HOMEOPATHIC REMEDY FOR DOGS & CATS DISEASES
- Dr. SURJIT SINGH MAKKER,& DR. RAJESH KR. SINGH
Animal homeopathy, a branch of alternative medicine, is growing in size and popularity along with society’s interest in alternative medicine for humans. Homeopathy was first devised in the 1790s by German physician Samuel Hahnemann. Its key concept can be found in its name: homeopathy comes from the Greek word for like or similar, and that’s what homeopaths believe: “like cures like.”
Homeopathy was the medicine of the 19th century, developed by Dr Samuel Hahnemann and has received increasing attention more recently given the fact that homeopathy does not have any side effects, is not toxic nor habit forming.
At the foundation of homeopathy is the belief that every being–pets, as well as humans–has a self-healing response, and that health problems develop when something hinders that response or causes imbalance. Homeopathy views symptoms within the larger context of the individual’s overall health, and then tries to stimulate the body’s own healing responses.
Homeopathic remedies, therefore, cause symptoms similar to the ones the sick animal is already showing. For instance, animals who have diarrhea would be treated with–in incredibly tiny amounts–plants, minerals, or animal substances that cause diarrhea. The remedy replaces the illness, causing a cure by allowing animals’ own healing processes to overcome the condition. Thus, “like cures like.”
Before you decide to give your dog any medicine, homeopathic or otherwise, consult your vet, homeopathic experts, and canine health specialists. Internet research is great, but you also need to seek out professional guidance. Your dog’s health depends on you doing your due diligence before you make important health decisions.
Homeopaths use ingredients derived from herbs, minerals, and natural substances diluted beyond the point of toxicity. In fact, homeopaths believe that the more diluted the substance, the higher the potency and less frequently it has to be given.
This means that, by and large, homeopathic medicines are safe and produce few side effects, even when they sound ominous. Some of the most common compounds include ingredients such as sulfur, bee venom, and even poison ivy.
This is a distinctly different approach than that used by traditional Western veterinary medicine. There’s a great deal of debate about whether the benefits of homeopathy are real and provable. The homeopathic stance against vaccination, which is seen as causing an artificial imbalance of the body’s vital energies, is particularly controversial.
Remember, even its greatest proponents say homeopathic medicine has limits. Because it relies on the natural healing properties of the body, if the body already suffered damage through disease or accident, homeopathy won’t be effective. If it’s a matter of a traumatic disease or accident, alternatives such as surgery and antibiotics are likely necessary.
Animal homeopathy is growing in popularity and many doctors and veterinarians across the world are using homeopathy for animals. Most veterinarians choose homeopathy due to the chronic and recurring nature of many ailments in animals. The idea behind using Homeopathy is to strengthen the immunity of the animals and treat the disease from the roots.
First, it should be noted that homeopathy is not a substitute for veterinary assessment, diagnosis or care, nor can it replace the importance of emergency veterinary attention in acute care situations. Homeopathic remedies can be used as part of complementary healthcare alongside veterinary medications.
Just as homeopathy differs philosophically from conventional medicine, there are differences in how to administer remedies. Here are just a few of the things you should keep in mind:
- Don’t give the remedies with food. Give homeopathic medicines at least an hour before or after feeding. That way the food and the medicine won’t interfere with each other.
- Don’t give your dog any other medications unless your homeopath approves them. This includes other homeopathic remedies as well as conventional medications. Although homeopathy is often used along with other alternative therapies such as chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, or even magnet therapy, check with your homeopath before you use them.
- Homeopaths believe that vaccination interferes with homeopathic treatment.
- Sometimes symptoms may actually worsen after treatment, but only for a little while. This is known as “homeopathic aggravation,” and homeopaths believe it to be part of the healing process. Homeopaths will tell you that this will end quickly and that an even faster recovery will follow.
- There may be “discharges” as part of the healing process. This can include diarrhea, discharges from the eyes, skin, or nasal passages, or even “behavioral discharges,” such as showing new fears or sleeping in a new location. As difficult as this might be to watch, homeopaths suggest that you do not interfere with these. They’re considered to be good signs, marking the beginning of healing.
- Homeopathic remedies come in different potencies and in forms:
- ✔️ tablet
- ✔️ pillule
- ✔️ liquid form
Once a remedy is selected the potency (strength) then has to be determined and this will vary depending on the acute or chronic nature of the symptomsand the animal’s general vitality.
- In homeopathy, the “law of minimum dose”holds that the more diluted a homeopathic preparation is, the greater its effectiveness will be.
