How am I going to give these “pills”?

The pills and capsules are whole food supplements and should be treated like food and added directly to your pet’s meals.  For most pets you may just mix them into their food. Some pets are a little more finicky with their foods so you may have to get creative in hiding them in the food.  You may crush the tablets and open the capsules to mix into a small amount of wet food and mix that into the meal. If they continue to be finicky, you can try canned tripe or liver to entice eating.

Will there be any reactions to the supplements?

Typically there should be no reaction to any of the supplements.  Most of the supplements that we use are whole food concentrates from Standard Process, Inc. They are the best “organ specific groceries” your money can buy. These supplements are often just as important as the dietary changes. These supplements speed recovery in areas where the basic diet may take a long time to heal or never heal.  Sometimes in the beginning of the healing process, your pet’s symptoms may seem to get worse.  This can be very normal as the body is releasing toxins out of the system which can cause symptoms to increase.   As the program continues, the symptoms should subside.

How long will it take for the program to work on my pet?

The time it takes to get your pet normalized is different in each case.  Typically we tell our patients that the healing time can take from six to eight months.  Sometimes we see improvement in just a few weeks, but also know it can take up to two years to see a full recovery.  

How long is my pet going to be on supplements?

Living a long healthy life is our goal for your pet.  In order to achieve this, a lifetime of good nutrition is essential.  The supplements we initially recommend for your pet are a combination of supplements that heal and repair and also basic digestive enzymes and/or probiotics that help break the food down to ease digestion.  Therefore, the healing supplements will be taken typically for a short time, whereas the digestive enzymes and perhaps a multivitamin type supplement is what we consider a maintenance program and should be taken for a lifetime.

What if my pet doesn’t like the food recommended?

Most pets seem to like the food changes that we recommend.  But, sometimes some pets are a little more finicky and may need some enticing to try the new food.  We recommend, similar to giving supplements, adding a teaspoon to tablespoon of wet food to their meal.  Canned tripe or liver seem to work well to get most pets interested in the new food. If for some reason your pet does not like the food change, please call so we may guide to another appropriate food choice.

How do I handle vomiting or diarrhea?

If vomiting or diarrhea do occur at any time, we recommend to fast your pet for 24 hours, but continue offering water.  When the digestive system has settled, re-introduce food starting with half of the amount normally given. If vomiting or diarrhea have resolved, feed the normal amount of food at the next feeding.  If vomiting or diarrhea continues, add one teaspoon or up to two tablespoons of pumpkin, depending upon the size of your pet, to each meal. Please contact our office if vomiting or diarrhea persists.

Do I stop giving my pet prescribed medications?

No.  Do not stop giving your pet their prescribed medications until directed to do so by Dr Sheppard or your Conventional Veterinarian.  Supplements are not meant to be a substitution for medications. Your pet needs to continue the medications until the body is in balance.  When the body is in balance, Dr Sheppard will review the medication use with you and may discontinue at that time.

What about Chiropractic for my pet?

We highly recommend Chiropractic care for your pet.  It can be very complementary to the health of your pet.  Spinal subluxations can have serious effects on the nervous system, which in turn can cause problems with the organs as energy pathways become pinched or blocked. We have great success with patients at Advanced Animal Chiropractic in Southeastern Michigan.

I would like you to be my Veterinarian now, how do I cut ties with my Conventional Veterinarian?

Although we can give your pet many Veterinarian services, we suggest that you keep a relationship with a Conventional Veterinarian for services we cannot provide.

What do I do if there is an urgent situation that arises?

Please understand that we are not set up for emergencies or in some cases even urgent situations.  We see patients on one Saturday per month and do not answer calls over the weekend. If an urgent situation or emergency does arise, please take your pet to a conventional Veterinarian.  

What do I do when I receive a vaccination reminder?

Current research shows many pets are receiving too many vaccinations which can contribute to a compromised immune system.  When you receive a vaccination reminder, please contact us so we can recommend what vaccination schedule best for your pet.