THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF VARIOUS DISEASES OF DOGS & CATS WITH  HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF VARIOUS DISEASES OF DOGS & CATS WITH  HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES 

Homeopathy is a natural system of healing that’s been around for 200 years. It’s based on the concept that “like cures like.” For example, the cure for poison ivy is the remedy Rhus toxicodendron, which is made from poison ivy. The same remedy also addresses skin irritations, itching and rashes – the symptoms of poison ivy that appear in other conditions.

Homeopathy has thousands of remedies for thousands of symptoms. And the remedies work with your dog’s whole body to relieve symptoms, restore balance and cure illness. Homeopathy addresses his entire being – his mental, emotional AND physical state.

The origins of Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a popular form of complementary medicine which was founded on the medical traditions and beliefs of the Greeks and Romans many thousands of years ago. Its real potential was not realised until the late eighteenth century and the pioneering work of the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. Medical treatments of the day seemed to rely on a large amount of good fortune. It appeared that the more pungent and unpleasant a medicine, the more effective it was likely to be. Many of the treatments, such as bloodletting, were harsh and most cures probably occurred as a result of the patient’s own ability to recover rather than as a direct benefit of any treatment.

As a consequence, Hahnemann gradually became disillusioned with the medical practices of the time. Instead, he advocated the provision of a good diet, increased exercise and better living conditions, basic commonsense advice which applies as much today as it did in Hahnemann’s time. Eventually ceasing work as a doctor, he decided to earn a living instead, by translating medical texts into German.

His work on one book in particular, Cullen’s Materia Medica, was to become of major significance in the development of homeopathy. Cullen’s book suggested that the benefits of quinine (isolated from Cinchona bark) in treating malaria was because of its action as an astringent. Knowing that other and more powerful astringents had no effect in treating malaria he set about trying to discover how and why quinine worked.

To do this Hahnemann took repeated doses of Cinchona bark over the course of several days and noted the effects. Somewhat surprisingly he developed a set of symptoms closely resembling those seen in malaria. However once he stopped taking the medicine, the symptoms disappeared rapidly and he returned to normal once more. This experiment he termed a “proving” and concluded, after repeating the test on other people, that like is capable of curing like. In Latin this translates to similar similibus curentur or “like cures like”. This is the basic principle on which homeopathy is founded.

Testing the theory

Over the following years Hahnemann tested a number of other substances on himself and on friends. In each case he carefully noted down the symptoms, both physical and mental, which developed as a result of taking each individual substance over a period of time. These he compiled into his own “Materia Medica”. By listing what a substance could cause, he was able to predict what symptoms it was capable of curing. He was able to put his theories into practice by successfully treating a typhoid outbreak during the winter of 1812-1813.

The Dilution Factor

Hahnemann was very aware that some of the remedies he tested were quite toxic and produced side effects, so he set about finding the minimum dose needed for a cure. To do so he began diluting his medicines finding that as he did so, that they became more effective. This is, of course, in direct contrast to modern drugs, which become less effective when diluted. His discovery that infinitely diluted medicines could be used to treat patients meant that a wide range of substances could be used to treat illness without worrying about side effects. In fact almost any substance can be made into a homeopathic medicine including metals, minerals, snake venoms, plants, bacteria as well as both healthy and diseased tissue.

How Remedies are Produced

Preparation of an individual remedy involves a number of serial dilutions with vigorous shaking in between each individual stage. This process is known as succussion and is vital to the correct preparation of a remedy. Dilutions (termed potencies), are commonly carried out in stages of 1 in 10, giving decimal dilutions denoted by the suffix x, or in dilutions of 1 in 100 giving centesimal potencies. This range is denoted by the suffix c. Once the desired dilution has been reached a few drops of the remedy are added to the delivery medium ready for dosing the patient.

Matching the Symptoms

Correctly applied homeopathy can be a remarkable and effective system of medicine, which has the benefit of being safe and without side-effects. The remedies can be used to treat any type of animal of any age without fear of doing any harm. However, the key to using homeopathy successfully lies in matching the patient’s symptoms to the symptom picture of the remedy, as accurately as possible. The closer the remedy matches the patient’s symptoms, the more likely the chance of a seeing a response. If the wrong remedy is given then quite simply nothing happens.

