08/05/2002

Plano, Texas (KMOV) -- We've heard a lot about the increasing popularity of alternative medicine and the herbal supplements. But could your pets benefit from these natural remedies?

"Nobody expected Toby to be alive today, and as you can see he's healthy and happy and running," says Connie Kallenberg.

Kallenberg feared a bout with distemper would kill her puppy. She credits herbal therapy with saving his life.

"I feel it like it heals the body gently. It works with the body and that's the Echinacea that my distemper pups took," she says.

Dr. Shawn Messonnier is Kallenberg's vet and an expert on holistic healing for animals.

"If a person really wants to have a healthier pet and wants to minimize side effects, minimize the use of drugs which will also reduce the cost for them many times, using this natural approach is really the way to go," Messonnier says.

Herbs can be used to treat everything from allergies to arthritis to cancer.

"Echinacea is a good immune boosting herb. We don't really have a drug counterpart for this," Messonnier says. "Another herb that we use for pets with bladder problems is cranberry. Milk Thistle is an excellent herb for liver disease. We use aloe a lot topically for pets with allergies."

Your pet doesn't even have to be sick to benefit from this green pharmacy approach.

"In a lot of healthy pets, we might use herbs like alfalfa just for overall health, maybe a mild stimulation of the immune system," Messonnier says.

But be warned. Some herbs, like black walnut and ephedra, may actually harm your animal, so it's best to get your vet's advice.

"You really need to think of an herb like a medication. Get the proper diagnosis and the proper therapy," Messonnier says.

Kallenberg hopes herbs will keep her pets on the path to good health.

The News 4 Health Team checked with a local holistic veterinarian -- Dr. Christine Crowsley. She uses these exact same treatments with her four-legged patients. Crowsley says both she and the pets have enjoyed great success.

For more information on herbal treatments for your pets, contact Veterinarian Dr. Christine Crowsley at 2615 South Big Bend in Maplewood or call 314-781-1738.