Over the past few years there has been increasing interest in alternative health care options for pets. With the recent pet food contamination scares and increased awareness of side effects of medications and vaccines, some owners are pursuing more non- traditional therapies for their pets.

The AVMA defines holistic medicine as “ a comprehensive approach to health care employing alternative and conventional diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.” This incorporates the principles of acupuncture, botanical medicine- including Chinese and western herbs, chiropractic, homeopathy , massage therapy, nutritional therapy and supplements, physical therapy as well as conventional medicine , surgery and dentistry. Acupressure, Reiki (energy work), and  T touch therapy may also be included.

Nutrition is one of the more hotly debated aspects of holistic care. There are literally dozens of diets on the market claiming to be the best, most nutritious and safest for your pets. Many people have strong opinions on this subject. Home cooked,  raw food , high protein/ low carb,  no grain , no preservatives, and organic diets have all been touted as being superior to average store brands of food. The bottom line is there are certain nutritional requirements that must be met for different life cycle stages and different species. Whether a certain diet will result in healthier, longer lived pets remains to be seen. Raw food diets should be purchased frozen from reputable sources and provided to the pet in the appropriate manner to avoid inadvertent bacterial contamination of pets and children. Home cooked diets must be supplemented properly. Ask your vet for references.

There have been a lot of changes in vaccine protocols over the past few years. Recently, the American Animal Hospital Association has come out with new vaccine protocols that most vets are embracing. Certain vaccines are now recommended at much less frequent intervals, there are options to check titers (antibody levels) to help determine if and when a vaccine may be necessary, and life style factors are taken into account before making recommendations. You and your vet should discuss the best vaccine protocol for your pet.

 

Not all herbal supplements and “natural products” used for humans are safe for animals. Cats are particularly sensitive and there can be adverse interactions of some herbs with traditional medications. Additionally, cats may become ill after ingesting medications meant for topical use during their routine grooming habits. Never give products that are not labeled for pets without advice from your veterinarian.

There are veterinary practitioners who specialize in holistic medicine and others who incorporate holistic therapies into their more traditional practices.  Contact the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association for a list of Holistic vets in your area