Holistic Pet Care

Veterinary Medicine is usually considered for the sick animal. The only preventative medicines our friends receive are for the annual vaccines. Recently, emphasis has been placed on yearly examinations to uncover diseases, before they become a problem. During these examinations, questions are asked pertaining to diet, bathroom habits, sleeping patterns, medications, etc. This information is then evaluated for abnormal patterns.

This is essentially holistic medicine, the whole animal is evaluated. The holistic approach, however, differs from traditional medicine in the treatment protocols. The premise in holistic medicine is that animals have the ability to heal themselves. Holistic veterinarians then utilize many different weapons to attack the disease. These weapons may include acupuncture, herbs, chiropractic, massage or homeopathy. However, treatments may also include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or surgery. Periodically holistic veterinarians are asked to treat a condition better suited for traditional medicine. The veterinarian must then choose which modality or combination of modalities will best allow the animal to heal. Therefore, a label of holistic care should not exclude traditional therapy. The term should imply an integration of veterinary knowledge for the best care of your friend.

Presented by G. Richard Funk, D.V.M. at Braden River Animal Hospital, 941-745-1513.