Dr. Andrea Carlson, a holistic veterinarian, fell in love with animal care at an early age. She began working at Southlake Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant as a junior in high school. A few years later, she began her undergraduate studies, continuing onto her graduate studies earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Following graduation, she became an Associate Veterinarian at Southlake Veterinary Hospital. In 2015, Dr. Andrea Carlson became the owner of the clinic. 

The practice, when it was purchased, was a conventional veterinary practice. Since it’s the purchase, the practice has been changed to practice integrative medicine. Dr. Carlson strives to ensure every client has a wide variety of options whether in western or alternative medicine.

Educational Background

In addition to Purdue University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, Dr. Carlson attended the Chi Institute. It’s an advanced learning center for veterinarians. The Institute teaches what wasn’t taught in traditional vet school. Through the Chi Institute, Dr. Carlson has been certified in veterinary herbal medicine, chinese massage, food therapy, and is currently obtaining credentials to practice spinal manipulation. According to Dr. Carlson, this has “given her more tools in her toolbox.” She’s able to see patients, and not only be able to treat with western medicine, but with alternative medicine as well when applicable.

How Integrative Medicine Has Been Incorporated

Dr. Andrea told a story about an 11-year-old Labrador who came for an annual checkup in her podcast with ‘A Dog’s Life.’ Through her knowledge with Chinese medical practice, she noticed the Labrador was showing signs of blood deficiency without showing the symptoms traditional medicine would search for. 

Through techniques learned at the Chi Institute, Dr. Carlson was able to discover this dog had lymphoma at an early stage. If only a conventional checkup was performed, this dog’s increased lymphocytes (lymphoma) wouldn’t have been found until other symptoms began to show. This dog has now had lymphoma for two years without any chemotherapy or radiation. The dog has been using chinese herbs as a regular regimen.

She also explained how CBD Dog Health’s full-spectrum extract is of extreme value to the veterinary world because the tincture includes as many cannabinoids as possible. There are many products available in the CBD industry, but most are broad-spectrum. The broad spectrum products are not as effective, according to Dr. Andrea Carlson, because there are so many missing components in a broad-spectrum product. 

According to Dr. Carlson, “my personal dog is 9-months-old. He started on CBD about one month ago. He is more focused, he wants to learn, he isn’t scattered, and he’s more obedient.” Her personal dog uses the EASE tincture and it’s made a tremendous difference. Her dog is now able to relax his mind enough to focus on the tasks at hand.”

Contacting Dr. Andrea Carlson

Dr. Andrea Carlson is available for regular appointments at Southlake Animal Hospital in Merillville, Indiana. In addition to being available for face-to-face appointments, her facility also offers virtual consultations. 

The clinic understands pet lovers have busy schedules and want to provide your dog or cat with the best lives possible. Virtual holistic consults are available with a licensed integrative veterinarian using your tablet, computer, or smartphone. They have an app on Google Play and the Apple App Store called the “Southlake Vet App” where you can complete the ‘New Client Form’ and ‘Schedule a Virtual Exam.’

The virtual consults can only be performed if there has been a diagnosis or veterinary appointment (in-person) prior to the virtual session. The diagnosis can be either from the Southlake Animal Hospital or your own veterinarian if you already have a regular family vet.

About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino is a holistic pet expert who has been caring for animals for over 20 years and operates a rescue farm, Fire Flake Farm, in Florida. She is also the owner of  Beautify the Beast,  a natural pet salon and shop. After getting her certificate in Medical Cannabis Biology and Therapeutic use from the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she founded CBD Dog Health to provide high quality, all-natural medical cannabis products designed specifically for pets. Angela has seven dogs, Odie a 12-year-old mini-schnauzer, Nina an 8-year-old Doberman. Jolene a 7-year-old mutt, Maza a 7-year-old mutt, Rhemi an 8-year-old poodle, Potato a 15-year-old shih-tzu, and Miss Daisie a 15-year-old black lab, plus 4-10 more at any time she is fostering or boarding. She uses Full Spectrum Hemp Extract on all her pets at her rescue farm every day, and has since 2016. She is a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, the Veterinary Cannabis Association and has trained hundreds medical doctors and veterinarians about the therapeutic uses of medical cannabis on animals. Visit www.angelaardolino.com for more information.

About Dr. Andrea Carlson

Dr. Andrea Carlson, a holistic veterinarian, fell in love with animal care at an early age. She began working at Southlake Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant as a junior in high school. A few years later, she began her undergraduate studies, continuing onto her graduate studies earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Following graduation, she became an Associate Veterinarian at Southlake Veterinary Hospital. In 2015, Dr. Andrea Carlson became the owner of the clinic. Dr. Carlson strives to ensure every client has a wide variety of options whether in western or alternative medicine. In addition to Purdue University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, Dr. Carlson attended the Chi Institute. It’s an advanced learning center for veterinarians. The Institute teaches what wasn’t taught in traditional vet school. Through the Chi Institute, Dr. Carlson has been certified in veterinary herbal medicine, chinese massage, food therapy, and is currently obtaining credentials to practice spinal manipulation. According to Dr. Carlson, this has “given her more tools in her toolbox.” She’s able to see patients, and not only be able to treat with western medicine, but with alternative medicine as well when applicable.