The system of homeopathy, established in the 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann, is based on the premise that “similar things are cured by similar things.” Specifically, this means: If you give a person (or even an animal) a substance that causes nausea, for example, the same substance should help against nausea in a sick person.
Homeopathic remedies are prepared from the so-called “original substance”, which is obtained from plants, minerals, animal parts, metals, and many more. For this purpose, the original substance is shaken or triturated, i.e. diluted in a certain way. This dilution is intended to increase its effectiveness, so it is called “potentization”. Lower potencies, such as D6 or D12 are mostly used against acute, higher potencies such as C200 rather against chronic diseases.
All homeopathic remedies have a very precise “drug picture” in which it is stated which symptom combinations are to be treated with it. This also describes which external factors alleviate or worsen the disease, e.g. “worsening with stress and cold weather”.
Homeopathy animals: Effect
The question about the effect of animal homeopathy cannot be answered so simply. In reliable scientific studies, there is so far no evidence of an effect of homeopathy beyond the placebo effect.
In practice, homeopathy has been used for a long time and there are many positive reports about how patients fared with it. In this respect, and because homeopathy is largely free of side effects and low risk, it continues to be popular.
Homeopathy animals: What diseases can be treated with it?
Homeopathy is particularly often used against chronic pain or psychological disorders such as anxiety and stress states. Homeopathy is also used to accompany cancer therapy or metabolic disorders in animals. In general, the accompanying support of various therapies is a growing field for homeopathic treatments. It can possibly reduce the use of classical painkillers or increase the quality of life of the animals.
Homeopathy is absolutely unsuitable for sole treatment after accidents or in the case of life-threatening infectious diseases. Thus, homeopathy cannot replace classical medicine!
Homeopathy animals: How does it work?
When you take your pet for homeopathic treatment, it is very helpful if you prepare a few things: Make a list of medicines taken or bring the boxes with you. Also, think about when the symptoms appear and how, and whether you might have noticed something that would make for an improvement. However, these are points that are useful for any veterinary consultation!
During the consultation, the therapist will examine the animal, ask you very precise questions about the symptoms, but also about the nature of your animal, and in the end pick out the most appropriate remedy. In the form of drops or globules (sugar pellets) it is administered to the patient in a prescribed rhythm.
Homeopathy animals: Who can I turn to?
From a purely legal point of view, anyone can purchase and use homeopathic remedies; they are only available in pharmacies. However, it is strongly recommended to always present a sick animal to a veterinarian first! He can assess how serious the disease is and what treatments will be necessary. Many veterinarians now have the additional designation “homeopathy”: They have completed extensive training for this and can then choose from the means of classical medicine, but also from homeopathy, with which your animal can be best helped.
Many animal healers also offer homeopathy for animals. However, you should be very attentive to the quality of the training – it can vary greatly, since the term “animal healer” in Germany is not subject to regulation.
You want homeopathy as treatment for your animal? Just talk to your veterinarian about it – he can help you choose a therapist if he is not a homeopath himself.
Is animal homeopathy different from homeopathy for humans?
The homeopathic remedies used for animals are not fundamentally different from those used for humans. By their nature, animals cannot talk about their ailments – so their medical care is always a challenge. The observations of the owner are of great importance in assessing the severity of the disease. In addition, many animals behave differently in the veterinary practice than they do at home. Finding the exact homeopathic remedy can therefore be somewhat more difficult than with humans.
