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Veterinarians have used ozone therapy in veterinary medicine for over a century, but it has experienced a resurgence in popularity since the beginning of the 21st century. Veterinary medical researchers have found that the substance has multiple uses and advantages in treating animals.

Most associate ozone with the layers of O3 found in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. However, researchers have recreated this substance by passing pure medical-grade oxygen through a tube with a low-voltage electrical charge. Researchers do not use regular oxygen from the air because of the high percentage of nitrogen (20 percent). The electrical charge causes pure oxygen atoms to split, resulting in the combination of two oxygen molecules into one oxygen molecule and one oxygen molecule.

When used to treat animals, the substance breaks down into one or two molecules in the body, treating animals for various conditions. Veterinarians administer the drug intravenously to treat Lyme disease, septicemia, and liver and kidney infections. They also use it as an inhalant to treat upper and lower respiratory infections when percolated with olive oil. Vets inject ozone into animal joints to treat infections, to treat pain in tendons and ligaments of animals, and to treat a range of gastrointestinal conditions, including GI tumors.

Other uses for ozone include immunotherapy, where veterinarians inject it into the animal’s blood. Ozonated olive oil also has uses in treating cats with stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and dogs with chronic periodontitis (a dental condition), as well as various topical wounds. The therapy has uses in treating fungal infections, bacterial infections, circulatory arterial diseases, skin lesions, external ulcers, hepatitis, and as a supportive therapy in treating cancer.

Benefits include the treatment's versatility in treating various conditions and its ease of administration. Furthermore, vets can administer the therapy externally and internally, and it can be combined with other gels and oils, providing vets with alternatives for treating animals.

Ozone treatments can help alleviate various conditions because they disrupt oxygen levels in the body, which results in the starvation or damage of cells. The treatment method enhances oxygen delivery and cellular metabolism by simply administering oxygen to the affected site. By infusing oxygen into the animal’s body, the oxygen restores depleted levels, restoring cells and tissues.

The therapeutic power of oxygen makes the treatment safe. Normally, oxygen only has two atoms. The additional atom in ozone, an unassigned radical, targets damaged cells without impacting healthy cells since an enzyme immune to ozone protects it.

The treatment provides various health benefits as part of the animal's routine care. It also facilitates rapid wound recovery in animals by accelerating tissue repair and cell regeneration, while boosting immunity and supporting disease prevention. Ozone also possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that do not lead to resistance.

Longevity Veterinary Center offers a variety of integrative therapies for pets, including cold laser therapy, ozone treatment, HEALY device treatment, and Bach flower remedies. The latter derived from the pioneering work of Edward Bach, who practiced as a physician and homeopath in the early 20th century. His concept was that healing negative emotions encourages bodily healing, and he employed natural substances such as minerals and plants to aid this healing. Much like homeopathy, the substances are diluted in a liquid substrate. The 38 remedies he designed counter various psychological issues, including uncertainty, anxiety, loneliness, and sadness.

Bach flower remedies for pets reflect the fact that animals feel many of the same emotions that humans do. Unfortunately, when emotionally out of balance, pets cannot express their issue clearly in language. This makes providing a variety of dilutions advisable, and Rescue Remedy Pet brings together five distinct formulations.

These include Star of Bethlehem (Orithogalum umbellatum), which helps animals overcome trauma and Rock Rose (helianthemum), which addresses panic or terror, whether related to an accident or visiting the vet. Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) helps animals who constantly bark, scratch, or lick to regain control over their actions, while Impatiens (Impatiens gladulifera) encourages pets to patiently wait for anticipated events such as taking a walk or mealtime. Clematis (Clematis vitalba) is designed for pets who don't pay much attention to their surroundings and sleep excessively. Applying each solution is as simple as adding a few drops to drinking water, or rubbing it on the pet’s ears or paws.

Another advanced Longevity Veterinary Center offering is cold laser therapy. This noninvasive procedure involves the use of light in boosting blood circulation and encouraging cell regeneration and wound healing. While the laser may feel warm to the pet, it is cooler than hot laser treatments that target deeper tissues. It can also address soft tissue and tendon injuries, and ease the pain associated with arthritis. Because the laser is too bright to be directly looked at, veterinarian team members don specialized glasses (and the pet is fitted with "Doggles") when applying the therapy and keep the laser trained on the body of the pet at all times. Also known as low-level laser therapy (3LT), the procedure can be combined with chiropractic adjustment and acupuncture that relaxes the dog’s body.

