The Pet Health Reference
Dr. Parker's Pet Health Library
A Resource for Pet Owners
When you are trying to understand what is happening with your pet, the right explanation can change everything. Browse by topic and find the clarity you have been looking for.
The Perfect American Lawn: Why Dog Food Ingredients Matter
A holistic animal care perspective on dog food ingredients, preservatives, digestion and how your pet’s diet may affect what gets left behind.
What Is Germ Theory? Comparing It With Terrain Theory
If the concept of no waste in nature explains why we get sick, then terrain theory explains how we get sick. But to understand terrain theory, you’ll first need to recognize that the modern medical system is based solely on germ theory.
What is Decomposition & How is There No Waste in Nature?
What is decomposition, and what can nature’s no-waste cycle teach us about pet health? Learn how bacteria, parasites, and illness connect.
What Happened to the Old-School Veterinarians?
What happened to the old-school veterinarians? A look at experience, technology, corporate influence, and how to find a good veterinarian.
How Old is Modern Western Medicine?
Dr. Parker examines the history of the world, Western medicine, and why a holistic approach to pet wellness matters.
AI in Veterinary Medicine: Why Clinical Judgment Still Matters
A holistic veterinarian’s perspective on AI in veterinary medicine, diagnostic software, mentorship, and why experience remains essential when treating pets.
Effects of Glyphosate: How It Contributes to Forest Fires
What is glyphosate? Dr. Matt Parker examines glyphosate in the environment, its role in forest fires, and its effects on pet health.
My Journey to Holistic Veterinary Care for Healthier Pets
Why did Dr. Matt Parker become a holistic veterinarian? Read the personal journey that transformed his approach to pet health, nutrition, and wellness.
What is a Holistic Vet? Understanding Holistic Veterinary Medicine
Is holistic veterinary medicine right for your pet? Find out how holistic vet care focuses on root causes, whole-body wellness, and lasting health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Our Approach to Pet Care
What is functional veterinary care?
We focus on the function and functionality of your pet. We use our holistic approach to find what works best for your pet and use whatever tools are necessary to help them feel better and become healthier.
Is the exam just as thorough as a visit to the regular vet clinic?
We do house calls so that we can be more thorough! That way, we can spend more time with you and your pet in their home environment, where we may find clues about why they are sick. We focus on you and your pet during the exam, rather than being distracted by other appointments and patients.
Do you offer telemedicine, online consultations or phone consults?
We provide phone consultations for clients outside of our house-call area. We can often help you find what is missing by thoroughly reviewing and discussing your pet’s medical & life history, test results, and prior treatments, and then recommending different options via a phone consultation.
Do you do routine/annual/wellness exams?
Do you provide vaccinations?
No. Instead, we take a holistic-minded approach to health & wellness & prevention.
I am specifically seeking acupuncture (or chiropractic) for my pet - will you do that?
Yes. We use a thorough questionnaire, a detailed discussion with you, and a comprehensive exam of every patient to determine the underlying core problem. Then we choose a treatment modality based on our findings. Sometimes it’s acupuncture, chiropractic, laser therapy, or rehab exercises. Other times, it’s all about herbs and nutrition. However, it’s usually some combination of these.