Homeopathy is not only used successfully in human medicine, but also for the treatment of numerous diseases in animals. Homeopathy for dogs is also becoming increasingly popular. In addition to physical complaints, numerous psychological problems can also be treated well with this complementary, holistic healing method. Even if clinical studies have so far failed to provide scientific proof of effectiveness, the countless positive reports from pet owners and veterinarians speak for themselves. In this article you will find out what homeopathy for dogs is all about.
The effect of homeopathy
The basic principle of the homeopathic healing method developed by the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann in the 18th century is based on the idea that “like will be cured by like”. Hahnemann was convinced that certain substances, which in undiluted form make a healthy person ill, can at the same time help a sick person with similar symptoms to recover. He went so far as to test this principle in self-experiments to prove it. By extracting certain raw materials from plants, minerals or animals and diluting them to a high degree in a special process of trituration or shaking, he obtained his medicines.
This dilution of the original active substance, referred to as potentiation, is intended to increase its effectiveness while at the same time minimizing the pathogenic effect. Hahnemann worked with the dilution series C (1:100) in increments of 100, with the dilution factor being raised to the power. Nowadays, the decimal system (D = 1:10) is primarily used in the dilution, so that the dilution D2 corresponds to the factor 1:100.
Due to the lower dilution, the low potencies contain more of the actual active substance than the high potencies. A D2 potency corresponds to a concentration of 1 gram of active ingredient in 100 grams of liquid. These drugs are mainly used to treat acute symptoms. For the treatment of chronic diseases, on the other hand, the high potencies are used, in which it is practically no longer possible to detect active substances. For example, D24 corresponds to a dilution of one drop of active ingredient in the total volume of the Atlantic Ocean.
The theory of classic homeopathy assumes that in a healthy organism numerous messenger substances in the form of hormones and enzymes regulate the bodily functions in tiny amounts. If there are even minimal deviations in the concentrations of these substances, physiological processes can be disrupted. The healthy balance is upset. The extremely low concentration of active ingredients in the homeopathic medicines should bring the natural regulatory mechanism back into balance according to the body’s own messenger substances.
The veterinarian not only sees and fights the acute illness, but also takes a holistic view of the patient. To this end, the dog owner is closely involved in the assessment of the findings, since the dog is naturally not able to express its own complaints. Through close observation, often using detailed questionnaires, the previous and changed behavior of the dog is analyzed. After a precise anamnesis of its general health and the environmental influences affecting it, targeted therapy is initiated for the animal, which is intended to mobilize the body’s own energies as far as possible and set self-healing in motion.
The use of homeopathic medicines often leads to the so-called initial deterioration. Because the existing symptoms appear again intensified before healing begins. This body reaction is an indication that the right remedy has indeed been chosen to treat the dog.
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is an alternative healing method to classical human and veterinary medicine, in which the patient is viewed holistically through a very detailed assessment and treated with specially prepared drugs in a targeted and individual manner.
Forms of homeopathic remedies in dogs
There are different forms of homeopathic remedies for use in dogs. For oral administration through the oral mucosa, either drops (ethanol is usually used as a carrier), globules (the basic material here is cane sugar) or tablets (these are made from lactose) are suitable. Since some dogs do not tolerate lactose well and can react with gastrointestinal problems, the better tolerated globules should be used in these cases. In addition, some homeopathic medicines are also prepared as an injection solution that can be injected directly by the treating veterinarian using a syringe. Some preparations are also offered in gel form for application to the dogs’ skin.
According to the original healing teachings of homeopathy, the classic remedies are prepared as individual substances. So only one active ingredient is diluted and used for the treatment in the dog. In the meantime, however, there are also various so-called multi-component mixtures in which several effective individual substances are used in different dilutions as an active ingredient complex in order to achieve a broader effectiveness for certain complaints. Here it is assumed that an illness triggers complex processes in the organism of the dog and that the physiological balance is disturbed at several starting points.
Which globules for dogs?
There are several hundred homeopathic medicines that are offered as globules, tablets, drops or for injection with a syringe. An experienced veterinarian, who has possibly completed further training as a veterinarian specializing in homeopathy, must find out which remedy is the right one by taking a diagnosis.
Which complaints and diseases can be treated homeopathically?
A variety of ailments or diseases in dogs can be treated with homeopathy. Depending on the situation, the homeopathic medicine can be used alone or as a support in addition to classic veterinary therapy or after an operation. Here are some examples of dog health problems that can be treated alone or adjunctively with the appropriate homeopathic remedies:
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation or vomiting;
- Skin diseases with symptoms such as increased itching, reddening, or hair loss;
- Respiratory diseases with symptoms such as coughing in dogs;
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system with symptoms such as lameness and pain, also chronic;
- Diseases of the urinary tract such as kidney diseases or cystitis;
- Diseases of the eyes such as conjunctivitis, increased lacrimation;
- Ear diseases such as inflammation of the external auditory canal in dogs;
- Mental disorders such as anxiety (during thunderstorms or fireworks) or motion sickness;
- Hormonal fluctuations such as false pregnancy in the bitch or excessive sex drive in the male;
- Geriatric problems in old dogs such as restricted performance, cardiovascular problems, or chronic pain;
- Accompanying therapy for tumor diseases.
