Why wouldn’t we want to treat our pets with the same care and urgency as ourselves?

That’s the question raised in the documentary The Dog Doc, a fascinating look at the benefits of alternative medicine in the veterinary field. The naturopathic wellness industry is booming, and regardless of where you stand on the ideology of Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop, there is no denying that what was once considered “quack” science, like acupuncture and supplements, can heal our bodies in tremendous ways, and that includes the furry bodies of man’s best friend.

Smith Ridge Veterinary Center’s founding doctor, Dr. Marty Goldstein, is a pioneer in this unchartered (and often balked at) territory. His passion for pets is undeniable as he coordinates a new animal-themed pin on his monogrammed turtlenecks daily, and joins his team of equally passionate doctors to willingly take on pets with hopeless, terminal cases from all over the world. Using a holistic approach that combines conventional and alternative medicines to tackle the root causes of problems and not just the side effects, Dr. Goldstein gives his four-legged patients a fighting chance to not only survive but thrive.

Dr. Goldstein doesn’t guarantee success; in fact, the documentary doesn’t shy away from showing the natural complications that come from a terminal illness. It profiles a handful of dogs, including Waffles, Scooby, and more, as their distraught owners go through the unbearable process of diagnosing their pet along with the relief in finally getting an answer. Dr. Goldstein does so much more than prescribe medications and supplements; he promotes an alternative, healthier lifestyle that genuinely focuses on pets’ quality of life.

The documentary, directed by Cindy Meehl, reveals that out of all the veterinary clinics in the United States, only 5% of veterinarians offer the type of integrative care Dr. Goldstein practices. “I’m not anti-vaccine, I’m pro-sanity,” he confidently expresses at one point in the film. The Dog Doc exposes a whole new process of thinking when it comes to the treatment and care of our beloved pets, and is a must-watch for animal lovers and progressive thinkers alike.

THE DOG DOC (2020)

Starring Marty Goldstein, Jennifer Lenarz-Salcedo, Jaqueline Ruskin

Directed by Cindy Meehl

Distributed by FilmRise. 102 minutes.