More and more people are turning to holistic medicine for themselves, so it makes good sense to turn to holistic veterinarians for their cats and other animals. The trouble finding one though, can be difficult for two main reasons.
Rather like the word ‘natural’, ‘holistic’ is now a fashionable word and used extensively to market professionals. It is well known that this is what people are searching for. However, when you have a discussion with some of these ‘holistic’ vets, or when you visit them, it becomes very obvious that they are anything but holistic.
Just exactly what is a real holistic veterinarian? The word ‘holistic’ comes from the word ‘whole’. In other words, instead of looking at a problem as a stand-alone problem, the whole of the patient is considered.
Things such as diet, past health care treatments, the role of the animal within the family, the living conditions of the animal, the health of other animals, as well as that of the human family members. Health is a complex subject and it is impossible to separate all the factors that influence or impact on an animal. One or more may be the cause of the present trouble.
The treatment that holistic veterinarians use tend to be more natural than chemical. So they may change the diet, to a more natural one. They may use a suitable herb. They may also use one of the many holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, reiki, chiro or homeopathy that they have been trained in. They may reserve the right to use veterinary drugs as a last resort, but they won’t use them much. Any they won’t promote vaccinations, as every true holistic vet is well versed in the problems associated with vaccines.
These are the main differences between holistic vets and mainstream vets (or chemical vets as I like to call them), who limit their considerations. They don’t consider the impact diet has on an animal’s health. They don’t consider the deleterious effect any of their treatments have. They simply match a drug to a label.
The second reason it can be difficult to find a real holistic veterinarian is because they are not as numerous as chemical vets are. This seems to be a problem for those searching, but it doesn’t have to be.
If you want a diagnosis, then a chemical vet is the one to go to. Diagnoses are unimportant, or of limited importance, to holistic vets, because the whole animal is always considered.
If you want your animal treated with acupuncture, reiki or chiro, then you obviously need to take your animal to such a therapist, although not necessarily a qualified vet in this area. In fact, a professional therapist in these areas may be better able to help your animal, depending on their training and experience. Hands-on therapies obviously need the patient to be present.
With homeopathy, this is not necessary.
When I first came across homeopathy, I had a cat with bad eczema. The veterinary drugs caused serious problems, so I stopped them. The homeopathic veterinarian that I was told about lived a long way from me, although in the same country. So we did a telephone consultation.
He sent me his chosen homeopathic remedy for the cat and the eczema was completely, and permanently, healed with no adverse problems. That was definitely a defining moment for me.
Since qualifying as a homeopath, I have been treating both people and animals, both in person at my clinic, as well as by phone and Skype. Although seeing an animal does provide one with more information, distant consultations come a close second.
Many people are frustrated that they can’t find a homeopathic veterinarian in their area, so go back to their chemical vet. Be open to the fact that an actual visit is not necessary. A virtual visit can be much more supportive and useful than you may currently think.
When you do find a holistic or homeopathic vet, make sure you talk to them first, before committing your animal to their care. Ask awkward questions. You will soon get a feel for whether they really are holistic. And if you can work with them. This is one reason I offer a 15 minute complimentary consultation. It’s so we can get a feel for each other.
Don’t limit your thinking to actual visits to a homeopathic veterinarian. Consider virtual visits. They are likely to serve you, as well as your cat, better.
