A Vet Explains: Why Holistic Pet Care Is More Than Just Medicine
A Vet Explains: Why Holistic Pet Care Is More Than Just Medicine
Written by Alessandro Didiano (doctor in veterinary medicine, MRCVS)
Disclaimer: This article is personally written by me, a licensed veterinarian with more than a decade of clinical experience. It’s for general information only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a vet for health concerns or emergencies.
"How did Muffin get to this point?" I asked, in a state of shock. The cat in front of me was more than clinically obese: he was the most overweight cat I had ever seen (and I have seen until now) throughout my career. His weight was shocking: 17 kg (37 lbs). He was nearly unable to move and I couldn't listen to his chest or perform an abdominal palpation because his body was entirely covered in fat.
"Oh, he is very happy", replied the owner, a man in his late forties with two teen-agers daughters. The daughters found it funny and laughed. At this point, I felt some anger arising inside me. I try to be polite to every client and my philosophy is to educate clients, rather than judge them. However, we are all humans after all and, although I am not proud of it, I snapped, feeling sad for the poor creature. I said "This is not funny. You are condemning your cat to a miserable existence".
"Oh no doctor, you are wrong. He eats, drinks and sleeps all day. Isn't that what we all want? He gets his yearly checkup and vaccination, we look after him very well. He is very happy".
I replied, this time more calmly, giving a list of reason why I thought the cat should lose weight (diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, hypertension, joint pain, digestive and urinary issues, severely reduced lifespan, and others) all in a desperate attempt to make them seeing what I was seeing.
"Ok, then doctor. You convinced me. Do you have a pill to make him lose weight?"
When we think about pets' wellbeing, it is easy to focus on food, shelter, vaccinations, medications, and routine check-ups. Obviously, these are all super important things. But let's be honest here: in order to be happy, you, as a person, need more than that. You need physical and mental stimulation. You need meaningful relationships. In other words, you need to thrive, not just to survive.
In the same way, true wellness for our pets goes beyond just keeping them alive—it’s about ensuring they thrive. The real question every pet owner should ask is: Is my pet truly happy, or just comfortable?
The Problem with Conventional Pet Care
Modern veterinary medicine has made incredible advancements, saving countless lives. Today vets can guarantee treatments which, only a decade ago, at the beginning of my career, seemed impossible. I mean, we can perform open heart and brain surgery. Isn't that incredible?
However, there’s an increasing tendency, at least in my humble opinion, to over-rely on medications to manage health issues that could be addressed with lifestyle changes. Just like in human medicine, treating symptoms instead of root causes can lead to chronic issues that never fully resolve.
Let me give you some examples:
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Chronic ear infections? Very often it is not just be bad luck and we should do more than giving some "ear drops"—dietary sensitivities or environmental allergens could be playing a role.
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Arthritic pain? For sure in some cases (at least the most severe), painkillers must be a part of the treatment. But should weight management, joint supplements, and physiotherapy be the first line treatment, rather than something just briefly mentioned to the pet owner during the 15 minutes consultation time?
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Chronic urinary problems or over-grooming in cats? For sure anti-inflammatory treatments can help, but what about working on their stress levels, which are known to be a major trigger of these conditions? Maybe they feel bored of being inside and alone all day, waiting for the owner to get back home from their 10 hours working day?
Medications: Necessary or Overused?
Before I get misunderstood, let’s be clear: I am not advising to treat your dog’s cancer with vitamin C. I am a doctor and I believe in the power of medicine. Medications save lives. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, painkillers and all sort of other medications can be essential in certain cases. But, throughout my career I have seen, over and over again, that in some instances, they’re used as a quick fix when a lifestyle adjustment or holistic approach could give better long-term results.
In other words, if your pet is constantly battling the same health problems, maybe us veterinarians and pet owners should ask ourselves: is the real problem being addressed?
Holistic Pet Health: What Does It Really Mean?
I want to emphasize once again that a holistic approach doesn’t mean rejecting traditional veterinary medicine. It means, instead, looking at the whole animal. It means not just treating symptoms, but try to identify and address the root cause of any issue.
In my opinion, a truly holistic pet care plan should include 5 key points: ✔ Nutrition – Is your pet’s diet biologically appropriate, fresh, and rich in essential nutrients? ✔ Mental & Physical Stimulation – Does your pet get enough exercise, problem-solving activities, and engagement? ✔ Emotional Wellbeing – Does your pet feel safe, loved, and fulfilled? Are they showing signs of stress or anxiety? ✔ Preventative Care – Are you focusing on proactive health measures like dental care (which is, I think, the most neglected thing in our pets), and weight management? ✔ Environment – Is your pet’s living space enriching or just convenient for you?
Is Your Pet Happy—Or Just Comfortable?
We can go back to the original point of my article: most pet owners assume that because their pet has food, water, and shelter, they must be happy. But happiness, in people and animals alike, is more than just meeting basic physiological needs.
Dogs and cats have instincts that must be fulfilled to feel satisfied. For example, a cat that lie around around all day may seem “content,” but without opportunities to hunt, climb, and play, they could be suffering from boredom. A dog that’s well-fed but spends most of its time indoors with their owner may be physically safe, but without mental stimulation and exercise, they may experience depression.
Signs Your Pet May Be Comfortable—But Not Truly Happy.
Is your pet showing one of the following symptoms?
🚩 Sleeping all day with little interest in play (not just age-related slowing down) 🚩 Begging for food constantly—this does not always mean hunger, but possibly boredom 🚩 Destructive behavior or excessive licking—these could be signs of stress or unmet needs 🚩 Weight gain—this could be linked to lack of stimulation or emotional distress 🚩 Avoiding social interaction or seeming withdrawn—these could be signs of anxiety or depression.
The Bottom Line: Challenge the Status Quo
I think it’s time to rethink pet care. Let's try to have a change of mentality, right here and right now. Instead of only asking, “Is my pet medically healthy?” we should be asking, “Is my pet thriving?”
I think that a holistic approach that considers diet, mental enrichment, and emotional wellbeing can prevent many common health issues before they require medication.
One simple way to start? Why not incorporate more mental stimulation into your dog's or cat’s daily routine?
For dogs, it is known that something as simple as interactive food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys engage their natural problem-solving instincts, therefore preventing boredom and destructive behaviors. Research has shown over and over again that mental enrichment reduces canine cortisol levels, helping to manage stress and anxiety.
For cats, similarly, snuffle mats and puzzle feeders connect very well with their natural hunting instincts. In the wild, cats would spend hours stalking, capturing, and eating small prey throughout the day. You will understand that a cat living in a small apartment one the fourth floor of a building in central London doesn't have these opportunities. However, by making mealtime a challenge, we can at least mimic that natural foraging behavior, which, once again, has been linked to lower stress levels and decrease the risk of behavioral issues.
To sum up, this is the final message I want to send across: your pet deserves more than just comfort, as we do. They deserve a fulfilling, enriched, and happy life.