The Pet Health Trap

At one stage in everyone's life, someone, be it a doctor, a friend, or a family member - has told them that they are doing something wrong, or not doing anything at all in regards to their health, or the health of someone in their care.

Who hasn't been there? Don't eat that, stay away from fat, sugar is evil. Then the story turns - some fat IS needed, and glucose levels DO need to be maintained.

With out pets being such a large part of our lives it's not strange that this human insecurity has transferred on to their situations.

The latest development in animal health care, is holistic health.

Now, caring for pets as we do, it is certain that at some point in time we have come across an article, or a book, or even a TV show about the natural approach to our beloved pets care. I certainly have.

Holistic care removes the packaged cat food, discourages vaccinations and antibiotics and suggests herbs and supplements to ensure your darlings safety. That is all fine and well and if it works, why not? But where is the scientific proof? (I am a scientific sort of person), and where is the consideration for the cats wishes in all of this?

One thing is for certain, if I took my cats precious salmon away (and I have tried) there would be war. The holistic health books for cats I have read also say to cut out as much fish as possible. Now, that is never going to happen. My cat won't even smell anything with chicken, beef, or god forbid, vegetables in it. The only thing she ever eats raw is fresh Atlantic salmon, and that costs nearly the same amount as a tank of petrol (bit of an exaggeration, I know).

And there is another thing with fresh, home cooked foods. Can you really be certain that your pet is getting the right amount of the necessary nutrients? All I can say is that I do not see anything wrong with the organic Vet Science endorsed food that I feed my cat (Although these holistic books can, of course).

Antibiotics and Vaccinations? Well, it is a common known fact that too much of antibiotics does more bad than good - but too much of any good thing is a bad thing. Not many people pump their pets with antibiotics unless it really is necessary, and when it is necessary, sometimes time concerning recovery is the most important thing. Antibiotics are renowned for working quickly, I can't quite say the same thing for herbal supplements. As with vaccinations, they protect the furry monsters from some pretty nasty, life-threatening diseases. And since there are no proven side effects of vaccinating, why take the chance?

I don't know about you, but I am not willing to experiment with my cats life.