From a young age, Dr. Divya Naik aspired to become a veterinary doctor. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, she could not pursue this childhood dream. Nevertheless, Ayurveda had always been an integral part of her life, as her family consistently followed its principles and treatments. This deep-rooted connection eventually led her to pursue a career in Ayurveda, making it her second calling.
After completing her graduation, Dr. Naik sought practical experience by joining the clinic of her esteemed professor, Dr. Gautam Khandeparkar. A few months later, an advertisement in the newspaper caught her attention—there was an opening for an AYUSH Medical Officer. Wanting to serve at the grassroots level, she eagerly applied, hoping to extend the reach of Ayurveda to the rural community. This decision proved to be a turning point, allowing her to integrate traditional healing into community healthcare.
Discovering Pashu Ayurveda: A Life-Changing Revelation
During her second year of college, Dr. Naik attended a conference that introduced her to Pashu Ayurveda—the application of Ayurvedic principles in veterinary medicine. This revelation was an emotional breakthrough, as she realized she had a second chance to fulfill her passion for animal care while remaining rooted in Ayurveda.
Despite witnessing the benefits of Ayurveda in her own pets, she lacked the confidence to extend her treatments to a broader range of animals. Moreover, the absence of formal courses and societal acceptance posed significant challenges. However, destiny intervened when she came across a brochure for the World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo, an international conference scheduled for December 2022. Seeing Pashu Ayurveda listed as a subject for both paper and poster presentations, she felt a deep sense of purpose and motivation. This led her to conduct her first clinical study at Panjim Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), where she successfully treated stray animals suffering from wounds using Ayurvedic medicine.
Transformative Experience with PAWS
Her collaboration with PAWS was a defining moment, significantly expanding her exposure to treating stray animals. Previously, her experience was limited to her own pets and a few stray dogs and cats in her locality. However, PAWS provided her with invaluable insights into the wide spectrum of health issues faced by these animals. This hands-on experience refined her understanding of animal healthcare and strengthened her resolve to continue working in this field.
The Ancient Science of Pashu Ayurveda
Pashu Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of veterinary healthcare, originates from Ayurveda—the traditional science of life. The term combines “Pashu” (animal) and “Ayurveda” (science of life), emphasizing a holistic approach that prioritizes overall health over merely treating diseases. It includes sub-branches like Ashwa Ayurveda (for horses), Gaja Ayurveda (for elephants), and Go Ayurveda (for cows).
Dating back to the Mahabharata era (5000-6000 B.C.), Pashu Ayurveda has been practiced for thousands of years. Historical records show animal domestication in India began around 6000-4500 B.C. Renowned physician Shalihotra, the first known veterinarian and father of Indian veterinary sciences, played a key role in pioneering Ayurvedic animal care.
Unlike Western veterinary medicine, which follows a standardized approach, Pashu Ayurveda sees each animal as unique. It uses natural remedies like herbs, minerals, and dietary changes to prevent and treat diseases. Conventional medicine often relies on pharmaceuticals, which may cause long-term side effects like organ toxicity, antibiotic resistance, and nutritional deficiencies. With growing concerns over antibiotic resistance, Pashu Ayurveda is emerging as a safer, natural alternative for animal healthcare.
Success Stories: Healing Through Ayurveda
Dr. Naik has treated a variety of ailments in animals, including wounds, skin diseases, kidney disorders, arthritis, conjunctivitis, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Each case has reinforced her belief in Ayurveda’s potential to heal animals effectively.
One of her most remarkable cases involved a stray dog with a severe maggot wound on his ear. The infection was so extreme that his ear had become completely disfigured. The challenge was immense, especially since she was still in the early stages of her practice. Yet, she took on the responsibility of healing the wound without the use of antibiotics. Through purely Ayurvedic treatment, she successfully restored the dog’s ear to its original form—a testament to Ayurveda’s power.
Another significant case involved an elderly cat suffering from mange, which had led to extensive hair loss and itching. Regular application of medicated oils, combined with internal Ayurvedic medications, brought about a dramatic transformation. Similarly, she treated her own 13-year-old dog suffering from recurring kidney stones. Given his advanced age, surgery was no longer an option. Ayurvedic treatment alleviated his distress, improving his condition and quality of life.
Moreover, she successfully treated a dog with conjunctivitis using an Ayurvedic eyewash that could be easily prepared at home. The pet parent was astounded by the results, proving that Ayurveda can offer accessible and effective solutions for common ailments.
Challenges in Treating Stray Animals
One of the most persistent challenges Dr. Naik faces is administering internal medications to stray animals. Many are sensitive to the bitter taste of Ayurvedic herbs, making oral administration difficult. Additionally, external applications can be challenging since some animals resist treatment due to fear or discomfort. However, once trust is established, these hurdles diminish significantly.
Diagnosing conditions like kidney disease, arthritis, or conjunctivitis requires a thorough approach. Since most cases she receives have already been diagnosed by veterinarians, her role is to offer a safer alternative treatment. She carefully considers factors such as breed, age, past medical history, environment, lifestyle, and food habits to craft personalized treatment plans. Tongue diagnosis (Jivha Parikshan) plays a crucial role in assessing an animal’s constitution (Prakriti), digestive function (Agni), and imbalances (Vikriti).
A Holistic Approach to Veterinary Care
Animals possess an innate ability to seek out healing plants in nature, demonstrating a deep-rooted connection to herbal remedies. Dr. Naik harnesses this instinct by preparing customized Ayurvedic formulations in various forms, such as pastes, oils, and decoctions, tailored to each animal’s specific condition.
As an AYUSH Medical Officer in a rural village, she not only serves human patients but also extends her expertise to animals. Since veterinary hospitals are scarce in these areas, she provides basic treatments while advising pet owners on further care. Beyond her official duties, she actively volunteers at PAWS and participates in rescuing distressed animals, treating those she can at home.
The Future of Pashu Ayurveda
Ayurveda is steadily gaining recognition in veterinary medicine, particularly on a global scale. As antibiotic resistance becomes a growing concern, people are seeking alternative treatments that promote animal health without harmful side effects. Ayurveda’s holistic approach is proving to be an effective and sustainable solution.
Looking ahead, Dr. Naik plans to collaborate with more NGOs to provide free treatment for stray animals. She also aims to introduce Panchakarma therapies for paralysed animals, hoping to improve their quality of life. Additionally, she aspires to conduct clinical research to further the field of Pashu Ayurveda.
A Word of Caution and Advice
For pet parents interested in Ayurveda, she strongly advises against experimenting with herbs without proper knowledge. Incorrect dosages or unsuitable formulations can lead to adverse reactions. Consulting a qualified Ayurvedic doctor with expertise in animal care is essential for safe and effective treatment.
To aspiring Ayurveda practitioners, she recommends building on their foundational knowledge while collaborating with veterinarians who support integrative medicine. Attending workshops, conferences, and staying updated with research can help advance this field further.
Conclusion: A Journey of Passion and Fulfillment
Dr. Divya Naik’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of determination and passion. Though she could not become a veterinarian, she found a way to merge her love for animals with Ayurveda, bringing healing to countless creatures. Each time she witnesses an animal recover, she feels an unparalleled sense of fulfillment—one that reaffirms her purpose and drives her to continue making a difference in the world of veterinary Ayurveda.
