A holistic approach to pet care means taking into consideration diet, enrichment, lifestyle, and environment. A pet’s whole being is a sum of these parts working in unison.

By definition, holistic is the whole of something or someone rather than just a sum of its parts. It means that all parts work together and when one is off, it can affect them all.

A bio-appropriate diet is one that serves the biological needs of dogs or cats. It is made from real, human-grade food and free from by-products, rendered ingredients, fillers, artificial additives and flavorings. A bio-appropriate diet is a key component to overall health. A body fueled with pure foods is more likely to have a stronger immune system, digestive tract, cardiovascular system, bones, joints and organs. Proper nutrition is a major factor in helping cats and dogs thrive, not just survive.

Probiotics regulate gut flora by increasing good bacteria and keeping so-called ‘bad’ bacteria at the proper levels. They help the body absorb and assimilate nutrients, especially B vitamins, strengthen the immune system, and help keep the digestive tract in working order.

Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds found in both cannabis and hemp. Hemp derived Cannabidiol (CBD) offers a wide range of therapeutic applications, is safe, non-psychoactive, and non-toxic.

CBD can be very beneficial for pets suffering from a myriad of conditions, including general, separation and/or situational anxiety, joint and muscle pain, aches and pains associated with aging, digestive issues, and more! It is also a natural anti-inflammatory, supports organ function, and even helps pets focus (excellent for training). Topically, CBD can help skin issues including hot spots, bites, scratches, wound healing, etc.

How can one compound be helpful for so many issues? Because all animals have an endocannabinoid system that assists in maintaining the physiological, neurological and immunological systems of the body. If there is a deficiency of endocannabinoid production, the system’s multiple receptors will utilize the addition of phytocannabinoids (plant-based cannabinoids) to help create balance and provide support for relaxing, repairing or restoring.

Digestive enzymes are important proteins that help break down food - this can help the kidneys and liver from becoming overloaded with protein and fats. The enzymes make food easier to digest and assimilate.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are just that, essential, meaning they cannot be made inside the body. They help digest foods, lubricate joints, reduce inflammation in the body, support the immune system, are key factors in the health of the brain, skin, coat, lining of the digestive tract, and more. Cats and dogs can only convert a small percentage of plant derived ALA to DHA and EPA from plant sourced omega 3s (like flaxseed or borage oils). That is why it is important that the source be animal-based. The best sources are small fish, especially anchovy and sardine.

While it is very important to give dogs and cats human grade fish oils, it is equally important to give one made especially for pets. Both federal and state regulations dictate special requirements for pet supplements, which are not required for their human counterparts.

Fish oil products for humans often contain flavorings that may not be safe for animal consumption. Another issue of concern is the concentration of vitamins A and D contained in human products, which could in some instances be toxic to particular breeds.

Over-vaccination has been linked to a number of canine and feline diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disease. Many vaccines prove to be effective for several years or more. This is because antibodies produced in response to vaccinations often carry on for years. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association: revaccination of patients with sufficient immunity does not necessarily add to their disease protection and may increase the potential risk of post-vaccination adverse events.

So how can you tell if your pet needs a booster or not? You can ask your vet to perform a blood test called an antibody titer (recommended every 3 years). This measures your pet's immunity.

Most vets offer titer testing – just ask. There are several great titer tester kits available including Vaccicheck and HemoPet.

If your pet does require booster vaccinations, it is best to give them one at a time. This way, if there is an allergic reaction, worsening of inflammatory conditions, or development of immune system disease, organ system failure or seizure, your vet will be able to pinpoint which vaccination was the cause