Integrative Veterinary Medicine

Integrative Animal Health Care
Randy Aronson, VMD

The integrative approach for me can best be summarized in the pneumonic P.E.T.S. “P” standing for proper nutrition, “E” for exercise, “T” for training, and “S” for stress reduction.

The building block for great health is nutrition and thus we have created many core nutritional supplements at 2 Docs (www.2docs.net) just to bring your pet’s nutritional levels to the healthiest they can be. I have written about the importance of feeding your pet a super premium kibble and/or canned food, home cooking, or a raw food diet. I always emphasize avoiding byproducts, meals and excess grains in our pets’ foods. Also, our soils have been depleted of many of the essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids that we need to include for a healthy pet diet. In my veterinary practice I speak to my clients about core supplementation with Mighty-multi vitamins, Pet-C Plus, and one of the fatty acid supplements like Essential Fats for Pets or Super E and Fatty acids. For my geriatric patients I will also add Rejuvenate for Pets.

It is critical for your pet to have a regular, well thought about exercise program. The benefits of taking walks, jogs, and runs with your dog or using bottle caps or making aluminum foil balls to exercise your cat are immeasurable. Not only will this keep your pet happy but will avoid the ever-increasing problem of pet obesity. Associated with the state of obesity, comes the problems of diabetes, Cushing’s disease and fatty liver syndrome. Participating in exercise with your pet will also have innumerable health benefits for you and allow for some great quality time together.

Ninety-four percent of all animals in shelters and humane societies across the United States, two years or older, have had no formal training of any kind. I recommend puppy kindergarten and basic obedience classes to all of my clients. This establishes the alpha person in your pets’ life and makes the pet experience so much more enjoyable. These classes not only teach your dog the importance of listening to specific instructions but also allow incredible socialization with other dogs and their pet parents. There are also classes in advanced obedience, agility and field trials that you may participate in with your pet.

With the increase in stress in both your pet’s life and yours, comes huge cortisol releases. This increase in body cortisol will lower your immunity, create hormonal diseases, and cause weight loss or gain. I have actually seen cases with my fiber-optic endoscope of stress ulcers in the stomach of a dog living in a very abusive household. In canine and feline domestication we have asked our pets to live their lives sharing in ours, so it is very important to try to minimize the stressors that they are exposed to. Many of the blue label part of our pet line help alleviate and go to correct the imbalances in our pets’ lives. For example, Diabetes Defense Formula helps to maintain healthy glucose levels in our dogs’ and cats’ bodies with a human grade array of ingredients.

Thus having an integrative veterinary practice, medically I can combine the best of western or allopathic medicine with acupuncture, chiropractic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, western herbology and nutrition including diets, nutraceuticals and supplements. This allows me and my clients to be proactive not reactive with their best friend’s healthcare.