Pets can have a wide range of health issues, and according to the Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the number one medical claim for dogs in 2008 was ear infections, and it was lower urinary tract disease for cats. Your immediate reaction may be to take your pet to the veterinarian, which is a responsible decision. However, you can go one step further and locate a holistic veterinarian that uses more natural treatments. This alternative might even help reduce your need for pet medicines and prescription drugs.
What is holistic pet care? This type of veterinary care is considered alternative, so it’s often used to complement conventional medicine. Some veterinarians use reiki, acupuncture, massage and other organic treatments to help your pet feel better, but the main focus is overall wellness for your pet.
When you see a holistic veterinary, they will do a regular physical. However, her/she will also be interested in the animal’s behaviors, medical and dietary history and emotional stresses. Because this medicine is humane and strives to achieve optimal health through minimally invasive and gentle ways, your pet can be treated more comfortably in a loving environment.
If you have a long relationship with your current veterinarian, it’s beneficial to keep seeing him/her, because holistic care is meant to supplement conventional medicine. However, when searching for a holistic veterinarian, there is no harm in asking your current veterinarian for advice.
Another option is to perform a search on the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association’s website. This is an easier way to find a reputable veterinarian who is nearby. It makes the search easier when you know what type of healing modality you’re looking for. For example, some natural veterinarians specialize in Chinese herbs, Bach flowers, Western herbs, homeopathy, applied kinesiology, etc.
Lastly, sometimes your massage therapist or acupuncturist can be a valuable resource. Often times, practitioners network in their field, and they might know someone right off the top of their head. You might even find out that they are certified to work with animals too.
Natural pet care can be costly, but the reward is priceless when you see your pet’s quality of life improve. Sometimes it just takes a regular massage to relieve the aches of arthritis, and this option is healthier in comparison to giving your pet drugs for the pain.