N.B The Natural Dog Food Company Products are holactive and therefore compatible with homoeopathy whereas others may not be.

Page Contents

• 1. History of homoeopathy
• 2. Practical application
• 3. Remedies

History of Homeopathy

Homeopathy uses the principle discovered and developed by Dr Samuel Hahnemann, in Saxony. In literal terms, the name means the treatment of disease using a substance which has the power to produce similar symptoms in a healthy body. The symptoms that a substance can cause are discovered by means of provings - tests on healthy human beings. Hahnemann later developed the extreme dilutions which remain, to this day, a controversial area of homeopathic practice. In circa 1813, in Leipzig, Hahnemann lectured on the use of his medical system on animals. He stressed that the principles were the same. Boenninghausen continued to develop veterinary homeopathy, on his extensive estate in Westphalia. Numerous authors have kept the practice alive until, in modern times in the UK, George Macleod (1912 - 1995) was a very well-known veterinary homeopath and author. In 1982 the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons (BAHVS) was formed. In 1984, veterinary courses commenced at the RoyalLondon Homeopathic Hospital. In April 1986, the International Association for Veterinary Homeopathy (IAVH) was founded in Luxembourg. Among other work, this organisation has produced a veterinary materia medica. The first veterinary qualification in the world (VetMFHom) was awarded by the Faculty of Homeopathy in 1987. That organisation created the post of Veterinary Dean in 1988, in order to oversee education and examinations in veterinary homeopathy and, in 1991, the first Veterinary Fellow of the Faculty (VetFFHom) was elected. In 2001, the first examination and qualification in basic (first-year) homeopathy was established. It was also the year of the emergence of the first veterinary repertory.

Practical application

Homeopathy has been used in animals for at least 190 years. All types of animals respond, from pets to farm animals, from horses to wild animals, from birds to fish. Organic farmers rely upon it as an effective, safe medicine which does not give rise to drug residues in meat, milk or eggs. Conventional farmers also make use of its benefits. Competition horses and dogs can be given homeopathy, without risk of falling foul of competition doping rules. Homeopathic medicines are selected according to their ability to stimulate natural healing processes. The body dictates the reaction. Sometimes, usually heralding a good response, there may be a temporary aggravation of local or superficial symptoms. The homeopathic consultation process is more complex than the usual veterinary consultation. It can take a long time, depending upon the complaint from which the patient suffers. It involves the vet in discovering a great deal of information, not just from clinical examination but also from the owner. Likely questions may include details of background, lifestyle, environment, demeanour, character, likes, dislikes, fears, diet, household and family details and responses to various external influences. In individual animals, many chronic and refractory diseases can respond, where conventional medication may have failed. Injuries and acute illnesses also respond. In groups, herds or flocks of animals, in-water medication can treat large numbers of animals safely, easily, cheaply and effectively.

Remedies

Homeopathy, far from being a folksy and weird system of esoteric medicine, has gained its spurs and its use is increasing rapidly, as people realise what it has to offer, whether as a first-line or as a last resort? Skin disease, arthritis, auto-immune disorders, bowel disease, epilepsy, heart problems and behavioural conditions are frequent callers but many other diseases respond. Until undercurrent Remedies Homeopathy is able to treat infectious diseases, chronic diseases, acute diseases, injuries and disorders. While cancer is not easily mastered, there are encouraging numbers of recorded cases of complete recovery from some of the worst forms. It even enjoys widespread use in disease prevention, in place of vaccination. It is worth giving some examples of easy home treatments here, however, since their use does not demand the full rigours of homeopathic knowledge and understanding. Most of them are easily available in pharmacies and health shops all over the UK (usually in a 6c potency). Modern times, no research had been conducted to establish its effectiveness. This has now been remedied. Research papers are appearing, showing the widespread benefits of this simple, safe and effective therapy. Homeopathic medication can be damaged by frost, excessive heat, sunlight and aromatherapy. Its effects in the body can be damaged by aromatherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is capable of careful and informed integration with acupuncture, but these two therapies may interfere if not properly integrated. The behavioural