A veterinarian’s insight on how natural remedies can enhance the health and well-being of dogs and cats.

I have been a small animal veterinary practitioner for the past 25 years, and the owner of my own clinic for the past 20. I, like most of my colleagues, have always been proud of the amount of schooling and knowledge it takes to be a veterinarian. A veterinarian must have intimate knowledge of multiple body systems in multiple species. In one appointment you wear your “dermatologist” hat, the next may be as an “ophthalmologist.” It is in this diversity that a veterinarian finds interest as well as challenge. We are always looking for the best treatment options for our patients. A good practitioner always keeps an open mind and a willingness to learn.

An introduction to natural remedies

It is in this context that my own eyes were opened 15 years ago to the benefits of natural remedies. It was during this time that I had met Bob and Susan Goldstein, the founders of Earth Animal. We began with discussions on how natural remedies, in conjunction with traditional medicine, could benefit my patients. This led to Dr. Bob and I working together in an integrative approach to disease. We collaborated in addressing cancer, where the addition of natural remedies can lessen side effects of treatment by boosting tissue protection and reducing pain and inflammation. We worked together on diseases of all the major body systems; skin, gastrointestinal, and urinary to name a few. In case after case, I could see the positive benefit that the integrative approach brought in both desired outcomes and lessening impact from traditional treatments on the patient.

The proof is in the pudding

As time has passed, Dr. Bob has taught me the benefit of stand-alone remedies on the body systems of our furry family members. Using remedies to boost the immune systems of our animals serves to fight off disease from both outside invaders and disease from within. We have learned that 75% of the immune system lies in the gastrointestinal tract of all animals. Knowing this, the benefits from a prophylactic GI natural remedy for gut health cannot be overstated. There are recent studies showing the benefit of a healthy gut not only on the immune system but on the mental status of our companion animals as well. Anxieties can be targeted and reduced by a multi-natural approach. Combining remedies to improve gut health, boost immunity, and gently calm the animals can have wonderful positive impacts on their daily lives. Mental health in our companion animals has a huge impact on their quality of life, as it does on ours. It is important to keep that balance.

There are natural remedies for all major body systems and diseases in animals.  I personally continue to explore and learn about the many positive impacts these can have on the daily lives of our furry family members, and strongly encourage you to do your own research into their many health benefits.