Care & Storage

Homeopathic remedies are available in various forms, usually liquids, tablets, granules or powders. As “energised” medicines they need special care, handling and storage. They are easily deactivated by strong smells and vapours such as camphor and eucalyptus. Because of this it is best to store them well away from any aromatherapy products. Bright light, heat and electromagnetic radiation (e.g. from televisions, mobile phones and computers) can also deactivate or depotentise them, rendering them less effective. Stored properly though, the remedies will keep for many years (particularly if stored in glass) without losing their efficacy. In tablet form they should not be handled as this also can also deactivate them.

Liquid remedies  are often easier to use where animals are concerned particularly bearing in mind the difficulties in handling the tablets. The remedy drops can be tipped straight into the animal’s mouth, onto a paw to be licked off, added to food or even added to drinking water.

Dosing your Pet

The  homeopathic remedies in liquid form can help with a wide range of everyday problems. The dose is irrespective of the breed, age or size of the animal. For all the remedies  the recommended dose is:

• For Acute problems 5 drops every 2-3 hours until the symptoms resolve
• For Chronic illness give 5 drops 2 or 3 times daily

Acute Homeopathic Dosing

• In a crisis, the dry pellets of the remedy may be dropped directly into the patient’s mouth. If the situation does not allow for that or if you are not comfortable with a dry dosing method, simply drop one to three pellets into a volume of water (the exact amount isn’t that important). Stir or shake well. The pellets may or may not dissolve, depending on the hardness of the pellet, but this doesn’t matter as long as the solution is stirred or shaken well.
• Dose the patient by placing some (one to two drops, teaspoons or fractions of teaspoons) of the solution on the patient’s nose near the nostrils or directly in the patient’s mouth. The exact volume is not that important. The goal is to use adequate volume to ensure good contact with the patient’s mucous membranes.

Choosing a Potency

• The choice of potency is fairly forgiving in acute disease and crisis, so just use the potency you have available, normally 6C, 30C or 200C. Redosing should be timed to match the dynamics and speed of the crisis until a response is seen in the patient.

When to Repeat

• When giving a remedy for acute disease you need to assess the effects of the remedy action much more rapidly than in a chronic disease as the response and changes will be more dramatic. In general, select your remedy, watch your patient for any changes and redose when the remedy action wanes or ceases. (Redosing may be in five minutes, 15 minutes, one hour – or whenever the case indicates.)
• The remedy picture may also change to that of another remedy. Be prepared to give a different remedy if the picture changes but give only one remedy at a time.

How Homeopathy Works

Homeopathy works to balance the body’s energy, known by homeopaths as the Vital Force. This is the energy that gives the body the power to heal itself. Any disruption in the Vital Force creates imbalance.

The symptoms of disease are a reflection of what’s happening inside. Homeopathic remedies that match the symptoms stimulate the Vital Force. Homeopathy helps bring the Vital Force into balance so the body can heal.

Homeopathy Works For Dogs and People

Homeopathy isn’t just for people. Homeopathy is safe for dogs and all animal species. Some people even use it to treat plants. Homeopaths choose a remedy based on the symptoms, not the disease. That’s why the same remedies work for the same symptoms … whether it’s for you or your dog.

Know Your Homeopathic Potencies

Potencies are the numbers listed next to the name of the remedy (like Arnica montana 30C).

The potency means how many times the medicine has been diluted and succussed (shaken). The more times a remedy is diluted, the higher the potency. Higher potencies act more deeply to stimulate the Vital Force.

Lower potencies are 6X and 30X. X means 10 so that means it’s diluted in a ratio of 1:10, 6 or 30 times.

The next level of potencies are 6C , 30C and 200C. C is 100 so it’s diluted in a ratio of 1:100, 6 or 30 or 200 times.

So 200C is a “higher potency” than 30C, and 30C is higher than 6C.

