What To Expect At Your Dog’s First Visit To Holistic Vet

August 3, 2024
Photo: A Chocolate Lab smiles gently at the camera.

A holistic veterinarian is like a wellness coach for your pet. They're fully licensed vets. They go beyond treating specific issues. They focus on your pet's overall well-being. This includes their physical, emotional, and even spiritual health. Holistic vets use a mix of conventional and alternative therapies to promote health and prevent illness. They consider everything from diet and lifestyle to the pet's environment. They use natural and non-invasive methods when they can.

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What to Expect During a Holistic Vet Appointment

When you take your pet to a holistic vet, there are some key differences from a traditional vet visit. Many traditional vet visits start in waiting rooms where your dog may be surrounded by other pets. Because holistic vets lean toward full mind-body care, they try to make the visit as stress-free as possible. Many holistic practices will use Fearfree tactics or other gentle handling programs. Fearfree vet practices can include improvements to your pet’s overall experience, including carryover practices from COVID like waiting in the car, and entering the clinic one at a time once called upon, instead of a stressful or unpredictable waiting room full of other pets and people. This will help set the tone for your pet’s experience.

Once you enter the exam room with your pup, you might notice some differences from other clinical veterinary settings. Every practice is different, but many holistic vets try to have a very peaceful exam room, sometimes lacking a tall metal exam table, in favor of cushions or soft blocks that make dogs feel more at home. Some have low lighting and things like scented diffusers to convey an almost spa-like setting. 

Fearfree practices also include using positive reinforcement practices, and making dogs feel comfortable with things like treats. Holistic vets know that many pets have sensitivities to chicken or other common proteins. Instead of milk bones or other treats full of cheap fillers, you are more likely to find single-ingredient training treats like cubes of beef liver or dehydrated salmon.

Just like at any vet traditional vet appointment, the visit usually starts with getting a weight. A Fearfree holistic vet tech would likely ask if your dog has any food allergies prior to using an enticing natural treat to gently lure them onto the scale to get their weight upon entry appointment usually starts with a thorough view of your dog’s medical history. 

Then, they give them a detailed physical exam. A holistic veterinarian is looking for more than just the obvious things. They tend to dig deep to understand your pet’s overall health. They’ll probably talk about your pet’s diet, daily habits, behavior, and any past health concerns, just like a conventional vet would. 

But they may also ask about things that a traditional vet might not–and may suggest deeper testing to really get a good idea of what’s going on inside your dog. In addition to the standard checks like weight, heart rate, and temperature, holistic vets may use other diagnostic methods. For example, they might assess energy levels or use techniques like muscle testing or pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances in your dog. They might also check your pet’s coat and skin. They’ll also look at your pet’s posture and gait. They are searching for subtle signs of issues like mineral or vitamin deficiencies.

How Holistic Vet Care Differs from Conventional Vet Care

One of the key differences between holistic and conventional veterinary care is the approach to treatment. While conventional vets often rely on medications and surgeries, holistic vets explore a broader range of therapies. For example, if your pet has arthritis, a holistic vet might suggest acupuncture or herbal remedies. They would do this instead of, or alongside, conventional pain medications.

Holistic vets often emphasize the importance of diet and nutrition in maintaining health. Holistic vets often recommend specific foods, supplements, or diet changes. They do this to address issues like allergies or digestive problems. They do not recommend conventional medicines for the same conditions. This is based on the belief that good food can prevent many health problems. It can also support the body’s natural healing. Holistic veterinarians believe that taking care of your dog’s health begins from the inside out.

Common Holistic Veterinary Treatment Options

Holistic vets offer a lot of different treatment options for dog issues. These can include:

  • Acupuncture and Acupressure: Used for pain relief, improving mobility, and promoting overall wellness.
  • Herbal Medicine: Uses natural herbs to support health. They also treat specific conditions. For example, by using milk thistle for liver support.
  • Homeopathy: Involves using natural substances in very small amounts to stimulate the body’s healing response.
  • Chiropractic Care: Helps with alignment issues and can improve mobility, especially in older pets.
  • Nutritional Counseling: Tailored diet plans and supplements to support your pet’s specific health needs.
  • Aromatherapy: Essential oils are used for their therapeutic properties, such as calming anxiety.

At the core, a holistic veterinarian will try to address the root causes of issues your dog has instead of just trying to eliminate symptoms.

Similarities Between Holistic and Conventional Vet Care

Despite the differences, of course, there are many similarities between holistic and conventional veterinary care. Both types of vets want the best for your dog. They both perform thorough physical exams, monitor vital signs, and diagnose health issues. They both work hard to give your dog the best care. That may mean recommending surgery, medication, or lifestyle changes.

Both holistic and conventional vets may use diagnostic tests. These tests, like blood work or X-rays, give more information about your pet’s health. They also both focus on preventative care, although holistic vets might emphasize natural methods more. Vaccinations are part of both practices. However, holistic vets might tailor vaccination schedules. They might not recommend them at all. They might also use titer tests to check immunity before administering vaccines or boosters.

Benefits of Holistic Veterinary Care

Holistic veterinary care offers a comprehensive approach to your pet’s health. Holistic vets focus on the whole animal. This includes their lifestyle and environment. They just want to support your dog’s health in the most natural way they can. This way can help with chronic conditions and complex health issues. Conventional treatments alone may not be enough for these issues. They are generally more open to alternative, natural remedies.

Holistic care often uses natural and non-invasive methods, in an effort to minimize side effects and support the body’s natural healing processes. It can reassure pet parents who prefer a natural approach. Holistic veterinary care can be reassuring. It is an alternative to traditional methods where they worry about toxins or side effects.

Choosing a Holistic Veterinarian

Photo: A group of holistic veterinarians sit with two dogs.
When you’re looking for a holistic veterinarian, look for certifications. They should be in areas like acupuncture, chiropractic care, or herbal medicine. You also want to be sure they’re licensed veterinarians and trained in veterinarian care. It’s also helpful to read reviews and ask for referrals from other dog parents who value a holistic approach to pet care.

You can find a holistic vet by searching online. Or, ask for recommendations from friends or local pet communities. Veterinary associations and holistic veterinary organizations are also good resources for finding qualified professionals. Be sure to always research their approach to make sure it aligns with YOUR values and desires for your dog.

A holistic veterinarian provides a really unique and comprehensive approach to pet care. They focus on natural therapies, preventative care, and a deep understanding of your pet’s overall well-being. Holistic vets offer a refreshing and ‘inside-out’ alternative to conventional veterinary medicine. You might want to address specific health issues or just want a more balanced approach to your pet’s care. In either case, a holistic vet can be a great partner in keeping your dog healthy for life.

About the Author

Lori Mullins Ennis has been part of the pet product industry for over a decade, researching and writing about all things fabulous for dogs. A pet advocate and proud foster (fail) parent, she lives in Texas with her husband, her teenage son, and their three four-legged chaos coordinators—Lilly, Lucy, and Louis (aka Baby Beast). She's passionate about natural and holistic pet care, and she’s always on the hunt for the best ways to keep her pups happy, healthy. Always fighting the dog hair battle in her house, she's 100% okay with it being a favorite fashion accessory!

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