Homeopathy – what is it? Does it really work? This is a hugely debated question within the pet industry as well as the human medical space. With little scientific evidence in the past, surprisingly, more and more evidence is being released in more recent years to suggest that homeopathy is in fact beneficial! Here at MPN, we aim for a holistic approach throughout our consultations; and as part of that, we may suggest speaking to a qualified homeopath alongside our help for your pet! Read on to learn more about homeopathy!
How Are Homeopathic Remedies Made?
Homeopathic remedies are totally natural, and are based on extraordinarily diluted extracts from plant, mineral and animal with medicinal properties when used in such weak dilutions. Due to the nature of some of the plants from which these remedies are based on being toxins as a whole plant, it is imperative that you purchase your homeopathic remedies from a licensed homeopathic pharmacy. Our favourites are Helios Homeopathy, and Ainsworths Homeopathic Pharmacy. Remedies used in pets, typically come in the form of pillules – these are small balls made of sugar, coated in the remedy. Other forms remedies are available in include tinctures (also popular for pets, especially those from the brands ‘PhytoPet’, and ‘Dorwest Herbs’), granules, powders, larger pills, and creams/ointments.
The vast majority of remedies are made through repeated levels of dilution. Whichever plant or animal the remedy is based on, will be cut down to extract only the relevant part of the plant (for example, the remedy Fragaria, often used for pets to aid dental health, is based on the ripe fruit of the wild strawberry, so the leaves will be removed from the plant to begin with). This raw material will then be crushed and dissolved in either water or alcohol, depending on the nature of the raw material. A process called ‘succession’ is then used to dilute the dissolved material – during this process, it is shaken vigorously with water or alcohol. This process is repeated a large number of times until the intended level of dilution is reached. Once the desired dilution is reached, the product left is the active ingredient in the homeopathic remedy, and is used to further create the remedy sold to the consumer, in the desired presentation.
The remedies each come in a variety of strengths. The strength required for an individual depends on the symptom it is aiming to support. Typically, in the UK, you will notice remedies using the centesimal scale in terms of strength; so your remedies will usually be ‘6C’, ‘30C’ or ‘200C’, though you may also see the decimal scale used which would be displayed as ‘6X’ or ‘30X’, as examples. Those using the centesimal scale are more potent than those using the decimal scale. As an example, let’s look at the difference between a remedy that is 30C, and one that is 30X. The 30C remedy would be more dilute than the 30X remedy because the 30C remedy has been diluted in a ratio of 1:100 (1 part substance containing the raw material, 100 parts water/alcohol) 30 times, whereas the 30X remedy would have been diluted in a ratio of 1:10 (1 part substance containing the raw material, 10 parts water/alcohol) 30 times, meaning the 30C remedy is much more dilute than the 30X remedy. The usual ‘go to’ for pets is a 30C potency. 3C or much higher potencies may be advised by a homeopath in certain circumstances.
How Does Homeopathy Work?
When we look at the mechanism of how homeopathy works, we can’t just say ‘your dog has this problem, this is the remedy for that problem’ like your vet may with pharmaceuticals, we have to look more into the pet as a whole; their symptoms, diagnosis, and emotions all partly determine which remedy you may need to consider for your pet. Speaking with a homeopath is incredibly important as getting the correct remedy is important, especially when there are two or more which may fit your dog’s symptoms!
In homeopathy, the remedy advised by a homeopath would depend on the ‘Law of Similars’; whereby ‘like cures like’. The pattern of symptoms caused by the original source a homeopathic remedy is diluted from, makes it the best remedy to treat the symptoms your pet is displaying.
Findings Here
Findings Here
Findings Here
What Conditions Can Be Supported With Homeopathy?
There’s definitely no specific number we can answer this question with! The list of symptoms you can support with homeopathy is endless; we’d be here all year if we were to list them all! Almost every aspect of emotional and physical wellbeing can be supported through the use of homeopathy.
Using the Homeopathic Materia Medica, you will be able to match symptoms to a remedy. The Materia Medica. The Materia Medica is a book describing the history of homeopathic remedies, and gives a detailed list of remedies, and which remedies match with which symptoms.
The
Helios Homeopathy Pet Kit includes it’s own Materia Medica which explains how to use the remedies, and lists possible uses for each remedy that you may encounter a need to use.
An online complete Media Medica, written by homeopathic physician William Boericke in 1901 is available
here.
Popular Remedies in Pet Healthcare
There are thousands of homeopathic remedies available, but there are some more commonly used in pet care. Here are six of the most popular remedies used in pets:
Arnica: this is a very popular, and useful remedy, often given to those following an injury or operation, as it is often prescribed for bruising, sprains and strains, and arthritis. Studies suggest effects of Arnica can be comparable to those of anti-inflammatories.
