Nov. 4--Because true infections are rare in cats, antibiotics are rarely if ever the proper therapy. Since conventional doctors don't have anything else to treat FLUTD, about the only thing they can do is (unnecessarily) prescribe antibiotics. 99% of these cats do not need these antibiotics.

Integrative veterinarians have a number of herbs, homeopathics, and nutritional supplements that often improve the health of cats with FLUTD. Using these natural therapies has helped most of my patients without contributing to the problem of antibiotic resistance by bacteria that are continuously exposed to antibiotics.

Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM the host of the weekly award-winning radio show, "Dr. Shawn-The Natural Vet" on Martha Stewart Radio (Sirius 112 Tues 8-10 PM EST and Sat 9-11AM EST) sits on the advisory board of the Journal Veterinary Forum, and is a holistic pet columnist for Animal Wellness, Body + Soul, and Veterinary Forum. In addition to serving clients in his Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, he has written several books on the natural care of pets, including The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, Preventing and Treating Cancer In Dogs and most recently Unexpected Miracles (Forge Books/ Aug 2009). He is also the creator of a new line of organic pet products, Dr. Shawn's Pet Organics (www.Dr.Shawnspetorganics.com) You'll find him online at www.petcarenaturally.com

FirstLook Review: Unexpected Miracles by Dr. Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M.

Influenza A H3N8: Dog Flu, Not All Dogs Need The Vaccine

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