Higher potencies are the “M” potencies: 1M, 10M or 50M. M means 1000C, so a 1M potency has been diluted in a ratio of 1:100, 1000 times. The M potencies are much deeper-acting remedies. Only use these when your homeopath prescribes them.

For acute conditions that you’ll be handling by yourself at home, 30C or 200C are the best potencies to have on hand. 30C remedies are the easiest to find at most health stores. But 200C can be faster acting if you have an emergency first aid situation.

How To Handle Homeopathic Remedies

Try not to touch the pellets with your hands. The remedy is on the outside of the pellets and will rub off on your fingers. Most pellets come in a clever tube designed with a twist cap. You invert the tube and give the cap a few twists to drop 3 or 4 pellets into the cap.

Homeopathy is energetic medicine. This means you shouldn’t store the remedies next to electromagnetic appliances like TVs and computers. Try to avoid leaving them in the bright, hot sun for any period of time.

You can give the pellets directly to your dog as a dry dose or you can make up a liquid. It’s known as wet dosing. Here are both methods.

How To Give Your Dog A Homeopathic Remedy

Dogs aren’t always easy to dose so choose the method that works best for you. For acute situations, a wet dose is often best.

How To Give A Dry Dose

1. The size of the dose in homeopathy doesn’t matter. You could give 10 pellets (or drops) to a Chihuahua or 1 to a Great Dane. Giving 2-3 pellets or drops to any size dog is a good size dose.
2. Except in an emergency, give the remedy at least 20 minutes away from food.So it’s best not to try to hide the remedies in food or treats.
3. Homeopathic remedies need to contact the mucous membranes … meaning your dog’s gums.If you pull out your dog’s lower lip near the corner, you’ll find he has a built-in pouch there. Drop the pellets straight from the cap into that pouch. Or have your dog lie down so you can tip them onto the upper gums.
4. You can dose him with liquid in the same way … just use a dropper to place it on his gums or into his cheek.

How To Wet Dose

Many homeopaths recommend wet doses for dogs. And many dog owners prefer wet doses because they’re easier to give to dogs.

Wet doses can penetrate deeper than dry pellets. Also, when you have to give frequent dosing in acute situations, it’s much easier to have your wet dose ready on the counter to re-dose.

You can easily prepare a wet dose as follows:

1. Place 2-3 pellets or drops of liquid remedy in a small glass of spring or filtered water. (Never use unfiltered tap water). Or you can use an amber glass dropper bottle to make up your wet dose. Then you stir vigorously, shake or “succuss” (pound the base of the glass bottle against the palm of your hand) about 10 times.
2. A single dose is a teaspoon or a dropper. When you give it to your dog, give it in small amounts to make sure the liquid is on his gums for as long as possible. Put it into his cheek or onto his gums as you would the pellets.
3. Don’t refrigerate the liquid. You can keep it on your counter for 2 or 3 days. Stir vigorously, shake or succuss it before each dose.
4. How Often To Give The Remedy

5. If you’re working with a homeopath on a chronic condition, follow your homeopath’s instructions.
6. For acute conditions, you can dose more often. Homeopathic vet Dr Dee Blanco recommends this dosing schedule for acute dosing.
7. If you’re using 30C or less, dose every 15 minutes for 4 doses. Then once an hour for 2 hours, until you see a response.
8. With a higher potency like a 200C you can dose every 30 minutes for 2-3 doses, or until you see a response.

HOW TO ADMINISTER HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR YOUR DOGS

​Homeopathic remedies are completely different from traditional medicines, you do not need to worry about giving your dog the correct amount relative to body weight.

• One pill = one dose regardless of the age, gender, weight or type of dog.

You may have read in several sources that some rules exist when taking homeopathic remedies. But let me make it simple here for you- I have been practising homeopathy for years with a busy practice and have never found those rules true.

My dog takes 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
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.

With my method of prescribing, you do not need to worry about how often to repeat, the repetition is set, avoiding any guesswork and making it ideal for a beginner or in situations where asking your patients is impossible!!

