Holistic Animal Care: What Is It, and Should You Try It Out?

[Emma Sturgis]

What happens when you have tried everything that traditional veterinary medicine has to offer and your pet is still suffering? For many pet parents today, the search for answers and solutions increasingly leads towards holistic animal care. Learn what holistic animal care is and whether it might be a good fit for your pet's needs.

Holistic Animal Care Defined

Holistic care for animals is not fundamentally different than holistic health care for people. Here are some of the disciplines commonly applied in treating animals and pets holistically:

- Acupuncture

- Chiropractic

- Regenerative medicine

- Stem cell therapy

- Rehabilitative physical therapy including pool therapy

- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

- Pulsed signal therapy

- Pulsating Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)

- Homeopathic medicine

- Bach flower remedies

What to Expect During Your First Appointment

If you have never taken your pet to a holistic veterinarian before, you likely have questions about everything from costs to processes. The first thing to understand is that holistic animal treatment can be a standalone option or can be combined with treatment through your regular family vet. Sometimes a combination approach can be quite effective.

The next thing to understand is that keeping an open mind is a must when you take a holistic approach with the help of companies like Holistic Vet Care. Your holistic vet has knowledge about resources and treatments you may never have heard of before. As with any treatment plan, you should definitely do your own research, but be careful not to dismiss any options out of hand just because they sound different.

Finally, taking a holistic approach will always incorporate a two-pronged treatment strategy: diagnosing and treating any immediate health issues plus working towards a preventative care plan for the future.

A Word About Pet Insurance

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) has helped put holistic veterinary medicine on the map as a legitimate source of high quality pet care. As such, many pet insurers will now cover holistic care. So be sure to check with your pet insurance (if applicable) to find out what is and isn't covered.

Finding a Holistic Veterinarian

The AHVMA member database can help you find a holistic vet who can see your pet in person or talk with you via phone through the "Find a Vet" feature on their website. Your traditional family vet may also have recommendations. In this way, you can begin the journey to whole-pet care.