What does a Holistic Veterinarian do?
A holistic veterinarian is a animal doctor with a twist. Most veterinarians just examine your pets physical appearance. The holistic veterinarian does this and so much more. A holistic vet looks into every aspect of your pets life. The whole picture to help the vet determine the right course of treatment for your pet.
First the vet wants to know what your pet eats. What does your pet eat? How much does he eat? When does he eat? Where does he eat? The information about your pets eating habits gives the holistic vet a better picture of your pets diet. With this information the vet will be able to suggest improved ways for your pet to eat healthier.
Next the vet wants to know how your pet spends his day. What does your pet do when he wakes up in the morning? How much exercise does he get during the day? How many times a week does he go for a walk? Does he sleep a lot? The more the vet can find out about your pets routine the better recommendations he can make.
The vet also will ask you about your pets environment. Do you and your pet live in a house or an apartment? Does your pet have a backyard to play in or does he have to walk to the park for exercise? Are there other animals in the house with him? If so what kind of animals? Do you have children or other family members in the house or is it just you and your pet? These type of information will help the vet get a bigger picture of the life of your pet.
Lastly the vet needs to learn more about your pets mental well being. Have there been any major changes in your home? New pet added to the family? Family member lost their job? New human in the home (new baby, new spouse, new room mate, etc)? Have you moved into a new home? Fighting, money worry, job lost, etc. all these things can affect your pet just like it can affect your children. Your pet’s mental health is just as important to a holistic vet as his physical health.
A holistic veterinarian is more then a pet doctor. He is a veterinarian that takes into account your pet’s whole being. He will help your pet heal naturally by finding the root of the problem. Then when he discovers the inner problem he will have enough information to proscribe a treatment.
When it comes to fees for Holistic Vets compared to ordinary vets they are quite a bit cheaper. a good example I found on http://holvet.blogspot.com/. This is the blog of a well respected holistic vet in New York named Michele Yasson, DVM. She has been practicing holistic medicine since 1987. She had this to say about a cat she treated named Willy who had a near-fatal attack of FUS (Feline Urological Syndrome), “My fee, after all was said and done with Willy, was less than half that of my neighbors', and less than 20% of the cost of a reputable veterinary hospital in New York City.” (http://holvet.blogspot.com/)
Holistic Veterinarian’s treatments are all natural. They concentrate on diet, behavior, and chiropractic treatments.