deficient, insufficient, or optimal, allowing us to tailor supplements and diet to your pet’s specific needs.

What If My Pet Is Deficient?

The good news is that Vitamin D levels can be corrected with:

• Vet-guided supplementation (important — overdosing can be extremely harmful!)
• Adjustments in diet, especially for pets on homemade or exotic proteins
• Re-testing to ensure safe, effective progress
• Supportive therapies for inflammation, muscle strength, or immune function

Caution: Do not give your pet human Vitamin D or over-the-counter supplements without veterinary guidance—overdosing can be toxic.

The Bottom Line

• Vitamin D is more than a vitamin — it’s a vital building block of your pet’s health. Testing it can uncover hidden imbalances before they become serious, helping your pet live a longer, stronger, and healthier life.
• If you’re interested in checking your pet’s Vitamin D levels, contact us today to schedule a wellness screening. A simple test could make a big difference!

Resources:

1. Parker, V. J., Harjes, L. M., Dembek, K. A., Young, G. S., Giacopuzzi, B., & Chew, D. J. (2017).
   Association of vitamin D metabolites with parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor-23, calcium, and phosphorus in dogs with various stages of chronic kidney disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 31(3), 791–798. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14662
2. Gow, A. G., Else, R., Evans, H., Berry, J., Herrtage, M. E., & Mellanby, R. J. (2011). Vitamin D status is associated with disease severity and survival in dogs with chronic illness. PLoS ONE, 6(1), e14513. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0014513
3. Sharp, C. R., Selting, K. A., & Ringold, R. (2015).
   The effect of diet on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 99(2), 239–246. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12225
4. Selting, K. A., Sharp, C. R., Ringold, R., & Knouse, J. (2016).
   Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs – correlation with health and cancer. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 136. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0776-3
5. Backus, R. C., Boretti, F. S., Lutz, T. A., & Reusch, C. E. (2013). Vitamin D metabolism in dogs and its association with health outcomes: A review. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 74(9), 1159–1166. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.74.9.1159
6. Kraus et al., 2014 – A study published in Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs with congestive heart failure had significantly lower Vitamin D levels, and those with lower levels experienced more adverse cardiac events.
7. Selting, K. A., Sharp, C. R., Ringold, R., & Knouse, J. (2016). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs – correlation with health and cancer. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 136. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0776-3

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Treating Pet Allergies Naturally

As pet owners, watching our furry friends suffer from allergies can be heart-wrenching. Whether it’s from seasonal changes, food sensitivities, or environmental factors, allergies can lead to persistent itching, digestive issues, and overall discomfort!

While conventional veterinary medicine often relies on medications (like Apoquel or the infamous Cytopoint injections) and steroid treatments (like prednisone and dexamethasone injections), holistic veterinary medicine offers a comprehensive approach to managing allergies by addressing the root causes and treating the body as a whole.

Understanding Allergies in Pets

Allergies in pets typically manifest in several ways:

1. REPEATED Skin irritations or infections or hot spots or rashes – this is seen in pets who are SUPER ITCHY and constantly scratching or licking themselves.
2. REPEATED Ear infections
3. Gastrointestinal upset. – Think about it – 90% of our immune system IS in our gut! So it makes sense that any type of immune response could result in diarrhea or any other GI sign!
4. Much, much more!

The Holistic Approach to Pet Allergies

Holistic veterinary medicine integrates various practices that aim to treat the whole animal rather than just the symptoms.

Here is a brief list of the holistic practices that we currently utilize:

1. Diet and Nutrition

Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing allergies!  We often recommend a holistic diet tailored to a pet’s specific needs. This might include:

• SPECIFIC PROTEINS: Identifying and removing allergenic ingredients from the diet to pinpoint food sensitivities.
• HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Ensuring the diet is free from fillers, artificial additives, and preservatives that might exacerbate allergies.
• ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS : Incorporating ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties!

