Should I choose a traditional vet or a holistic vet?

Post date: 2018-04-24 11:18:45
Views: 178
We recently adopted this little lady, a retired show dog. She's nine years old and needs to have a veterinarian. I'm conflicted about whether we should choose a traditional vet or one with a holistic bent, especially in light of her history.

Her two previous owners have used, and swear by, holistic veterinarians. AFAIK she hasn't been vaccinated beyond the core vaccines as a puppy. She hasn't had a rabies vaccine in years (ever?) and has had annual heartworm testing but no heartworm or flea/tick preventive. She has had three litters of puppies, but is now spayed.

I've had dogs all my life and have always used a traditional vet but now for Reasons we need to choose a new vet. On the one hand, I think I should follow the previous owners' lead, especially since I'm still in frequent contact with them, and take her to a holistic vet. She's a small dog and I don't want to stress her system by shooting her full of various vaccines. On the other hand, though, I wonder just how strong the evidence against annual vaccinations is and whether I'm becoming one of those hysterical anti-vaxxers.

Beyond the vaccine issue, though, she's getting older and is likely to encounter joint and other health issues as she ages. Do I want a vet who will always treat with medication and/or surgery? Or one who has more arrows in the quiver and can take a less disruptive approach whenever possible? If it matters, she is not a brave girl at the vet's.

She lives a typical suburban dog life, coming into contact with other typical suburban dogs on her walks, eats all-natural kibble and gets essential fatty acid and glucosamine supplements. But there are coyotes and other wildlife around at night, covering the same ground she does during the day. We usually take her with us when we travel; otherwise we "board" her at someone's home via rover.com.

I never fail to learn from the doggy wisdom of Mefites, so please help me sort this through. As a bonus question, can you recommend a good vet in the far north suburbs of Chicago?
Number of Comments
Please click Here to read the full story.
 
Other Top and Latest Questions:
~How~ to search for a seasoned therapist & psychiatrist?
Delicious in Dungeon: Stewed Cabbage/Orcs
Printer best for photographs?
Best place to stay between Tampa and Wilmington NC?
noise reducing (not cancelling) earplugs (not headphones or earbuds)
The Regime: Midnight Feast
3 Body Problem: Destroyer of Worlds Books Included
article, op-ed, or blog post about burnout causing inability to speak
3 Body Problem: Judgment Day Books Included
FEUD: Beautiful Babe