Have you heard about affordable holistic dog care? It can be even worrisome when your vet diagnoses your fur kid with arthritis, digestion, or even skin health issues.
Sometimes when traditional vet care can’t help you turn to alternative care, this includes holistic dog treatments.
But what really is holistic dog care, can it truly help, and is it affordable? Today, let’s dig in and learn about affordable holistic dog care treatments.
*Updated: August 26, 2024
Budget tip:
Amazingly the cost of holistic care for your dog can be affordable. Some practitioners' sessions are equal to or less than a regular vet visit. Moreover, pet insurance often covers these vet medical care treatments. Additionally, other holistic care that can be done at home can be very affordable. For instance, I give my dog, Henry a massage every day and that’s free! It seems to help his mobility and digestion issues. That’s a great win-win for your dog and your budget!
What is holistic care for dogs anyhow?
You may see a vet advertised as offering holistic care or simply as a holistic veterinarian. Additionally, you may see a product labeled as holistic or natural.
So, what does holistic care really mean? Simply put holistic is supposed to treat the whole body and mind. Thus, it doesn’t just treat the symptoms.
Therefore, the idea is to get the body and mind in harmony and everything should function optimally. As such, the term “holistic” is used to treat the whole patient. This may include various therapies.
However, the bottom line is a whole or rather holistic approach to treating a dog or pet. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Or at least it does to me.
What does holistic medicine for dogs cover?
A holistic approach for dogs is an ever-evolving field, but it currently includes therapies such as:
- Pet chiropractor
- Animal acupuncture
- Homeopathic therapy
- Animal aromatherapy
- Nutritional therapy
- Pet mega-dose nutrient therapy
- Animal rehabilitation and sports medicine therapy
- Pet low-level laser therapy
- Herbal remedies and treatments
- Animal stem cell therapy
- Massage therapy for animals
Note: I used a pet chiropractor, acupuncturist, and massage therapist for my horse, Macho. They were each very good and helped Macho’s arthritis tremendously. Additionally, the massage therapist taught me how to massage Macho daily, which helped dramatically. I’ve transferred those lessons to Henry and now massage him daily. He loves it!
How can holistic medicine help my dog?
There is some proof that different types of holistic treatments can work for ailments such as:
- Arthritis for both older dogs and younger ones as well
- Lameness
- Mobility issues
- Digestion
- Food allergy assistance
- Tumors
- Heart disease and related issues
- Cancer
- And more
However, I’d always suggest talking with your regular vet before diving into anything off the main course. Your vet will be most updated on research and anecdotal studies.
Additionally, your vet will be able to offer you the pros and cons of any alternative therapy.
Moreover, often you will need a referral from your regular vet to see a holistic vet. Thus, it’s a good idea to discuss the possibility of an alternative medicine to help your pup with your vet.
Furthermore, your vet will know which holistic vet is the best for your dog’s condition in your area.
Want to learn about massage therapy for your dog? In this article, I reveal how to do it at home.
Henry dance by Terri RHenry moves great with a daily massage. Also, his digestion is better.
Are there any negatives to holistic vet care?
There are a few objections to holistic vet care.
1. No significant studies
Specifically, the main complaint is that there are no significant studies to prove its validity.
2. Holistic vets aren’t published
Moreover, some complain that holistic vets aren’t generally published in mainstream vet journals. Thus, it lacks validations, or that’s the argument.
However, many of their articles are simply rejected for various (not credible, think technical) reasons. Therefore it’s a bogus complaint.
3. It’s a placebo effect
Finally, critics often will brush off any improvements seen in anecdotal studies as a placebo effect. Honestly, to me, this seems just nonsensical! Especially, coming from my biology background. How does a dog or animal animal exhibit a placebo effect? That assumes they know that whatever they are receiving is supposed to make them feel better. That’s not how animals function. However, humans often do function in this manner.
Think you need a new vet? In this article, I share the top 15 signs it’s time to get a new vet.
How do I find a holistic veterinary clinic near me?
As I mentioned, your regular vet should be able to refer you to the proper holistic vet for your dog’s ailments. However, you can also do your own research. For example, I always like to know as much as possible before going to the vet.
Personally, I think Henry’s vet loves the challenging questions. He always asks if I have any more questions as I look at my cheat sheet.
Thus, you can find a licensed veterinarian focused on a holistic approach in your area by going to the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association directory here.
When should my dog visit a holistic vet?
Honestly, this will be a personal call. Additionally, it generally will be one you make with your regular vet. However, if you don’t feel like your dog is improving with current or traditional treatment, then discuss seeing a holistic vet.
Does pet insurance cover the expense of holistic vet care or natural dog treatments?
Often holistic vet care is covered by pet insurance. However, always check your dog’s insurance policy to make sure they provide financial assistance with holistic care.
Additionally, you could use your pet savings account or emergency fund to pay for your dog’s appointments and treatments.
Is holistic dog care really affordable?
Naturally, the cost of holistic vet care will vary from location to location. However, in my area, the cost of acupuncture, chiropractor, and massage is equal to or less than a regular or traditional vet visit. Additionally, if you’re like me and get an animal massage therapist who shows you how to help your pet, then one session might be enough.
How much can I save on my dog care with holistic medicine?
Of course, this again will vary by location and your dog’s ailment. However, this is the fun part. I always think this brings everything together. Consider the following possible expenses for a moment:
| Traditional vet treatment of arthritis | $30 – 400/month medications |
| Surgery for arthritis + recover | $3000 – 6000 |
| Traditional vet treatment of digestive issues | $200-8000 |
| Tumors and cancer treatment | $200-10,000 |
Related articles:
- Dog Chiropractors – Pros and Cons
- 10 Steps to Find the Best Vet
- Quick Simple Dog Massage Therapy at Home
- 15 Red Flags-Time For a New Vet!