The strength of homeopathic preparations is indicated by the dilution ratio (C for a 1:100 dilution; X for a 1:10 dilution) and number of successive dilutions. Thus, a 6C preparation is a 1:100 dilution done 6 times.Dilutions beyond 12C (or 24X) are unlikely to contain a single molecule of the original substance. In the homeopathic preparation, the water contains the vibrational energetic imprint of the substance. Homeopathic remedies are made from dilutions of plant, mineral and from virtually any substance.As a general rule of thumb, potencies up to 30C are generally good for physical symptoms and most of the remedies listed below will be best used at either 6, 12, or 30C potencies. The more acute the symptoms, the more frequently you give the remedy.
Remedies can be prepared in liquid form or pillule/tablet form. Most doses are 4-6 drops, and pills or tablets may be 1-2. In acute situations doses every 15 minutes would be recommended. Less acute conditions, up to 3x day. Remedies can be purchased from homeopathic pharmacies and from homeopaths. More and more health food stores are stocking some of the more common single based remedies in X and up to 30C potencies.
The following is a brief list of some useful remedies. It is far from exhaustive but is a good starting point for common canine ailments.
#1. Apis mellifica – great for any type of swelling in reaction to vaccinations, insect bites, hives, rashes, bee stings. Also helps where there is joint swelling with heat. Usually 6, 12 or 30C potency best and dose every 20minutes in acute situations.
#2. Arnica – good for general pain, stiffness due to overexertion, soreness and musculo-skeletal injuries. Also helps reduce bleeding and bruising. First remedy to use after any type of physical trauma.
Usually 6, 12 or 30C potency is best with a dose every 20 minutes in acute situations. Arnica can be used daily for helping with pain associated with arthritis in older dogs. It can also be used post surgery to help reduce bleeding and bruising.
#3. Aconite – this is well known as the “panic” remedy and great for all forms of emotional trauma and shock, mental anxiety and restlessness. For dogs fearful of storms or noises, this can be a very useful remedy. It can also help with the early stages of all feverish states and inflammations where there is also a level of anxiety.
4. Arsenicum album or Nux Vomica – both these remedies are great for tummy upsets from eating spoiled food where there is both vomiting and diarrhea. If the dog is particularly anxious, then Arsenicum album is the best choice. Give 6, 12 or 30C potency twice an hour for a few hours. Arsenicum album is also known to help with low level anxiety and with some skin conditions.
#5. Belladonna – when there is a temperature, fever and general malaise this remedy can be useful whilst waiting for veterinary attention. Is also well known for its use in reducing the frequency and intensity of seizures.
#6. Calendula (can be used both as an oral remedy and as an external ointment) – use for skin infections or any kind of external infection.
It’s a remarkable healing agent and a tube of the ointment should always be on hand to apply topically to scrapes, infections and wounds. You can also buy a tincture and dilute it 1/10 and flush any cuts or wounds with it. If you take the remedy orally then a 6, 12, or 30C potency taken 2-3 times a day will promote skin and superficial wound healing.
#7. Hepar sulphur – is wonderful to treat painful abscesses anywhere on the body and painful infected anal glands. Also good for any type of infection. A 30C potency is best and during acute phase, dose 2-3 x day.
#8. Hypericum – is an excellent remedy to give for any pain due to nerve damage or injuries to nerve-rich areas. Great for when you cut your dog’s toenails too short. Can also help with spinal injuries and intervertebral disc disease where pain is evident.
#9. Rhus tox – for arthritis that is better after moving around, general musculoskeletal injuries, red swollen eyes, skin infections and skin itching. Great for helping to heal ligament injuries and tendon strains. Rhus tox has multiple uses. Can be used daily with dogs that have chronic arthritis and are very stiff when first moving.
#10. Ruta grav – fantastic for any injury to tendons or ligaments and this remedy works very well in conjunction with Rhus tox and Arnica. The three remedies make up a good set to use for arthritis and general aches and pains in the body. If using daily then 6C, 12 C potencies best. In more acute situations 30C potencies every few hours.
HOW TO GIVE NATURAL HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES TO YOUR DOG & CAT-
HOW TO ADMINISTER SOFT CHEWS
The good news is many supplement and remedy manufacturers are coming out with soft chew versions of their formulas. These have all the appearance of a treat, including shape, size, and texture, along with all of the beneficial ingredients.
If your dog or cat is not too discerning, these should be your first choice. They usually come with a delicious natural flavoring, like bacon, turkey or cream, and can be easily given by hand. Even if your pet is a little picky, you can usually sneak these into their bowl and they’ll be none the wiser.
For incredibly picky pets, soft chew supplements and remedies will not always do the trick. The beneficial ingredients usually still have their residual flavor, so picky pets can detect it easily. Given the large size of soft chews, these are not recommended if your pet won’t eat them easily. Instead, opt for a powder, a capsule you can open, or a small tablet you can get your pet to swallow (see below).
