A Time for Healing ABCs of Alternative Care Keep your vet in the loop. Body treatments should never replace routine vet care. What looks like stiffness could actually indicate calcium deposits in the joints, or be an early sign of rabies, notes the American Veterinary Medical Association's Craig Smith, D.V.M. Know the limits. None of these therapies should ever be used for a fever, infection, bleeding wounds, or shock, or immediately after a serious accident.
Some practitioners take a weekend training course, then hang out a shingle.
Ask whether the vet passed the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association's training program or if she's a certified acupuncturist or licensed massage therapist. Listen to your pet. Some pets are more tolerant than others. If yours is at all uncomfortable, discontinue the treatment. So far I haven't noticed any difference.