Not only in demand with humans: homeopathy in dogs is very popular. The alternative helpers can be used in addition to the classic treatment at the veterinarian. The areas of application are considerable. So there is a remedy for many ailments that can help the fur nose. We offer an introduction to the topic.
What is important to know in advance?
Before a dog owner decides on an alternative treatment for his fur nose, it is important to know: In the event of illnesses, homeopathy should always be coordinated with the veterinarian, who has completed additional training. Many dog owners see significant improvements after ingestion, but homeopathy has its limitations. Therefore, it helps with illness as a complementary measure to conventional medical treatments. This article does not claim to be complete and does not replace a visit to the veterinarian or animal health practitioner.
Homeopathy in dogs – how does it work?
Homeopathy means “similar suffering” or “similar pain”. This gives an idea of the principle of homeopathy: “Treating similar with similar”. More precisely, an agent which produces certain clinical pictures in a healthy person is administered to a sick person. The same goes for dogs. In this way, the symptoms are specifically alleviated. The homeopathic remedies are very diluted. There are strict rules for this that determine the dilution of the preparations. Because the active ingredient is hardly detectable, there are almost no side effects. Homeopathy takes a holistic approach. Accordingly, the dog must be viewed and focused as a whole. Only when all information about the sick four-legged friend has been disclosed can the therapist create an individual and target-oriented concept with the help of homeopathic remedies. In dogs, Bach flowers, in particular, have proven to be a popular alternative medicine choice.
Homeopathy in dogs: the right application
Dosage
Homeopathic remedies are administered as needed. That means: As soon as the four-legged friend is feeling better, the treatment is ended. The correct dosage depends on the symptoms and the size of the dog. If the dog owner is not yet a professional in the field of homeopathy, it is advisable to discuss the dose with an experienced veterinarian or animal health practitioner.
Shape
- Globules
- Tablets
- Drops
- Ointment
Globules are very popular and easy to use: the small globules are absorbed through the oral mucosa. The homeopathic tablets are available in a somewhat larger form. The well-known “Rescue Drops” – Bach flower essences in the form of drops – are often given to four-legged friends in emergencies, such as on New Year’s Eve or Carnival. The ointment helps with external complaints.
Areas of application of homeopathy in dogs
Homeopathy has a wide range. The areas of application listed do not claim to be complete, but give a little insight into the variety:
- diarrhea
- itching
- vomit
- inflammation of the gums or oral cavity
- arthrosis
- hives
- insect bite
- flu
- ear infection
- cystitis
- fever
- allergy
- conjunctivitis
- cough
Homeopathy is also used in dogs when there are discrepancies in their emotional balance. However, it must be clarified beforehand whether a serious illness can be ruled out as the reason for the behavioral problem.
- jealousy
- panic
- grief
- claustrophobia
- fear of noise (e.g. on New Year’s Eve or during a thunderstorm)
- uncertainty
- jumpiness
- excessive protective instinct
- intrusiveness
- homesickness
- indifference
- impatience
- skepticism
- carelessness
Decisive for success: the anamnesis
If individual homeopathic remedies are administered, the therapist must first take an anamnesis. The aim of the anamnesis is to establish a diagnosis. To this end, the dog owner is asked many questions that may exclude some criteria and specifically address the symptoms of the four-legged friend. Possible questions in the anamnesis could look like this:
- How are the food and water intake?
- What does the feces or urine look like?
- What does the dog get in the bowl?
- When was the last deworming?
- Does the dog suffer from allergies or intolerances?
- Are there any current findings or previous illnesses?
- Has the dog been spayed or neutered?
Depending on the clinical picture, the anamnesis can be very extensive. In order to establish the diagnosis, it is helpful if the dog owner is well prepared for the survey.
Three facts about dog homeopathy
- The doctor Samuel Hahnemann ( July 2nd, 1843) is the founder of homeopathy.
- In some dog health insurances, alternative healing methods, such as Bach flower therapy, are included.
- The training to become an animal healer is not regulated by law. There is the possibility of completing the training via distance learning.
