The Ultimate Pet Health Guide

The best of Western and alternative medicine combine in this guide by holistic vet Dr. Gary Richter, whose more than 30 awards include “America’s Favorite Veterinarian.”

As a holistic veterinarian and scientist, Dr. Gary Richter helps dog and cat owners to navigate the thicket of treatment options and separate the fact from the fiction. He wants us to use what actually works, not just what Western science or alternative medicine say “should” work. This multifaceted approach to health is known as integrative medicine.

Dr. Richter examines traditional medicine from many cultures alongside modern medical techniques, describing the best of complementary care and the best of conventional veterinary medicine. Every treatment he recommends has the backing of scientific research or years of successful outcomes in his clinical practice. After explaining the treatment, he offers specific recommendations for an integrative approach to common diseases, including allergies, skin conditions, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. A holistic approach to health includes nutrition, as it sets up the foundation for your pet’s health. Dr. Richter cuts through the hype in the pet-food world and explains how to choose the best commercial foods and supplements, and even includes both raw and cooked dog- and cat-food recipes for general diet as well as to treat specific needs. He also explains how we can use the right foods and supplements to “hack” the body’s processes, including the immune system.

Author Biography

Dr. Gary Richter is the author of the best-selling The Ultimate Pet Health Guide and founder of Ultimate Pet Health Nutrition. He is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. in animal science, an M.S. in veterinary medical science, and a doctorate of veterinary medicine with honors. From 2002 to 2021, he was the owner and medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, California. He launched Holistic Veterinary Care in 2009, also in Oakland, California. Dr. Richter is certified in veterinary acupuncture as well as veterinary chiropractic and uses these therapies along with his veterinary medical education to achieve better outcomes for his patients.

Dr. Richter’s animal hospitals have received more than 30 local and national awards, and he was named America’s Favorite Veterinarian in 2015 by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Dr. Richter also received The Holistic Practitioner of the Year Award from the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association in 2019.