Findings Here
Findings Here
Pulsatilla: this remedy is typically used to reduce the symptoms associated with phantom pregnancy in pets. It can also be used to aid tender gums, throat and mouth. One study shows the use or pulsatilla in 4 dogs with eye issues and separation anxiety was paramount in their recovery. If your pet finds themselves in this situation, discuss with your veterinarian; the study below shows the clear results!
Findings Here
Ledum: another popular remedy, this one is well known for use after a tick bite to reduce the risk of Lymes Disease, and after vaccination to reduce the risk and symptoms of vaccinosis, which you can read more about in our blog
here.
Findings Here
Aconite: this remedy is typically used in a behavioural capacity, to relieve pets of sudden shock, trauma, fear or anxiety.
Findings Here
Nux Vomica: with many uses in pets, this remedy is one many pet owners keep in their emergency supplies cupboard! It is often used for those suffering with vomiting, constipation or other digestive issues, or to aid liver health following medication.
Findings Here
Thuja: the last of our ‘frequently used’ remedies to discuss in this blog post is Thuja. This one is often used in cream form for skin infections/dermatitis and warts when recommended by a veterinarian. When used in an internal form, Thuja is typically used in cases of skin troubles, as well as issues within the digestive respiratory and urinary tracts. These uses aside, the single most common use for Thuja in pets is following vaccination to aid the body in avoiding and combatting the potential negative effects of over-vaccination.
Findings Here
Findings Here
Other popular remedies used in pets include
Rhus tox,
Hepar sulf, and
Urtica urens all often used in skin conditions, as well as for endocrine problems and other systems within the body.
Findings Here
How to Administer a Remedy
Administration of the remedy in pets will largely depend on it’s form. Those using tinctures can simply use the pipette/dropper in the bottle to drop the required dose directly into the pet’s mouth. If your pet is being given a pillule remedy, it is paramount that you do not handle the pillules with your hands as the remedy itself is on the outside of the sugar ball. Tip the remedy into the cap of the vial, or onto a metal teaspoon, and tip into your pet’s mouth. You can tip it just inside the lip if easier. Some pets, particularly dogs, may choose to lick the remedy off the teaspoon!
It is important to follow your homeopathic physician’s instructions regarding dosing and administration at all times!
Working With A Homeopath
As only veterinarians are legally allowed to prescribe a treatment for your pet, it is imperative that you locate (even if online/via telephone) a homeopathic veterinarian, a homeopathic pharmacist, or an holistic veterinarian who is qualified in homeopathic medicine.
While homeopathy is very safe, to ensure you are using the correct remedy for your dog’s condition and emotional state, working with a highly qualified and experienced professional is paramount to your pet’s recovery. There are more and more peer reviewed scientific studies being published in journals as the years go by, so it is always worth researching homeopathy following appointments with your general practitioner veterinarian, too!
For a list of registered homeopathic practitioners,
click here.
Where Should I Purchase Remedies?
As previously mentioned, it is incredibly important to purchase your homeopathic remedies from reputable brands or homeopathic pharmacies. Our favourite homeopathic pharmacies are:
- Helios Homeopathy: a very popular homeopathic pharmacy established in 1986 by two married homeopaths, and 4 of their passionate students. Helios offers a range of remedies in a variety of presentations, as well as really handy homeopathy kits; their pet kit is excellent!
- Ainsworths Homeopathic Pharmacy: another popular homeopathic pharmacy established in 1974, by John Ainsworth who had previously been the director of another pharmacy based in London called Nelsons Pharmacy. Ainsworths offer a complete range of remedies in a variety of presentations. Ainsworths also offer a fantastic Pet Kit!
- Nelsons Pharmacy: originally founded in 1860 by Ernst Louis Armbrecht, Nelsons Pharmacy is one of the UK’s oldest homeopathic pharmacies, of which John Ainsworth was the director for a number of years. The offer a range of quality remedies, both online and in store.
- PhytoPet: this UK based online company offer host of natural remedies and products, including a range of homeopathic tinctures.
- Dorwest Herbs: this UK company offer a small range of homeopathic tinctures.
While this blog is relatively lengthy, it really only gives you an insight into the very basics of homeopathy; the very tip of the iceberg as some might say! There is so much more to homeopathy as a whole, with various other techniques used; contact a homeopathic veterinary physician to learn more. The world of homeopathy is complex, but can be extremely beneficial – we really hope you have enjoyed reading a little about this powerful, but often underrated alternative therapy!
Team MPN x
