aging pets

Just like humans, senior pets need extra care as they grow old.  As an owner, it is important to be mindful of all the ways you can help to maximize your pet’s quality of life in their golden years.

Show Notes:  https://www.thepetladyltd.com/episode-46-how-to-help-your-pet-in-their-senior-years

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Dr. Kelly and Dr. Robert Hutchison are the founders of White Whiskers Aging Pet Care in Colorado Springs, CO. This organization is the culmination of their many years of experience in the veterinary world and countless family dinner table discussions regarding what was missing in our collective veterinary experience. Their goal is to address the challenges that our dogs and cats (and we as veterinarians) often face in the traditional model of care. The world of veterinary medicine has undergone so many changes in the past 30 years, and new methods of improving the lives of our patients are constantly being uncovered. However, progress isn’t free, and there is a huge lack of time and resources to keep up with in the current veterinary community. 

Aging pets require a unique set of needs and more time spent with vets during visits. Dr. Kelly and Dr. Robert focus on time as well as educating their clients as best as possible. They decided to create their practice around these two values while keeping their overhead low and knowing their boundaries. They targeted veterinary practices in their local area and positioned themselves as a support system for aging pet clients who need someone there to answer their questions in the evening and even spend time with them at home.

Our discussion includes how White Whiskers supports brick-and-mortar veterinary practices and how the practice is more collaborative than competitive. We talk about the importance of honoring your own boundaries to prevent burnout while still providing amazing service to clients. Partnerships are so important as well, and Dr. Kelly and Dr. Robert are such great examples of two complimentary counterparts. It’s easy to feel drained by trying to wear all the hats in your practice, so having others around you with varied skill sets can have a huge impact. End-of-life animal care is gaining traction, and if you’re considering starting up your own, you’ll have more opportunities in more densely populated areas. Dr. Kelly and Dr. Robert currently have a waitlist and are looking to hire and expand their practice.

What’s Inside:

•How Dr. Kelly and Dr. Robert Hutchison created White Whiskers Aging Pet Care.
•Why time and education are critical to caring for aging pets.
•How Dr. Kelly and Dr. Robert price their services.
•The importance of boundaries.
•What to consider if you want to start up a similar practice.
•How to advocate for yourself in business.

Mentioned In This Episode:

White Whiskers Aging Pet Care
White Whiskers Aging Pet Care – Instagram
White Whiskers Aging Pet Care - Facebook

Veterinarian Dr. Ihor John Basko, DVM, CVA (Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture), is a leading authority on holistic animal health, practicing holistic veterinary medicine for over 35 years. He participated in the first acupuncture study to test the efficacy of holistic modalities on physical ailments in pets, at the University of California in Los Angeles. Dr. Basko resides in Kauai, Hawaii and has a fully holistic practice with focus on nutrition, supplementation with vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals and herbal formulas. Prevention, pet care, treating geriatric and injured dogs as well as cats; geriatric medicine, cancer, allergies, chronic digestive problems and skin problems make up a large percentage of his practice. His primary treatments include acupuncture, massage, cold laser, and nutritional counseling as well as herbal therapies.

Dr Basko graduated from Michigan State University Veterinary College 1971. He's been IVAS certified in Acupuncture since 1985.

He also helps pet people via phone consultations giving advice regarding medical problems that have not had success with conventional medicine.

On Saturdays, Dr. Basko hosts a radio show: Pets and People in Paradise, which presents holistic concepts to the listeners and how to care for pets at home.
https://www.kkcr.org/onair/shows/pets-and-people-in-paradise/

Dr Basko has been formulating pet nutraceuticals for Genesis/Resources, Kemin, and currently for Vet Classics and NaturVet. He has formulated over 50 products.

Current Interests:

·      Medicinal Mushrooms

·      Hawaiian Medicinal Plants

·      Tropical Invasive Plants with Medicinal  Properties

·      Probiotic use instead of Antibiotics

Books Mentioned:
Paul Pitchford - Healing With Whole Foods
Dr Ihor Basko - Fresh Food & Ancient Wisdom

Find more at www.drbasko.com
and

www.ahvma.org - American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

Timestamps:

• [1:12] Create a diary/log for your pet.
• [7:33] Dr. Basko working over the phone.
• [8:49] Helping aging pets.
• [14:26] What brought you to where you are today?
• [22:02] Are mushrooms being looked at as a first choice, now?
• [23:21] Gastrointestinal health.
• [29:52] Taking time to cook for yourself and your pet.
• [32:01] Food for cats and antioxidants. 
• [37:29] What got you into vet care?
• [38:29] Three ways to start getting your pet on the right track.

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