Beyond the Vet: Why Holistic Therapy Is Transforming Cavoodle Care

As a Cavoodle mum to Bambi & Daisy, I will do anything to make sure they live their happiest and healthiest lives. All of us cavoodle parents want that, right?

So sometimes when traditional medicine or treatments aren’t right for them, we might consider more holistic forms of treatment.

I have recently learnt more about this after talking to Neil Barnsley from Animal Holistic Therapies and found it fascinating. Holistic therapy is not just to treat illness, but can keep your cavoodle healthy, balanced, and happy for years to come.

If you are not sure what Holistic therapy is or what it involves, then keep reading and I will explain how it differs from traditional veterinary treatments, and why it can be particularly beneficial for Cavoodles.

What Is Holistic Therapy?

Holistic therapy focuses on treating the whole animal (body, mind, and spirit), rather than addressing symptoms in isolation. It recognises that everything is connected: diet, environment, emotional wellbeing, and physical health all influence each other.

Practitioners such as those at Animal Holistic Therapies in Australia use a combination of gentle, non-invasive treatments designed to restore balance and support natural healing. Common modalities include:

• Acupuncture – to stimulate nerve function, improve blood flow, and relieve pain

• Chiropractic and spinal therapy – to realign the spine and joints

• Laser (photobiomodulation) therapy – to reduce inflammation and speed up tissue repair

• Myotherapy and trigger-point therapy – to relax tight muscles and improve movement

• Chinese herbal medicine – to support organ function and balance the body

• Natural supplements and nutrition advice – to improve skin, coat, and immune health

Rather than focusing on “fixing” one issue, holistic therapy looks at why a problem developed and how to prevent it from recurring.

Why Cavoodles Benefit from a Holistic Approach

Cavoodles inherit traits and vulnerabilities from both parent breeds. Their mixed heritage makes them sweet-natured and intelligent, but it can also predispose them to certain health concerns. Holistic therapy is especially well-suited to managing these common Cavoodle issues:

1. Joint and Mobility Problems

Because of their Cavalier lineage, Cavoodles can be prone to patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) and hip dysplasia. Their Poodle genes can also predispose them to joint stiffness and arthritis later in life.

Holistic therapies such as acupuncture, myotherapy, and laser therapy help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote joint flexibility. Regular treatments can delay the progression of arthritis and improve movement without heavy reliance on pain medication.

2. Spinal Sensitivity and IVDD

Like many small breeds, Cavoodles are at risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD),  a painful condition affecting the spine. IVDD can be treated using a combination of acupuncture, laser, and chiropractic care to relieve nerve pressure and support healing.

Early intervention with holistic care can help maintain spinal alignment, improve posture, and prevent flare-ups, especially in active Cavoodles who love to jump and twist when they play.

3. Anxiety and Emotional Imbalance

Cavoodles like to be around people and can suffer from separation anxiety, stress, or overexcitement if left alone for long periods. Holistic therapy addresses emotional well-being alongside physical health.

Gentle bodywork, acupuncture, and certain Chinese herbal remedies can help calm the nervous system. Practitioners may also suggest changes in daily routines, exercise patterns, or diet to create a more balanced, confident dog.

4. Sensitive Skin and Allergies

Many Cavoodles have sensitive skin or are prone to itchiness, dryness, or allergies. Instead of simply masking symptoms with medicated shampoos or steroids, holistic practitioners work to identify the root cause, whether it’s a food intolerance, environmental trigger, or immune imbalance.

Natural supplements such as omega fatty acids, herbal blends, and topical treatments can support skin health while reducing inflammation gently and safely.

5. Digestive and Nutritional Concerns

A healthy gut is the cornerstone of a healthy Cavoodle. Holistic practitioners often provide nutritional advice tailored to your dog’s needs, focusing on whole, fresh ingredients and supplements that support digestion.

Chinese herbal medicine and probiotics can also help improve nutrient absorption, reduce bloating, and maintain a healthy microbiome which is key for dogs with food sensitivities.

6. Aging and Preventative Care

As Cavoodles grow older, they may slow down or develop stiffness, cognitive changes, or low energy. Regular holistic treatments can improve circulation, reduce pain, and help older dogs stay mobile and engaged. Preventative sessions are also a great way to maintain muscle tone, joint health, and emotional stability as they age.

How Holistic Therapy Differs from Traditional Vet Care

Traditional veterinary medicine is essential for diagnosing and treating acute or serious medical conditions. However, it often focuses on controlling symptoms with medication or surgery. Holistic therapy, on the other hand, complements conventional care by supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Holistic therapy doesn’t replace veterinary care, it enhances it. For example, a Cavoodle with arthritis might use anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by their vet while receiving laser therapy and massage to improve comfort and flexibility. This combined approach often reduces the need for long-term medication.

What to Expect from a Holistic Session

A typical holistic session for a Cavoodle begins with a full-body assessment. The practitioner will look at posture, gait, muscle tone, coat condition, diet, and behaviour to understand the dog’s overall health.

A treatment plan might include:

• Weekly acupuncture or laser therapy to relieve inflammation

• Gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve mobility

• Myotherapy for muscle tension

• Natural supplements for joint and immune support

• Advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle

We recently chatted to Neil Barnsley from Animal Holistic Therapies so if you missed it and then find it on our instagram feed here

Neil is a third-generation holistic practitioner with over 20 years of experience (so he knows his stuff) and he creates customised treatment plans for each pet, focusing on long-term comfort and vitality.

The Benefits in Daily Life

Owners often report that after a few sessions of holistic therapy, their Cavoodles:

• Move more freely and show less stiffness

• Sleep more deeply and relax more easily

• Have shinier coats and healthier skin

• Experience fewer flare-ups of joint or spinal pain

• Show calmer, happier demeanours

Holistic therapy offers Cavoodle owners a gentle, personalised, and natural way to care for their dogs. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of health, therapies like acupuncture, laser, chiropractic, and herbal support can help manage common breed issues, from joint pain and spinal health to anxiety and skin sensitivities.

For those looking to explore this a bit more, than we definitely recommend talking to Neil at Animal Holistic Therapies. Click here and if you use the code MYCAVOODLE you’ll get a 5% discount.

While it’s not a replacement for traditional veterinary care, holistic therapy can be a valuable partner in keeping your Cavoodle comfortable, balanced, and thriving at every stage of life.