Conventional Medicine vs Holistic Remedies: Why the Best Approach Is Using Both

When it comes to caring for our pets, the debate between conventional and holistic medicine gets louder every year. Some people follow only pharmaceutical paths. Others won’t touch anything unless it’s natural.

But after years of caring for my own dogs, I’ve learned something simple and powerful: The most effective approach is using both when the time is right.

This isn’t about choosing one side. It’s about choosing what works best for our animals’ health, comfort, and longevity.

I’m Not Against Conventional Medicine — I Use It When It’s Needed

Let me be very clear: I am not anti-vet or anti-medication. I have absolutely used conventional medicine for my dogs, and I’m grateful it exists.

Real-life examples from our home:

• One of my dogs is on heart medication. Pharmaceuticals support heart function in ways natural remedies alone cannot.

• Betty has taken thyroid medication. When the thyroid isn’t producing enough hormone, diet and herbs cannot replace what’s missing — medication can.

• I have used antibiotics when natural approaches weren’t strong enough. Sometimes an infection needs immediate, targeted treatment.

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Conventional medicine saves lives, manages serious conditions, and helps in emergencies.

Holistic Medicine Completes the Picture

Holistic care fills in the gaps and supports the whole body.

In my own dogs, I’ve used:

• Milk thistle to protect the liver from medication side effects

• Heart-support supplements to strengthen cardiovascular health

• Probiotics after antibiotics

• Acupuncture for Ollie, which has supported his wellbeing beautifully

• Targeted nutrition for healing and long-term wellness

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I use supplements, but I don’t over-supplement. Targeted, intentional choices always work better than a “more is better” approach.

Holistic medicine is about strengthening the whole animal — not just treating the symptom.

I’m Not an Anti-Vaxxer — I’m Against Over-Vaccinating

Vaccines absolutely have a place in responsible pet care. They prevent dangerous diseases and protect our animals.

However, I do not believe in automatic, repeated, unnecessary vaccinations.

Why balance matters:

• Many pets maintain immunity for years after their core vaccines

• Titre testing can show immunity and prevent unnecessary boosters

• Older or chronically ill pets may need personalised schedules

• Vaccines aren’t “one-size-fits-all” — they should be tailored to the individual animal

  
  

Vaccines are a valuable tool, but like all tools, they should be used wisely.

Did you know that according to Guidelines, Vaccines Should Only Be Given to Healthy Animals

Another important point — and something many people don’t realise — is that vaccines are recommended only for healthy dogs and cats.

Regulatory and veterinary guidelines (including FDA/USDA vaccine labeling requirements and standard veterinary protocols) state that vaccines are intended for healthy animals. And that matters, because it means:

• If your dog is unwell

• If they’re recovering from illness

• If they have a compromised immune system

• If they’re dealing with allergies, infections, gut issues, or chronic conditions

• If they are stressed, run-down, or coming out of a flare-up they may not be an ideal candidate for vaccination at that moment.

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What does this mean in real life?

It means you can say:

• “My dog isn’t feeling well today — I’d rather delay the vaccine.”

• “Let’s do a titre test first to see if immunity is still present.”

• “My dog has a chronic condition, can we personalise a schedule?”

  
  

It also means that blindly vaccinating during illness can increase the risk of reactions or side effects, simply because the immune system is already under pressure.

This ties right back into the importance of:

• doing your own research

• knowing your dog’s individual needs

• understanding side effects

• and being aware of supportive supplements and holistic approaches

Vaccines are a tool — a good one — but like all tools, they need the right timing, the right reasoning, and the right animal health status.

Why Doing Your Own Research Matters

I encourage every pet parent to do their own research, to become an informed advocate for their animals.

Research helps you:

• Understand what a medication or vaccine actually does

• Know the potential side effects and what’s normal vs. concerning

• Prepare for how to support your pet if side effects occur

• Choose supplements that help the body cope and recover

• Walk into appointments confident and informed

  
  

And Remember: What I Choose for My Dogs May Not Be Right for Yours

This part is vital. Just because I decide something for my dogs doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your dog or cat.

Every animal has:

• Different needs

• Different health issues

• Different sensitivities

• Different responses to medication or vaccines

My dogs’ needs might be completely different from yours — and that’s okay.

That’s exactly why learning, researching, and understanding your options matters so much. When you’re informed, you can create a personalised plan that supports your animal’s unique health.

Research doesn’t replace your vet — it makes you a better partner in your pet’s care.

The Real Magic Is in Integration

Here’s what I’ve learned through experience:

• Conventional medicine handles emergencies, acute issues, and specific medical needs

• Holistic medicine supports long-term health, reduces side effects, and strengthens the body

Used together, they create balance and harmony in your pet’s health.

Examples:

• Heart medication + heart-support supplements

• Antibiotics + probiotics

• Medication side effects + liver support like milk thistle

There is no rule that you must choose one or the other — the best results often come from both.

What I’ve Learned Over the Years

Caring for my dogs has taught me:

• Conventional medicine is not the enemy

• Holistic medicine brings balance and long-term wellness

• Vaccines matter — but so do timing and frequency

• Being informed takes fear out of side effects

• Supplements work best when used purposefully

• Every animal is different — and deserves personalised care

• The best outcomes come from combining both worlds

Choose a Vet Who Supports Your Values and Communicates clearly. One of the most important choices you can make as a pet parent is choosing a vet who respects your approach and actually listens to you. You deserve a veterinary professional who:

• explains things in detail

• answers your questions without judgment

• supports a balanced approach (conventional + holistic)

• is open to discussing supplements, titres, diet, acupuncture, or alternative therapies

• understands that you know your animal better than anyone

• respects when you need time to research or ask for alternatives

• works with you, not against you

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A good vet won’t rush you. They won’t pressure you. They won’t dismiss your concerns.

They’ll partner with you to make decisions based on your pet’s individual needs, not a generic protocol.

Because at the end of the day, your dog or cat deserves care that’s personalised, thoughtful, and safe — and that starts with a vet who is willing to communicate openly and support your choices.

In the End: Care Isn’t Black and White

I’m not here to choose sides. Or to replace any veterinarian care. I’m here to use every tool available to help my dogs live long, comfortable, healthy lives.

If that means medication, I use it. If that means herbs, acupuncture, or natural support, I use those too.If that means researching before making a decision, I proudly do that.

The goal is simple: balanced, thoughtful, personalised care — because our pets deserve nothing less.