HOW TO ADMINISTER LIQUIDS
Liquid remedies such as herbs, homeopathics or flower essences may contain a small amount of alcohol as a preservative. Some animals are sensitive to the smell or taste of alcohol so you may wish to remove it.
To do measure the dosage into a small vial or shot glass and let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate. Alternatively, drop the dosage into a small amount of heated water to speed the evaporation of the alcohol. The additional water will not affect the potency of the remedy.
Don’t hesitate to put a couple drops of the remedy on your own tongue so you know what it tastes like. None of the liquid herbal or homeopathic remedies are in any way harmful for humans.
It is best to use a dosing syringe or extra dropper to administer the diluted remedy to your pet so you do not contaminate the remedy bottle with bacteria from the animal’s mouth.
Most herbal tinctures can be added to the food and this will work well for dogs. Cats, of course, may reject their food if you add anything new. If you have a fussy feline we suggest mixing the remedy with a bit of really yummy canned food or a treat.
Canned tripe works well as it has a strong smell and most animals love the taste. Re hydrated freeze-dried treats and tuna juice also do the trick.
A NOTE ABOUT LIQUID HOMEOPATHICS
Most homeopathic remedies are best given at least 20 minutes before or after a meal. Ideally there should be no food residue in your pet’s mouth.
Drop the liquid directly into your pet’s mouth or on the gums (after evaporating the alcohol). If this proves impossible for your companion, then mix the remedy with a small amount of food or a treat.
HOW TO ADMINISTER HOMEOPATHIC PELLETS
Some homeopathic remedies come in small pellet form. Just like liquid homeopathics, these are best given 20 minutes before or after a meal, and when there is no food residue in your pet’s mouth.
Since these pellets are generally small, many dogs will swallow them without even noticing. For finicky dogs and cats, you can grind these up into a powder and sprinkled on your pets tongue. However, depending on the ingredients, this could have an off putting or bitter flavor. If you can, the best course of action is having your pet swallow them the same as a capsule or tablet (see below).
HOW TO ADMINISTER TABLETS & CAPSULES
Tablets and capsules present a bit more of a challenge. Some guardians have perfected the practice of opening their companion’s mouth and popping the pill far enough back that the animal is forced to swallow it.
This is fine if it works for you, but it is very important that you follow administration of the pill with enough liquid or food to wash the pill down the animal’s throat. We don’t swallow vitamins or pills without water or food and we should not expect an animal to do so either.
The lining of the esophagus is delicate and easily irritated by pills or capsules that pass too slowly or get stuck. Painful ulcers can develop when some herbs or medications remain in the esophagus too long.
Most dogs and cats will not voluntarily drink water if a pill is stuck in their throat-so encourage them with bone broth, tuna juice or diluted canned food or baby food. Coating the tablet or capsule with butter prior to administering it will help it go down more smoothly as well.
Do not tip your companion’s head up and try to force them to swallow the pill this way; it is much more difficult to swallow with the head tilted up. After dropping the pill in, let your dog or cat’s head return to a normal position and gently hold their mouth closed. Tickling the throat or blowing into the nose softly may encourage them to swallow.
Most dogs will readily swallow tablets or pills in a treat if you break the pieces small enough for them to swallow easily, which is a lot less stressful than prying the mouth open and administering the pill dry. Surround the pill with cheese, peanut butter, or a bit of canned food, whatever your dog or cat really loves.
If you have a companion with a dexterous tongue who tends to find the tablet or capsule inside the treat, it helps to give a couple treats without the pill first so they are not suspicious, and then follow with the hidden pill. Try not to make the treat so large that they have to chew or maneuver it around in their mouth, you want them to just taste and swallow.
PILLING A CAT
Which brings us back to the tricky issue of pilling a cat. The first step is to retrieve the first aid kit from under the bathroom sink. (OK, hopefully not). The calmer you are about this procedure the less anxious your cat will be, and the more likely you will be able to repeat this a second time (hopefully as many times as need be). Begin with a picture in your mind of the entire procedure going quickly and smoothly. Got that vividly imagined in your mind? Good, now
- Get the tablet or capsule out and handy FIRST (this is much harder once you have a writhing feline under your arm). Coat the tablet or capsule with butter. Also have a dropper or syringe with ½ tsp or so of liquid nearby.
- Many cat guardians find it easiest to wrap the cat in a towel to avoid those troublesome claws.
- Kneel on the floor and put the cat between your knees (head facing forward of course). You can close your feet around the back of the cat to prevent an escape through the rear. Some people prefer to hold the cat on a table or counter and tuck the cat’s rear into the crook of their elbow. Whatever position you choose the cat should be positioned in front of you with their head facing away, so that they cannot back away. It is important to approach the cat from the side or rear with the pill. Do not approach from the front or they will be more anxious and more likely to escape.
