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Homeopathy is a healing method that’s often used on dogs. You can find a number of wide-spectrum remedies, designed to address common complaints, such as separation anxiety.
We’ve been using homeopathy on our now 16-year-old dog since we brought him home from a shelter. That was more than a decade ago. This 200-year-old form of medicine has saved the day, on a number of occasions.
The most recent was when our dog stopped eating a couple of years ago. This appetite loss was really scary, and, in dogs his age, usually spells big trouble. We thought he’d reached the end of his life. Apparently, though, he decided to stick around so he could enjoy more organic people food, which he loves.
Does Homeopathy Work For Dogs?
His sudden turn-around happened after we gave him a specific homeopathic remedy that matched his symptoms. Homeopathy works on the principle of “like cures like.” Giving him a homeopathic dose of a substance that would cause appetite loss and aversion to food seemed to turn things around. Within a few days he rebounded, with a stronger-than-ever appetite.
Homeopathy is believed to work very well in dogs, for physical as well as emotional imbalances. That’s why you can find a number of different homeopathic stress formulas, made just for pets. These are wide-spectrum remedies, designed for use even if you don’t have access to a professional homeopath. For instance, you can find specific remedies to address the following doggie complaints.
Homeopathic Remedies For Separation and Anxiety in Dogs
We have a very skittish dog. He trembles when we leave him at the groomer, or when we bring him to the vet, even though we stay with him in the exam room. So I totally understand how nervous some dogs can get. On a scale of nervousness, our dog is a class by himself.
He would be a really good candidate for Vetrionix Anxietrex Formula or for Bach Rescue Remedy, developed by a British physician in the early 1900’s. Dr. Edward Bach, MD, was convinced that negative emotions could trigger disease. So he created a line of gentle homeopathic remedies made from flowers. These have come to be known as Bach remedies or Bach essences.
Natural Anxiety Remedy for Dogs
Rescue Remedy, by far, is the most famous. We’ve owned this for more than 10 years. I use it when I’m dealing with a short-term intensely stressful situation. (For a nervous dog, a trip to the groomer would probably provoke anxiety.) We’ve used Rescue Remedy on our own dog, for a different situation.
There’s now a special Rescue Remedy formula made just for pets, preserved with glycerin instead of alcohol. It contains a mix of five flower essences and is considered safe.
With our dog, we do not use Rescue Remedy on a daily basis. We give him one dose only as needed, with fairly long intervals between doses. This is designed for fast, short-term relief. With my dog I would definitely not use Rescue Remedy daily. Once it’s done its job, it’s time to put it on the shelf unless it’s needed again. This may happen after just one or two doses.
Homeopathy For Dogs Anxiety
Another wide spectrum remedy for anxious dogs is made by Vetionix. This company makes a line of wide-spectrum remedies for animals. Its popular Anxietrex formulas is made from 21 individual homeopathic remedies that either could be, or often are, used to treat symptoms of anxiety. One of the remedies, staphysagria, is often given to address emotions caused by abuse. This is one of the first remedies often considered for people who’ve been abused.
Another remedy, chamomilla, is often recommended for agitation. If you visit the site, you can see the particular emotional picture (symptoms) that each individual remedy addresses.
The beauty of using a wide-spectrum formula with 21 one remedies is that it takes a lot of the guesswork out of finding the right remedy, out of potentially hundreds of choices. Good professional homeopaths are so hard to find. Vetionix has holistic vets on staff, and offers follow-up support if needed.
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How To Use Homeopathy in Dogs
Please keep in mind that I’m not a professional animal healthcare expert. I’m just a dog Mom who uses homeopathy on her own pet. So everything you read is my personal opinion only and is not intended as medical advice.
Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows that I’m a big advocate of finding a personal homeopath, if at all possible. However, this can be extremely difficult. We currently work with a wonderful homeopath. But it took me years to find her.
If you can’t find an animal homeopath, your best recourse is probably to seek out a skilled people practitioner who feels comfortable working with animals. (Our homeopath has treated the entire family, dog included.)
Good Homeopathic Remedies For Dogs
The wide-spectrum remedies on this page could be an option if you can’t find someone to take your dog’s case and prescribe an individual remedy. If it were my dog, I wouldn’t use any remedy past the point where it was needed. If I saw good results, I’d take a break and only return to the remedy if I noticed the original symptoms returned.
I put the remedies my dog needs directly in his mouth, while wearing a non-latex glove. This way I’m not getting a dose of his remedy, which will interfere with whatever remedy I’m using. Also, I don’t put homeopathic remedies in my dog’s water bowl. That’s because he’d be getting another dose every time he drinks.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Homeopathic remedies should not be given to pregnant females unless under the direction of a healthcare professional.
I’m so glad my dogs have never had this. But now that I’ve said it, she probably will randomly develop it!
Hi Nina, I sure hope she doesn’t. My guess is that it would be something you’d already see. Some dogs just have a nervous temperament. Our own dog came from a shelter, and I think the experience scarred him for life. That’s why he doesn’t like to be alone. Thanks so much for reading.