hair of the dog

Vegetarian Times, Feb, 2001 by Trisha Blanchet

as people search for less invasive approaches to pet health care, many are turning to the practice of homeopathy to treat disease, relieve pain and improve quality of life for their furry, feathered and scaled companions. Developed by a German doctor more than 200 years ago, homeopathy is based on the principle that "like cures like." In other words, homeopathic practitioners believe that tiny doses of a substance that causes symptoms of discomfort can be administered to cure those same symptoms--in addition to the underlying disease.

An animal with a bee sting, for example, would experience pain and swelling. Homeopathic theory holds that a highly diluted dose of bee venom will make those same symptoms disappear. Homeopathy works because it identifies and attacks the cause of the pain instead of just muffling the symptoms. "It's a different and more sensible way of looking at health," says Larry A. Bernstein, V.M.D., a veterinarian in Miami Beach who has practiced homeopathy for more than a decade (www.naturalholistic.com). "It encourages the body to heal itself instead of just filling it with toxic chemicals and suppressive actions."

To determine the correct homeopathic remedy--and there are thousands--a veterinarian first examines the physical symptoms of a pet's injury or illness. She then looks for similar substances in nature that would cause those same reactions. The remedies are not a quick fix and can sometimes cause symptoms to worsen temporarily before they disappear, Bernstein says. Nevertheless, they almost always make the animals stronger and healthier in the long run by strengthening their immune systems. "I've seen some remarkable recoveries," he adds. "I've seen things get better that had no right to get better."

Most remedies are unique combinations formulated for an animal's particular condition, but some single remedies are used with good results for nearly every animal. Arnica (mountain laurel) is often prescribed for treatment of sprains, muscle soreness or cramping. Calendula (marigold) is frequently used to treat cuts and abrasions, and Hypericum (St. John's Wort) helps heal injuries to the nerves.

Remedies are available in liquid, pill and capsule form; all are equally effective, Bernstein says. Typically, only a few drops or granules are needed to spur the healing process, though doses may be repeated several times a day in severe cases. A homeopathic veterinarian can help you decide on a course of treatment, and many even consult long-distance over the phone or Internet.

Gloria Dodd, D.V.M., works with clients from all over the world from her office in Gualala, Calif. Like many homeopaths, she sells her own remedies via mail order (www.holisticvetpetcare.com). Commonly used remedies also can be found at many natural food stores. "I've practiced both sides of medicine, and I've been able to do so much more with homeopathy," she says. "It treats the whole animal: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. We know that if any one of these is out of balance, it can produce disease." But in the hands of a homeopathic doctor, that disease might just become its own worst enemy.