In any case, the symptoms and possible illness should be clarified by a correspondingly trained veterinarian with the additional qualification “homeopathy” before homeopathic medicines are used in the dog. The combination of conventional medical diagnostics and an alternative homeopathic perspective also prevents the use of the wrong remedy or the wrong dilution, since toxic effects cannot even be ruled out in such cases.
How does homeopathy help in dogs?
Many diseases and symptoms in dogs, such as joint problems, skin diseases or psychological problems, can be treated very well with homeopathy alone or in addition to other therapies.
The right dosage for the dog
If the veterinarian has put together a homeopathic treatment for the dog, he will also inform the pet owner about the exact dosage and administration of the remedies. Roughly speaking, homeopathy for dogs can be based on the following dosing intervals:
In the case of acute symptoms that do not last longer than two to three days, low potencies are initially used hourly. If the symptoms subside significantly, treatment is given 3 times a day.
Subacute illnesses that have persisted for several days are treated with medium potencies 1-2 times a day.
If the symptoms have existed for a long time and are therefore chronic, high potencies are more likely to be used, but these are prescribed by the veterinarian in individual cases with precise dosage instructions. Administration once a month can even be sufficient here.
In principle, if the symptoms improve, the administration of the respective remedy should be reduced or even stopped altogether.
The best mode of action of homeopathy is achieved through slow absorption through the oral mucosa. Therefore, the tablets, globules or drops should be given as directly as possible into the dog’s mouth. Some dogs even like the tablets because of the sweet taste and take them like a treat. For others, the input is more difficult.
If necessary, globules, tablets or even drops can be dissolved in a small amount of water and dripped into the dog’s mouth using a dosing syringe or pipette. Only if none of this works should the remedy be administered with a small amount of food or, for example, liver sausage. Dissolving it in drinking water does not work because an undefined amount would be ingested by the dog.
Highly potent homeopathic remedies or multi-component mixtures are usually administered in the form of injection solutions directly by the vet using a syringe and are not intended for self-treatment by the dog owner.
What is the best way to administer the drug to my dog?
Most homeopathic medicines work best when taken orally through the mucous membranes of the mouth. Therefore, the tablets, globules or drops should be given to the dog as directly as possible in the mouth.
Homeopathy or conventional medicine?
Whether the dog can be treated with homeopathy or with conventional medicine primarily depends on the type of illness. Severe acute injuries, for example, accidents, broken bones or life-threatening organ diseases always require a thorough veterinary examination and appropriate therapy. Even serious infectious diseases such as distemper, leptospirosis or parvovirus are acutely life-threatening and cannot be treated homeopathically.
In addition, of course, the attitude and knowledge of the treating veterinarian about the holistic treatment of dogs plays a major role in whether and how he carries out the therapy with homeopathic remedies or at least supplements them. Many homeopathic therapies have already shown great success.
How much does a homeopathic treatment cost?
The costs for homeopathic treatment depend on the severity of the disease and the effort that the veterinarian has to put in to collect the findings and make the diagnosis.
Benefits of homeopathic treatment
The advantage of homeopathic treatment over many classic therapies lies in the holistic view of the patient and not just the current symptoms of the disease. In this way, for example, other diseases of the dog or environmental influences can be included in the diagnosis and taken into account when finding a therapy. The treatment of such complex processes is very effective in this way, based on the natural processes in the body and usually without serious side effects.
However, it would be wrong to present homeopathy as absolutely free of side effects. An incorrectly selected remedy, too high a potentiation or the wrong dosage or administration can also trigger undesirable reactions with homeopathic medicines, such as diarrhea and symptoms of poisoning. Therefore, a professional clarification of the symptoms is always advisable in order to determine the appropriate remedy.
The main homeopathic remedies for dogs
Some classic homeopathic remedies for use in dogs are:
- Apis mellifica (= honey bee) for insect bites, but also inflammation of the oral mucosa
- Argendum nitricum (= silver nitrate) for anxiety
- Arnica (=Bergwohl rental) for blunt injuries and non-bleeding wounds
- Belladonna (= deadly nightshade) for nervous hypersensitivity
- Bryonia (= red berry bryony) for severe pain when moving
- Cocculus (= Kockelskörner) for travel sickness or nervousness
- Nux vomica (= vomica) for nausea, vomiting, spoiled food, poisoning, but also cystitis
- Pulsatilla (= Pasque flower) for purulent inflammation, e.g. on the eye, or problems with heat
- Rhus toxicodendron (=poisonous sumac) for pain in ligaments, tendons, and muscles
- Sulfur (= sulfur) preventive against ectoparasites such as fleas or ticks
- Tarantula (= tarantula poison) for restlessness, increased sex drive
However, the spectrum of homeopathic remedies is much more extensive and includes several hundred active substances. Making the right choice is very crucial for the success of the treatment and should therefore only be made after a thorough diagnosis by a suitably trained veterinarian.
