Homeopathy is an alternative medicinal style of healing sick or terminally ill patients, whether they are human, feline or canine. Veterinarians who practice homeopathy believe that every living creature has the ability to heal without conventional medicine and that illness only occurs when the ability to self-heal is somehow repressed. Therefore, the goal of homeopathy is to improve the overall health of the body and aid in the body's own ability to heal.
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Astragalus
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According to Holistic Pet, astragalus may aid in restoring the function of the canine immune system. It also may prohibit the further growth of cancer cells and tumors. Astragalus is considered a supportive herb because it also enhances the effectiveness of other herbs that may be used in homeopathic treatments. Specifically, astragalus treats fatigue, high blood pressure, shortness of breath and helps the body fight colds.
Ashwagandha
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Like astragalus, the herb ashwagandha may slow and even stop the growth of cancerous cells or tumors in the canine body, according Holistic Pet.
Blood and Lymphatic Treatment
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For cleansing the blood and the lymphatic system, Vet Info indicates that practicing veterinarians of homeopathy may use berberis, carcinosin, hepar and lymphomyosot.
Milk Thistle
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For 2,000 years milk thistle has been used for several ailments in humans and is also being used for canines. In dogs, milk thistle detoxifies the liver. Once the liver has been cleansed, it can resume its duty in cleansing the toxins from the body, including toxins produced by the cancer cells, according to Holistic Pet and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Calendula
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Calendula is most often used as a topical anti-inflammatory treatment. However, Vet Info and FetchDog indicate calendula is also beneficial to dogs who have developed gastric ulcers, especially those caused by pancreatic cancer. In addition, calendula also boosts the canine immune system.
Arnica
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Arnica is another herb used in veterinary homeopathy that can aid in boosting the canine immune system. It may relieve muscle pain due to injuries. However, it can also be used to relieve pain not associated with trauma.
Selenium
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When used as a homeopathic remedy, selenium acts as an antioxidant. Holistic Pet reports that when selenium is used as a canine homeopathic remedy, it protects the membranes of cells and also slows down oxidation, which hardens the tissues in the body.
Dosages and Administration
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Homeopathic remedies should not be combined with other treatments such as acupuncture or conventional methods. These herbal remedies are usually given approximately one hour after the dog has had its meal. Dosage amounts for each remedy will vary based on the weight of the dog, so consult with a veterinarian who practices homeopathy.
Side Effects
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Some homeopathic remedies can cause worsened symptoms following administration, but this usually lasts only for a short period of time. This side effect is referred to as homeopathic aggravation and is considered to be part of the overall healing process, according to Vet Info. Additional side effects of homeopathic remedies can include discharge from the eyes or nose, diarrhea and behavioral changes such as sleeping in a new area or newly developed fears.
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