Natural Animal Health Care

This course looks at natural and holistic approaches to animal health care, covering how to recognise signs of ill health and the limitations of conventional medicine. You will learn about natural nutrition, holistic treatments including homeopathy and herbalism, and how to treat common ailments in both domestic pets and livestock. A case study project lets you apply your learning to a real animal health problem. Suitable for pet owners and animal carers interested in complementary approaches to health.

Learn how to look after your pet with natural health treatments. Learn about the nature and scope of natural therapies that can be used to treat animals. Gain knowledge about a holisitic approach to the health of your pet or animals that you look after. Learn how to identify signs of ill health in animals. Study different natural approaches to animal health care, including - naturopathy, herbal treatments, tactile therapy, and homoeopathy. Recognised course - recognised by the Complementary Medical Association. This course is ideal for both animal owners and people who work with animals - from pet shop and animal shelter staff to farmers and animal attendants at wildlife parks. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT Course Duration: 100 hours. Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies. Lessons: The Natural Animal Health Care course comprises 8 lessons as outlined, below. Lesson 1. Introduction to Natural Animal Health Care Limitations of Conventional Medicine Holistic Treatments Homoeopathy Flower Essences Naturopathy Natural Nutrition Tactile Therapy (Massage, Equine Tactile Therapy, Bowen Therapy, Canine Myofunctional Therapy, Physiotherapy, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Microcurrent, Microwave Therapies, Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine) Benefits of Natural Health Care Codes of Practice for Animal Welfare Health and Safety in Veterinary Practice (Separating Animals, Infectious Diseases, Containing Disease, Disposal of Dead/Infected Tissues, Dangerous non-Animal Wastes, Storage & Handling of Supplements/Equipment) Lesson 2. Signs of Ill Health Normal Vital Signs Recognising Ill Health Disease Diagnosis Homoeopathic Remedies Signs of Shock Signs of Internal Bleeding Signs of Poisoning First Aid Lesson 3. Natural Nutrition for Animals The effect of Modern Living on Domestic Animals Processed Pet Foods Affect of Poor Nutrition on Animal Behaviour Good Nutrition for Domesticated Animals (Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats/Lipids, Minerals, Vitamins, Supplements, Recipes) Nutritional Problems in Animals (Allergies, Dermatitis, Overweight, Underweight, Liver Disease), Livestock (Mineral supplements for farm animals, Nutritional Supplements) Lesson 4. Holistic Health Care - Maintaining Health Creating a Healthy Environment (Domestic pets, Livestock) Health Maintenance Preventing Arthritis in Dogs The Vaccination Debate Pet Dental Care Flea Control Disease Prevention in Livestock Preventing Disease in Poultry Avian Influenza Lesson 5. Holistic Health Care - Treating Health Problems Naturopathic Treatment Homeopathic Treatment Herbalism Treating Common Ailments (Arthritis, Skin Problems, Digestive Complaints, Diabetes, Dental Problems ) Pain Management Identifying Pain Pain Relief Medication Herbal Treatments Homoeopathy Flower Essences Physical Therapy Equine Tactile Therapy Bowen Therapy Canine Myofunctional Therapy Behavioural Problems (Dogs - excessive barking, digging, aggression, phobias; Cats - urine spraying, scratching furniture, aggression; Birds) Lesson 6. Animal Diseases & Health Problems (Domestic Animals) Dogs - Distemper, Heartworm, Parvo virus, Hydatid Disease Cats - Ringworm, Feline Aids - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Hairballs, Feline Herpes Virus or Cat Flu Rodents - Respiratory problems and Mycoplasma, Abscesses Reptiles - Mouth Rot or Canker (Stomatitis); cytoparasites (Mites); Pneumonia Fish, Cage Birds, etc. Lesson 7. Animal Diseases & Health Problems (Livestock) Notifiable Diseases Control of Internal Parasites Horses (Tetanus, Lock Jaw, Strangles, Parasites, Colic, Equine Influenza) Cattle (Parasites, Mastitis) Pigs (Exudative Epidermitis of pigs (Greasy Pig), Leptospirosis, Parasites) Sheep (Enterotoxemia (Pulpy Kidney), Cutaneous Myiasis (Blow Fly strike) Poultry (Newcastle Disease (NCD), Yolk Sac Infection, Infectious Bronchitis (IB) Lesson 8. Animal Health Care Case Study Research Project Symptoms of ill-health displayed by an animal Diagnosis of a problem Deciding on a natural course of treatment for a specific health problem Developing a management plan that an owner of the animal can undertake to help treat a problem and relieve associated pain and discomfort Preventing Health Problems is Better than Responding after they Occur Living in the modern world can negatively impact animal health, every bit as much as on human health. Pesticide residues, polluted air and impure foodstuffs can create problems with pets, farm animals and wildlife. By-products from cities and factories such as smoke and traffic fumes can deplete vitamins A, E and C in large quantities. Sprays also deplete these vitamins as well as reducing zinc and magnesium levels. Anaemia is common in many animals despite iron being added to most foods. This is due to the fact that iron cannot be processed by the body without the presence of copper in the diet. Copper can be added to the diet simply by placing a piece of copper conduit in the animal’s drinking water. Well-fed, psychologically content and properly exercised animals, have a healthy immune system which means they are better at fighting disease, are less prone to illness and should live a long and happy life. Creating and maintaining a healthy environment in conjunction with providing a balanced and nutritious diet will always be a preferred way to maintain an animal’s wellbeing. HOW THE COURSE WORKS You can start the Natural Animal Health Care course at any time. It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies. Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help. Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor. The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading. WHAT DO ACS OFFER? Well established, and independent - ACS were established in 1979, and remain an independent distance learning school. Quality - Our courses are written and tutored by specialists, with real world experience. This means that our students can expect to receive a high quality of learning. Start at any time - You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace. Flexible learning - Fit your studies around your busy lifestyle. Choose from online or eLearning options to enable you to study where and when you want to. WHY STUDY NATURAL ANIMAL HEALTH CARE Learn to understand animal health and nutrition. Learn about preventative steps that you can take to maintain a healthy animal. Learn how to identify ill health and use natural approaches to treating it. This course is ideal for people who work with animals, or for animal lovers who want to ensure the best care for their own animals. LEARN MORE WITH ACS We understand how important it is to choose the right course. If you have any questions please use our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE to contact one of our animal health care tutors, they are always happy to help.