Holistic Veterinarian Olney MD

Practitioner's Corner—About Pets: Alternative Treatments

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By Katherine A. Kahn, DVM

A: As you might expect, what you’re looking for is a veterinarian with extensive training and experience in alternative medicine. But it’s not always easy to find such a person.

Most state laws have little to say about who can practice alternative medicine on animals. Some veterinarians who claim certification in therapies like chiropractic and acupuncture have had only 120 to 180 hours’ worth of training. And anyone can hang out a shingle and claim to be an expert in other therapies, such as Reiki and pet massage, which are completely un-regulated. So it’s very much a buyer-beware situation.

If you aren’t sure which alternative treatment would be best for your pet, pick up a copy of The Nature of Animal Healing by veterinarian Martin Goldstein, which covers the basics of alternatives for animals.

To find a reputable alternative vet who uses the therapy you’re interested in, call the nearest accredited school that teaches it and ask whether any of the graduates are also vets. Or ask a local alternative practitioner if he or she knows of anyone who treats animals. When you take your pet for that first visit, ask how long the person has been practicing and what her experience is with the therapies you want.

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