How to Find a Holistic Veterinarian

Although holistic veterinarians will work on any species of animal presented to them, dogs seem to do the best under complementary and alternative treatments. Some horses, cats, birds and other animals do well under a holistic vet. Holistic veterinary medicine looks at the animal's life and doesn't just focus on the symptoms. Holistic vets should be used in conjunction with your regular veterinarian, not as a total replacement. Holistic treatments work best with long-term problems like arthritis. In medical emergencies, take your pet to your regular veterinarian.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pet's medical history

1. Talk to your vet about finding a holistic veterinarian for an ongoing, hard-to-treat condition like arthritis, epilepsy or skin problems. Your vet will not be offended. Vets get these questions all of the time. Ask for recommendations for a holistic vet in the area and for what kind of holistic treatment would be best. The most popular choices are chiropracy and acupuncture.

2. Check online with the American Holistic Veterinary Association to see not only which holistic vets are near you but also what therapies (called modalities) they offer. If you do not live in North America, then you need to check out the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. See Resources below for links to these agencies.

3. Check also to see the regulations for holistic vets in your state or country. You can find them on the same websites.

4. Contact the vet's office by email first to see about when payment is due and if they can make phone consultations only. If the office is close enough, make an appointment and proceed to Step 5.

5. Get a copy of your pet's medical records (including inoculation records) from your regular veterinarian to bring with you to the appointment. Also, let your vet know what holistic vet you are making an appointment with so he knows who he will be collaborating with.

6. Make your choice of whether or not to stick with this holistic vet after the appointment. You should be comfortable, the place should be clean and all of your questions should be answered to your satisfaction. If not, politely drop the vet and try another.

Tips & Warnings

• Many good holistic veterinarians will show you how you can do some procedures like acupressure yourself.
• You must take an active approach to your dog's health. No vet can do it all. You need to be an assistant and really pay attention to your dog's moods, normal way of sleeping, eating patterns and elimination habits.
• Most pet health insurance plans will not cover alternative treatments. Check with your pet health insurance company first to be sure.
• Some holistic vets will make house calls.
• Never assume that "holistic" means "better."
• Never stay with a vet whom you cannot get along with.
• Beware of 100 percent guarantees to cure your dog or other pet. There is no such thing.

Resources

• American Holistic Veterinary Association
• International Veterinary Acupuncture Society
• Links galore for holistic veterinary medicine and conservation
• Basic aromatherapy for pets
• The Holistic Dog Book

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