Dr. Deborah Mallu, co-founder of Holistic Veterinary Healing, is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care for pets. With a focus on holistic medicine, she emphasizes the importance of nurturing the human-animal bond and believes in a balanced approach to pet healthcare. Deborah incorporates both holistic and conventional methods to ensure the well-being of her patients and strives to cause no harm in her practice. Her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in veterinary care is reflected in Holistic Veterinary Healing’s AAHA accreditation. MysticMag finds out more.
Dr Deb, what inspired you to establish Holistic Veterinary Healing, and what sets your approach apart from traditional veterinary care?
I had been practicing veterinary medicine for about 11 years when I became aware of a lecture on acupuncture coming to town. At that time, I was feeling disheartened with the conventional approach to treating intervertebral disc disease in dogs. The standard treatment involved confining them to a cage, resting them, and administering steroids, which didn’t seem effective or logical to me. Curious about what acupuncture could offer, I decided to attend the lecture. That single event opened the doors to holistic medicine for me.
After the lecture, I was inspired to explore acupuncture further and pursued certification in the practice. This marked the beginning of my journey into holistic veterinary care. Initially, we incorporated acupuncture into our practice, but my curiosity and passion for holistic healing led me to seek certification in chiropractic, homeopathy, Chinese herbs, and other nutraceuticals and energy medicine modalities. Over time, we expanded our offerings to include ozone therapy as well.
Currently, our practice is AAHA certified, which is a rigorous certification from the American Animal Hospital Association. This certification is renewed every two years and sets high standards for hospitals providing conventional veterinary care. We consider ourselves integrative veterinarians, offering a comprehensive range of holistic modalities alongside conventional treatments. We believe that a well-rounded approach is essential for providing the best care to our patients.
Could you describe a typical holistic treatment plan for a pet, and how do you determine which modalities to use?
In our practice, the first step is to have a conversation with pet owners about their pet’s diet, supplements, and any exposure to chemicals. We then assess the reason for their visit, whether it’s a specific problem or a medical issue. For cancer patients, we commonly use acupuncture, and for musculoskeletal issues, acupuncture is also a common treatment.
For all patients, our initial focus is on their diet, as we believe that “we are what we eat.” We aim to put them on a healthy diet that does not promote cancer and add supplements to support their overall system, as well as healthy bones, muscles, and joints. The holistic protocol is tailored based on the specific medical issue, which may include ozone therapy and Chinese herbs.
How do you integrate conventional medicine with holistic therapies to provide comprehensive care for your patients?
As part of our conventional approach, we start by conducting a physical exam on the animal to evaluate them from a conventional perspective. Additionally, we perform lab work, surgery, surgical dentistry, and X-rays as needed.
What role do you believe nutrition plays in a pet’s overall health, and how do you approach dietary recommendations in your practice?
Nutrition stands as paramount; we are essentially what we consume. Our dietary choices significantly impact our overall health and immune system. Particularly concerning dogs and cats, we recommend viewing a documentary titled “Pet Fooled” available on Amazon Prime or YouTube. This film elucidates how the high-temperature processing of dried pet food leads to the formation of two carcinogens. Dry food typically contains around 50-60% carbohydrates, essentially sugar, which can contribute to cancer development. Sadly, the current cancer rate among pets is approximately 65%, largely due to the prevalence of dry food in their diets.
To address this issue, we advocate for alternatives to dry food, such as air-dried food, freeze-dried food, raw food, and home-cooked meals. Additionally, we offer an Instant Pot recipe as a wholesome feeding option.
How do you stay informed about the latest developments in holistic veterinary care, and how do you incorporate new knowledge into your practice?
I make it a daily practice to read journals, which serves as my primary source of new information. Additionally, I attend local lectures and various events, including AAHA and AVMA meetings and conventions. These gatherings provide invaluable insights and updates in my field. I believe in directly incorporating the knowledge I gain into my practice. With 47 years of experience, I remain committed to lifelong learning and constantly seek to expand my knowledge base.
What advice would you give to pet owners interested in incorporating holistic practices into their pet’s healthcare routine?
When considering what to incorporate, the first things I look at are vaccines. I advise against giving multiple vaccines at once and instead recommend limited vaccines. Giving too many vaccines can stress your pet’s immune system, potentially leading to what are known as “vaccine reactions,” which can result in chronic disease states. When deciding on vaccines, I consider the risk of exposure and the effectiveness of the vaccine. For instance, if a cat is entirely indoors, they don’t need any vaccines because there’s no risk of exposure to rabid animals. Even for outdoor cats, if they’re on a holistic diet, in a loving environment without stress on their immune system, the only vaccine I recommend is the rabies shot. I don’t give vaccines like leukemia or FVRCP to outdoor cats.
Additionally, I avoid giving multiple vaccines at once; if a vaccine is administered, it’s just one, followed by another 1-2 weeks later. For distemper and parvo, we conduct a titer test when it’s due every three years, as titers can stay high for 6 to 12 years. They rarely need any
Distemper Parvo vaccines outside of the puppy shots.
Beyond vaccines, I also consider the chemicals used for fleas and ticks. It’s important to assess the risk of exposure before deciding to use chemicals, as there are natural alternatives available. If there’s a high risk of exposure, then opt for a chemical with the lowest death rate. Lastly, I emphasize the importance of monitoring your pet’s diet. These three factors—vaccines, chemicals, and diet—are the most critical things for pet owners to consider for their pets’ well-being.
If you would like to find out more about Dr Deb, please visit https://holisticveterinaryhealing.com/