Canines that receive HEALY treatment benefit from a leading edge device that employs principles of frequency therapy. This focuses on the electricity and pulses that drive body functions. Disruptions to these pulses are associated with weakness, stress, and impaired immune system. The HEALY device, originally developed for humans, addresses headaches, anxiety, and muscle and back pain. Matching the natural electrical frequency of the animal, it generates a low pulse that radiates across the applied area, harmonizing the bioenergetic field.

Dogs and cats, like humans, may develop aging-related diseases and conditions. As they age, they may need more attention and extra care to enhance their quality of life. One way pet owners can enhance their pets’ quality of life is by keeping them active. This promotes their physical and mental health. Frequent wellness exams are crucial as they help catch problems before they become life-threatening.

A 10-year-old cat is considered senior, while dogs are considered senior when they reach the last quarter of their estimated lifespan, which varies across breeds and sizes. While aging-related pet diseases are unavoidable, they’re manageable. A once-a-year visit to the vet may suffice for a younger dog or cat. A senior may need two vet visits a year or more, especially if the breed is prone to particular aging-related diseases and conditions. Also, exams, like bloodwork, have become more in-depth in detecting aging-related health problems.

Pet owners may also need to change their pet’s diet and environment. As pets age, their teeth may weaken, and their metabolism drop. Senior pets may need foods that are easy to chew and digest.

A pet’s living environment may also have to change to accommodate aging pets. Accommodations for pets struggling to stand, sit, or walk may include raising their feeding platform, installing pet stairs or ramps, or getting orthopedic pet beds. Also, the diet should provide different energy levels depending on a pet’s activity level. Weight gain compounds the health problems senior dogs face. For senior cats, weight loss increases susceptibility to diseases.

As pets age, their immunity drops. Vaccination and stricter parasite control help prevent disease. Spaying (removal of ovaries) and neutering (removal of testes) senior pets help reduce the risk of reproductive diseases like breast, prostate, or testicular cancer.

Pet owners should also try to maintain their pets’ mobility to keep them happier and healthier. They should also stimulate their pets mentally through interactions and challenges to counter aging-related cognitive decline.

Physical aging-related changes, such as graying and slowing down, are easy to spot. Without frequent vet exams, internal changes may go undetected until too late. Five in 10 dogs and a third of cats over 10 years die of cancer. Other aging-related pet diseases and conditions include abdominal swelling, skin discoloration, non-healing sores, decreased appetite, etc.

Behavior-wise, a pet may bark or meow unnecessarily to loud sounds, even familiar ones. Some become overly aggressive or protective. Pets may also become confused, characterized by wandering and house soiling. Other signs of aging are increased anxiety, poor eyesight, and less interest in playing.

The behavioral changes may be due to cognitive decline, discomfort, or pain. Discomfort may be a sign of arthritis (a condition affecting the joints) or a natural aging process. A vet may perform various tests to discover the underlying causes behind a pet’s changing behaviors or decreased activity levels. Medications, nutrient-dense diets, and therapies may help support the brain and physical functions of senior pets.

When dogs interact with each other, one may bite another. However, it has not become common because dogs almost always signal fear or anxiety before biting. Typically, their bites reflect past traumas, and nothing may prevent them from lashing out against an energetic or playfully aggressive dog.

While lunging, growling, snarling, snapping, and baring teeth are obvious signs to stay away, subtle signs may include flattening ears, licking lips, crouching, yawning, and moving away. When confronted by such signs, calmly and decisively walk the dog away. Don’t make eye contact or shout at the other dog since it can increase a sense of threat. Do not place yourself between the two dogs, as you may get bitten yourself. Controlling your dog is the priority; let the other owner take care of their canine. Sometimes, a loud clap can be effective in momentarily distracting the two antagonistic dogs.

If a bite occurs, approach the other dog owner (after the situation has calmed down) and request their phone number and other details. Find out if the other owner has pet insurance and the dog is current on all vaccinations. If necessary, take photos. Homeowners insurance often covers some of the associated medical expenses if the bite occurs on another person's property.

Nicks and scratches on the nose and mouth are relatively common and heal quickly. Bites on the torso, neck, and around joints tend toward irritation and infection. The dog’s hair may make finding and cleaning the wound difficult.

Serious bites may involve profuse bleeding and altered gait. In some cases, you may need to carry the dog. If so, carefully approach and pick up the canine since the dog has most likely become frightened and unbalanced and may bite you, even if it ordinarily is gentle. While large bites seem more serious, small bites can pose the same infection risks. The tooth that punctures the skin creates internal pockets that serve as ideal breeding grounds for bacteria transferred from the aggressor's mouth. Untreated, these bacteria often multiply; even the smallest bite has elevated infection risks. Forms of infection include cellulitis (tissue infection), infection of joints or bone, and pus accumulating in the abdominal or chest cavity.

For this reason, any bite should trigger a visit to the veterinarian or emergency animal hospital. Any unusual behavior, such as sluggishness, challenged breathing, or vomiting, merits an immediate visit to the vet. Also, look for symptoms such as rapid breathing and pale gums, and keep the canine warm if shock is suspected.

Animal doctors typically handle small bites by clipping surrounding hair and treating the wound with an antibacterial solution. Saline may clean the wound, and the vet may prescribe antibiotics. For bites with deep punctures or pockets, the vet may anesthetize the dog, remove damaged tissue, add stitches, and drain the wound for up to five days to prevent pooling infection.

Longevity Veterinary Care in Whippany, New Jersey, offers alternative therapies to complement the conventional veterinary care that it provides. Pet owners in and around Whippany can visit Longevity Veterinary Care or schedule an appointment to avail of alternative therapies such as chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and veterinary orthopedic manipulation (VOM).

VOM is an alternative treatment technique used to treat a wide variety of injuries and diseases by re-establishing healthy communication in an animal’s nervous system. It works similarly to acupuncture in that both techniques are used to restore an animal’s bodily functions by reducing subluxations. Subluxations are misaligned joints of the spine which impair effective communication in the nervous system. VOM is applied on dogs, cats, horses, and other animals.

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system mistakenly targets its own cells and proteins. Such unwanted systemic responses, impacting healthy cells, can eventually compromise tissues and organs.

One of the most common canine autoimmune diseases is autoimmune thyroiditis. A type of hypothyroidism involves the immune system generating antibodies that work against the functioning of the thyroid gland. In dogs, the thyroid comprises two lobes situated in the front of the neck, which ensure a well-functioning metabolism. There are two primary forms of hypothyroidism: thyroiditis and atrophy. The latter involves a replacement of regular thyroid tissue with connective tissue and fat. The autoimmune condition, thyroiditis, is often hereditary and involves inflammation (with atrophy sometimes a final stage).

Most prevalent in neutered males and spayed females, hypothyroidism predominately impacts medium to large breeds and dogs that have reached middle age. It does not typically present symptoms until the gland is around 75 percent gone and the dog no longer produces sufficient hormones. Among the common symptoms are thickening skin and increasing weight, even without greater appetite or food intake. The dog may also lack mental acuity and intolerance to exercise and cold. Hair loss and fur thinning are focussed on the trunk and often begin at the tail, giving the canine a “rat tail” look.

Commonly prescribed drugs for regulating thyroid hormone levels include steroids such as prednisone, antibiotics in the sulfa class, and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prescriptions also often include levothyroxine (L-T4), a synthetic thyroid hormone.

For pet owners seeking natural pathways to canine wellness, diet supplements, and diet modification are recommended. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has an inhibitory effect on COX-2 and other inflammatory enzymes. Chia seeds possess high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and assist in immune response and systemic inflammation reduction.

Flaxseeds and pumpkins contain antioxidants that play a critical role in containing oxidative damage and inflammation. Selenium relieves the oxidative stress associated with compromised immune function, while zinc supports the proper functioning of immune cells.

The probiotic bacillus velezensis has immunomodulatory functions, as it works to decrease systemic inflammation by adding balance to the gut microbiome. Other probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have benefits for canines with autoimmune thyroiditis. Recommended prebiotics include MOS and beta-glucans, which occur naturally in oats and certain mushrooms.

