What alternative therapies have you found helpful for pets?
Many. Most commonly I use nutritional supplements (like fatty acids and antioxidants,) herbs, and homeopathics. Acupuncture and chiropractic also work in many pets.
What is your perspective on pharmaceutical drugs?
I try to teach owners to say NO to drugs and use natural therapies instead. Still, there are occasions when drugs might be needed. Then, I’ll use those but at lower doses and for less time than other doctors since I’m also treating my patients with natural therapies.
Many holistic professionals claim dangerous side effects in vaccinations for children. What are your viewpoints on pet vaccinations?
I prefer a blood titer test to let me know if and when vaccines are needed. This has allowed us to vaccinate much less frequently than other vets, and keeps our patients healthy.
Many pets live indoors. How can someone know if their pet is getting enough exercise?
The best way is to work with their veterinarian to determine the most appropriate exercise program.
What nutritional supplements do you recommend to help boost a pet’s immune system?
I use a lot, starting with Vim & Vigor by Pet Togethers (www.pettogethers.net/healthypet). Then, depending upon the case, I’ll add echinacea (homoepathic, herbal, or both) and products such as Immunosupport by RX Vitamins and Immune + by Evergreen Herbs.
What advice do you have for family members who are allergic to their pets?
Homeopathic acepromazine, given to the pet, resolves allergies in people in 80-90% of the cases I’ve treated.
Martha Stewart Omnimedia(MSO) has selected Plano veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier as the pet care expert for her new radio network. The Natural Vet show airs live each Tuesday at 7 PM CST on Martha Stewart Radio Sirius channel 112.
Shawn Messonnier is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine whose work as a holistic pet care specialist is prominent in all media – print, television and radio. He is the author of numerous titles including The Allergy Solution for Dogs, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats.
He has served as Editor-In-Chief of DVM Management Consultant Reports as well as The Practical Veterinarian Series. His holistic medicine columns have appeared in such journals as MSLO’s own, body+soul, as well as The Dallas Morning News, Veterinary Forum, Alternative Medicine, Animal Wellness, Pet Business Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, and Cats Magazine. Dr. Shawn is the former host of Fox TV’s “4 Your Pets” and the Dr. Shawn show, a Holistic Pet radio show.
You can find out more about Shawn Messonier by logging on to his website: www.petcarenaturally.com, or emailing him at, shawnvet@sbcglobal.net.
About Tony Cecala
Tony is a business strategist. He publishes the Holistic Networker and produces the Wellness Expo. In his spare time he reads about technology and the mind.
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