What is homeopathy?
Developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in Germany in the early 1800’s, homeopathy is based on the theory "like cures like." It is a gentle form of medicine that nudges the immune system towards homeostasis. It uses substances that in large amounts cause unwanted symptoms; but in dilute, potentiated amounts cause a healing response and rebalance the body. Opposite of conventional medicines, the more dilute the homeopathic medicine, the stronger it becomes. Homeopathic medicines are called remedies and one example many people are familiar with is arnica. Arnica can be used for acute injuries and bruising. In the practice of homeopathy, there are both acute and chronic remedies. Remedies are chosen based on an individual patient’s symptom pattern or changes in pattern, instead of a standard prescription based on a single diagnosis.
Homeopathy at Healing Paws
Homeopathic remedies are tasteless and very easy to give dogs and cats. They are given in either small white pellet form or dissolved in liquid. The remedies are absorbed through the mucous membranes in your pet’s mouth so they don’t need to be swallowed. In addition, pets receive homeopathic remedies more infrequently than conventional medicines. Most dogs and cats receive a remedy every 4-8 weeks. During this time, pet parents take daily notes and send weekly emails for the doctor’s review and analysis. Pets come into the clinic for examination every 1-6 months depending on the nature of their illness and the speed of which they are rebalancing. Treatment is continued until symptoms resolve and a new level of health is attained. Homeopathy can be curative or palliative depending on the pet’s illness and age.
Who can benefit from homeopathy?
Homeopathy can help in both acute or chronic conditions. If your dog or cat has a laceration, abscess or broken bone, homeopathy speeds healing and alleviates pain. In addition, if your pet has a chronic illness such as inflammatory bowel disease, bladder inflammation, or skin allergies, homeopathy is effective is restoring balance. Because remedies are given less frequently than conventional drugs, it is a wonderful treatment plan for hard-to-medicate cats and dogs. In addition, the long-term cost of homeopathy is much less than expensive medications and surgeries.