Navigating alternative therapies in veterinary care: balancing benefits and risks

In recent years you may have noticed an increase in clients looking for alternative therapies, either alongside or instead of traditional veterinary treatment. While these can be hugely beneficial it’s essential to also weigh up the risks and limitations.

For conditions like arthritis or anxiety, treatments like acupuncture, massage, and hydrotherapy can help alleviate symptoms without the side effects associated with long-term medication.

Many alternative treatments, such as acupuncture or touch therapy, also offer non-invasive and gentler approaches, often appealing to clients who prefer to minimise the use of medication or surgery.

However, while some of these practices have some supporting evidence, other therapies lack substantial scientific backing. Without rigorous evidence, it’s difficult to endorse these options. And as we know, some herbal supplements and nutraceuticals have been proven to be unsafe, interacting negatively with prescribed medications or cause unanticipated side effects.

But perhaps most importantly, alternative therapies can unintentionally delay or detract from more effective treatments, putting animals at risk.

If you’re interested in ways to help you navigate this potential minefield – and perhaps most importantly, steer clients away from unsafe therapies and towards evidence-based treatments, we’re running a brand new course – Veterinary Science: Debunking Myths and Embracing Evidence-Based Practices – on Monday 3rd February 2025 to equip vets with the knowledge to explore alternative therapies and dispel myths.