Integrative medicine uses all therapies to prevent and treat disease. This approach minimizes adverse effects, maximizes successful outcomes, and improves quality of life.

A growing number of veterinarians are specializing in holistic medicine, while conventional veterinarians are incorporating alternative techniques into their practices. You may notice the words integrative or complementary care listed on their office stationery or included in directories. This means they will choose the best of both worlds. If you have a conventional veterinarian but think that you'd like to try some alternative therapies, discuss your thoughts with your vet. He may be very willing to explore these options.

The Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine (www.viim.org) in Arvada, Colorado, helps educate conventional veterinarians about the benefits of alternative medicine. Formed by a prominent group of holistic veterinarians, it maintains a directory of holistic veterinarians throughout the United States and publishes The Veterinarians' Desk Reference of Natural Medicines, which provides information for treating more than 100 conditions with natural products.