- With your hand over the cat’s head, tilt their nose to the ceiling and gently pry their mouth open, inserting the thumb in one corner of the mouth and a finger in the opposite corner.
- With the other hand, grasp the pill between your thumb and index finger. Use a free finger to push down in the center of the lower jaw between the two canine teeth (long teeth), just inside the cat’s mouth to open the mouth wide enough for you to insert the pill.
- Try to place the pill back far enough on the tongue (beyond the “hump”) but do not put your fingers so far back as to cause the cat to gag. Then let the head return to normal position.
- Smear a little butter on your cat’s nose, lips or paw to encourage them to lick and swallow, or blow on their nose.
- Now slowly squirt the dropper or syringe of water or other liquid into your cat’s mouth to help move the pill down the esophagus.
- Pet and praise profusely (provided your cat has not yet escaped), and give them a yummy treat (which will further help to wash the pill down). Freeze-dried treats are a favorite and can be crumbled and mixed with water for a paste consistency if need be.
Materia Medica For Dogs
The following is a brief materia medica skewed to the acute symptoms and crisis situations seen in companion animals. It is far from exhaustive but is a good starting point for common maladies and common remedies.
Homeopathic remedies are inexpensive and easy to transport. You can start building your dog’s emergency remedy kit with just a few remedies. Start out with remedies you’ll find yourself using often such as Arnica montana or Nux vomica. Once you feel more comfortable using homeopathic remedies, you’ll want to expand your emergency kit to include even more. Refer back to this list often to see which remedies you shouldn’t be without. Don’t wait until an accident happens, invest in a remedy or two every month and you’ll soon be prepared for most accidents and sudden illnesses.
Aconitum napellus (Monkshood)
For symptoms after great fears, stresses, chills, or sudden and dramatic changes in weather. Dramatic display of symptoms after these situations. Great anxiety and fear in the patient, that “deer in the head lights” look. Very acute symptoms often before physical or pathological changes occur. Sudden onset fever with a thirsty patient, abortions, founder, colic, convulsions, and pneumonia.
Agaricus (Amanita muscaria)
For symptoms associated with frostbite, chilblains, and poisonings. Gangrene from freezing of tissues. Tails, feet, ears, etc. damaged by freezing.
Allium cepa (Red Onion)
Catarrh, coryza, and hay fever where discharge from eyes is watery and from the nose is acrid, leaving raw streaks where it drips.
Antimonium tartarticum (Tartar emetic)
For respiratory conditions where there is a heavy rattling in the chest. Pneumonias, bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough with thick white mucous, difficulty breathing, and deep cough.
Apis (Honey bee poison)
For tissues that are edematous, red, hot and extremely painful. Hives.
Argentum nitricum (Silver nitrate)
Useful for animals afraid to come into enclosed spaces or through narrow openings. Emotional diarrhea.
Arnica montana (Leopard’s Bane)
For the affects of trauma of any sort. Bruising, bleeding, traumatic swellings, post parturient trauma – especially where the patient is standoffish and doesn’t want help. Pains after delivery.
Arsenicum album (White arsenic)
One of the premier remedies for the gastrointestinal tract. Characterized by violent nausea and diarrhea, foul/putrid diarrhea, diarrhea containing undigested material, pain in the abdomen. Conditions accompanied with restlessness, extreme chilliness, and a thirst for sips of cold water that are vomited. Suddenness of symptoms, prostration, weakness, and collapse. Severe burns.
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild indigo)
Remedy for influenzas that cause a profound prostration, weakness of the neck so head cannot be held in position, and with the inability to swallow food, only water.
Belladonna (Deadly nightshade)
Symptom complexes characterized by sudden and high fevers, redness, pain, thirstlessness, dilated pupils and panting. Great remedy for small children with bright red, painful ears who wake up screaming in pain. Also a good remedy for migraine headaches when there is extreme sensitivity to light and noise. Heatstroke. Any condition with red, burning, dry mucous membranes or tissues. Red eruptions on the skin with high fevers.
Bryonia alba (Wild hops)
Any condition worse from any movement. Pleurisy and pneumonia when even the movement of breathing is painful.
Calcarea phosphoricum
For those runts and stunted infants that won’t grow.
Calendula officinalis (English marigold)
Well indicated for jagged, ragged, extremely painful cuts and abrasions.
Cantharis (Blister beetle, Spanish fly)
Primarily a remedy for blistered burns but also indicated in cystitis where there is a burning and urging to urinate. Also indicated in conditions where there is a concomitant of burning and urging in the bladder.
Carbo vegetabilis (Vegetable carbon)
For bloating and conditions of trapped gas in the intestinal tract. Colics, volvulus and gastric torsions where there is bloating. Collapse, near death, with pale and/or blue mucous membranes.
