Veterinary Care for Animals Planning Overseas Journeys

What Is A Homeopathic Vet?

6 October 2015 by Sophie Knight

Many vets these days commonly offer alternative therapies to their patients such as acupuncture and physiotherapy, but did you know that there is also a branch of homeopathic veterinary medicine?  Homeopathic veterinary medicine is often used in conjunction with conventional treatment for chronic conditions and could be something that's recommended for your pet.

So, what is veterinary homeopathy, and what should you expect at a consultation with a homeopathic vet?  Read on to find out more.

What is veterinary homeopathy?

The theory of homeopathy is based on the premise that 'like cures like'.  Homeopathic practitioners are very knowledgeable in the effect that particular remedies or substances will have on a healthy body.  The symptoms presented by a sick animal are compared to that picture of the animal in health, and the remedy that matches those symptoms most closely is chosen as a treatment.

The veterinary practitioner seeks to find the correct stimuli for the animal's inherent healing ability, and looks to remove any influences that could impede this, for example, an unhealthy diet containing too high a concentration of artificial ingredients.  The chosen substance for treatment is diluted many times in a water or alcohol solvent and is delivered to the patient in very small quantities over an extended period of time.

What happens during a homeopathic veterinary consultation?

Unless your usual vet is a qualified homeopath, you'll need a referral to take your pet to a homeopathic vet.  A homeopathic veterinary consultation differs from a conventional one in a number of ways, regardless of the species to be treated.

The consultation is usually much longer in duration than a standard one due to the amount of information about the animal that the vet requires in order to formulate a treatment plan.  In addition to information about the signs and symptoms of your pet's current condition, details will be taken of past ailments, even though these might not appear to be related. 

Notes are made of all external stimuli that could have a bearing on your pet's condition, such as weather conditions, temperature, routine, usual environment and diet.  The vet will ask you about your pet's character, its usual behaviour in certain circumstances, its fears, et cetera.  All this information will help to determine the animal's individuality and are crucial in allowing the vet to prescribe an appropriate and effective course of treatment.

The homeopath will use all this information, together with the animal's medical history as provided by your usual vet to identify suitable substances that are appropriate to treat the presenting condition.  Treatment and progress checks are ongoing for the duration of your pet's illness.

In conclusion

Homeopathic veterinary medicine can be used in conjunction with conventional treatments and drug therapy to treat many chronic conditions affecting all species of animals.  If you think that a homeopathic approach might help your pet, ask your vet for more information and advice.   

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