In Santa Cruz, California, some pet owners turn to herbal remedies for their pets:

"With the help of local herbalist and acupuncturist Martha Benedict, C.A., O.M.D., you can now help alleviate your pets' ailments through the use of organic herbal remedies.

Imagine if you or your child came down with a particularly nasty case of the flu. You'd want to find the healthiest available remedy.

"Why would you not do the same thing for the object of your enormous affection as you would for yourself?" asked Benedict, who has more than 35 years experience making herbal formulas for humans and 25 years experience concocting herbal pet remedies.

"There's no question that herbal remedies can be helpful," said Dr. Hannah Good, who works at Ocean Animal Clinic and also runs her own house call practice. "The biggest problem is that people sometimes treat their own animals without knowing a diagnosis, and expect immediate results. That's an inelegant approach."

Good, who practices an integrative approach to animal medicine, said these herbal remedies are not meant to be a replacement for a visit to the vet, a view that is shared by Benedict."