These are some of the gentlest methods of prescribing in homeopathy.

So let’s start with some of the most common acute problems and how to manage them with homeopathy!
​

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES 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 frequently suffer 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 is 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 200twice daily.
• For bouts of vomiting Nux vomica 30every 3 hours if there is a lot of cramping and vomiting.
• Ipecac 30 every 2-3 hours if nausea is more persistent.

Use these remedies according to the severity of the symptoms, it can be used hourly or every 3 hours and then twice daily as the symptoms improve until gone.

2-REFLUX, ACIDITY AND DYSPEPSIA WITH VOMITING
​This protocol is very useful for gastritis and acidity

• Arsenicum Album 3ctwice daily, preferably 15 minutes before food
• Lycopodium 200one dose every other day

​You should continue with remedies for 8 weeks and then reassess.

3-DIARRHOEA
If your dog has eaten some spoiled food or has a gastric bug and is suffering from diarrhoea

• Arsenicum Album 30cevery 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.

and it is really helpful for any acute inflammation of the gastric tract regardless of the symptoms.

​You should dose every 15 minutes if very severe or every 3 hours if less severe. When the intensity has decreased, use it as a general tonic twice daily.

LIVER SUPPORT

1- ELEVATED LIVER MARKERS

There are many reasons why your dog may be showing elevated liver markers, from an acute infection to a chronic health issue. Homeopathic remedies are excellent for helping support the liver of your dog. This remedy will aid liver support and help get those levels back down.

• Chelidonium 6xtwice daily- or one dose every 3 hours if there is jaundice.

This remedy can also help to stimulate bile and helps bowel movement and is also a great remedy for stimulating appetite.
​
2- LIVER TONING AND  SUPPORT

Carduus Marianus mother tincture ( Milk Thistle)  is also a fantastic tool for supporting the liver as it aids detoxification, helps to maintain healthy function and helps to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

​It is useful for those with a compromised liver, such as those suffering from chronic or acute hepatitis.

​The homeopathic dose of MT is 5 drops 2-3 times per day.

3-CANINE HEPATITIS

This is a complex disease involving liver infection and other organs and tissues.  Most adult healthy dogs will manage the infection with mild symptoms. However, in some cases, complications can arise.

These homeopathic remedies can help dogs with the viral load, pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, mucus congestion, cough and liver support. They can be taken alongside any medication if needed.
​

• Chelidonium 6x in alternation withCardus Marianus Mother tincture every 3 hours
• Thuja 30twice daily
• Ceanotus Mother tincture 5 drops twice daily if the spleen is affected
• Nux vomica 30every 3 hours if there is vomiting
• Hamamelis 200+ Arnica 3c every 3 hours or 3 times per day -according to the intensity of the symptoms- if blood clotting is involved

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR ANXIETY IN DOGS

No matter how calm and easy-going your dog is, at some point, he will encounter some kind of stress in his life.

​Anxiety can greatly impact a dog’s health, and sometimes, this needs to be treated first or alongside any physical symptoms.

1- GRIEF AND LOW MOOD
Grief and sadness is a very common emotion that your dog will experience at some point, and here are the most useful homeopathic remedies to keep at home if you own dogs.

Below are all situations that can produce sadness in dogs, and these are the best homeopathic remedies to meet that, depending on the triggers.

If your dog has changed behaviour after:

• you have gone on holiday without him
• another pet in the house has died
• one of the owners is severally ill, and 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
• Ignatia 200 twice dailyuntil better is the best remedy to meet that. Ignatia is the best homeopathic everyday grief remedy.

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.

When bringing a new puppy home, separation anxiety or sadness 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 1Mdepending 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 vet, for instance, entering the shop and realising what is going to happen

• Argentum Nitriticum 200c twice per day can be helpful.

You can dose in the morning of the day 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 

• Stramonium 200 twice daily for a couple of weeks should help reduce the intensity while you retrain with this issue.

For another alternative, or if you are unsure which remedy to choose, you can use this Narayani Combination.

• Shock Mix 263 times per day and then once daily when improvement sets in until not needed.

