We Owe it to Our Pets to Care for Them Properly

The bond we have with our pets is a special one. We spend so much time with them laughing and playing, that it affects us greatly when they are sick.

Americans spent a record $56 billion on pet health last year, not including time, energy, and emotion.

Medical care for pets increasingly mirrors care for humans. There was a time not long ago that people would have laughed at the notion of brushing an animal’s teeth. Yet many veterinarians today recommend doing just that.

Similarly, as holistic medicine becomes more popular for humans, an increasing number of pet owners are turning to holistic medicine to improve their pet’s health.

Holistic medicine focuses on treating not just the body, but also the mind. At the center of holistic medicine is nutrition. While nutrition is vital in almost every aspect of our lives, it is especially important in holistic medicine. Eating the right foods and taking the proper supplements can deliver healing for many ailments. Supplements such as fish oil, flaxseed oil, and vitamins have been proven and to promote wellness.

In the late 19th century, veterinarians began using alternative therapies such as homeopathic medicine. Today, there are many veterinarians who are homeopaths.

Using alternative methods can help the body heal itself. Many owners prefer this method, as opposed to traditional pharmaceuticals, which often cause side effects.

Pets often suffer from anxiety and it can be difficult trying to calm them down. A product called Rescue Remedy for Pets, which is made from the essence of eight different flowers, has been shown to decrease anxiety levels in pets.

Making sure that your pet takes the medicine is another difficult task. Dog owners have a particularly hard time since dogs often refuse to take oral medications. Compounded medications for pets, such as liquid formulas or gels, make it easier for owners to administer medicine and more pleasant for the pet that is taking the medicine.

Our pets depend on us to make the best decisions for their health. They bring so much into our lives that we owe it to them to make sure they are getting the right care.

Steve Bernardi, MS, R.Ph., is a compounding pharmacist and co-owner of Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham.