Western Botanical Medicine for Small Animals: A Pathway to Integrative Veterinary Care

Abstract

The principles of veterinary botanical medicine emphasize addressing the root causes of illness, supporting physiologic processes, and utilizing whole herbs rather than isolated constituents for a holistic approach. Herb-drug interactions are a key consideration, as they can either enhance therapeutic outcomes or alter drug efficacy and safety. Backed by a growing evidence base, veterinary botanical medicine demonstrates the multi-targeted and rational use of botanicals to support a wide range of conditions in small animals.

Keywords: Botanical medicine; Herbal medicine; Multitargeted; Phytomedicine; Secondary metabolites; Synergy; Whole plant.