HOMEOPATHY FOR ANIMALS

As a conscientious breeder of Newfoundland dogs I am vitally concerned with the health and wellbeing of all our puppies and their parents, I have found that the health of our Newfoundlands has improved tremendously with the use of Homeopathic medicine; so much so that I have undertaken a 4 year Diploma course of study with the NZQA accredited Bay of Plenty College of Homeopathy graduating in 2005 with a Diploma in Homeopathy (Animal Health).

I now not only treat my own animals but have become skilled enough to work as a qualified Animal Homeopathic Practitioner, with my own Homeopathic Health practise. All client contact and treatment is undertaken within a strict professional code of conduct and confidentiality.

Homeopathy for Animals - A Natural, Safe, Gentle and Effective Option, for your Pet

Kath Kelly Dip. Hom. (Animal Health)

Frequently asked questions

Homeopathy Is:

An effective and safe scientific system of healing based on the principle of “Likes Cure Likes” developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann over 200 years ago. He discovered that if a natural substance was given in a specially prepared diluted dose to a healthy person – that person developed particular symptoms. He also found that if an unwell person had those similar symptoms that administering the dilute substance that causes those similar symptoms, would make that person well. The same medicines or remedies are used for Animals and in the same way as on Humans – so homeopathic medicine is not tested on Animals but on Humans – then used to sound effect on animals.

Homeopathy works:

Because it is an individualised treatment that stimulates the body to activate its own healing power, safely and naturally. The Homeopath builds an accurate picture of the “whole animal”, through the information given by the caregiver at the consultation. This symptom picture is then matched to the symptom picture of a remedy (medicine) tested and published in a Homeopathic Materia Medica. Homeopathic remedies are made to a very strict international standard in New Zealand.

As an example, in a case of Anxiety, say a dog that does not like to be left alone. The way of opposites would be to give a drug that made the dog calmer, often large or regular doses are necessary which can sometimes cause side effects. The ways of Similars, the homeopathic way would be to give a very dilute specially prepared dose of a natural substance that causes Anxiety, in large doses in a healthy person. Because of the very tiny dosage there are no side effects and the dog will not mind being left on its own.

Homeopathy Mechanics:

Clients can expect an initial consult to last an hour or more as many questions need to be asked by the homeopath to enable an accurate holistic word picture of your pet to be built. The background, medical history, family, environment, temperament, as well as its health picture both past and present. The more information available to the practitioner the easier it is to match a remedy with the symptoms of the animal’s illness/problem. All information given is held in strictest confidence.

Homeopathic treatment is sometimes an on going process, occasionally a condition may intensify for a short time, this is the remedy taking effect and you should see the beginnings of recovery after this period has passed. Alternatively some animals experience an almost instant effect of wellbeing, as symptoms are eliminated. Sometimes discharges or a rash may develop as a result of the remedy causing the body to have a “clean out’ in other words a “de-tox”. These new symptoms will pass, quickly and can be a very important part of the healing process.

How quickly will my pet be cured?

This really depends on what type of illness the pet is suffering from. A very slowly developing complaint such as arthritis will not disappear overnight, but other complaints which come on quickly such as diarrhoea may be corrected very rapidly.

As a rule of thumb we say it takes a week for every month that the pet has been ill. There are many considerations to be taken into account and all pets as all people are different and individual, it is a good question to ask your practitioner at the consult.

Homeopathic Remedies:

Remedies can be in liquid form, a spray or small tablets or pills. You will be given instructions as to administration. Pills and tablets have the medication only covering the outside of the pill so it is important not to handle the medicines but to tip the pills into the lid of the bottle or a teaspoon and then transfer them directly into the pet’s mouth. Pills or liquid may be put on the pet’s food if the direct method fails.

The remedies need to be kept in a cool dry place away from direct sun, heat, microwaves and electricity and strong smelling substances such as peppermint, eucalyptus, melaleuca oils, as all these things can spoil the remedy’s effectiveness.

Homeopathy and Veterinary care:

I work closely with my own Veterinarian when treating my own animals. It is important if your pet is on any Veterinary medication that both the Homeopath and the Vet are aware of the treatment choices that you as caregiver are making for your pet. Homeopathic remedies are safe to use alongside conventional Veterinary medicines. Vet care and Homeopathic care are very compatible and work well together towards your choice of health and wellbeing for your pet. Many Vets are very happy for their clients to work with a Homeopath towards a successful outcome for your pet’s health and welfare.

Homeopathy is a co-operative process pet owner and practitioner working together towards a shared beneficial outcome for our pets. Homeopaths do not define health as simply an absence of disease, but a complete feeling of wellbeing and vitality, an improved quality of life for as long as that life shall be.

What can be treated with Homeopathy?

Any condition that you would go to a Veterinarian for can be treated with homeopathy. It can be used in first aid situations, and common acute illnesses, including physical injuries, puppy and kitten diseases, e.g. Parvovirus, cat flu etc.

Long standing and chronic conditions can be treated homoeopathically such as allergies, arthritis, skin conditions, and fertility issues for both male and female.

Mental and emotional disorders, anxiety, aggression, fears, can all respond beneficially to individualised homeopathic remedies.

Some of the safe natural gentle products we use

Fleago Spritza

Aromatherapy flea repellent spray for dog ailments: 30ml, 100ml, 250ml, 500ml, spray.

Medicated Healing Gel

A soothing healing topical gel for skin inflammation, itching, bits and stings.

