In holistic veterinary medicine, the goal is to support the whole animal—body, mind, behavior and environment—rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms. Many pet owners notice that prescription or formulated diets often relieve issues such as itchy skin, urinary flare-ups or digestive irritation, even when fresh, high-quality foods have not. One way some holistic practitioners explain this is through what they call the “duct tape theory.”

Why Formulated Diets May Provide Symptom Relief

One way to visualize this concept is to imagine the animal’s health as a water tank. When a “leak” occurs—whether it shows up as inflammation, gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation—a formulated diet may act like a piece of duct tape placed over the opening. The symptom improves, and things feel more stable—for a time.

But when the pet transitions off the diet, the leak often reappears. This can lead to the belief that the diet was the only thing keeping the symptoms at bay.

Managing Symptoms vs. Addressing Root Causes

While symptom relief is valuable, holistic veterinarians note that it does not always resolve the underlying cause. Instead, they look at broader factors that may contribute to recurring issues, such as:

• Stress contributing to urinary or behavioral flare-ups

• Environmental conditions not fully meeting a pet’s instinctual or enrichment needs

• Skin or digestive concerns connected to gut health, toxin exposure or emotional stress

This approach attempts to strengthen the animal’s overall system rather than repeatedly addressing isolated symptoms.

The Long-Term Patchwork Effect

When symptoms are treated in isolation over time, pets may accumulate layers of “patches”—skin relief here, digestive support there, urinary management somewhere else. By the time they reach their senior years, these layers can add up, making chronic issues harder to unwind.

Building Resilience from Within

Holistic care is about more than managing symptoms—it’s about restoring the body’s natural resilience. When internal systems are supported, minor imbalances are less likely to become chronic problems. The result? A healthier, more balanced pet with a stronger foundation for aging well.

For more information, call 203-448-9390, email [email protected], or visit WildRootsAnimal.net. Mention Natural Awakenings and receive $25 off your first consultation and plan of action. See ad, page 7.

Wild Roots Animal Wellness - 3 Melon Ln, Ridgefield, CT

Hi, I'm Allegra Jacobs. I'm a holistic health coach for your pets. My commitment is to educate and empower pet parents to understand and address their pet's health and happiness. I use ... Read More »