This remedy is 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 greatly help recovery. Not only this, but they can help with pain and discomfort and can be used along with any other conventional medications. After any other operation, if there is not much bleeding, a few doses or

Arnica 30 or 200 will help with the trauma and pain and helps to avoid infection.

Arnica can be prescribed alongside any other remedy needed and is one of the best remedies to start with.

1-PAIN REMEDIES

• Hypericum 200cis one of the most important remedies for nerve injury and is most likely needed with incisive wounds that reach nerves. An important remedy to consider in limb amputations and spinal operations as well. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PAIN REMEDY AFTER SURGERY.
• Magnesium Phosphoricum 200cis a 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 is 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 incision’s pain and helps 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 incision area.
• ​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 200twice daily is indicated for wounds penetrating the bone, so it is also a good pain remedy for any orthopaedic surgery.

2-HEALING REMEDIES
​
For inflammation, use

• Belladonna 30cuse every 2-3 hours until much better and decreases 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 30and
• 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 targets pain and avoids infection.

I prescribe it every 3 hours until the wound is dry, then reduce it to twice daily until completely healed.

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 you also use

• Hepar Sulph 200 in alternation with Belladonna 30  every 3 hours. 

This Banerji Protocol is most helpful in combating 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 Belladonna 30.

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 daily for active infection and decrease gradually as improvement continues.

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.

​​HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR KENNEL COUGH

This is one of the most common upper respiratory infections in dogs. Even vaccinated dogs can get it and here are a few homeopathic remedies to help you and your dog sail through it!
​

• Ipecac 30 every 3 hours for the acute cough decreasing to 3 times per day when you reach 50% improvement of the cough. This is great for breaking the phlegm and helps to reduce the cough. If the cough persists, add Cuprum Met 6cwith the Ipecac 30. It will help to reduce the spasm of the cough.
• Kennel Cough Nosode 30c twice daily, along with any other remedy you are prescribing

If the phlegm has gone down, there is a lot of congestion of mucus on the chest, and breathing is laborious, change to these remedies:

• Ipecac 303 times per day
• Chelidonium 6x in alternation with Hepar 6c every 3 hours
• Kali Iod 6cin liquid SOS- as often as needed or every 10-15 minutes to help with airways and oxygenation
• Continue with the Kennel Cough Nosode 30along with these remedies

​HOMEOPATHY FOR A DOG’S ITCHY SKIN 

​Allergies are the most common reason for 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 in clearing 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 dailyfor two months

This is especially helpful if there is a 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 twicedaily for a couple of months or longer.

​ANAL GLAND INFECTIONS

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.

HYPERICUM200+ARSEN200– this is an excellent remedy for healing skin injuries and wounds. It acts as an antiseptic, pain relief and wound healing.

Use for hot spots, cuts, wounds, after any surgery to heal the skin, for any soft tissue infection ( use Hepar 6c every 3 hours if there is a bit of bacterial infection or you see pus-forming). You can add Bell 200 every 3 hours if redness and heat to the wound indicate inflammation).

LEDUM 200– use for any puncture wounds- after injections, biopsies, or anything involving needles. Also, for stepping into nails or stings from insects. Use three times per day for procedures but more often if this is acute and strong, like an insect sting.

APIS 200– this is an excellent remedy for bee stings or any other sting that produces oedema around (it will look like a bee sting). The feeling is burning and stinging, so it must be painful to them, and you may start seeing swelling.

This is a great remedy for any allergic reaction that produces swelling, making it a good remedy for anaphylaxis-type reactions. Urticaria with swelling and burning that feels better by cold applications. Dose one pill every 15 minutes to start with and then as needed.

This is also a very good remedy for hives.

URTICA URENS 30, 200– used for urticaria (looking as if fallen into the nettles) and for very itchy stings. This can also be urticaria from eating a particular food.

Use for PRICKLY HEAT AND HIVES. Use often as this is a low potency, can be used every hour or less if very intense to start with, and then as it improves, spread the dosing until gone.