2. Supplements

Supplements can support the immune system and reduce inflammation. Some commonly recommended supplements used in holistic medicine include:

• Probiotics: To support gut health, which is linked to immune function and allergic responses.
• Herbal Remedies: These can naturally soothe skin irritations and support overall wellness.
• Fish Oils: To reduce inflammation and improve skin health.

3. Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance.

For pets with allergies, acupuncture can:

• Reduce Inflammation: By improving circulation and promoting the body’s natural healing processes.
• Enhance Immune Function: By stimulating the body’s regulatory systems.

4. Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are based on the principle of “like cures like,” using highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s healing responses. A holistic vet might use remedies to:

• Address Specific Allergy Symptoms: Such as itching or diarrhea.
• Support Overall Health: By boosting the pet’s resilience and reducing sensitivity to allergens.

5. Environmental Modifications

Holistic care often includes recommendations for reducing environmental allergens.   Individual recommendations always depend on the environment that the pet is exposed to on a daily basis – from daycare, to carpet, to grassy areas! 

6. Veterinary Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy involves administering ozone (O₃), a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms, into the body. The therapy utilizes the unique properties of ozone to promote healing and boost overall health.  

Ozone therapy:

• Targeting underlying inflammation: A BIG component of ANY allergies is the immune system in overdrive!
• Boosting the immune system: Ozone therapy stimulates the immune system to reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Ozone therapy could be administered subcutaneously, rectally, or topically depending on what is going on with the pet.
• Enhancing Skin Health: Ozone has anti-microbial properties that can eliminate infections and promote healthy skin recovery.

Conclusion

Managing pet allergies doesn’t have to be a one-dimensional process. Holistic veterinary medicine offers a rich array of tools and strategies to support your pet’s health in a comprehensive way. By focusing on diet, supplements, acupuncture, homeopathy, environmental changes, and ozone therapy, you can help your furry friend find relief and improve their overall quality of life.

If allergies are causing your pet distress, call us! We can help!

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You can Treat Kidney Disease in Dogs and Cats Naturally

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease and kidney failure in dogs and cats are extremely common diseases in dogs and cats. The kidneys in pets function to help to filter water as well as other nutrients in the body.

How do you know if your dog or cat has kidney disease?

Tests that your veterinarian can utilize to evaluate your dog’s kidneys are bloodwork (specifically looking at the Creatinine and the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), urinalysis (analysis of the urine and how it concentrates), urine culture (culture of the urine to check for bacterial growth), and belly X-rays/ ultrasound.

Kidney disease appears in pets once at least 25% of the kidneys are no longer functioning.

Signs of kidney disease include but are not limited to:

• Increased drinking and urination
• Weight loss
• Decreased energy
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting and nausea
• Clear urine
• And more . . . .

What are some ways to treat dog and cat kidney disease naturally?

Holistic treatments for kidney disease in dogs can include:

1. Veterinary acupuncture and acupressure

Veterinary acupuncture for treatment of kidney disease in dogs can increase blood flow to the kidney to promote healing, increase appetite and energy, and decrease nausea. Renal disease in dogs and cats can make them feel terrible – which makes them not want to eat.

The goal of acupuncture for the dog is always to encourage the body to heal itself.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) theory of kidney disease involves the idea of moving Qi (energy) to the area of damaged or stagnated Qi. Your holistic veterinarian will be able to select acupuncture points such as BL-23 (Bladder-23), BL-39 (Bladder-39), KID-3 (Kidney-3), and ST-36 (Stomach-36).

2. Subcutaneous ozone therapy

Subcutaneous ozone therapy involves hyper-saturation of saline with ozone. Ozone rapidly breaks down into oxygen within the body. Thus, subcutaneous ozone therapy allows your holistic veterinarian to increase the level of oxygen with your dog’s body. Increased oxygen levels allow for improved mitochondrial function, and improved cell growth within the body.

3. Herbal therapy

Herbal therapy for treatment of kidney disease in dogs utilizes specific Chinese herbal blends to support the kidney’s functions. These herbs could included Rehmannia blends, Hindquarter Weakness, and much, much more.

