Alternative pet care

SPRING HILL Tracy Sanderson will do anything for her pets.

And with her 3-year-old American Staffordshire terrier Chop only one week away from giving birth to a litter of eight puppies, Sanderson, 44, regularly visits the Silverthorn Animal Clinic to make sure Chop is as healthy as possible, which includes receiving acupuncture treatments to calm the nerves.

Sanderson, who has been taking Chop to the clinic since its opening two months ago on Powell Road, said she likes the combination of conventional veterinary procedures with alternative methods that include holistic approaches, herbal remedies and massages.

"I'm all keeping in line with fewer medications, as few medications as needed" she said. "This is more natural. This is a wonderful way to go."

As a holistic veterinarian, Dr. Gerald Johnson, 56, said he views the wellness of a pet as a whole, taking into consideration an animal's lifestyle, environment, diet, genetics and relationship with owners and other pets.

Since opening his first practice in 1990, Johnson, who studied veterinary medicine at the University of Florida, said he considered practicing holistic medicine after his clients approached him with questions concerning alternative options for their four-legged companions.

"I always thought that once I made enough money I would turn to holistic or alternative methods," he said. "I felt very limited with what I felt I had to offer clients. The need was there."

As an owner of seven dogs and six cats and birds, Johnson said he sees first hand how alternative medicine not only helps improve the quality and longevity of life for the pets but also for the owners.

"Sometimes if the owner is sick, it makes the pet sick," he said. "A lot of pets we have lost due to inappropriate diet, over vaccination and a stressful environment. My idea is to provide the same things you would for yourself for your pet."

Johnson said pet owners should provide a stress-free environment for their pets and recommends giving them consistent exercise, a diet of organic food and plenty of quiet bonding time.

"You should try to be in tune and treat your pet the way you want to be treated," he said.

If things continue to go well for Johnson, he plans to expand his practice to include pet physical therapy.

"The holistic approach has been very well accepted here in Hernando County," he said. "We really want to keep going down that road of using alternative methods here."

For more information, call the Silverthorn Animal Clinic at 352-345-4830, visit the clinic at 14263 Powell Rd. or go to the Silverthorn Animal Clinic Facebook page.