Veterinary practitioners provide an integrated healthcare approach, combining the best of conventional medicine with alternative and complementary therapies, offering viable veterinary care. Pet parents have to consider the physical and emotional well being of dogs for them to grow well.

Sometimes, complementary therapies are selected to minimize any side effects from traditional approaches. Unknown to pet parents and even some vets, herbal therapies could be toxic and have adverse effects on the dog. This makes complementary methods better than conventional medicines. For instance, chondroitin and glucosamine are safer for pets with arthritis than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids.

Many pet caretakers are now moving beyond traditional medicine, searching for the best alternative medications. For instance, milk thistle is an excellent herb that heals the liver. No other medication offers the same benefits. On the other hand, glutamine and probiotics are excellent therapies to heal diseased intestinal tract.

Guidelines

Veterinarians have observed that adopting conventional approach doesn’t improve the health in patients. Some diseases contain limited therapies and the only way out is complementary therapy. By observing the pet’s response to the chosen therapy and observing the pet’s behavior, integrated approach helps vets to form a program that works best for every pet.

Complementary veterinary care costs less and is highly effective. To initiate an integrated pet care approach, begin with the most wholesome diet. Supplement it with whole pet food, healthy sources of minerals, vitamins, digestive enzymes and fatty acids which would minimize inflammation, improve digestion and reduce cellular oxidation effects. Avoid unnecessary medications such as vaccines.

Share any new pet knowledge with your veterinarian. Incorporate some of the things that you have learned into the preventive health regimen of your pet. This is how you can take a holistic pet care approach. Seek medical attention for your pet every six months.