Homeopathy for Pets

There's little more upsetting than a sick pet, but drugs and surgery aren't your only options for curing your pets' ailments. Now, a rising number of pet owners are turning to homeopathy for pets as a way to treat their pets' symptoms. From dermatitis to diarrhea, homeopathy offers a natural, non-invasive option for pet owners who want to take a holistic approach to their pet's health.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a 200-year-old branch of alternative medicine founded by German doctor Samuel Hahnemann that is based on the principal that disease can be cured by strengthening the body's natural defenses. The idea is that "like cures like," that is, a substance that causes symptoms of illness can also be used to cure those same symptoms. For example, suppose your pet suffers from an allergy. A homeopathic treatment would involve taking small doses of a medicine that would, in larger doses, cause the onset of allergy symptoms.

Homeopathy is a holistic practice and the principals of good health such as diet, exercise and stress reduction are also part of the homeopathic healing process. In that way, the prescription of a homeopathic remedy is based on all of the pet's symptoms, not only those related to its specific disease or ailment.

Does homeopathy for pets work as well as with people?

While most studies into the effect of homeopathy have been performed on people, early evidence suggests that homeopathy for pets is just as effective. For example, a 2007 study published by the British Homeopathic Association found that 80% of the pets taking part in the study improved with the use of homeopathic treatment.

What are homeopathic pet remedies?

Homeopathic remedies are derived from plants, animals or minerals and are subject to a procedure that removes any toxic properties and brings out their medicinal effects. Doses of homeopathic medicine are given as minute dilutions of the substance. The theory is that these diluted remedies increase the effect of the treatment by stimulating the body to initiate its own healing process.

A wide range of substances is used as homeopathic pet remedies. For example, sulfur is commonly used to treat dermatitis, while phosphorous is sometimes used for nausea.

What is the right remedy for my pet?

There are thousands of homeopathic pet remedies on the market; choosing the right one comes down to assessing the totality of all your pet's symptoms, not only those related to the disease. For example, Fido might have arthritis, but this doesn't describe the bigger picture of Fido's general condition. Fido might also be lethargic, a fussy eater, and more subject to arthritic pain at certain times of the day. Homeopathy is a holistic practice, so understanding your pet as a whole is key to determining the best treatment.

How do I find a homeopathic vet?

A veterinary surgeon trained in homeopathy for pets will know when homeopathic medicine will be most effective and which treatment to use. To help form a complete picture of your pet, a homeopathic vet will ask you about the current illness, past illnesses, your pet's behavior, and the effect weather, time of day and diet on your pet. This will help your vet best determine which homeopathic remedy is best for your pet.

In the US, the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy maintains a list of qualified homeopathic vets. In the UK, homeopathic vets are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and can be found through the British Homeopathic Association.

As homeopathy for pets gains momentum and its reputation continues to grow, so too will the number of veterinarians who practice homeopathic medicine. Before trying to tackle your pet's ailments yourself, it is always best to seek advice from a professional who can help you choose the best homeopathic remedy to treat your pet's problems.

For more information on homeopathy for pets AND humans, visit the EnvyMyHealth.com Homeopathy Channel!

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