I will take a different approach to wellness than what you’re used to from your traditional veterinary preventative care visits. I think we can all agree that our pets (like ourselves) are beset daily with environmental and nutritional challenges to their immune system and basic metabolic processes. My approach to wellness care is to try to detect and minimize these threats as soon as possible so that we can do our best to prevent the development of alarmingly common chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, allergic skin disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer, just to name a few.

I recommend a comprehensive in-person holistic visit at least once a year so that we can maintain a valid prescribing relationship in the state of North Carolina. Depending on the age and condition of your pet, regular check-ins every 3-6 months could be appropriate. These visits can be in-person or through telemedicine.

During each in-person visit we will update photos in their chart, and I will interact with your pet in order assess and review all systems. My assessments are based on a framework grounded in TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine), and accomplished with easy, low stress handling techniques. My physical evaluation usually does not include the use of any intrusive instruments aside from a stethoscope, and sometimes an aural (ear) thermometer. I can gather a lot of information from your pet without ever putting hands on them; by observing their eyes, their mouth and tongue, the way they move and breathe, the way they smell, and even the way they sound. If your pet is not a touchy feely type, we will keep that to a minimum. The elemental constitution (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) of an individual is usually pretty apparent from across the room.

Then we will have a comprehensive discussion about general preventative care recommendations appropriate for your pet’s constitution, life stage, risk factors and any apparent imbalances. This includes, but is not limited to nutrition and supplements, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental health, behavior, and other lifestyle concerns. We will talk out of the box (or bag) about how to feed your pet a less processed diet to support a healthy body condition and metabolic status, and prevent common chronic diseases. There are so many options regarding how to feed your pet, and I will help you navigate those choices. I want to educate and equip you with inexpensive and common-sense home remedies so that you can easily handle minor issues like an upset stomach or an itchy ear before a vet visit becomes necessary. I generally do not keep a stock of herbal medicines or supplements. Depending on the products you need, I will recommend them for you through an online pharmacy where you can order directly, or I will place a special order for you with a small administration fee from distributors who only deal through veterinarians. I can prescribe conventional monthly preventatives as well as recommend herbal or homeopathic alternatives when appropriate.

I do recommend some yearly diagnostics to help us screen for problems before they become evident through symptoms or examination findings. The screening tests that I recommend will be different than the routine bloodwork and fecal testing available from your traditional veterinarian. We will discuss which screening tests are appropriate for your pet’s specific needs. The VDI Complete Wellness blood panel is a comprehensive test for detecting hidden diseases and evaluating vital nutrient levels in pets. It helps identify vitamin deficiencies, systemic inflammation, and early signs of joint disease and cancer. The VDI Gut Microbiome fecal panel is another test I recommend at least yearly.  The microbiome plays an essential role in maintaining balance in the system. It impacts not only the health of the GI tract, but basic metabolic processes, immune system and inflammatory responses, neurological function and emotional wellbeing. We also have the option of intermittently testing for toxin exposures with the VDI Mineral & Toxic Metal Fur Analysis.

Depending on your preferences, there may be services that we decide will be a good fit, such as vaccinations, dental or surgical procedures that I will not be providing. In this case, I am happy to recommend another Heal Housecall provider or brick and mortar practice where these can be provided for you according to your needs, in a judgement free space. I want to help support the most balanced and evidence-based approach to your pet’s care

If you’d prefer frequent, regularly scheduled check-ins, with a low monthly payment option, the Heal+ plan is available. This membership is billed $55 monthly, and includes 2 one hour visits for comprehensive TCVM/energy wellness assessment and general treatment per household per year; free 15 minute phone consults (up to 6/year); and unlimited free herbal or diet plan reformulations. Laboratory screening tests are not included in this plan.

In any case, I will generally be available to you within 24-72 hours via email to address any concerns you may have. My online scheduler is always available at https://healhousecall.com/szimmerman, and I accept routine visit requests every afternoon Monday through Saturday. Whenever care is scheduled, you will always see me so that we can maintain continuity in our care plan. I know how difficult it can be to see a different veterinarian every time, even though you are visiting the same practice. If you do need to seek care elsewhere, I will be happy to consult and coordinate with any other general or specialty practice veterinarians with whom you are cooperating.