Just as with human doctors, it's important to make sure you see eye to eye with your veterinarian. Some pet owners are very happy with traditional vets while others seek the extended services of a holistic practitioner. Holistic vets have degrees in traditional veterinary medicine but take additional course work in more natural approaches to healing and helping animals.

Holistic medicine is generally used to treat chronic conditions, not traumatic injuries. Vets that use holistic methods still employ traditional approaches such as vaccinations, x-rays, and pharmaceuticals. But they also look at the whole animal and consider other treatments when healing or improving the condition of a patient, including diet and emotional well-being. Holistic vets also look at alternative medicines such as the following:

When it comes to other aspects of pet care such as flea control, owners should make sure they are on the same page as their vet in looking for solutions that everyone feels comfortable with.