Who To Consider For Your Animal's Health & Wellness Team
Over the past 20 years, as a canine chiropractor, I’ve seen much change in the pet health industry.  And it’s an even further evolution from 30 years ago when my first dog, Chloe, had a tragic accident. Back then, I lived in a quiet, cow-town where the local vet was our one-stop shop for all our pet needs. A kind passer-by noticed her and took her to the nearest vet, which was our clinic, and since she was a patient, the vet quickly called us. Dr. Dave hugged me and cried when he told me it was time to let her go. We were out in the sticks, and emergency options were slim.
Fast-forward to today’s bustling metropolis, where ER clinics are on almost every corner and specialists have advanced diagnostics and medications at their fingertips. Would having such access back then have changed Chloe’s fate? We’ll never know. What I do know is that navigating the pet care landscape is disparate now.
As you may know, we strongly advocate for natural and alternative solutions for pet health and animal wellness. There are certainly times when the centralized health system is necessary, as in emergencies, and we're honest about when that's necessary when discussing topics like Decoding the Doo, and possible surgical interventions
That said, if your goal is to provide whole and naturally balanced health care for your animal, I strongly encourage that you consider building a rounded team of wellness professionals to ensure a life of vitality and longevity for your pet.
1. Start With a Holistic Vet:
Look for a holistic vet who thinks outside the box and prioritizes a decentralized approach. They’ll focus on natural solutions rather than relying on traditional pharmaceuticals, vaccinations, or chemical preventatives. A good holistic vet will also consider diet, especially a raw food diet, as a cornerstone of your pet’s health. Finding a holistic veterinarian locally might be a challenge, but don't worry—online experts can provide crucial insights and support, bringing their valuable expertise straight to your screen!
2. Find A Neighborhood Vet Too:
If your holistic vet is long distance or virtual, think of your neighborhood vet as an additional team member who complements your holistic vet. Start by searching for a vet who is close to where you live and clicks with you—someone who’s friendly, listens, and values your opinions, even if they don’t always agree. You’ll want this vet for handling those everyday scrapes and bumps and the occasional diagnostics. It might take a few visits and a little patience, but building a strong, long-term relationship is totally worth it. If the clinic happens to have a whole team of vets, try to stick with just one. Having a single vet who really gets to know your furry friends means they can provide the best, most personalized care.
3. Incorporate Body Work:
I’m a big fan of chiropractic care (shocking, right?). A certified animal chiropractor can be a vital part of your pet’s health team by keeping your pet's nervous system in tip-top shape. Discuss adding canine massage, rehab exercises and/or acupuncture to your pet's team with your animal chiropractor.
Expert Advice: Body work, with chiropractic care being paramount, becomes even more important as your pet ages.
4. Choose an ER Clinic (before you need it):
Know where to go in case of emergencies. Ask your neighbors, your vet, and your friends; read online reviews for recommendations. Have a plan in place—it’s one less thing to stress about when an emergency hits.
5. Incorporate Training:
Choose a dog trainer that aligns with your values. Whether it’s positive reinforcement, personal protection training, or something else, make sure it’s a good fit for your dog and your family. It’s essential for everyone to be on the same page for successful training.
6. Specialists:
As your pet gets older, you might find yourself needing to consult specialists like cardiologists, neurologists, or ophthalmologists. The goal of integrating holistic practitioners into your pet’s care from the beginning is to minimize the need for specialists. And, maintaining that strong, long-term relationship with your neighborhood vet remains crucial. They’ll be able to confidently refer you to trusted specialists in your area, if the need arises.
You might also consider adding other pet wellness team members like homeopaths, animal communicators, energetic medicine practitioners, a well-educated raw dog food provider, a groomer which uses non-toxic products, and more.
The bigger your pet's health & wellness team, the more rounded your support network will be.
Consider Adding Everwell Pets To Your Team:
Book a virtual pet wellness consult with Dr. Andi today! Whether you're navigating the ins and outs of feeding schedules, tackling health concerns, or just looking for personalized advice to keep your pet happy and healthy, Dr. Andi is here to guide you every step of the way.
Got a question about your pups feeding schedule? Don't be shy, drop us a line in the comments below! And if you know someone struggling to get their pup eating right, please pass this along!
You can find more pet health resources including, videos, podcasts, articles, tips, programs, & raw dog food meal ideas, by joining our FREE Everwell Pets Tribe!
Comments