Homoeopathy for Dogs

Dr Mulakaluri Harsha Priya

Abstract: Homoeopathy is a science which focuses on subjective and objective symptoms. Homoeopathy pays a great importance to the observational skills of a physician and thus can be used in treating animals, which cannot express the symptoms verbally.

Keywords: homoeopathy, dogs, similia similibus curentur, pets, common diseases, subjective and objective symptoms.

Introduction:
Every human being needs a friend. And who is Man’s best friend? A dog. It is amazing to have a pet, not only for the entertainment they provide and their capacity to be great guards, but also because they are great stress relievers. Studies have shown that petting or spending time with an animal can increase the levels of stress-relieving hormone oxytocin and decrease the levels of cortisol. ^[1]

Dogs uplift our moods with their sloppy licks and unconditional love. But there are also times when our four-legged friends fall sick. They are just as prone to diseases as humans are. And naturally when they fall ill, the first thought that would come to us is to take them to a veterinarian, for a conventional mode of treatment. But lately, alternative modes of treatment are also gaining popularity. And Homoeopathy is one of them.

Homoeopathy is a system of medicine which believes in a gentle and harmless treatment. And what can be better than that for our furry friends? Homoeopathy is a science which has been proven to be effective for all living beings. Many studies have proven that homoeopathy is an effective mode of treatment for animals. A study that was conducted on epileptic dogs to test the effectiveness of the homoeopathic remedy Belladonna 200C. Belladonna therapy was effective for seizure control^[2] A study was conducted to test the antitumour and antimetastatic properties of homoeopathic medicines against transplanted tumours in mice. The study showed that homoeopathic preparations of Ruta graveolens and Hydrastis canadensis have significant antitumour activity^[3].

 Homoeopathy follows the principle of ‘similia similibus curentur’. According to homoeopathy, a drug which can produce a set of symptoms also has the capacity/ power to cure those symptoms. And this science does not just depend upon subjective symptoms (symptoms expressed by the patient in his/her words), but also on the objective symptoms (symptoms observed by the physician/bystander) which makes it possible to be used for our pets as well.

Some of the common problems that affect dogs are skin issues, fleas, injuries, insect bites, worms etc. Here are some of the problems with indicated remedies:

• Insect bites and stings:
• Apis mellifica: For wasp or bee stings. Skin looks hot, red and swollen
• Cantharis: Local irritation with much rubbing, licking and/or scratching.
• Urtica urens: Itchy, blotchy skin reaction with much rubbing, scratching or licking.

Sprains and strains:

1. Arnica montana: For bruising and pain.
2. Apis mellifica: If the skin is stretched tightly over the swelling.
3. Rhus toxicodendron: Joint pains or strains that tend to ease or improve little with slight and gentle movement. This remedy may be indicated and follow initial treatment with Arnica Montana.
4. Ruta graviolens: Bruising of the bones surrounding the joint. Better for warmth and movement. Worse in the cold and damp. This remedy may be indicated and follow after initial treatment with Arnica montana.
5. Symphytum: Useful in aiding the repair of fractures, but it can also be helpful in cases of severe strain involving the attachment of tendons and ligaments to bones. It may follow initial treatment with Arnica Montana.

Wounds:

• Hypericum: If the graze is sore or sensitive, especially for crushed toes and tail.
• Hepar sulph: If infection and pus are present and there is swelling tenderness and redness under the fur. Continual licking, biting or gnawing at the wound and loss of appetite, or restlessness also may indicate infection.
• Ledum palustre: It is the remedy of choice for puncture wounds.
• Silicea: If a splinter or similar is possibly still trapped in the wound.
• Arthritis:
• Ledum palustre: Pain shifting rapidly from joint to joint. The limbs feel cold and the joint is hot and swollen but not red.
• Bryonia alba: Joint is hot, red, swollen and very stiff. Worse from the least movement, touch or jarring.
• Rhus toxicodendron: Hot, swollen, painful joints. Improved slightly by gradual, slow movement and changing position.

Ring worm:

• Circular, reddish patches of skin appear as the hair becomes damaged and falls out. These areas start as small circles, like a cigarette burn and gradually enlarge as the condition progresses, becoming large circular areas that resemble ‘fairy rings’, with a dry, dull centre and an active inflammatory perimeter. The condition is marked by intense irritation causing much scratching, licking and rubbing.
• Bacillinum: It is the principal remedy for ringworms
• Sepia: If Bacillinum has not helped.
• Tellurium met: Offensive odour from infected areas, much irritation. Patches are particularly noticeable on the head and the back of the ears.

Skin conditions:

• Wet eczema:
• Graphites: Useful when wet eczema tends to recur. The skin may be thickened with cracks in it, which ooze a sticky, honey-colored discharge. Seen particularly in older, over-weight animals.
• Croton tiglium: For wet eczema of the ear flap or in the groin or genital region. Much irritation.

• Dry eczema:

1. Arsenicum album: Eruptions are dry, rough and scaly. Worse for the cold, better for warmth. Restless and condition worsens when scratched. Affected area may be swollen and inflamed.
2. Sulphur: Indicated if the skin is hot to touch, but dry with much redness and irritation. Worse for warmth, better for the cold. Usually a strong unpleasant smell from the skin.
3. Urtica urens: Acute allergic-type eczema. Nettle-rash with violent itching and rubbing, which is almost continuous. Worse from touch and scratching.

Conclusion:
Although homoeopathic treatment works effectively, a veterinarian’s opinion should always be taken for properly diagnosing a condition and for discussing the best treatment for our pets.

References:

1. Dogs help reduce stress [Internet]. Animalsmart.org. 2019 [cited 25 November 2019]. Available from: https://animalsmart.org/species/dogs/dogs-help-reduce-stress.
2. Varshney J. Clinical management of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs with homeopathic Belladonna 200C: a case series. Homeopathy. 2007;96(1):46-48.
3. Sunila ES, Kuttan G, Preethi KC, Kuttan R. Effect of homeopathic medicines on transplanted tumors in mice. Asian pacific journal of cancer prevention. 2007 Jul 1;8(3):390.
4. Hunter F. Everyday homeopathy for animals. Beaconsfield: Beaconsfield Publishers; 2004.

Dr. Mulakaluri Harsha Priya
MD Part 1Batch 2018-19,
Department of Repertory,
Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital,Mangalore,Karnataka