Welcome to Balance Bites

At Balance Bites mobile veterinary clinic, we provide compassionate and high-quality pet nutrition, acupuncture, and palliative care services in Melbourne. Dr Tristan Maugueret is here to ensure the well-being and health of your beloved pets. Whether it's a dietary consultation or alternative therapy, we are fully equipped to meet your pets' unique needs.

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Balance Bites offer an integrative and holistic approach to Veterinary care. Dr Tristan Maugueret is a registered veterinarian with further training and certification in Acupuncture, Nutrition, and Herbal Medicine. These additional tools can be integrated into your traditional veterinary medicine treatment plans. Using a whole-body approach to address the root cause of many disease processes.

What We Can Treat;

  • Chronic or Acute Pain (Arthritis, Spinal Disease, Musculoskeletal Disorders)

  • Neurological Disease (Intervertebral Disc Disease, Fibrocartilagenous Emboli, Epilepsy, Vestibular Disease, Laryngeal Paralysis)

  • Gastrointestinal Disease (Weight Management, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Motility Disorders, Megacolon)

  • Metabolic and Organ Disease (Pancreatitis, Diabetes Mellitus, Exocrine Pancreatic Deficiency, Chronic Renal Disease, Hepatopathy, Copper Storage Disease)

  • Urinary Disease (Incontinence, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease [FLUTD], Cystitis)

  • Cardiovascular Disease (Congestive Heart Disease, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)

  • Behavioural Disorders and Anxiety (Noise Phobia, Separation Anxiety, Inappropriate Elimination, Overgrooming)

  • Dermatological Disorders (Atopy, Allergic Dermatitis)

  • Neoplasia or Cancer Management

  • Immune Support or Chronic Inflammation

  • Lick Granuloma or Chronic Wound Management

FAQs

  • Pet acupuncture is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted into specific points on an animal's body. These points, often located near nerve bundles and blood vessels, are stimulated to promote healing and balance the body's energy. This can result in pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved blood circulation, and enhanced immune function, aiding in the body's natural healing processes.

  • When performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist, acupuncture is considered safe for pets. Side effects are rare but may include temporary lethargy or soreness at needle sites. It's essential to consult with a qualified professional to ensure the therapy is appropriate for your pet's specific condition.

  • Most animals tolerate acupuncture well. The needles used are very fine, and their insertion typically causes minimal to no discomfort. Many pets become relaxed during sessions, with some even falling asleep.

  • The number of sessions required depends on the pet's condition and response to therapy. Some pets show improvement after one session, while others may need multiple treatments. We typically recommend 1 session a week for a month for chronic conditions, followed by maintenance treatments as needed (often at 2 - 4 week intervals).

  • Yes, acupuncture is often used alongside conventional veterinary treatments. It can complement medications, physical therapy, and other interventions, providing a holistic approach to your pet's health.

  • A natural or home-prepared diet involves creating meals for your pet using fresh, whole ingredients, as opposed to commercial pet foods. This can include cooked or raw meats, vegetables, grains, and supplements.

  • While online recipes can provide a starting point, many lack scientific validation and may not meet all of your pet's nutritional requirements. It's best to have any recipe evaluated by a veterinary professional before use.

  • Preparing balanced meals at home can be time-consuming and may be more expensive than commercial diets. It requires dedication to sourcing ingredients, precise measuring, and consistent preparation to maintain dietary consistency.

  • CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various bodily functions by maintaining homeostasis. In animals, it primarily acts on the nervous and immune systems, leading to potential therapeutic effects.

  • Yes, when prescribed by a qualified veterinarian and dosed appropriately.

  • No, pure CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects. As it contains no THC, animals will not experience euphoria or a “high.”

  • CBD is available in various forms, including oils, topicals, and treats. The appropriate form and dosage depend on the pet's size, species, and specific health needs.

  • No, medicinal cannabis products for pets are specifically formulated in different concentrations and dosages compared to those for humans. Certain compounds, like THC, are highly toxic to pets—especially dogs—who have more sensitive receptors. Human products may also contain harmful additives unsuitable for animals.

  • Yes, in Australia, a veterinarian’s prescription is legally required to obtain a CBD product. CBD oils that contain a minimum of 98% CBD and up to 2% other cannabinoids are classified as Schedule 4 substances.

  • Veterinary palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for pets with serious or terminal illnesses by alleviating pain and managing symptoms

  • Services may encompass:

    • Pain and symptom management.

    • Nutritional support.

    • Emotional and psychological support for both pet and family.

    • Guidance on maintaining quality of life.

    • Assistance with end-of-life decisions, including euthanasia when appropriate.

  • If your pet has a chronic or terminal illness and curative treatments are no longer effective or desired, palliative care may be appropriate.

  • Yes, many aspects of palliative care can be administered at home, allowing pets to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment. Veterinarians can guide and support pet owners in providing appropriate home-based care