Western medicine and holistic veterinary care can work together to keep your pet healthy.
When I say “holistic veterinary care”, you probably picture something closer to a mad scientist’s lab than a vet’s office. Since Tuesday is Holistic Pet Day, I thought I’d clear a few things up about holistic veterinary medicine.
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Going Natural With Holistic Veterinary Care
Many people shy away from holistic and all-natural treatments because they think they won’t be effective. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Holistic veterinary care isn’t based on mysticism and superstition – it’s based on sound medical fact.
Some holistic veterinary treatments are actually more effective than traditional Western medicine, but each practice has its place. You wouldn’t take a cat who needs emergency surgery in to a holistic vet to get acupuncture, for example.
Western Medicine vs. Holistic Medicine
So, what exactly is the difference between western medicine and holistic medicine? Aside from the obvious ‘all-natural’ element, holistic veterinary care doesn’t just treat one problem – it treats the entire body.
Many holistic treatments have benefits outside of the preventative measures used on a particular problem. Treatments like acupuncture can be used to alleviate pain, but it can also help improve the health and function of other organs in your cat’s body.
The Problem With Western Medicine
Western medicine is more targeted and often takes the ‘seek and destroy’ approach. A cat suffering illness will usually be prescribed treatments and medications that only treat that particular problem. Sometimes, other problems can arise from treatments meant to solve the main problem.
However, most vets are only doing what they’ve been trained to do, and they have your cat’s best interest in mind. The stigma surrounding holistic veterinary care is slowly being erased, and many pet insurance companies cover alternative treatments.
What Kind Of Treatments Does Holistic Veterinary Care Use?
There are several types of holistic veterinary treatments, and it depends on the particular issue your cat has that determines which will be used. Here are just some of the types:
- Acupuncture – This treatment involves using pressure points to alleviate symptoms of pain or illness. While the most common instruments for acupuncture are fine point needles, some vets use simple pressure or therapeutic lasers.
- Massage – Massage, which is usually part of a regimen of osteopathy or chiropractic care, can improve the health of muscles, joints and bones through manipulation of said areas.
- Aromatherapy – Essential oils and plant-based substances help to calm your cat and balance their emotional state. Aromatherapy has also been known to treat physical ailments as well.
- Herbal Medicine – Rather than use potentially harmful ingredients and chemicals in traditional Western medicine, herbal medicine relies on natural supplements and herbs.
- Nutritional Therapy – What you feed your cat can make all the difference. While there is no diet that works for every cat the same way, holistic veterinary care can help you determine what food will benefit your cat the most.
At-Home Treatments
Certain holistic treatments can be done at home, but a word of warning… you should consult your veterinarian before attempting any treatment. Even with all of the knowledge that the internet has to offer, diagnosing your cat yourself is highly discouraged, and many well-meaning pet owners have ended up causing harm or even death in their attempts to treat their feline friend.
When The Meow Place’s Tippy experienced symptoms of urinary tract issues, she was brought in for a vet exam to see what the problem was. She was diagnosed with FIC (feline idiopathic cystitis) – commonly known as a bladder infection/inflammation of the bladder – and our vet recommended a change in diet with prescription food.
Although our vet meant well, we found that the food he prescribed had potentially harmful ingredients (potassium sulfate and choline chloride, to name a few). We opted for natural foods that promoted urinary health, as well as adding small amounts of turmeric and coconut oil to their meals (these are perfectly safe for cats). I also purchased UroMAXX
Tippy is no longer experiencing symptoms of cystitis, and she is happy and healthy. However, without a proper diagnosis and common sense caution when using holistic medicine, Tippy may not have fared quite so well.
Where Can I Find A Holistic Vet?
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association has an international VetFinder search where you can find a holistic vet in your country or state. They also have helpful information about common treatments, as well as links to scientific journals and the latest news on holistic medicine.
You can also speak to your veterinarian and ask for a recommendation. You don’t have to give up your regular vet, but if you opt to use both holistic and Western medicine, it’s a good idea to cultivate a relationship with a holistic vet too.
Keeping your cat healthy doesn’t have to be a hassle when it comes to holistic veterinary medicine. Talk with a holistic vet today to see if this type of veterinary care is right for you.
Featured image © Captain Pancakes via Flickr
