Holistic vets typically focus on the whole picture of a dog’s health, rather than treating individual issues in isolation. This often means considering factors like nutrition, movement, environment, stress, and lifestyle alongside medical findings.

Importantly, many holistic vets still use conventional diagnostics and treatments when appropriate. The difference is in how those tools are combined, with an emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and supporting the body’s ability to maintain balance over time.

For owners, this approach often feels more collaborative and less reactive.

A common misconception is that holistic vets avoid medication or modern treatments altogether. In reality, the best outcomes often come from blending holistic principles with evidence based care.

Medication, surgery, and advanced diagnostics can be essential in many situations. Holistic care adds context, asking why an issue developed, how it’s changing over time, and what can be done to reduce future risk rather than just manage symptoms.

This blended approach is increasingly common, particularly for chronic conditions like arthritis, allergies, and digestive issues.

Holistic care aligns closely with a preventative mindset. Tracking changes in mobility, behaviour, appetite, and energy over time helps surface patterns that might otherwise be missed.

For some dogs, this long term view may also include personalised options, such as stem cell therapy, particularly for chronic joint conditions. Planning ahead, including banking healthy stem cells earlier in life, can expand future treatment options and reduce reliance on reactive care later on.