Homeopathy can be helpful for pets as well as humans, says homeopath David Needleman. Here are his top remedies for common health problems in cats and dogs
As much-loved members of the family, pets offer unconditional love and companionship, so it’s only natural we want to give them the best care in return.
Homeopathy offers a gentle, individualized approach that some pet owners choose to use alongside conventional veterinary care for common health concerns. For anything from bites and stings to stiff joints and arthritis, homeopathic remedies are another option to consider when caring for your furry friends.
In the UK, the diagnosis and treatment of animals is generally restricted by law to veterinary surgeons registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). And in the US, only veterinarians who have graduated from an accredited veterinary school and passed a state licensing exam can diagnose and treat animals.
However, there are certain exemptions. Owners, for instance, can carry out some minor medical treatments themselves.
Vets can also use complementary therapies if they’re suitably trained and qualified in that therapy, and there are a number of experienced homeopathic vets.
In my own experience as a homeopath, I have advised on many occasions, both in the UK and abroad. Usually I ask the owner to speak to their vet first, and the vet then provides me with written permission to treat the animal on their behalf, accompanied by a detailed diagnosis and medical and treatment history.
I have often received a response along the lines of “Good luck—I hope you can help.” For me, this is a wonderful reflection of the collaborative approach and high standard of vet care in the UK.
Here are remedies for some of the most common problems in cats and dogs that are treatable at home.
Aconite
This is the remedy of choice for shock or fear, especially after your pet has been in a fight, with or without sustaining an injury.
Hypericum and Calendula Mother Tincture
Antiseptic and healing, these can be used diluted to cleanse wounds and progressively used in less dilute form as the wound heals. But make sure to see your vet if the wound is deep or severe or looks infected.
Ledum Pal
This is a useful remedy to help protect against infection, especially after a puncture wound. And remember that bites can produce many types of infections, including tetanus, for which Ledum is a specific remedy.
Arnica
This remedy is ideal for injury, pain and shock. It can help with the healing process, especially when there is bleeding as it may accelerate clotting.
Apis Mel
Like us, pets can suffer from stings and bites from bees, wasps, spiders and other insects, which can cause itching, irritation and heat at the site of the wound. Apis can help to alleviate these symptoms.
Apis is also useful for symptoms caused by lice, fleas or mites. For the infestations themselves, you can try the combination remedies available from homeopathic pharmacies designed to help rid the animal of these unwanted visitors.
Rhus Toxicodendron
Rhus Tox is useful for older pets who may suffer from stiff joints or arthritis. It’s also helpful in cases of poison ivy, poison oak or nettle rash and can aid recovery from soft tissue injuries.
Belladonna
This remedy is ideal for high fevers and seizures that may follow on from very high temperatures. The main symptoms that indicate Belladonna are appearing hot, red, restless and sweaty. Bear in mind you may not see redness, especially if your pet is long-haired.
Excessive thirst, panting (in dogs) and the desire for cool places to rest are other signs that point to Belladonna.
Arsenicum Album
Excellent for symptoms of anxiety and fear, Ars Alb is often used before a vet visit. It’s also useful in cases of vomiting and diarrhea, which tend to happen a lot in animals that like to forage, eat garbage or inspect other animals’ fecal matter.
Hepar Sulph
This remedy is good for the removal of splinters and for puncture wounds caused by a bite. It can also be used for any infections or abscesses caused by fighting and for kennel cough.
Silicea
If Hepar Sulph doesn’t work on its own, add in Silicea, 6C, about four times a day to expel objects from the body.
Phosphorus
For pets fearful of fireworks, have Phosphorus on hand. You can give it before a display or during one, as often as your pet needs, and you should see the fear is reduced considerably.
Suggested dosages
For all these individual remedies, I suggest using a 30C potency (other than where specified) and giving hourly for four to six hours followed by three times a day until your pet is better.
The following combination remedies are a good addition to your home homeopathic first aid kit:
Narayani Drawing Mix No. 16. This is a 6X combination of four remedies designed to heal and expel at the same time. It contains Hepar Sulph and Silicea plus two other ingredients.
Suggested dosage: The usual dose is six times spread over the first day, then three times a day for at least five days.
Narayani War Mix No. 35. This is a combination of eight remedies, all in 1M potency. It’s designed to combat any infection—fungal, viral or bacterial—and includes Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in homeopathic potency alongside the other ingredients. War mix is especially good for rabbits with conjunctivitis and/or dental infections. It’s equally good for all dental, skin or eye infections in other animals, and in humans too.
Suggested dosage: Take six times on the first day, followed by three times a day for at least the next five days.
There are several ways to administer homeopathic remedies to pets. Many cats and dogs are happy to lick the remedy off a spoon, or you can place the pillule inside their mouth. As soon as it touches the tongue or the inside of the cheek, they will have received the dose.
Another option to put one or two pillules in your pet’s drinking water, and every time they drink, they will get a dose. Refresh the water each morning and evening.
You can get homeopathic remedies for pets from homeopathic pharmacies or by consulting with a homeopathic vet. But there are also several specialist online retailers offering homeopathic pet remedies. Here are a few to consider.
US
HomeoPet
homeopet.com
PetAlive
nativeremedies.com
Dr. Katie’s Remedies
drkaties.com
Zumalka
zumalka.com
UK
Dorwest Herbs
dorwest.com
Animal Homeopathy
animalhomeopathy.co.uk
Dene’s
denes.com
Healthful Pets
healthfulpets.co.uk
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