While veterinarians are all different and have different approaches to allergy treatments, we attempt to give you a preview of what you can expect when you visit your veterinarian with a dog with skin allergies.

Traditional veterinarians are likely to consider conventional approaches to treating allergies, and in 9 times out of 10, the treatment will likely involve a prescription of antihistamines and steroid drugs.

Because the dog owning population has become more educated in recent years to the brute force treatment approach of allopathic medicine, the popularity of holistic practitioners is exploding. The holistic practitioners in our area are booked for weeks in advance.

What can you expect from a holistic vet? Generally, the holistic vet will consider therapies such as topical treatments, environmental allergen reduction, acupuncture, herbal treatments, and nutritional supplements. These practitioners will usually not be very open to prescribing conventional drugs for allergies, itching and inflammation.

Another difference is the diagnosis method. The holistic practitioner will prefer to use alternative diagnostics and stay away from conventional diagnosis.

Obviously, the best approach and best veterinarian, in our opinion is the one that considers both conventional and holistic therapies, and just as importantly, cares for the well being of the pet and looks to what is in the animal’s best interest, not the prescription drug suppliers best interest or the practitioners business bottom line.