Caulophyllum (Blue cohosh)
A remedy whose sphere of action is seated in the female reproductive system–spasmodic labor pains without progress, weak labor pains, extremely painful contractions, false labor pains, abortions with weak contractions and very slight hemorrhage, profuse hemorrhage after delivery, retained placenta from uterine atony/weakness, and/or extended after pains particularly after extended, exhausting labor.
Chamomilla (Chamomile)
Marked symptoms in young associated with teething. Excoriating, green mucous diarrhea associated with teething.
China officinalis (Peruvian bark)
Historically used for malarial or remittent fevers. On the farm it is a useful remedy when the patient is collapsed from the loss of bodily fluids–diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, lactation, etc. Also for bloating colics not relieved by the passing of gas.
Cocculus (Indian cockles)
Severe nausea with vertigo. Motion sickness. Carsickness with nausea and vomiting.
Colocynthis (Bitter apple)
Cramping colics that bend the patient double. Relief is felt if bent double or if hard pressure is applied.
Crotalus horridus (Rattle snake venom)
Causes a break down of the blood, either locally or systemically. Bleeding, sepsis, decomposition of the tissues, blackish blood from orifices.
Drosera (Sundew)
A good remedy for repetitive, dry, barking coughs. Kennel cough.
Dulcamara (Bittersweet)
A good remedy for symptoms which are worse in the cold and damp or that come on when the weather changes from hot to cold and damp.
Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset)
When there are influenza type symptoms with a loose cough and catarrh accompanied with musculoskeletal pain, especially in the bones. Bones too painful to walk, sit, or lie down comfortably with accompanying respiratory symptoms.
Euphrasia (Eye-bright)
Eyes watery, tearing, excoriations around eye, conjunctivitis, swelling of tissues surrounding eyeball – all the symptoms that make this a good remedy for pink eye.
Ferrum phosphoricum
For respiratory symptoms of acute onset but vague symptoms, often with nosebleeds.
Gelsemium sempervirens
One of the principle remedies of the Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1917. Very sudden onset of deep respiratory symptoms, maybe with suffocation caused by bleeding into the lung. Performance anxiety.
Glonoinum (Nitro-glycerine)
Sunstroke remedy. Clammy, and has a severe headache in which the patient is faint, weak, pale.
Gunpowder
No formal proving but information is from Clarke’s work and from the experience of soldiers during WWI. Indicated in any open wound that is or may become infected.
Hepar Sulph (Sulphide of Calcium)
This was one of Hahnemann’s premier remedies. It finds application for any condition, especially of the skin, with exquisite sensitiveness, cannot bear even the slightest touch. Tendency to abscess, very painful abscesses or developing abscesses.
Hydrastis (Golden Seal)
The guiding characteristic of this remedy is a tendency to produce thick mucoid or purulent discharges for the affected tissue. Respiratory conditions have a thick, ropy, tenacious mucous. Uterine and vagina discharges are thick and ropy and may accompany retained placentas. In the digestive tract, there is atrophy of the liver, mucous secretion into the gastrointestinal tract with accompanying weight loss. To control the pain of cancer, especially liver cancer.
Hypericum (St. John’s Wort)
This is a remedy no home should be without. Hypericum is the remedy when there is trauma to highly enervated tissues – crushed fingers and toes, spinal injuries, broken tails, after dental work. The pains of Hypericum shoot along the nerves. This is a really good remedy for children who have had their orthodontics adjusted. Hypericum is also indicated for deep puncture wounds such as nail punctures, cat bites, or injection site reactions. It is said to prevent tetanus in these situations.
Ipecacuanha (Ipecac)
Ipecacuanha is a remedy with two distinct indications. First is its use in nausea and vomiting, especially if the vomit is clear mucous like egg whites. Patient vomits then has the urge to vomit again. Profuse salivation can accompany nausea. The second indication for Ipecac is in bleeding tendencies where it may look similar to Phosphorus – bright red blood from any or every orifice. Especially if accompanied with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Kali bichromicum (Bichromate of pot- ash)
Once you have seen the snot of a Kali bichromicum patient you will never forget it. The respiratory symptoms of a Kali bichromicum patient are characterized by a thick, ropy, elastic, rubbery yellow to green mucous that can form a streamer nearly a foot long from the nose. Other discharges tend to have the same character whether it is a vaginal discharge or mastitis milk.
Lachesis (Bushmaster venom)
Left sided symptoms or symptoms that start left and move right. Bluish lesions and swellings. Sepsis. Rabies miasm.
Ledum (Marsh Tea)
This remedy has the reputation of being the remedy for bite wounds or insect stings, especially when the affected area is cold and is made better by cold applications. The same holds true for puncture wounds. Historically Ledum has proven effective in preventing or stopping tetanus after puncture wounds. Currently it is used by many homeopaths to treat Lyme disease.
