Get a traditional veterinary diagnosis
You should have as much information about your dog's ailment as possible before making decisions about treatment. It wouldn't make sense to give a dog who has started urinating in the house an herbal remedy for separation anxiety when the real problem is a urinary tract infection. Talk to your vet, do tests if necessary to arrive at a diagnosis, and discuss the traditional treatment options. Alternative-medicine practitioners will also use the results of diagnostic tests such as x-rays, blood chemistry profiles, or bacterial cultures to help determine a treatment plan.
Tell your vet that you'd like to take a holistic approach
Most health problems have a range of possible treatments. If your vet knows you'd prefer not to give your dog antibiotics, for example, he or she might recommend medicated baths and a switch to a hypoallergenic diet for treating a skin infection, or time in a steamy bathroom and lots of fluids for a case of kennel cough.
Don't stop medications without talking to your vet
Talk to your vet if you plan to switch from traditional medications to an alternative therapy. He or she can advise you on how to make the transition and tell you what danger signs to watch for when tapering off medication.
Ask your vet to recommend alternative-medicine practitioners
Many mainstream vets know colleagues who practice alternative medicine. Your vet may also have other clients who have used various practitioners and can give you their recommendations.
Ask alternative-medicine practitioners about their background
Look for someone who has training and experience with the species of animal you're looking to treat. Dogs, cats, horses, and birds differ physiologically from one another and from humans. You want a chiropractor who understands a dog's musculoskeletal system, and an herbalist who knows which formulas are safe and effective for which species.
Many different veterinary associations offer training and certification in alternative medicine practices. Links to some of these associations are given in the descriptions of the alternative therapies. But remember that membership in a group is not an endorsement of an individual's skills. Talk to the practitioners to make sure you feel comfortable with their experience.
Ask the alternative-medicine practitioner what results you can expect
Like prescription medicines, every alternative therapy will not work for every dog. The practitioner should tell you whether a dog's condition is likely to respond to the alternative therapy and how long a trial period to give the therapy.
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