Supplements with proven effects include the flavonoid quercetin, which modulates histamine production and helps manage thyroiditis symptoms. Another potent diet addition is milk thistle’s active compound, silymarin, which encourages detoxification and reduces the oxidative load on the liver. Ashwagandha and holy basil (tulsi) work to moderate stress responses, which can exacerbate inflammation. Dogs with the disease may want to avoid dairy products, which often trigger immune responses.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a nonprofit association that represents the interests of over 100,000 veterinarians, endorsed a bipartisan bill introduced in the House of Representatives that seeks to make pet care affordable to pet owners. The proposed legislation, the People and Animals Well-being Act (PAW), will allow pet owners to use up to $1,000 out of their flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health saving accounts (HSA) for veterinary care.

In a statement, AVMA president Sandra Faeh said that making veterinary care as eligible expenses under FSA and HSA makes pet care affordable and more accessible to pets and service animals, and may even help enhance the detection and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. AVMA was joined by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and insurance company MetLife in endorsing the PAW Act.

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association published a new study that found an easy and innovative way to keep dogs away from heat-related illnesses. According to the report, researchers from the Penn Vet Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania found that the most effective method for dogs to cool down after an exercise is to voluntarily dunk their heads in water. The study, which compared different cooling methods, also said this technique may be very helpful to dog handlers in situations with limited access to large bodies of water.

According to lead researcher Dr. Cynthia Otto, dogs experience increased blood flow to the head, nose, ears, and tongue during heat stress. Cooling the tissues in the head, therefore, can rapidly cool the entire body and reduce the risk of heat injury or heat stroke. The researchers emphasized that if dog owners suspect a case of overheating, the rule to follow is “Cool first, transport second.” This rule means that dog owners must immediately apply a cooling process before bringing the dog to a veterinarian for more appropriate veterinary care.

The renewed feeling that accompanies a spinal manipulation has evolved from its origins as a complementary therapy to traditional medicine to a staple in popular culture. Interestingly, its application in animal care is on the rise.

Similar to their human professional counterparts, animal chiropractors need specific training in the anatomy and chiropractic techniques for their animal patients. This is to ensure a proper knowledge of species differences and the best ways to adjust the vertebrae. The International Veterinary Chiropractic Association offers certification programs for vets.

Animal chiropractic diagnoses and treats vertebral subluxation complexes (VSCs) and dysfunctional joints of the spine and extremities, according to the University of Illinois’ Dr. Catherine Foreman-Hesterberg. VSCs comprise functional and structural changes of the spinal column, which may lead to pathological conditions affecting the nervous system, viscera, and musculoskeletal system.

Almost all animals, regardless of species or age, can receive chiropractic adjustments as long as they are receptive to treatment and safe to handle. Unlike stiffer older animals, young animals tend to be more flexible. Therefore, a chiropractor needs to know when to switch techniques based on specific animal needs.

Chiropractic adjustment is a complementary treatment for certain animal conditions. While it doesn't replace traditional Western medical care, it can enhance it. It is most effective for animals with conditions of biomechanical or neurological origin. Degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc disease are examples of such disorders. However, animals with primary neurological conditions require thorough evaluations by their primary veterinarian and a board-certified neurologist before any chiropractic techniques are applied.

For optimal functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, it’s critical to ensure normal range of motion of the vertebrae. This helps to circulate specific cells to particular body parts and remove toxins from the body.

Show animals such as horses can benefit from chiropractic care, especially when it comes to standing correctly in the show ring, a factor that influences their scoring. Chiropractic adjustment may also help animals in their recovery post-surgery.

Prior to performing adjustments, there is a necessary review of the animal’s medical history from the referring veterinarian followed by an extensive physical exam. Animals remain fully aware during the adjustment, neither sedated nor anesthetized. Sedation or general anesthesia renders an animal incapable of resisting palpation and manipulation, which can lead to over-correction and injury.

Using the hands, the animal chiropractor feels the joints and movement of the animal, applying a gentle but specific thrust if a correction is necessary. A crack or pop sound may accompany the release of the joint, but this is less common in animals than in humans.