'Natural' remedies for your pet?

WHEN PETS are sick, it's tempting to turn toward treatments that are considered "natural." Concerns about side effects of drugs, fear that a pet will die under anesthesia or worries about the cost of a procedure can all drive people toward treatments or remedies that seem safer or less expensive, even if there's not much science behind them.

We're here to remind you that modern veterinary medicine is safe and advanced. If your pet has cancer or another illness or needs surgery or treatment for an infection, conventional treatments are better. And just because something is natural doesn't mean it can't be harmful or that it's a cure-all.

That said, complementary and alternative veterinary medicine can help to support conventional treatments or improve a pet's quality of life. Such treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicine, low-level laser treatments, massage and nutraceuticals such as glucosamine-chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Acupuncture stimulates the release of beta endorphins. It can relieve pain and nausea and has helped dogs with cancer pain. It can also be useful for the aches of arthritis or recovery after surgery when used in conjunction with pain medications.

Milk thistle is recognized for its value in helping manage liver disease. It works so well that most veterinarians consider it an accepted part of treatment.

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements appear to reduce joint pain, with the added advantage of rarely causing side effects. High levels of fatty acid supplements may have anti-inflammatory effects and help relieve allergies.

But before you decide to try a natural medicine on your pet, examine it with the same investigative zeal you would any other medication or treatment. Start with your veterinarian.

Ask your veterinarian how conventional and complementary approaches compare when it comes to treating your pet's condition. If your veterinarian isn't familiar with a therapy, consult a holistic veterinarian. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association has listings on its website. Even if there's no one in your area, you and your veterinarian may be able to set up a phone consultation.

Be aware that treatments can take time to work. Don't try a treatment for a week or two and expect any benefits. You may not see results for several weeks or months.

Consider the potential risks and benefits of any approach, taking into account safety and quality of life. Will a complementary therapy actually help your pet, or will it simply make you feel better because you're giving something "natural"? It's better to address the problem effectively, even if that means using conventional treatments. But if the standard treatment offers little benefit, you and your veterinarian may decide that a nontraditional option offers better quality of life.

Some nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and herbs such as milk thistle have been evaluated in animals, but most herbs given to pets haven't been tested for safety or effectiveness. Be sure that any therapy you are considering can be safely used in animals, especially if you have a cat. Just because something has been used safely in dogs or humans doesn't mean it will be safe to use in cats.

It's also important to avoid negative drug interactions. Like drugs, herbs work by causing biochemical reactions, and they may interfere with other medications your dog or cat is taking. Always tell your veterinarian about any supplements or herbs you are giving your pet.

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by Dr. Marty Becker and journalist Kim Campbell Thornton.