- 8 Surprising Benefits Of Mobile Vet Services For My Dog
- 10 Steps to Find the Best Vet
- My Dog Loves Savings Accounts. Surprised?
- Emergency Dog Fund: How Much Money Should You Save?
Summary of Affordable Holistic Dog Care Treatments: Complete Guide
Affordable holistic medicine for dogs and pets may not be something you think of immediately, but it could be a big help for your dog. Generally, it’s not invasive, yet, it can be very effective.
While some believe any positives seen in animals from holistic medicine are due to a placebo effect, personally, I think that’s a silly criticism. After all a dog or animal doesn’t know homeopathic medicine, a chiropractor, an acupuncturist, or a massage may help them.
However, if you notice they aren’t limping or their digestion is improved after a holistic session when all other things are the same, then it must be the holistic medicine.
Consequently, I know holistic vet care certainly helped my horse, Macho. Additionally, I see improvements daily with Henry after his massage. Plus, he loves being massaged!
I swear by holistic products and Layla gets holistic supplements in her food daily, that is why I believe she is so healthy for her age, in the 12+ years I have her she has had chemical medications 3 times and never again where possible as I do not believe in antibiotics. My vet which I thankful for respects my wishes and will carry on this way with Layla.
Great post and others should know about this
This is great information! Thanks for providing the link to the American Holistic Vet directory – I’m happy to see that there are 3 in my area! I’m a big believer in holistic medicine. It doesn’t get nearly the respect and seriousness it deserves.
I agree that holistic vet medicine doesn’t get the respect it deserves. It seems crazy to me! I’m glad you found some holistic providers in your area. I thought that link was very helpful. I’m glad it helped you. Thank you for your continued support, Cathy! I greatly appreciate it!
I love that your holistic approach is working for Henry and Macho. It’s good to know that insurance also covers some of these treatments in addition to traditional medicine. I prefer a holistic approach when possible as I agree with the notion that to cure a problem, you need to address the source and look at the mind, body, and soul collectively. Everything works together. Thanks for sharing this informative and helpful post. I’ll be sure to share!
Yes, I love a holistic approach! It definitely does seem to be working well for Henry. I appreciate you sharing and your continued support!
Holistic treatments work. Your advice is excellent; ask for veterinary or holistic practice help for the best results because they can make a huge dfference. I love seeing Henry looking so happy and healthy – he is a great advertisement for holistic care.
Thanks! I love holistic treatments too. I agree with you on Henry. He’s a nut, but a lovable nut!
I appreciate your continued support and encouragement!
Love this! I am all about holistic care if available. I did a combo of it and traditional care with my huskies, especially after Gibson was diagnosed with epilepsy. I know it is what helped him (I did a liver cleansing supplement, massage, Reiki, and acupuncture as well as nutrition). It’s amazing the budget savings again! I wish holistic was more present and embraced. I do think things are changing and we are seeing that it is more and more something to at least add to a dog’s care. I know even with human holistic care, there still are those who frown at it, but personally I can say adding it has helped me and my dogs tremendously. I just wrote on this topic for 4Knines recently. It is definitely something I hope more folks look into. I was very fortunante that my vet team was very open to it. Sharing your great article, of course! PS – I love the video of handsome Henry!
I completely agree with you that a combo is good and that holistic care needs to be more accepted. I love that we are on the same holistic dog care and you wrote an article at the same time. That is so amazing! I bet holistic care did help Gibson. It really is amazing how it is able to help when traditional medicine is unable to do anything at times.
I love that video of Henry as well. He’s a nutjob! But a lovable one! I think I’ll keep him.
Thank you for the kind words and endless support! It truly means the world to me!
I can’t tell you enough how much I absolutely LOVE this article! With my FiveSibes, I often researched other holistic and homeopathic treatments for my dogs. I was so lucky that my amazing vet duo were always open to my questions, suggestions, and recommendations that with my Gibson who was an epileptic, we came up with a wonderful combination of traditional and holistic treatments to help him live the best and healthiest life he could. They never pooh-poohed me and if they weren’t aware of something I proposed, they reached out and researched and connected with other vet professionals who did. I was *SO* happy and confident in our treatment. I love, love, love any type of holistic options. Not to say that I would abandon traditional, I didn’t. But I did add much holistic therapies not only for Gibson’s epilepsy, but also for when they had surgeries, and for overall healthcare. This is wonderful! Sharing with my audience and Pinning so others can read this fabulous article! PS – I love the video of Henry! Especially his “sound effects!” So cute!
Your FiveSibes, and especially Gibson, were so lucky to have such a great hu-mom. I completely agree…I love holistic options as well. I like the combination of traditional and holistic, which seems to work well. You were lucky to find such a wonderful duo of vets.
I love that video of Henry as well. He’s my little nutjob, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!
Thanks for your continued support and encouragement, Dorothy! I greatly appreciate it!
I’ve used acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care for my dogs and it does help! Some methods worked better for some dogs than others. It’s def worth checking out. Glad you are spreading the word!!
I agree. Sometimes the results are better than other times. But when you don’t see the results you need from your traditional vet, then it’s a good time to look for alternatives, like holistic care. I’m so glad that the acupuncture, massage, and chiropractor helped your pups. They’ve all helped my fur kids as well.
Thank you, Tiffany for sharing your insights and experiences. I really appreciate it!