Holistic care is becoming quite popular in the world of veterinary care medicine, and with good reason. It offers some wonderful benefits, and has helped many of our furry patients stay happy and healthy. A local Tri-City, British Columbia vet lists some of the benefits of it in this article.
You’ve likely heard of the Hippocratic oath. The vow has changed a bit since its earliest form, which was dated back to around 75 BC: physicians no longer have to swear by healing gods, nor are they bound to teach others for free. However, one bit that has survived is the old adage about ‘First, do no harm.’ That ethical standard is still as relevant and necessary in medicine today as it was back in ancient Greece. When considering any course of treatment, it’s always crucial to carefully consider risks and side effects. Holistic medicine tends to focus on a more gentle, cumulative approach, which is in general quite safe.
One misconception about holistic veterinary care is that it’s an either/or choice, meaning that one should choose either a holistic veterinarian or one that follows modern veterinary practices and treatments. In fact, the opposite is true. Holistic care can be integrated into just about any veterinary treatment. It also works wonderfully as supportive care in many cases. For instance, a dog that is nauseous from cancer treatments may benefit from herbs that soothe his stomach and restore his appetite. This is actually one of the best things about holistic care: it allows us to offer the best of both worlds.
Holistic care plans are not one-size-fits-all: they can be customized to meet your furry friend’s specific needs. An arthritic dog may benefit from acupuncture and Chinese herbs, while a pooch with digestive issues may do better with a different remedy.
The basis of holistic care is that it promotes healing from the inside out. That encompasses many aspects of pet care, such as nutrition, exercise, and also emotional wellness. That’s a wonderful approach. Pets’ mental and emotional well-being can have a huge effect on their physical health. At the end of the day, we just want our patients to be as happy, healthy, and comfortable as possible.
Do you have questions about holistic pet care? Contact us, your local Tri-City, British Columbia pet hospital, today!