​

Many of pet health problems can be traced to feeding species inappropriate diets. These are diet's that contain ingredients that dogs or cats did not historically evolve to consume such as corn, wheat or soy.  These components have been found to cause allergic skin disease. Each animal is a unique individual and there is not a single dietary or dietary supplement program for animals using a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, a diet and supplement plan is made that is tailored to your animal’s specific needs. Diet and supplement recommendations are based on a variety of factors such as the species, age, breed, weight, and work the animals is expected to perform and any disease conditions that are present.

​

The overall benefits of a good diet are not to be underestimated. Poor digestion can lead to a variety of digestive issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, cholangiohepatitis and others.  A good diet can support the immune system, promote normal digestion and behavior, prevent skin allergies and more. Herbal medicines can be added to the diet to help with a variety of medical conditions. Such as the use of various types of mushrooms for the treatment of cancer and immune deficiencies. Other herbal supplements can help improve digestion by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut to support their ability to absorb and utilize nutrients from their food.

 

Dr. Beebe is certified in Chinese food therapy, which is one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Chinese food therapy is the study of food as therapeutic agents for the maintenance of health and for the treatment and prevention of disease. For over 2000 years, doctors in China evaluated and recorded the properties of foods and their effects on the body.

 

Chinese food therapy can be thought of as food used as medicine. Diets are designed to bring the body back into balance and work synergistically with the other TCM therapies. Food is considered to have the same energetic actions as herbs (cooling, warming etc) for treating disease and its application is based on similar principles but with a much broader range of applications. Food energetics refers to the effects food has on the digestion, physiological processes and metabolism of the body. Chinese food therapy is commonly used in the treatment of pets with cancer, organ failure, chronic disease, skin disorders, immune dysfunction and many others. Therapeutic nutrition is also useful to promote optimal athletic performance in healthy animals. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian or Chinese veterinary medicine practitioner before adding any new ingredients to your pet’s diet to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your pet.

​

Individual food therapy programs suitable for you and your pet's lifestyle that range from complete and balanced homemade diets to commercially available pet foods can be formulated. Many different diets are available and Dr Beebe can help you to choose those diets and supplements that are most beneficial for your pet's condition, health and well-being. Appropriate diet, herbal and conventional dietary supplements can be a useful complement to conventional veterinary medical care. It is important to note that if your pet is experiencing any health issues, it’s important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment.