What do you do when your dog is struggling to get around, anti-inflammatories aren’t enough, surgery isn’t the right option, but you want to treat their symptoms? Or what if your pet has a chronic illness and you don’t want them on medications with side effects? “There are other options,” says veterinarian Dr. Andy Frishman, owner of Progressive Animal Hospital in Somers. “Research shows there are other proven therapies for dogs and cats before using more invasive procedures. In fact, there are less invasive and damaging ways to treat a variety of conditions, many of which are regularly used in humans. They include treatments that can help your pet’s body heal faster as well as reduce pain and inflammation.”
Frishman, who has over 20 years of experience, is on the cutting edge when it comes to pet care. Regardless of the issue, he uses the most advanced and proven scientific research, embraces the latest technologies, and applies the best and safest treatments to help pets stay happy and healthy.
Injured and older pets
Whether your pet has an injury or is struggling with osteoarthritis, there are safe, non-surgical treatments that can help with healing and mobility. “We use a treatment called platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, which uses your pet’s own platelets to help them heal,” Frishman explains. “Located in your blood, platelets are one of the first cells to arrive at a point of trauma. They help with blood clotting and contain various growth factors that encourage tissue to heal; it can also help manage osteoarthritis in pets.”
Another treatment option is actually thousands of years old: acupuncture. Several scientific studies have found acupuncture to be beneficial for older pets. “I use acupuncture primarily for orthopedic and neurological issues in pets,” Frishman, a certified vet accupuncturist, explains. “It stimulates blood flow and wakes up the nerves, similar to how you would massage your leg when it falls asleep. It’s a good thing to try before jumping into more invasive procedures, like surgery. And, sometimes, acupuncture can even help with epilepsy.”
Cancer care
Progressive Animal Hospital is leading the way in advanced cancer care, among the first in the tri-state area to offer cutting-edge immunotherapy for pets through partnerships with innovative laboratories. “When a pet is diagnosed with cancer, the standard recommendations are surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiation,” explains Frishman. “Chemotherapy relies on carefully selected medications to shrink or destroy cancer cells, while radiation uses targeted energy to eliminate tumors. These treatments are important, and we offer chemotherapy when it’s the best option, but we’re proud to provide a more modern, personalized alternative—immunotherapy that works with the pet’s own immune system to fight cancer in a gentler, more targeted way.”
This innovative approach, given over the course of three weeks, has no negative side effects and is less expensive than traditional treatments. You can also choose to incorporate it into your treatment plan. “You can still see a veterinary oncologist and use this treatment in addition to surgery, chemotherapy or radiation,” Frishman says. “My goal is to offer you more options; I don’t take an all-or-nothing approach. I like working with people.”
An integrative approach
Frishman is also a general veterinarian who performs a full range of veterinary services, including routine exams, vaccines and surgery. He also performs ultrasounds and echocardiograms in the office and will prioritize patients who need a same-day appointment. Plus, thanks to telemedicine, Frishman can send the scans to a specialist who can provide a full report within hours, possibly saving your pet’s life.
While Progressive Animal Hospital does provide routine care, Frishman says it’s okay to stick with your regular veterinarian for general care and only receive specialized treatments from him. “It’s not cheating,” he says. “Most vets are very competent, and I have no problem with a patient only seeing me for a specific treatment because it’s not something their primary veterinarian can do.”
Frishman also emphasizes the importance of maintaining your pet’s health throughout their life, noting that various factors can contribute to illness, including age and their environment. “Just like people, pets need a good diet, lots of water and regular exercise,” he explains. “There are pet multivitamins and other preventive options, but diet is incredibly important. This means prioritizing high-quality, whole foods, which you can purchase at pet food stores or make yourself. I can provide individualized guidance on creating balanced meals for your pet based on their breed, age, health and lifestyle.”
And because Progressive Animal Hospital remains an independently owned veterinary hospital, Frishman says he’s able to treat each patient as an individual. “We’re a mom-and-pop hospital offering personalized care and a fear-free environment,” he says. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here, and we’re not bound by corporate policies. We deeply care about our patients and their unique needs. We’re invested in the well-being of every pet that comes through our door.”
This partner content was published in the May/June 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
The editorial staff at Connect To magazine.