Suggested remedies & their uses:

 

1. ARNICA (LEOPARD’S BANE)

Arnica is the one remedy that no pet owner should be without. It’s keynote is INJURY – accidental or otherwise. It helps prevent BRUISING, limits bleeding, encourages HEALING and reduces pain and the effects of SHOCK. It can be used in any situation from minor sprains and strains to helping with serious traumatic injuries such as a road accident. It is a good idea to give Arnica a day or two before any planned SURGERY (such as spaying or castration) or dental work and for a day or so afterwards. By doing so you can help reduce the risk of haemorrhage and associated complications and ensure that wounds heal quickly with the minimum of bruising or infection. You can use Arnica for dogs that have been over exercised or are just exhausted. It can assist in recovery from STROKES and help revive newborn puppies or kittens.

2. ARSENICUM ALBUM (WHITE ARSENIC)

Arsenicum album has been famed as a classic poison throughout history. Since good poisons make excellent remedies homeopathic Arsenic has a multitude of uses. One of its main indications is in treating GASTRO-ENTERITIS, particularly from eating spoilt food or rubbish. NAUSEA, VOMITING and RETCHING are prominent and food is refused. There is thirst for small quantities of water, which may be vomited back immediately. The Vomit can contain blood, bile, food or mucus. There is often simultaneous DIARRHOEA, which is offensive and may also contain blood. The animal is very cold and hugs the fire. Symptoms are often worse around midnight. Arsenicum is also a major SKIN remedy where there is ITCHING, REDNESS AND FLAKING (DANDRUFF) which is often ALLERGY based. It is also a remedy for ANXIETY or RESTLESSNESS especially where this is a problem at night with pacing around.

3. BRYONIA (WHITE BRYONY)

Bryonia acts chiefly on joints and on the chest. It is used for treating ARTHRITIS where the symptoms are better for rest and in cool weather and worse in hot weather and for using the leg. Affected joints are sometimes hot or visibly swollen. Bryonia is also used to help with DRY COUGHS where bouts of coughing are induced by the animal moving around. Other uses for Bryonia include CONSTIPATION (with very dry stools) and IRRITABILITY.

4. CANTHARIS (SPANISH FLY)

Cantharis is a well known remedy for CYSTITIS where prompt use can bring immediate relief of the main symptoms which include straining to pass urine, frequent urination and sometimes blood in the urine. This is also the remedy for RED, RAW SKIN as is sometimes seen in some forms of ECZEMA and DERMATITIS. Cantharis can also help with healing SCALDS AND BURNS.

5. EUPHRASIA (EYEBRIGHT)

As its name suggests, Euphrasia can help with EYE PROBLEMS predominantly. It is commonly used to help with cases of CONJUNCTIVITIS where the eyes have a sticky yellowish discharge and where they appear sore.

6. FRAGARIA (WILD STRAWBERRY)

Fragaria has a reputation of helping dissolve dental PLAQUE from teeth and in PREVENTING THE BUILD UP OF PLAQUE after teeth have been cleaned.

7. HEPAR SULPH (CALCIUM SULPHIDE)

Hepar sulph is often used for treating infections such as PAINFUL ABSCESSES or infected WOUNDS where there is a discharge of pus. Affected areas are sensitive to the slightest touch. SKIN and EYE INFECTIONS where there is a mucky, foul discharge often respond well.

8. NUX VOMICA (POISON NUT)

CONSTIPATION is the main indication for Nux vomica. It works well where the dog or cat strains, but either little or nothing is passed. In fact, if straining is absent then Nux vomica is not the correct remedy. It is also a remedy for the LIVER and for helping restore the DIGESTION after an upset. In this context it is useful after surgery where it helps DETOXIFY THE LIVER and stimulates the appetite. It can also be used for VOMITING caused by overeating, change in diet or rich food and for colitis induced by similar problems. Nux vomica is indicated for strengthening WEAK BACK LEGS where there is a tendency to drag the feet and for low grade LOWER BACK PAIN.

