Dogs' alternative medicine?

QUESTION:

Under what circumstances is it a good idea to consider alternative medicine for my dog?

answered by Shawn Messonnier

ANSWER:

Personally I think it's always a good idea to consider all the options available for improving the health of the pet and for helping the pet recover from illness. I practice integrative medicine, which means I integrate both conventional and alternative therapies. As a result of this approach, I've seen a positive benefit in the health of many of my patients. I see fewer serious illnesses in my own patients who are on a preventive health care program using an integrative medical approach.

Alternative therapies are often very helpful for pets with chronic conditions such as cancer, disorders of the immune system, intestinal and urinary tract diseases, musculoskeletal problems, neurological problems such as epilepsy, and of course any and all skin diseases. In many instances using alternative medicine can help the pet recover quicker and allow the owner to use fewer conventional drugs.

Alternative therapies are often less expensive for the owner and do not have the same side effects often found with conventional medications. Finally, there are diseases which occur in pets for which there are no conventional therapies. In these instances, alternative medicine offers the only chance of hope for these pets.