Millefolium (Yarrow)
Along with Phosphorus and Ipecacuanha, Millefolium is indicated in cases of profuse hemorrhage of bright red blood.
Nux vomica (Poison nut)
A remedy of excesses. Indicated when there are conditions arising from overeating – indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, tenesmus, rectal prolapse – especially when the animal is irritable and short tempered.
Phosphorus
The symptoms of Phosphorus are seen throughout the body. Predominant among these are a tendency to hemorrhage bright red blood and small wounds that bleed excessively. Phosphorus is an important remedy in diarrheas, pneumonias, reproductive disorders, and skin disorders of various sorts. The typical Phosphorus patient is quick, nervous, fearful (especially of thunderstorms and sudden loud noises), and has a real driving thirst for cold water (which is vomited once it becomes warm in the stomach).
Phytolacca (Poke root)
Inflammation, swelling and suppuration of the mammae; pain in the mammae; mastitis with hardness from the beginning; fullness and lumps in the mammae; abscesses and fistulae; tumors and cancers that are sensitive and painful. Abortions threatening in the last trimester, barren females, and abnormal cycles of the menses are also common symptoms of Phytolacca.
Podophyllum
When there are symptom complexes that have diarrhea as a concomitant, you must think of Podophyllum. The diarrhea of Podophyllum is described as intense, watery, painful, and profuse following nausea and followed by weakness and exhaustion.
Pulsatilla
A polychrest with many indications. Acutely it is used in conditions with thick, bland discharges and/or with birthing difficulties and fetal malpositions.
Pyrogenium
Made from lean steak placed in the sun for two weeks. Sepsis, especially purpural sepsis. Low states, septicemia, devitalization and necrosis of tissues.
Rhus toxicodendron (Poison oak)
If you have ever experienced a case of poison oak or poison ivy, you have a good idea for the indications of Rhus toxicodendron for skin symptoms. Of importance is the use of Rhus toxicodendron for strains and sprains in the joints and for lameness that is better for movement and worse for rest.
Ruta (Rue)
Lameness that may look much like Rhus toxicodendron except more from bruising and injuries of the bones.
Sepia officinalis (Cuttle fish ink)
Primarily considered to be a female remedy but has applications for both sexes. Sepia patients have a tendency to abort in the middle trimester and to retain the placenta after abortion. There is a tendency to sterility, to uterine infections with vaginal discharges, and prolapses. For the females that do give live births, there is a tendency for them to be poor mothers – abandoning the young, attacking the young, having nothing to do with the young.
Silicea (Silica)
This is another of the remedies whose chief sphere of action is chronic disease but also has application in acute disease and acute exacerbations of chronic disease. Silicea is an excellent remedy for resolving abscesses. The abscesses of Silicea are slow to suppurate. Silicea will either force the abscess to drain or to be absorbed. This makes it an excellent remedy for lameness due to abscesses in the hoof. Silicea will also help resolve swollen glands, whether due to abscesses or not. Another asset of Silicea is that it will force the expulsion of foreign bodies – splinters, porcupine quills,etc.
Symphytum (Comfrey)
Known as boneset by herbalists, Symphytum has the same action in potency. It is indicated in fractured bones, non or delayed union fractures, and pain from fractures to speed healing. Symphytum is also indicated for blunt trauma to the eye.
Thuja occidentalis (Eastern White Cedar)
Pedunculated, cauliflower like warts. Slow hair regrowth or dry, dull hair. Cookbook homeopaths give it after vaccinations (inappropriately).
Homeopathy For Dogs Anxiety
HOW TO ADMINISTER THE REMEDIES
Homeopathic remedies are completely different from traditional medicines and you do not need to worry about giving the correct amount relative body weight.
- One pill = one dose regardless of the age, gender, weight or type of dog.
Dog should take remedies in this way and the remedies work just as well.
1- you can touch the remedy with your hands
2- you can put the remedy into their mouth with your fingers. Your dog may spit it out, don’t worry, just give it to him again
3- your dog can eat before or after taking the remedy (it is best if you can wait 5-10 minutes, though not essential )
3- you can repeat the remedies as suggested every few hours with my methodology
4- you can make liquid remedies to administer in water if you prefer or find it easier. If you would like to learn how to convert dry dosing to liquid doses if your dog prefers.
let’s start with some of the most common acute problems and how to manage them with homeopathy!
HOMEOPATHY FOR GASTRIC ISSUES SUCH AS VOMITING AND DIARRHEA IN DOGS
1- GASTROENTERITIS
One of the most common problems with dogs is acute gastroenteritis.
Dogs have a fairly strong digestive system but due to their scavenger nature, they can suffer frequently from inflammation or infection of their digestive tract.
