Healing Paws provides a variety of integrative and alternative veterinary care for dogs and cats of all ages.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is beneficial for many different health concerns and illnesses. It is most commonly used in veterinary patients to help alleviate arthritic, neurologic or soft tissue pain. Many of our senior patients experience improvement in energy and mobility, while they have significantly less pain. Some patients can even decrease or stop pain medication! Acupuncture is also used for conditions such as gastrointestinal disease, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid dysfunction and fecal or urinary incontinence.
Testimonial
"Our dog, Roscoe, first met Dr. Radebaugh three years ago for skin issues and was not able to get up and walk without pain. Healing Paws made a plan to stop the skin allergies and ease or eliminate the pain in his bones and nerves. This was accomplished through diet, supplements and acupuncture. With acupuncture every six weeks, he’s made tremendous progress. He walks free of pain 30 minutes daily, runs and plays some (even with a lab puppy!) We are amazed at his improvements and so happy that he loves his visits to Healing Paws." —Ken
Eighty percent of dogs and cats respond well to acupuncture. Strong responders may show improvement after one or two treatments. Most pets require four to six sessions before they display measurable benefits.
A typical acupuncture treatment is fifteen to twenty minutes. During an acupuncture appointment, your dog or cat lies on a comfortable bed. Six to twenty stainless steel sterile needles are placed in specific acupuncture points on the head, back or extremities.
Acupuncture causes endorphins (natural relaxing hormones) to be released which helps many pets to relax or even fall asleep. Moxa (heated mugwort) or electroacupuncture may be added to your pet’s treatment.
Homeopathy
Developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in Germany in the early 1800’s, homeopathy is based on the theory "like cures like." It is a gentle form of medicine that nudges the immune system towards homeostasis. It uses substances that in large amounts cause unwanted symptoms; but in dilute, potentized amounts cause a healing response and rebalance the body. Opposite of conventional medicines, the more dilute the homeopathic medicine, the stronger it becomes. Homepathic medicines are called remedies and one example many people are familiar with is arnica, which can be used for injuries and bruising.
Patients receive homeopathic remedies more infrequently than conventional medicines. Most dogs and cats receive a remedy every 4-8 weeks. During this time, pet parents take daily notes and send weekly emails for Dr. Radebaugh’s review. Treatment is continued until symptoms resolve and a certain level of health is attained.
Western herbs, whole food and glandular supplements
Testimonial
"Our cat’s saga began almost two years ago when she began to lose weight at an alarming rate. After a thorough work-up, she was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. The conventional veterinarian prescribed a tolerable kibble and steroids. After a year of flare-ups and continual weight loss, we were worried Lizzy may not make it. Luckily, we found Dr. Elise and her caring staff at Healing Paws. With the help of a natural diet, supplements and suggestions from Dr. Elise, the results were fantastic. Lizzybelle’s bloodwork dramatically improved and her coat became shiny and soft." —Candace
"Even when I have a calendar reminder to call back to report on our progress, the HPWC always calls us first to check on Paisley. No other veterinary clinic has ever provided such thoughtful and thorough care." —Kim
A balanced diet with varied, fresh, whole food is the foundation for providing your pet with balanced nutrients, vitamins and minerals. However, ill or senior animals often require higher levels of nutrients, antioxidants or supplements that provide therapeutic effects. For healthy pets, we recommend several supplements to balance home-made diets or to improve the quality and bioavailability of processed and commercial foods.
All of the supplements we carry have been researched by Dr. Radebaugh. She has chosen companies that are supported by decades of experience and produce the highest quality products.
Nutritional Counseling
"Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food" —Hippocrates
With every parent we meet, we always discuss how to provide a more nutritious diet for their dogs and cats. We always discuss what diet and food options work best for the family’s pocket-book and time availability! We typically start by decreasing or even eliminating processed dry kibble. Meanwhile, we add in a variety of fresh, whole food that is either dehydrated, freeze-dried, cooked or raw.
Diagnostics & Laboratory Testing
At Healing Paws Wellness Center, we are able to perform a variety of diagnostics such as: blood work, urine and fecal analysis, fine-needle aspirates for skin growths and masses, heartworm tests, FeLV/FIV test and vaccine titer levels.
Wellness Care
We love to meet pets for their annual or biannual wellness examinations/consultations. When our dogs and cats are healthy, it is very rewarding to improve their diet or add a supplement and see how they become even more healthy! Wellness exams are especially important as our pets cannot talk to us, expressing early signs of illness, disease or discomfort. Where as you or I may say, “I have a dull pain in my hip” or “my stomach feels nauseous,” our pets do not have this ability. Therefore, annual or biannual physical examinations may uncover a concern or abnormality before it becomes prominent or more serious.
During an annual wellness examination/consultation, we discuss the following:
- Non-conventional vaccine protocols using the safest vaccine formulas
- Vaccines versus vaccine titer testing
- Understanding heartworm testing & prevention
- Individualized intestinal parasites & treatment
- Natural flea prevention & control
- Dental care & prevention
- Diet/nutrition & supplements
Testimonial
"I still remember when Sadie looked like an incredibly thin, timid, sick pup. Although she still has a little way to go, she is 200% better than when I first brought her to Healing Paws. People now compliment her on how beautiful, happy and healthy she looks." —Katie
"My ten-year-old Bichon was diagnosed with adrenal gland malfunction and various other problems. Treatments that I considered drastic were suggested by her conventional veterinarian. Then I found out about Healing Paws and their homeopathic philosophy for the treatment of pets. After only days on their treatment plan and new diet, I could see improvement in her. Astounding! Now Maggie is running again, hunting for squirrels, and playing with toys by herself. She is visibly happier and healthier. Part of the excellent pet care is credited to the caring and knowledgeable staff. As soon as you enter the office, you know this isn't the ordinary Veterinarian practice." —Gratia
Wellness Care also includes:
- Puppy & Kitten Examination/Consultation - The earlier we implement holistic practices into your pet’s health care, the longer and healthier your pet will live!
- End-of-life counseling/Euthanasia/Cremation - This is the hardest part of being a pet parent. We understand how difficult it is to know when to say good-bye to a furry family member. We help our clients through this process during their pet’s final weeks and months.
Services Not Offered
Healing Paws Wellness Center provides the majority of the care your dog or cat will require. However, as a small holistic clinic, there are a few services we do not provide. If your pet requires any of these services or if your pet would benefit from seeing a specialist, we are happy to provide referrals to conventional hospitals.
Services not offered
- X-rays
- Surgery
- Dentistry
- Critical or emergency care
- In-patient hospital care
