Homeopathy

Homeopathy has been around for hundreds of years, and works to spur the dogs own immune system into curing many illnesses.

It works on the theory that 'like cures like' The remedies are prescribed on an overall picture and description of the patients symptoms, and many remedies can cure the same ailments.

It is given in minute doses, the more it is diluted, the more potent it becomes... sounds odd, but true. I have many of the remedies in my medical case, and some of them in 2 or 3 different potencies.

Below you will find some of the remedies I constantly have on hand in case they are needed, and a brief description of their uses.

Aconite: This remedy need to be remembered for any condition that has had a sudden onset.. shock, frights, burns etc.

Apis Mel: The Honey Bee remedy. Can be used for painful bites or stings, or for allergies, stinging nettle etc.

Arnica: This remedy is great for bruising of any kind, post surgery pain relief, shock (perhaps after an accident), haemorrhaging, the list is endless for this wonderful remedy. As it is short acting, it needs to be given frequently.

Arsenicum Album: Generally called Arsenic, is one of the most versatile remedies available. Great for treating acute vomiting and diarrohea. It is valuable in cases of loss of appetite, and some skin conditions.

Cantharis: This is an excellent cystitis remedy. Eczema has been treated with this also.

Euphrasia: I call this my 'eye remedy' It is fantastic for conjuntivitus, many eye injuries respond well to using the 'Mother Tincture' diluted and applied with cotton wool gently to the eye. Euphrasia can also be given in the oral form.

Hepar Sulph: (St Johns Wart) Eases pain, particulary after painful blows or wounds.

Merc Sol: Wet eczema, including eczema of the ear flap. Can also be indicated where patient has diarrhoea,

Nux Vomica: As the name suggests, great for vomiting dogs. May be used for colic (in puppies) loss of appetite, bad breath, digestive upsets of all kinds.

Rhus Tox: Arthritis responds to this remedy. Acute skin conditions, sprains and strains.

Sulphur: This remedy often produces the best results when used sparingly. Skin conditions,dermatitis, dandruff, incontinence, are just a few of the conditions that may call for the use of Sulphur.

HERBS

Herbs and animals have lived together for a very long long time. Even before the first humans walked the earth, animals used plants as their primary source of healing.
We practise the art of healing with herbs today, and our pets benefit greatly from them. Not just for sickness, but also for helping to maintain a healthy immune system as well. A healthy immune system is in a good position to fight illness.

Herbs are slower acting than most drugs, so rapid results is perhaps the greatest cause of frustration to would be herbalists.

Below you will find some of the herbs I use on a regular basis for our dogs.

Aloe Vera: Externally for burns, wounds dermatitis, its great claim to fame is as a topical skin dressing. Can also be used internally for ulcers.

Black Walnut: alternative to wormers

Chamomile: colic in puppies.

Cleavers:Digestive and urinary cysts, ulcers.

Couch Grass: Interesting the way our dogs instintively eat this grass, sometimes to the point of vomiting, and while humans may find this somewhat disgusting, to the herbalist, it can clearly be seen that they are using the grass simply as a digestive cleanser, or to vomit back up some of the contents of the stomach so they can reingest and gain more of the nutrients from the food, by eating it again. This grass is a fantastic cystitis remedy.

Dandelion: The strongest herbal diuretic available. Broad spectrum minerals (esp Potassium) vitamins and proteins. It stimulates the liver, and improves digestion.

Echinacea: Good herb for fighting bacteria, and used in conjunction with (Golden Seal) to fight infection

Eucalyptus: for fleas.

Flaxseed: Rich source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs)

Garlic: Contains many valuable vitamins and essential minerals. Used as an anti-biotic, works from the inside out. Used correctly, Garlic is valuable in the use of virtually any form of intrnal or external bacterial viral, or fungal infection.

Lavender: Joint problems respond well to this herb.

Licorice: Used as an anti-inflammatory alternative, very good for arthritis. A natural cortisone.

Marshmallow: Low grade infection, especially in theurinary tract

Milk Thistle: Known as the liver herb, very good for cleansing the liver, and used in conjunction with Dandelion, a great combination.