9. PHOSPHORUS (THE ELEMENT)

Phosphorus has a great many uses. Amongst these it has two important indications. Firstly VOMITING. It is useful where there is thirst for large quantities of water, but as soon as the fluid becomes warm in the stomach it is vomited back. If food is brought back, this happens soon after eating and is returned in large amounts and is mostly undigested. It is also a prominent LIVER remedy especially where there is jaundice. The other main use for phosphorus is in helping to arrest BLEEDING or haemorrhage from any cause including tooth extractions, wounds or tumours. Animals that respond well to this remedy tend to be bouncy and bright, craving affection and company. Phosphorus is also one of the remedies useful in dealing with FEAR of THUNDER and other sudden noises (such as FIREWORKS) and in treating DRY COUGHS. It also acts on the NERVES and can help where there is nerve weakness affecting the back legs.

10. PULSATILLA (WIND FLOWER)

FALSE PREGNANCY in bitches is one of the principle indications for Pulsatilla where symptoms include nesting, milk production, variable appetite, seeking attention or company and submissive behaviour. Pulsatilla is also used for CATARRH, RHINITIS and SINUSITIS where there is a creamy yellow colour discharge and for DIGESTIVE UPSETS caused by rich, fatty foods.

11. RHUS TOX (POISON IVY)

Rhus tox grows in the USA and is renowned for its effects on the skin. Contact causes intense itching with redness and blistering. This effect might suggest that its main use is in treating skin problems, however it is better known as a remedy for ARTHRITIS, STIFF JOINTS, BACK PAIN and RHEUMATISM. It is one of the most frequently prescribed remedies. Rhus tox works where stiffness is evident and is worse in damp, cold weather and after rest. Symptoms ease with warmth and gentle exercise, whereas prolonged activity tends to make things worse. Sometimes the joint or muscle pains make the animal restless, resulting in moving around from place to place in an attempt to get comfortable. These symptoms may be especially noticeable in the evening or at night. Rhus tox is also the main remedy for STRAINS and SPRAINS, especially to muscles, where the symptoms match. This remedy is also used to treat SKIN PROBLEMS, especially those that are ALLERGY related including where there is inflammation of the skin around the eyes or genital region.

12. RUTA GRAV (RUE)

Ruta grav is a lot like Rhus tox and is used mainly for treating STRAINS. It acts on tendons especially where they attach to bone. It also acts on the periosteal (outer) layer of bone and is important in treating INJURIES to BONE including FRACTURES. It is another remedy to be considered in cases of ARTHRITIS especially where symptoms are worse for resting and in damp weather. Animals that respond well often have great difficulty getting to their feet after lying down or have a tendency to flop down as their legs give out easily.

13. SILICA (FLINT)

Silica is well known for helping expel FOREIGN MATERIAL from the body such as thorns or grass awns or seeds. It can be used to help resolve ABSCESSES which have burst and to heal discharging sinuses or fistulae. Conditions like CHRONIC CATARRH and SINUSITIS often respond as well. Silica will also slow the development of CATARACTS and will aid the healing of EYE ULCERS.

14. SULPHUR (THE ELEMENT)

Sulphur is best known homeopathically in the context of treating SKIN PROBLEMS. It can help with cases of FOX MANGE and with FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS and with many other skin conditions especially where there is an allergic basis. Sulphur is also used to help in general with ITCHING, SCRATCHING, nibbling and rubbing as well as DANDRUFF, SCABS, SORES and SMELLY, (SEBORRHOEIC) GREASY SKIN.

15. SYMPHYTUM (COMFREY)

The common name of Symphytum or Comfrey is ‘Knitbone’ and, as the countryside name suggests, it is useful in speeding up and in ensuring that FRACTURES heal well. It is also extremely useful in helping with JOINT, CARTILAGE, LIGAMENT and TENDON injuries in general. It is often used alongside other remedies. General injuries to the EYE can also benefit, where it can assist in healing ULCERS.

Compiled  & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

 Image-Courtesy-Google

 Reference-On Request.

HOMEOPATHIC  REMEDY   FOR DOGS & CATS DISEASES