Holistic Veterinary Options

03/02/2026

We wanted to share some helpful new research for dog owners

A recent veterinary study looked at cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears — one of the most common causes of hind-limb lameness and knee injury in dogs. The research found that the timing of spaying and neutering may play a role in joint health, especially in larger breed dogs. Dogs spayed/neutered before about 12 months of age had a higher risk of developing cruciate ligament rupture, a painful condition that often requires surgery and a long recovery.

This does not mean spaying or neutering is bad — it has many important benefits — but it highlights that timing matters and should be individualized for each pet based on breed, size, lifestyle, and health risks.

At our clinic, we spend time discussing options (including traditional and ovary-sparing spays) so families can make informed decisions that support both long-term orthopedic health and overall wellness.

You can read the article here:

Cranial cruciate ligament ruptures in Labrador retrievers aren’t just genetic—neuter timing may play a role. Discover how environmental factors influence risk.

02/23/2026

Your pet can’t tell you when their mouth hurts—but their behavior often does. Dental disease is common and can be painful if left untreated. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

- Bad breath (it’s not just “dog breath”)
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Tartar buildup, especially more on one side than the other
- Dropping food or chewing on one side
- Pawing at the mouth or face

Behavior changes like irritability, hiding, or less interest in play
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to schedule a dental exam. Catching dental issues early helps keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and pain-free.

Call to schedule an exam today! (608) 432-2522

02/20/2026

02/18/2026

Only a few days left for our February HTMA special!

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) provides a deeper insight into what may be happening inside your pet’s body — including mineral balance, metabolic patterns, and indicators that can suggest exposure to heavy metals.

This information enables us to create a personalized plan for nutrition, detox support, and targeted supplementation, particularly for pets experiencing allergies, skin issues, ear infections, or chronic inflammation.

$25 off testing through February 27th

Preparing before the spring allergy season begins can make a big difference in your pet’s comfort this year. Once symptoms start, we’re playing catch-up.

Message or call us to reserve a spot before the promotion ends!
(608) 432-2522

02/16/2026

Wondering what goes on during a pet dental?

Here’s a quick overview:
1 - Exam and bloodwork
2 - Scheduling and drop-off
3 - The dental procedure
4 - Aftercare

Professional dental care helps keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and pain-free—and knowing the steps ahead can help make the experience easier for both you and your pet.

02/11/2026

As promised, here are two videos that help demonstrate how to clean your pet’s teeth.
Remember, go slow, keep sessions short, and make it a positive experience with praise or a reward afterward. Even a few times a week can make a big difference!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb6Uaepq8m4 (Dog)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vftmW6fR7VQ (Cat)

Mikkel Becker, CBCC-KA, KPA CTP, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CTC and Debbie Martin RVT, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, VTS (Behavior) explain how you can take the stressful task of br...

02/09/2026

Daily toothbrushing is one of the most effective ways to support your pet’s dental health. Even just a few minutes a day can help reduce plaque buildup and potentially decrease the number of dental procedures your pet needs over their lifetime.

Examining a pet’s mouth requires opening it, and for many pets, that can feel uncomfortable or intrusive. By practicing gentle mouth handling at home, you’re helping make dental exams less stressful for your pet—and easier for our team.

We’ll also be sharing a short video showing how to brush safely and effectively, so stay tuned!

Small steps, done consistently, can make a big difference for your pet’s comfort and long-term health!

02/03/2026

Allergy Season Prep Starts Now!

Did you know that now is the ideal time to begin preparing your pet for seasonal allergies? While summer often brings increased itching, licking, and overall discomfort, taking a proactive approach now can make a meaningful difference in your pet’s comfort and well-being.

Winter is an especially beneficial time for allergy testing. When the body is calmer and less inflamed, testing results tend to be more accurate, offering clearer insight into the underlying triggers contributing to your pet’s allergic responses. Beginning desensitization treatments early—such as immunotherapy through allergy shots or oral drops—allows your pet’s immune system time to gently build tolerance before allergy season arrives, often resulting in fewer and milder symptoms during the warmer months.

In addition to testing and immunotherapy, we can take a whole-body, holistic approach to supporting your pet by addressing underlying inflammation, which commonly plays a role in allergies. This may include transitioning from a kibble-based diet to a fresh, species-appropriate food, gently supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways to reduce heavy metal burden, and incorporating carefully selected supplements to help calm inflammation and promote overall balance. These recommendations can be further individualized through Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), which provides insight into mineral balance and metabolic patterns to help guide a personalized care plan.

For the month of February, HTMA testing will be available at a discounted rate of $25 off, bringing the cost of the initial test to $237.50 and the follow-up test to $192.50. This offer ends 2/27/26.

By preparing now, you can help reduce future discomfort and support a happier, healthier allergy season for your pet. We encourage scheduling allergy testing early to give your pet the best possible start toward a more comfortable, symptom-free summer.

Why start now?
Preparing early can mean a more comfortable, happier allergy season for your pet later. Spots are limited, so we encourage scheduling sooner rather than waiting for symptoms to flare.
Call to learn more or schedule, (608) 432-2522!

02/02/2026

Why Dental Care Matters

Dental disease isn’t just about bad breath—it can affect your pet’s overall health.
When there is an infection in the mouth or gum disease, it can cause chronic inflammation throughout the body. Over time, this inflammation can impact vital organs like the heart and kidneys.

Dental pain can also make chewing uncomfortable, causing pets to:
• Avoid food or eat less
• Chew on only one side
• Drop food while eating

In some cases, infected teeth can even lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.
Routine dental care helps keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and feeling their best—from mouth to tail.

Stay tuned this month as we share tips, education, and what to expect with dental care!

01/30/2026

February is National Pet Dental Health Month!

Did you know dental health plays a huge role in your pet’s overall well-being? Throughout February, we’ll be sharing weekly tips and educational posts all about the importance of pet dental cleanings and oral care.

We’ll also be publishing a blog on our website that dives into
“The Hidden Effects of Dental Pain in Pets.”

Each week will feature a new topic, and we hope you’ll follow along to learn more about keeping your pet happy, healthy, and pain-free.

01/27/2026

Your pet isn’t just an animal — they’re family 💙
That’s why at Holistic Veterinary Options, we combine compassionate care with holistic and integrative medicine to support your pet’s health at every stage of life.
Thoughtful, individualized care — always.

Schedule an appointment today!
(608) 432-2522

01/19/2026

🚨 Winter Weather Alert 🚨
Cold temperatures can be hard on our pets, especially puppies, seniors, and those with underlying health concerns. A little extra care during this weather can go a long way in keeping them safe and comfortable.

To keep your pets safe:
• Keep pets indoors as much as possible
• Limit outdoor potty breaks and walks
• Provide warm, dry bedding away from drafts
• Wipe paws and legs after going outside to remove ice, salt, and deicers
• Watch closely for signs of cold stress

⚠️ Warning signs to monitor:
Shivering, weakness, whining, reluctance to walk, pale or cold ears/paws, or changes in behavior.

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian immediately. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy some extra snuggles together. 🐾❄️