How to Choose and What to Expect in Holistic Vet Care

Holistic vet care is gaining popularity as we look for better ways to care for our pets. There are three important components to holistic care: your pet, your holistic veterinarian and you.

Now you are to the point of choosing a holistic veterinarian. How do you choose a holistic health practioner?

Have you asked your veterinarian if he or she practices holistic vet care? Do not rule out your own vet. If he/she does not take the holistic approach on care, maybe they can refer you to a holistic vet. You can also find a vet at www.ahvma.org (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association).

Referrals are great because you can get first hand opinions from people you trust. Do any of your acquaintences, friends or family have a holistic vet they can recommend? Ask around. Make a list. From that list, you can visit their website to get a feel of their practice.

You also want to know what schooling and experience he or she has. You might also want to know what therapies they practice.

Just imagine taking your pet to the veterinarian's office for a check-up. You walk through the door and pass by another dog in the waiting room. The dogs begin to bark at each other while you are pulling your pup along. Does any of this sound familiar? Your dog immediately reacts to the emotion the other dog is feeling, whether that is fear, stress or nervousness.

This happened to me when I took my dog, Meika, to the vet. As we walked in the office, there was a cat in the waiting room. Meika is very curious about cats. Fortunately, the cat was in a pet travelling cage. All she wanted was to sniff and bark at the poor cat while I tried to talk to the front desk person and fill out paperwork. The stress from trying to get close to the cat made it hard to calm her down.

All this stress is exactly what a holistic vet wants to avoid, so they will make an extra effort to make your pet feel as comfortable as possible.

So, what should you expect on the first holistic vet care visit?

First, look on the website to see if the holistic health practioner has any forms available online for you to complete before your appointment. This will save on time and expedite your visit.

Your holistic practioner will discuss any concerns you have about your pet.

They will do a "hands on" physical exam of your pet.

You will be asked about your pet's past and present history - medical, diet, exercise, enviroment, relationships, etc.

They also will explain your pet's health status and any recommended treatment(s). If any treatment includes conventional medicine, either they will administer it themselves or will work with a veterinarian.

They, of course, will answer any questions you may have.

Do not be surprised if the appointment is longer than what you are used to. Holistic vets thoroughly check your pet.

How often do you need to take your pet to the holistic vet?

Well, as many times as you want, but a holistic veterinarian will encourage you to engage in your pet's health day-to-day at home. A change in diet and more exercise is usually recommended.

Part of what a holistic veterinarian may have you do at home, too, maybe giving your pet a massage in a certain area. They will show you how and there are books you can buy that demonstrates massage techniques.

You will find through holistic medicine, you will become more in tune with how your pet is feeling.

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