One of the best remedies to soothe the stomach, if there is pain and acidity,
is:
- Arsenicum Album 3c used in liquid, one dose every 3 hours if very bad or twice a day as general support for a longer period.
- If the dog has a lot of flatulence, you can give Lycopodium 200 twice daily.
- For bouts of vomiting Nux vomica 30 if there is a lot of cramping and vomiting
- Ipecac 30 if nausea is more persistent.
Use these remedies according to the severity of the vomiting, it can be used hourly or every 3 hours and then twice daily as the symptoms improve until gone.
2-DIARRHOEA
If your dog has eaten some spoiled food or has a gastric bug and is suffering from diarrhoea
- Arsenicum Album 30c every 3 hours can help to form the stool, clear diarrhoea and the infection or inflammation of the bowels.
If the diarrhoea comes with mucus and undigested food
- Ipecac30+ Mercurius Sol 6c every 3 hours can be more helpful.
There is also a fantastic Narayani combination that you can use if any of the remedies above fail or simply, you just want to start with it. It is called
- Narayani Gastro Mix 80
and it is really helpful for any acute inflammation of the gastric tract regarding the symptoms.
You should dose every 15 minutes if very severe or every 3 hours if less severe. As a general tonic when the intensity has gone down, use twice daily.
HOMEOPATHY FOR A DOGS ANXIETY
No matter how calm and easy-going your dog is, at some point, he is going to encounter some kind of stress along his life.
Anxiety can have a big impact on a dog’s health and sometimes, this needs to be treated first or alongside any physical symptoms.
1- GRIEF AND LOW MOOD
This is a very common emotion that your dog will experience at some point and there are several triggers for this
- you have gone on holiday without him
- another pet in the house has died
- one of the owners is severally ill, has left or passed away
- you have introduced another pet or a newborn child into the household
- if he is often left alone for long periods
These are all situations that can produce sadness in your dog and the best homeopathic remedy to meet that is
- Ignatia 200 twice daily until better.
If the low mood is caused after having a litter and the mum feels overwhelmed and distant from the puppies,
- Sepia 200 twice daily for a couple of weeks will be helpful to bring back some balance to her hormones and improve her mood.
Separation anxiety or sadness when bringing a new puppy home tends to respond well to Pulsatilla.
- Pulsatilla 200c twice weekly for a couple of months or 30c 3 times per day for a week to settle the puppy.
2- FEAR
This emotion can stem from situations such as
- fireworks
- a fight with another dog
- a visit to the vet or groomer
- a stressful event
- an unfamiliar sound
- overwhelming of the senses in a new environment
If your dog has been in one of these situations and has become quite fearful in the next few days, you can give him:
- Aconite 200c or 1M depending on what you have available.
You can dose the remedy 3-4 times a day and twice daily if you are using the 1M. Use for 2-3 days only and assess. Repeat if needed.
If your dog is expecting an anxious event, like a visit to the vets, for instance entering the shop and realising what is going to happen
- Argentum Nitriticum 200c twice per day can be helpful.
You can dose on the day morning and 1/2 hour before the appointment.
If your dog has been in a fight and after using Aconite still feeling anxious and displays fear aggression
- Strammonium 200 twice daily for a couple of weeks should help to reduce the intensity while you work with retraining with this issue.
For another alternative, or if you are unsure which remedy to choose, you can use this Narayani Combination
- Shock Mix 26 3 times per day and then once daily when improvement sets in until not needed.
This remedy for any condition resulting from fear or shock. It has all of the remedies frequently indicated in this situation and they work beautifully in harmony.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES AFTER SURGERY FOR DOGS
In the unfortunate event that your dog needs surgery, homeopathic remedies can be of great help to aid recovery. Not only this but they can help with pain and discomfort and can be used along with any other conventional medications.
1-PAIN REMEDIES
- Hypericum 200c this is one of the most important remedies for nerve injury and most likely needed with incisive wounds that reach nerves. An important remedy to consider in limb amputations as well and in spinal operations. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PAIN REMEDY AFTER SURGERY.
- Magnesium Phosphoricum 200c the great antispasmodic remedy, for neuralgic pains and colic, therefore, a good remedy after abdominal surgery.
- Colocynthis 200c+ Nux vomica 30: is very helpful for any abdominal pain after an operation on the digestive system and colicky in nature. Colocynthis follows Staphysagria very nicely in abdominal operations.
- Staphysagria 200c: specially indicated in abdominal operations. This remedy given twice daily for a week or two helps with the pain of the incision and helps to avoid adhesions.
- Bellis Perennis 200 acts within deeper tissue, better than Arnica after major abdominal surgical work, and can be helpful if Arnica has not been very effective or if there is still a lump in the area of the incision.
- Ruta 200c is very helpful for any operation involving cartilage or periosteum and this remedy is likely to be needed at some stage. This is a great remedy to consider for operations of the extremities and in any orthopaedic surgery or even tooth extractions.
