Homeopathic Remedies for Dogs

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Overview

Homeopathy is a very safe, effective, and often quick way to alleviate a wide range of dog illness symptoms. It also helps treat numerous dog health problems without causing any undesirable side-effects.

This page looks at ten useful homeopathic remedies for dogs. These remedies come in handy when your dog is slightly under the weather or has suffered a boo-boo while out playing in the wild. They are therefore good to have in your dog's first-aid kit.

You can get the individual remedies or, for synergistic effects, get some of the homeopathic formulae as recommended below.

Ten Useful Homeopathic Remedies for Dogs

Here are ten very useful homeopathic remedies that can be used for different dog ailments and minor injuries:

Aconitum Nappellus (Aconite)

The primary state we associate with Aconite is "fear", such as fear of thunder and fireworks, or fear of being home alone.

"Suddenness" is another element that is common to Aconite conditions. This remedy is useful for sudden early onset of acute illness such as fever and colds.

Physical symptoms that indicate this remedy tend to be intense and sudden (e.g. sudden fever, intense pain).

Aconite is therefore a very effective and useful homeopathic remedy for preventing shock in an emergency and can be life-supporting to your dog on the way to the vet.

Apis Mellifica (Apis)

This homeopathic remedy is made from honeybee vemon, so any condition that resembles a response to a bee sting (such as swelling, itching, burning) can benefit from this remedy.

Common examples of conditions include bee and insect bites, allergic reactions, reactions to vaccinations, hot spots, conjunctivitis, etc.

Arnica Montana (Arnica)

Arnica is one of the most useful homeopathic remedies for dogs.

It is useful in almost any injury, especially for blunt traumas that result in bruising. A dog that needs Arnica is usually in great pain and does not want to be touched. The dog is also restless and does not seem to be able to find a comfortable place to lie down.

This remedy is also useful for older dogs that have chronic injuries or have over-exercised.

Arsenicum Album (Arsenicum)

Arsenicum is useful for dogs with many acute conditions but mainly for diarrhea and vomiting.

Dogs needing this remedy have symptoms that are rather specific and constant. They include restlessness, weakness, chilliness, and aggravation after midnight.

This remedy is extremely useful for toxic conditions, whether the toxin is from a drug or vaccine, food poisoning, or a buildup of toxins in kidney or liver disease.

Hepar Sulphuris (Hepar sulph)

Hepar sulph is a great remedy for painful inflammatory conditions such as abscesses and other skin infections, gum infections, and ear infections.

Dogs who need this homeopathic remedy are in such pain that they will cry, growl, snap or try to hide if the affected area is touched. They are also extremely chilly, and sensitive to drafts and to the slightest cold.

Ledum Palustre (Ledum)

Ledum is the first choice for any puncture wound. Dogs needing this remedy are usually angry and irritable, and they prefer to be left alone.

This remedy is good for insect bites and stings, snake bites, flea bites, and puncture injuries to the eyes and other parts of the body.

Nux Vomica (Nux)

Nux is very often used to combat negative reactions from medication, or its overuse, or from poor foods, or overeating. Dogs who need Nux are irritable and sensitive to cold, noise, light, or smells.

This remedy can treat vomiting that is often followed by retching. It can also treat diarrhea or constipation (in either case the dog will be straining).

Nux can be life supporting if your dog has ingested a toxic substance - it can be given immediately to your dog on your way to the vet.

Phosphorus

This homeopathic remedy can be used to treat dogs who tend to have problems with bleeding - it may be in their vomit, stool, phlegm, or any other discharge.

It can be used for aural hematomas, nosebleeds, coughs, bronchitis, post partum hemorrhages, as well as post surgical nausea. It can be life-saving when used for severe cuts and hemorrhaging on your way to the vet.

Rhus Toxicodendron (Rhus Tox)

This is one of the most effective homeopathic remedies for dogs with joint pains and other arthritic conditions. Dogs that need Rhus Tox tend to be very stiff on initial movement but get better once they are moving.

Another great use of this remedy is for itching skin eruptions and other inflammatory conditions, especially if they resemble a poison ivy reaction - swelling, itching, and redness.

Other clinical uses are for hotspots, conjunctivitis, sprins and strains, and allergic reactions.

Silicea (Silica)

Dogs that need this remedy tend to have delicate skin and a lot of skin troubles that cannot heal easily, such as abscesses and cysts, as well as impacted anal glands, corneal ulcers, and gum and tooth root abscesses.

In addition, many holistic vets use Silica as an anti-vaccinosin remedy, especially if a lump or swelling occurs at the injection site.

Excellent Products of Homeopathic Remedies

Instead of having individual homeopathic remedies, you can also consider getting some of these homeopathic formulae for your dogs:

References
D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R.H. Pitcairn, The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).