Parsley: arthritic inflamation calls for this herb.

Raspberry Leaf: Conjuntivitis, dermatitis, also a fantastic uterine tonic, it helps with morning sickness, helps prevent misscarriage, and strengthens the uterine walls prior to giving birth. An aid in easy deliveries, and good milk production.

Red Clover: for blood disorders, tumors. A good blood purifier.

Senna: A natural and very gentle laxative

St Johns Wort (Hypericum): Natures answer to the anti-biotic, also good for nerve injuries.

Valerian: Sedative properties.

Yucca: Has been used with good success in cases of arthritis.

Bach Flower Essences

Bach flowers work on the 'energy system' of the dog, they work on a higher vibrational rate. They are harmless even if the wrong remedy is administered.

Different flower essences have different uses and definitions.
Below I have listed a few remedies very frequently used, and a brief reason for their usage.

Aspen: Anxiety and apprehension, for the nervous dog, especially in new circumstances. Can assist dogs who have been harshly treated in the past.

Beech: Intolerant of others

Chestnut Bud: Needing to learn by mistakes, repeats same mistakes over and over. Great for training situations, for helping a puppy to make the distinction between right and wrong, eg: toilet training.

Chicory: For a dog that follows you around, and is constantly underfoot, and becomes extremely upset when left alone.

Clematis: Dogs will sometimes need this remedy after surgery, to help them wake up. Puppies respond well to this the moment they are born, to help them wake up and breathe.

Crab Apple: Poor physical self image

Holly: Suspicious, personality changes. Aggressive behaviour. Star of Bethlehem should be given in conjunction with this remedy.

Honeysuckle: Dwells in the past, for the dog whose primary person in their life has gone permanently. Dogs that act withdraen, subdued, and not enthused at all about life. Also good for homesickness while in a kennel situation, or left home for long periods of time.

Impatiens: Impatient, irritable

Larch: Lack of self confidence

Mimulus: Fear of known things, such as loud noises, fireworks, thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners etc. When fear turns to terror, use Rock Rose, or Rescue Remedy.

Olive: For a dog totally exhausted, ill, or traumatized.

Red Chestnut: Fearing the worst may happen

Rock Rose: Terror, extreme froght, panic

Sceranthus: Helpful for cases of carsickness, used with Rescue Remedy.

Star of Bethlehem: Past traumas not fully recovered from. Good for dogs who have been living in a pound. Abused animals.

Vervain: For the dog who is highly strung, with nervous energy. Those that are hard to keep from jumping and barking. This remedy will help to slow them down.

Walnut: Eases the transition of letting go, and a new beginning

Water Violet: Standoffish, loners, aloof, great for animals who have had little or no socialising until later in life.
Willow: Resentment as being treated unfairly

Natures Rescue Remedy: Gentle calming, and stabilizing in a wide range of stressful situations Consists of 5 remedies, Star of Bethlehem, Rock Rose, Clematis, Cherry Plum, and Impatiens.

VITAMINS & MINERALS

Vitamin C : Dogs synthesize Vit c in their bodies, but not enough to maintain a healthy functioning body or immune system. we need to suppliment our dogs with this very valuable and necessary vitamin.

Vitamin E: Essential for healing diseases of the circulatory system. Promotes fertility, boosts the immune system. It needs to be used in conjunction with other vitamins to produce its full potential.

Vitamin A: Indications of dry itching skin, is the first indication of vit A deficiency. Consider it for any hair or skin problem in dogs.

B Vitamins: Necessary for normal brain and nervous system functioning. They should be given in the complex form, as each needs the others to work. They generally protect the body from stress, and are very good for skin conditions. Brewers yeast is a good source of B Vitamins.

Zinc: Necessary for all tissue repair, and proper functioning or the immune system. Vitamin absorption is dependent on Zinc. Zinc is needed in the production of enzymes and white blood cells. This mineral is a cancer preventative as well. Many dogs skin allergies are actually Zinc deficiencies.