Not All “Holistic” Vets Are Created Equal — How to Find a Truly Holistic Vet for Your Dog
When you’re raising your dog naturally—feeding a species-appropriate raw diet and creating as toxin-free a lifestyle as possible—your veterinarian should share and respect those values.
But here’s the catch: in today’s pet care world, “holistic” can mean just about anything. Some vets use the label because they offer acupuncture or supplements, but that doesn’t always mean they support true healing based on evolutionary nutrition and natural wellness.
So how do you tell the difference between a vet who markets themselves as holistic, and one who actually practices it?
Let’s break it down.
1. Vaccine Protocols Matter
A truly holistic vet won’t follow a “one-size-fits-all” vaccine schedule. Instead, they will:
Recommend titer testing before giving boosters.
Consider your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors before suggesting vaccines.
Avoid low-efficacy, high-risk shots like lepto, Lyme, or canine flu.
Steer clear of experimental gene-based vaccines.
If your vet talks openly about minimizing unnecessary vaccinations, you’re off to a good start.
2. Look at the Food They Recommend
If a vet’s shelves are stocked with ultra-processed kibble or “prescription” diets, that’s a red flag.
A vet aligned with natural wellness will:
Support whole food nutrition—raw, freeze-dried, or gently cooked diets.
Ask thoughtful questions about what you feed.
Work with you to improve your dog’s diet, not scare you away from fresh food.
3. The Modalities They Offer
True holistic care is multi-dimensional. A well-rounded vet may offer:
Acupuncture or Chiropractic care.
Homeopathy.
Herbal medicine (Traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, or Western—with proper training).
Custom treatment plans, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
4. Personalized, Thorough Intake
Healing starts with listening.
Ask yourself:
Does this vet take time to understand your dog’s full history—even from puppyhood?
Do they dig deep to find root causes, instead of just masking symptoms?
If the answer is yes, they’re valuing your dog as an individual.
5. Flea & Tick Prevention Philosophy
A truly holistic vet will at least discuss natural prevention options—herbal sprays, essential oil blends, and environmental management.
If the only tools in their box are neurotoxic pesticides like Bravecto, Nexgard, or Simparica, it’s worth exploring other practitioners.
6. Caution with Pharmaceuticals
The holistic approach is cautious with new or highly suppressive drugs such as Librela, Solensia, or Apoquel.
Rather than jumping on the latest pharmaceutical trend, these vets prioritize natural healing first and wait for long-term safety data before recommending new meds.
7. Nutrition & Supplement Guidance
The right vet will:
Ask what your dog eats (and actually listen).
Support a raw or species-appropriate diet.
Recommend clean, reputable supplements—not sugar-laden chewables or low-quality private label blends.
Bonus: They Listen to You
The most important green flag? A vet who treats you like a partner in your dog’s care.
They should value your observations, respect your decisions, and help you weigh all the options—without fear tactics.
Finding the Right Fit
If you’re still searching, visit AHVMA.org to find holistic vets near you. Or reach out to me—I’m happy to help you connect with a practitioner who aligns with your values.
And if you already have a vet who embraces fresh feeding and non-toxic modalities, let me know! I’m building a database of trusted holistic vets to help other pet parents find the right support.
Remember: your vet is just one part of your dog’s wellness team, but having one who truly supports natural living can make all the difference in your dog’s health and happiness.