4. Food therapy.

Food therapy for treatment of kidney disease in dogs allows the body to utilize foods that are naturally nutritious for the damaged kidneys. Particular foods can include kidney beans, brown rice, and more!

Your holistic veterinarian will select these foods based on the underlying Traditional Chinese Veterinary Pattern.

These holistic therapies for dogs can be combined with Western medications and more. At Healing Paws Center, we have treated many cases with integrative care (combining Western and Eastern therapies) to obtain the optimal results.

We recommend starting acupuncture, and all of these holistic methods as soon as possible!

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Your dog needs to get their daily dose of exercise, and depending on the breed, more than just once a day. What better way for you to get exercise too than to do it with your dog? Enjoying fun exercise with your dog is not only a necessity for both yours and your dog’s health, but goes a long way to strengthening the bond between pet and owner.

Do you live in a built up area with very few green spaces? Or are you in a more rural area where you’ve got loads of space to do whatever activity takes your fancy? Wherever you live, these ideas will help to boost your dog’s activity levels and overall health…

There’s More To Life Than Catch

Playing ball is, of course, one of the best places to start as most dogs love their ball. If you have a cheeky boy or girl who does fetch when you throw, but doesn’t allow you to get to it in order to throw again, try the two ball technique. This is where you have one ball to throw at all times, and your dog is more likely to let go of the one they have – which means a constant level of activity for them, never mind fun! This activity can also be done with sturdy sticks found on the ground in the park, the key is just to have two items.

But activities needn’t be confined to playing fetch. There are a large variety of other games you can play with your dog, including:

• Agility
• Frisbee
• Hiking
• Long walks
• Tug of war (a fun article to read: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/playing-tug-of-war-with-your-dog)
• And even more exciting pursuits such as surfing.

 How Much Is Too Much?

Some activities are better for cities and others will be better for rural areas but, in general, all dogs should have a minimum level of exercise. This is dependent on breed and age, as well as their general health, though aim for around half an hour to 2 hours a day according to PetMD (http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_exercising_with_your_dog101).  It can be split into two or three shorter sessions or be one long one – whichever fits in with your schedule, but ideally two shorter sessions.

There are some conditions however which will mean your dog cannot do as much physical activity as mentioned here, and in such cases, you should definitely check any specifics with your family vet. There will be some playtime activities which are not recommended with arthritic dogs or those with hip dysplasia, and are absolutely unsafe. You’re not completely without variety though, so do ask your vet about fun ways to exercise with your dog.

Great Ideas For Dogs With Physical Issues

One great example which is perfect for these animals is swimming. Dogs experiencing arthritic symptoms will benefit from regular swimming due to its non-weight bearing nature, and is very good for easing stress, and pressure on joints, tendons, muscles, and nerves in general. Exercising in this low-impact manner still allows for the heart rate to increase, and gets the blood pumping, taking fresh oxygen to the muscles, helping to keep the joints flexible. Warmer water would be better than cold, but any water is better than none at all, so have a blast swimming with your dog. If you’d like to read more, visit this link: http://www.pedigree.com/all-things-dog/article-library/why-swimming-is-good-for-older-dogs.aspx.

Another great activity which can be suitable in most types of environments is agility training. It’s a lot of fun for your dog, and amazing to see what they are capable of achieving. Getting involved in agility activities doesn’t mean you have to compete, so even if you have an older, less sprightly dog, they can still enjoy the activities either by attending classes or setting up your own track at home or your nearby park. Remember to start slowly to get your dog used to it. It would be a good idea to attend a class or two first to see ways of setting up courses. Agility is excellent for developing your dog’s confidence. Have a look at this video for just some of the basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS1R2bhdcWA.

“Dog Tag” is also a really fun way to play with your dog, getting both of your heart rates’ going. Dog Tag is as simple as it sounds, and you can do it at home, outside in the garden, at the park, in open woodland…wherever you want. Here is a cute video to demonstrate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YWhCQjHChM.

Remember though, with any dog, the most important first step when exercising is to take a few minutes to warm up first by walking at a moderate pace, and don’t forget the cool down phase at the end of your activity too.

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