Behaviour
Behavioural Treatment
esp. Dogs, Cats, Horses & Ponies
Behavioural problems may respond to natural medicine treatments, such as homeopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic and natural feeding, especially if they are part of a disease pattern. Some behaviours are intrinsic to the species or breed and are not amenable to treatment.
Like humans, animals exhibit different behaviours, showing instinctive, inherited and acquired characteristics. Some of these behaviours are intrinsic and not to be modified by medical intervention or training. Others can be modified by training and some may be the result of disease, learned behaviour (esp. from adverse stimuli) or dietary problem and may be amenable to medical treatment.
Homeopathy and other holistic medicine systems recognise the patient as a whole being, incorporating mind, body and spirit. As a result of this, behaviour and mental well-being are part of the basic assessment of a patient and, if a particular trait is part of a ‘dis-ease', then it may respond to treatment. For example, many fears, hyperactivity, anxiety, extreme sexual behaviour patterns,coprophagy, inappropriate urination or defaecation and aggressive behaviours have responded in this way, as a sort of ‘by-product' of thorough holistic treatment. Some behaviour even results from pain and chiropractic manipulation has been known to bring about resolution of such problems.
In horses and ponies, we have to keep in mind and respect their evolved instinctive gregarious, herd and grazing behaviour patterns. They also have a strong hierarchical society. The extra dimensions of saddling, tack and riding methodology may each contribute to untoward behavioural responses.
In dogs, the primitive and instinctive ‘peck order' / ‘pack hierarchy' phenomenon plays a part with many behaviour patterns. They are hunters and are evolved to work in groups or packs.
With cats, their natural solitary and territorial behaviour will impinge on many of our interactions with them and govern their behavioural responses.
When setting about trying to treat perceived behavioural problems, as with any physical disease, success will depend upon three things: the body's ability to heal the problem, our ability to find and apply the correct medical stimulus and our success in identifying and removing any potential obstacles to recovery.
The AVMC is always willing to try to help animals that exhibit unfortunate behaviour traits. We would call into play, as needed or indicated, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Bach Flowers, Chiropractic treatment, Acupuncture, Dietary changes etc., as part of an integrated strategy.
