We want to start using the holistic approach to care for our cat, Amy. However, she is taking prednisone for bowel disease. Are holistic therapies compatible with her medication?

Absolutely. Although my goal is to teach pet owners to say no to drugs for their pets when possible, the holistic or integrative approach appreciates that sometimes medications are necessary, even life saving. Whenever it’s possible to reduce the dose or eliminate the medication and replace the drugs with supplements, this approach is preferred.

Here are some tips to remember when integrating natural therapies with conventional medications:

• Make sure you work with your veterinarian, and never stop medications without doctor supervision.
• Use only quality, brand name supplements. There’s a lot of junk out there, and some supplements contain toxins that may hurt your pet. Follow your doctor’s guidance. While some supplements recommended by your doctor may cost more than similar products found at the local health food store, you can feel confident that he has experience using the specific products he recommends.
• Be patient: Natural therapies may require a longer time than some drugs to produce the desired result. Some endocrine gland imbalances, infections and organ disorders may require as much as 90 days or more to deliver optimum results. For pets with allergies and chronic skin disorders, it could take up to 12 months of fine-tuning the prescribed protocol. However, the results possible with natural therapy are worth the extra time.

It’s common to start therapy with a large number of supplements. Don’t panic, as the number of supplements usually declines over time. Unless indicated otherwise, it is best to administer supplements with meals.

Some pet owners make the mistake of stopping therapy as soon as symptoms have abated. This is a risky practice, as your pet may get worse (or even die if he has a serious disorder) if you stop supplements prematurely. With most patients there is a maintenance regimen to follow for life if certain organs are injured beyond repair or the pet suffers from a chronic disease.