Complementary Therapy?... Alternative?...

Complementary Therapies for Animals

Where animals are concerned there is no such thing as an Alternative therapy. There are no alternatives to a proper Veterinary diagnosis.

Humans can make choices

In the field of human medicine there ARE "alternative therapies". You can do what you want to your body. If you have bad stomach pains and choose to sit in the middle of a crop circle wearing nothing but a daisy chain and a thoughtful expression, asking the earth spirits to heal you - fine. If the stomach pains happen to be appendicitis which turns into peritonitis and you die - fine. You chose your "alternative". Letting that happen to yourself is not against the law. (Although not recommended!)

Animals have no choice - they rely on you

However, if you own an animal that is sick and you choose to do nothing about it and the animal suffers unnecessarily or dies you will (or should) be prosecuted under the Protection of Animals Act.

Any sick animal MUST be taken to the vet - there is no alternative. Once veterinary diagnosis has been given, your vet will recommend a course of treatment. This may include a Complementary therapy - one which is given in conjunction with traditional veterinary care.

If your vet does not suggest a complementary therapy and you feel that it may be appropriate, discuss the possibility with him/her... how do I get a complementary treatment for my animal.