If you’re one of the 87 million homes in the United States that has a pet, you likely consider them part of your family, with more people seeing their furry friends as part of their emotional well-being. So giving them the best care is a top priority. The trouble is, your pet could be suffering—even when you think you’re providing them with the ultimate TLC.
The Growing Challenge: Chronic Illness in Pets
As holistic healthcare grows in popularity among humans, our pets need it too. More pet owners are seeking alternatives to conventional veterinary care, turning toward holistic approaches that treat animals as whole beings rather than just a set of symptoms.
Dr. Kenneth Fischer, owner of Hillsdale Animal Hospital in Hillsdale, NJ, has been a practicing veterinarian for 34 years. After seeing an increase in chronic illnesses among pets, he took a deep dive into the research. “We were treating with medications to deal with the symptoms and get on the medical merry-go-round,” says Fischer.
In a recent HIListically Speaking Podcast episode, Dr. Marlene Siegel shared some shocking facts about chronic illness in pets. “This isn’t just in older animals, I’m seeing cancers in dogs under a year old,” says Dr. Siegel, who has been a vet for over 40 years. “Add autoimmune diseases, obesity, arthritis, GI disorders, allergies and skin diseases...” says the owner of Pasco Veterinary Medical Center in Lutz, FL.
This isn’t just a dog problem. This alarming trend underscores the need for a more nuanced, whole-body approach.
Root Causes and Environmental Impact
Addressing the underlying causes of illness allows vets to get to the root of your pet’s health concerns. Contributing factors that have the biggest impact include:
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Pets rely on essential nutrients that must come from food, and deficiencies impair their health. Not all pet foods are created equal. “As consumers, we have to start waking up and saying I am not willing to give you my money if you are not going to give me back a product that is going to support the health and longevity of my pet,” says Siegel.
- Toxins: Since World War II, over 100,000 synthetic toxins have entered our food, water, and environment, overwhelming pets’ natural elimination systems.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction: When mitochondria can’t function properly, energy production falters, leading to disease.
“Together, these create a perfect storm of chronic illness,” Siegel says. “Success depends on proper education and implementation. Social media is noisy and misleading, so finding reputable information and acting on it is critical.”
Fischer agrees. "You have to be your pet’s health advocate too instead of turning everything over to the medical system. The days of the paternalistic doctors saying ‘everything is OK’ and pat you on the head are behind us,” says Fischer.
Dr. Janet Roark owns Hill Country Mobile Veterinary Services in Austin, TX. On the HIListically Speaking Podcast, the “Essential Oil Vet” encourages pet owners to consider thinking outside the box. “You have more options than you think. Whether we’re dealing with skin issues, anxiety, immune support, or chronic conditions, essential oils can offer a natural, effective, and gentle solution, when used properly,” says Roark. That also means finding a vet who is knowledgeable and experienced in both traditional and holistic care.
The Future of Pet Health
This isn’t about rejecting traditional medicine or considering holistic care “woo-woo.” It’s about going further to ask why an illness developed and how your vet can help the whole animal thrive. When combined, these approaches lead to better outcomes through prevention, lifestyle changes, and individualized care.
“The only uncomfortable thing about coming here is that I’m going to make you take ownership of your pet’s health decisions. You need to engage, ask questions instead of turning it over blindly to the medical system,” says Fischer.
With chronic illness rates rising and many pets suffering silently, this integrated approach offers hope and a more balanced, empowered partnership between vets and pet parents.
In your journey as a pet owner, remember: you are your pet’s best advocate. Seeking holistic care means looking beyond symptoms, embracing education, and using all the tools available to support your furry family member’s lifelong health.
Want to learn more about holistic pet care?
Tune into the episode 185 with Dr. Marlene Siegel and episode 47 with Dr. Janet Roark on the HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo.