Love Your Pet and Visit Your Vet
- By Stephen Holt, M.D.

Human and veterinary medicine are closely linked. At the start of the 20th century, the disciplines of human and animal medical practice split, but in the new millennium, there are some attempts to bridge the gap between veterinary medicine and human health. Humankind has sought simple, gentle and more natural approaches to disease prevention and treatment in recent times. This new era in medicine involves holistic healthcare that is portable to our pets.

In common with human medicine, veterinary medicine has experienced a shift in treatment paradigms towards natural healthcare. Knowledge from human dietary supplement advances are readily applied with benefit to our pets. This aspect of care is at the basis of the powerful movement in holistic veterinary practice.

While we obsess about our thin bones and creaky joints as we grow older, we may forget that our companion animals experience the same problems, but many suffer in silence. It may surprise many individuals to learn that several of the most important nutritional technologies have been developed by veterinary scientists, but these advances have enjoyed their greatest application in human medicine, rather than veterinary practice.

It is striking that many common problems in companion animals (dogs, cats and horses) are similar to thoseexperienced by humans of equivalent age. For example, 55 million Americans have arthritis in one form or another and of the 60 million dogs in America, up to 60% over the age of 5 years may have some form of arthritis, such as hip dysplasia.

Specific Health Concerns: Bone and Joint health
There is no need to accept the concept of the old lame dog, cat or horse. Advances in nutrition show good outcome with a variety of natural substances that can prevent and benefit common forms of arthritis in dogs, cats and horses.

Well controlled clinical trials with several natural products demonstrate the effective improvement in the symptoms and signs of arthritis and stress injuries in companion animals. The serious and life-threatening side effects of anti-arthritic medication in humans has been recognized in dogs, cats and horses. Deaths and severe disability from non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs occur in companion animals.

Skin and Coat Health
Our pets share our pride when their skin and coat are healthy and vibrant. They feel proud. Skin and coat health is a reflection of total body health in our companion animals. Several nutrients can support a vibrant, glowing coat on our pets.

Digestive Health
Digestive health in pets is an absolute requirement for good general health. Probiotics (friendly bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, etc.) digestive enzymes and detoxifying herbs such as milk thistle (Silymarin) are very useful in balancing digestive function for the optimal assimilation of nutrients from the diet of our pets. Recent studies show that problems such as arthritis, allergies and frequent infections can all be related to poor digestive function.

Ear Health
Dogs and cats with floppy ears invariably develop external ear infections or irritations. All natural ear drops containing nature's antibacterials such as garlic oil, Oregon grape, Mullein, Aceitic acid, etc. can provide natural alternatives for external ear hygiene. The whole area of immune deficiency in dogs and cats is a big problem. Important supplements for immune support include adequate supplies of omega-3 fatty acids, together with probiotics that balance digestive function and result in immune support.

Conclusion
In cases of doubt, pet owners are advised to seek advice from their veterinarian. Supplements of natural origin clearly demonstrate the benefits of nature for our beloved companion animals. Always check with your vet.