Homeopathy for Animals

A Natural, Safe, Gentle and Effective Option, for your Pet

Homeopathy Is:

An effective and safe scientific system of healing based on the principle of “Likes Cure Likes” developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann over 200 years ago. He discovered that if a natural substance was given in a specially prepared diluted dose to a healthy person – that person developed particular symptoms. He also found that if an unwell person had those similar symptoms that administering the dilute substance that causes those similar symptoms, would make that person well. The same medicines or remedies are used for Animals and in the same way as on Humans – so homeopathic medicine is not tested on Animals but on Humans – then used to sound effect on animals.

Homeopathy works:

Because it is an individualised treatment that stimulates the body to activate its own healing power, safely and naturally. The Homeopath builds an accurate picture of the “whole animal”, through the information given by the caregiver at the consultation. This symptom picture is then matched to the symptom picture of a remedy (medicine) tested and published in a Homeopathic Materia Medica. Homeopathic remedies are made to a very strict international standard in New Zealand.

As an example, in a case of Anxiety, say a dog that does not like to be left alone. The way of opposites would be to give a drug that made the dog calmer, often large or regular doses are necessary which can sometimes cause side effects. The ways of Similars, the homeopathic way would be to give a very dilute specially prepared dose of a natural substance that causes Anxiety, in large doses in a healthy person. Because of the very tiny dosage there are no side effects and the dog will not mind being left on its own.

Homeopathy Mechanics:

Clients can expect an initial consult to last an hour or more as many questions need to be asked by the homeopath to enable an accurate holistic word picture of your pet to be built. The background, medical history, family, environment, temperament, as well as its health picture both past and present. The more information available to the practitioner the easier it is to match a remedy with the symptoms of the animal’s illness/problem. All information given is held in strictest confidence.

Homeopathic treatment is sometimes an on going process, occasionally a condition may intensify for a short time, this is the remedy taking effect and you should see the beginnings of recovery after this period has passed. Alternatively some animals experience an almost instant effect of wellbeing, as symptoms are eliminated. Sometimes discharges or a rash may develop as a result of the remedy causing the body to have a “clean out’ in other words a “de-tox”. These new symptoms will pass, quickly and can be a very important part of the healing process.

How quickly will my pet be cured?

This really depends on what type of illness the pet is suffering from. A very slowly developing complaint such as arthritis will not disappear overnight, but other complaints which come on quickly such as diarrhoea may be corrected very rapidly.

As a rule of thumb we say it takes a week for every month that the pet has been ill. There are many considerations to be taken into account and all pets as all people are different and individual, it is a good question to ask your practitioner at the consult.

Homeopathic Remedies:

Remedies can be in liquid form, a spray or small tablets or pills. You will be given instructions as to administration. Pills and tablets have the medication only covering the outside of the pill so it is important not to handle the medicines but to tip the pills into the lid of the bottle or a teaspoon and then transfer them directly into the pet’s mouth. Pills or liquid may be put on the pet’s food if the direct method fails.

The remedies need to be kept in a cool dry place away from direct sun, heat, microwaves and electricity and strong smelling substances such as peppermint, eucalyptus, melaleuca oils, as all these things can spoil the remedy’s effectiveness.

Homeopathy and Veterinary care:

I work closely with my own Veterinarian when treating my own animals. It is important if your pet is on any Veterinary medication that both the Homeopath and the Vet are aware of the treatment choices that you as caregiver are making for your pet. Homeopathic remedies are safe to use alongside conventional Veterinary medicines. Vet care and Homeopathic care are very compatible and work well together towards your choice of health and wellbeing for your pet. Many Vets are very happy for their clients to work with a Homeopath towards a successful outcome for your pet’s health and welfare.

Homeopathy is a co-operative process pet owner and practitioner working together towards a shared beneficial outcome for our pets. Homeopaths do not define health as simply an absence of disease, but a complete feeling of wellbeing and vitality, an improved quality of life for as long as that life shall be.

What can be treated with Homeopathy?

Any condition that you would go to a Veterinarian for can be treated with homeopathy. It can be used in first aid situations, and common acute illnesses, including physical injuries, puppy and kitten diseases, e.g. Parvovirus, cat flu etc.

Long standing and chronic conditions can be treated homoeopathically such as allergies, arthritis, skin conditions, and fertility issues for both male and female.

Mental and emotional disorders, anxiety, aggression, fears, can all respond beneficially to individualised homeopathic remedies.

Kath Kelly Dip. Hom. (Animal Health)

As a conscientious breeder of Newfoundland dogs I am vitally concerned with the health and wellbeing of all our puppies and their parents, I have found that the health of our Newfoundlands has improved tremendously with the use of Homeopathic medicine; so much so that I have undertaken a 4 year Diploma course of study with the NZQA accredited Bay of Plenty College of Homeopathy graduating in 2005 with a Diploma in Homeopathy (Animal Health). I now not only treat my own animals but have become skilled enough to work as a qualified Animal Homeopathic Practitioner, with my own Homeopathic Health practise. All client contact and treatment is undertaken within a strict professional code of conduct and confidentiality.

The Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2001 require the following caution on all prescriptions or advice.

Homeopathic remedies do not take the place of qualified Veterinary advice. If your animal’s condition does not improve or the animal is suffering pain or distress, please consult your Veterinarian.