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Holistic Veterinary Services
Frequently Asked Questions
» What is holistic veterinary medicine?
» What is meant by “body, mind, and spirit”?
» What are “complementary” therapies?”
» What is physical therapy?
» What is Homeopathy?
» Can Herbal Therapies be used in cats and dogs?
» I’d like a holistic approach for my pet’s healthcare. How do I proceed?
What is holistic veterinary medicine?
A major concept in holistic medicine is considering the “whole” patient. In other words, we focus our attention on your animal friend’s entire well-being, not just a certain condition or ailment. In conventional medicine, treatments are based more on the symptoms, conditions, or diseases. One drug is given for one condition, and another drug or treatment prescribed for another problem. In the holistic approach, we look for patterns of health imbalance, and search for underlying problems that may create a variety of health issues. In this way we can help PREVENT problems before they develop. We often incorporate gentle, alternative or “complementary” therapies which tend to have less risk of side effects. A holistic approach can also incorporate conventional therapies.
What is meant by “body, mind, and spirit”?
In the holistic approach, we understand that addressing the whole patient also means paying close attention to the emotional and mental health of the individual in addition to their physical health. Many health issues arise from chronic stress or emotional discomfort, or even lack of mental stimulation. In holistic medicine, we make sure we address diet, lifestyle, exercise, and environmental factors that may affect your animal’s physical, emotional, or mental health. Our goal is to keep our patients healthy in body, mind AND spirit.
What are “complementary” therapies?”
Complementary therapies are non-conventional, or “alternative” treatments, such as acupuncture, herbal therapies, nutritional supplements, and chiropractic care. We can use these therapies for a wide variety of ailments, and they may be incorporated along with conventional veterinary care. Many of our clients have experienced the benefits of these therapies in their own lives, and our animal friends can now enjoy better health, too, with complementary modalities. In holistic medicine, we believe in mixing and matching treatments to best serve your animal’s individual needs, and this approach is beneficial in nearly all cases.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy helps provide strength and maintain flexibility in our older patients. It can also be used after surgery to assist in the healing process, or in cases where rehabilitation is needed after injury or trauma. Dr. Sommers often prescribes simple techniques such as stretching, strengthening exercises, massage, or heat/cold applications. She or her assistant may show you how to help your animal with certain massage techniques at home, such as acupressure (massage done at acupuncture sites) or T-Touch. We are working to establish a more comprehensive physical therapy program where more extensive treatments such as hydrotherapy or therapeutic ultrasound may be available to our patients. In the meantime, we refer many patients to the Animal Care Center in Santa Rosa or the major new Animal Rehabilitation facility at the University of California in Davis for more complete and extensive rehabilitation needs.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathic treatment relies on the administration of minute amounts of substances, usually from plants, that can produce clinical signs similar to those of the disease being treated. The idea is to provide the substances in small enough amounts to be harmless, yet enough to encourage the body to develop a curative response to the disease. This is done by diluting the substance many times to form a homeopathic remedy that is administered by mouth in a tincture or tiny sugar pill. The concept is one that is very foreign to our current medical teachings, and yet many people have used homeopathic remedies on themselves or their animals to achieve a greater level of health. Dr. Sommers sometimes incorporates homeopathic remedies in her holistic approach, or schedules a consultation with a trained homeopath or veterinarian who specializes in animal homeopathic care.
Can Herbal Therapies be used in cats and dogs?
Herbal therapy is basically plant medicine. Plants provide a wide variety of remedies for a range of ailments. Many modern drugs, such as aspirin, are derived from plants, but these drugs go through chemical processing that is thought by some to diminish the plant's original healing power. Dr. Sommers may prescribe a variety of herbs that work together to treat your pet's problem(s). Sometimes one herb is prescribed to offset possible side effects of another. Since some herbs can be toxic, and this toxicity varies among animal species, it’s important to have the guidance of a veterinarian who is educated in herbal veterinary medicine. Herbal remedies may be appropriate if your pet has digestive problems, kidney or bladder disease, parasites, skin problems, or injuries to bone or tissue.
I’d like a holistic approach for my pet’s healthcare. How do I proceed?
Dr. Katy Sommers offers a holistic approach for Mendocino Animal Hospital patients. She also accepts new patients for holistic services and takes referrals from other northern California veterinarians. She offers a limited number of phone consultations each month. If your dog or cat is a current patient of Mendocino Animal Hospital, the best way to proceed is to schedule a one hour Holistic Consultation/Examination appointment with Dr. Sommers. Visit the patient forms page of this website to download a Holistic Consult Questionaire to bring with you, or plan to come 10 minutes early to your appointment.
If your animal is currently being treated by another Mendocino Animal Hospital veterinarian for a specific condition, there is a reduced fee for the holistic consultation. If you have a family veterinarian outside our hospital, Dr.Sommers will keep your regular vet updated on your pet’s progress with the holistic care she provides, as continued communication with everyone involved in your animal’s care is the best way to ensure that he or she gets the best care possible.
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