- Symphytum 200c+Hypericum 200 twice daily is indicated for wounds penetrating the bone, so it is also a good pain remedy for any orthopedic surgery.
2-HEALING REMEDIES
For inflammation, use
- Belladonna 30c use every 2-3 hours until much better and decrease the frequency as it improves.
if the wound is red and angry, it will help with swelling and inflammation.
For discomfort after the anaesthesia, especially with nausea or if your dog refuses to eat, two remedies are important to keep in mind:
- Phosphorus 30 and
- Nux vomica 30
try each remedy individually 3 times a day for 3 days.
Wound healing is greatly helped by this Banerji Protocol combination of
- Arsenicum200+Hypericum200 that target pain and avoid infection.
I prescribe it every 3 hours until the wound is dry, then reduce to twice daily until completely healed.
Useful Narayani Combinations for Surgery:
Narayani Combination for pain: Injury mix 20. For helping muscles, nerves, ligaments, cartilage and wounds after surgery or injury. Use acutely every 3 hours or for more chronic cases twice per day.
Narayani Combination for infection: War Mix 35. This is a fantastic combination for infection and inflammation anywhere in the body. Use 3 times per day for active infection and decrease gradually as improvement sets in.
HOMEOPATHY FOR DOG EAR INFECTIONS
External ear infections are one of the most common problems in dogs and are of the most common visits to the vet. You can help your dog with these homeopathic remedies and most probably avoid antibiotics.
Trying to find a homeopathic remedy individually that suits your dog for pain can be difficult for obvious reasons.
But there is no reason why you cannot use this combination that covers pain and inflammation from all angles,
- Aconite200+Belladona200+Chamomilla200.
Use every hour for intense pain and discomfort for the first 3 doses and then decrease frequency to every 3 hours and continue until not needed.
This combination is especially good for the first stages of inflammation.
If you feel that the problem is more in the inner ear, I suggest to also use
- Hepar Sulph 200 in alternation with Belladonna 30 every 3 hours.
This is a Banerji Protocol that is most helpful to combat inflammation, pain and infection.
If your dog is fighting an infection with ear discharge, I would advise adding the following combination mix and once the pain is gone, discontinue the first combination and continue with Hepar Sulph 200 and Bell30
Alternatively or if the previous combination is not working well use
- Narayani Combination for infection: War Mix 35.
This is a fantastic combination for infection and inflammation anywhere in the body. Use 3 times per day for active infection and decrease gradually as improvement sets in.
AURAL HEMATOMA
Sometimes, your dog will scratch so hard that it can create an Aural haematoma. If this is the case, use
- Hamamelis200+ Arnica 3c twice daily until gone.
HOMEOPATHY FOR A DOG’S ITCHY SKIN
Allergies are the most common reason of itchy skin in dogs. However, there can be hundreds of other reasons why your dog has itchy skin.
Homeopathy can be very helpful for dogs allergies.
For any form of atopic dermatitis, these two remedies can be very helpful to clear the problem.
- Hepar Sulph 200 every other day and Arsenicum album 6c twice daily am/pm.
Assess for 2 months and continue if the condition has improved.
This is another option if the first one fails.
- Antimonium crudum 6c twice daily for two months
This is especially helpful if there is discharge but it can be helpful even when there is no discharge.
This remedy is also very helpful for allergic itching.
For insect bites such as bee stings that are swollen, itchy and painful:
- Apis 200 one dose every 15 minutes for an hour and then when required can work wonders.
You can watch the swelling decrease and your dog will seem more comfortable.
Ringworm tends to respond well to these Banerji Protocol remedies:
- Graphities 200 one dose every 3rd day and Kali Sulph 6x twice daily for a couple of months or longer.
ANAL GLAND ISSUES
For some reason, it seems that anal glands are becoming more of a problem with our dogs. I suspect the type of food that we give them has a direct impact on their digestive tract and in terms of the consistency of the stool they produce.
If your dog has developed anal gland inflammation,
- Hepar 6c and Belladona 30c in alternation every 2-3 hours can be one of the best first remedies to consider.
If the gland has burst and is suppurating, you will need to add
- Hypericum 200+ Arsenicum 200 for pain and infection 3 times per day.
These remedies are most useful to dry the infection and subside the inflammation and pain.
Alternatively, you could also use:
Narayani Combination for infection:
- War Mix 35.
This is a fantastic combination for infection and inflammation anywhere in the body. Use 3 times per day for active infection and decrease gradually as improvement sets in.
NB-DISCLAIMER: We make no medicinal claims for any of the homeopathic remedies. The information on this site is for educational purposes and does not replace veterinary advice or treatment.
Please feel free to consult with your veterinarian when giving your dog any remedies.