Homeopathic Wormer

Safe gentle remedy for elimination of worm infestations in your pets Cats and Dogs 30ml.

Hot Spot Kit

Everything needed to safely and naturally treat wet eczema cleanser/soothing topical/homeopathic remedy.

A Breeder’s Experience using Homeopathy

Breeding Newfoundlands is definitely a labour of love. The breed being an ancient one with a very limited gene pool, especially in this part of the world, makes for many challenges to successfully producing and raising healthy litters of puppies.

We have, over our 20 years with Newfoundlands had our share of challenges in the pursuit of our goals within the breed. Some years ago, we were having trouble breeding one of our bitches. Having exhausted all the avenues available to us within conventional Veterinary medicine, we researched alternative therapies trying to find a solution to the problem. Homeopathy seemed to provide the best chance of a happy outcome, and this proved to be the case. Wanting to know more, so that I could better provide care for our Newfs, I undertook a 4 year course of study to become a qualified Homeopathic Practitioner specialising in Animal Health. With my growing knowledge and practice of Homeopathy, I have found that the special individualised application of Homeopathic principles and Remedies has significantly enhanced both our Breeding Programme outcomes and the health and well being of all the Newfoundlands we produce and own.

Homeopathy is an effective and safe system of medicine based on the principles of “Like cures Like” developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann over 200 years ago. He discovered that if a natural substance was given in specially prepared diluted doses to a healthy person; that person developed particular symptoms. He also found that if a sick person had those similar symptoms that administering the same dilute substance would make the person well.

Homeopathy works because it is an individualised treatment that stimulates the body to activate its own healing power, safely and naturally. The homeopath builds an accurate picture of the “whole animal” through observation and the information given by the care giver at the consultation, which is matched to the symptom picture of a remedy (medicine) which has been tested and published in a Homeopathic Materia Medica.

With the judicious use of Homeopathic remedies we have considerably lowered the incidence of human intervention and drug use with our Newfoundlands, in a very cost effective way; resulting in happier, healthier mothers and puppies. From pre-mating to maintenance of pregnancy, preparing the bitch for labour, helping her efficiently through her labour to the successful birth of puppies, and post whelping, individualised homoeopathic care has proved its worth to us and our Newfoundlands.

As an example of effective Homeopathic prescribing in an acute situation, this was our experience with our last litter. A mastitis infection very quickly and intensely took hold in our much loved and valuable Newfy Mother with 9 puppies to suckle. So suddenly and intensely did the infection arise that within 10 minutes her temperature went from 38.6 C to 41 C, and the infected breast gland was hugely swollen, very hot and shiny red, the Mother was very depressed and could not bear to have the gland expressed. Matching the symptoms to remedy, homoeopathic Apis Mellifica was administered at 10 minute intervals for 4 doses, followed by the remedy Pyrogenium. With the use of hot compresses and the remedies, the abscess in the breast burst. Her temperature returned to normal, but she was left with a 4 cm suppurating hole in her breast which was kept cleansed with normal saline solution. The next day the skin around the hole became bright red and it looked as though infection was about to escalate. The remedy Belladonna was given every 10 minutes for 4 doses, and an hour later all redness had gone. We followed up with the remedy Gunpowder hourly for a day until the pus stopped coming. Homeopathic Gunpowder was continued 3 times a day for a week and the abscess hole began to granulate and close over. During all this the puppies continued to suckle on her other breasts, gradually weening off onto solid food.

We at Miquelon firmly believe that Homeopathic care is of great benefit to our Newfoundland’s health and well being. Homeopathic help and advice, along with commonly useful remedies in rearing puppies are included as part of our Puppy Pack given to all our new puppy owners.

I work closely with my Veterinarian when treating my Newfoundlands and my clients. If there is any doubt or uncertainty as to the condition of my dogs or a client’s animal I refer to a Veterinarian immediately. Homeopathic remedies are regarded as safe to use alongside conventional Veterinary medicine. Vet care and Homeopathic care can be very compatible and work well together towards your choice of health and well being for your animals. Many Vets are happy to work with a Homeopath towards a successful outcome for your animal.

As a Homeopath I do not define health as an absence of pain or disease, but as a complete feeling of well being and vitality, an improved quality of life for as long as that life may be.

Testimonials

Connemara Pony Testimonial

Minna is a 14.2h grey mare. She is 20 years old and developed a condition called ringbone at an early age. I bought Minna when she was 19 to retire her from a riding school and to care for her in her golden years. Ringbone is caused by horses being heavily worked on hard surfaces as their bodies develop and consequently an uneven growth of the pastern occurs.

Ringbone can be painful and is an incurable condition which causes the horse or pony to limp severely. They do of course improve slightly over the winter months due to softer ground and it can be masked by anti inflammatory and cooling gels.

Having used homeopathic remedies for some of our families other animals I was keen to see if there was anything that could help Minna.

Kath Kelly suggested Calc Fluor 6c. Starting during the summer months I gave 3 drops directly into my pony’s mouth on a daily basis for 3 weeks combined with a 2 week remedy of Hecla Lava 30c. There was initially no improvement for 3 weeks and I continued to give Minna 3 drops of Calc Flour daily and Minna seemed to be in less pain after approximately 6 weeks. I therefore continued with this treatment (which I might add has been very cost effective) for 6 months.

Minna still has her Calc Flour daily and seems much happier and generally in a lot less pain. I have no doubt that she will really enjoy this winter as her condition has improved over a time when it should normally be at its worst.

I am very thankful to homeopathy and in particular to Kath Kelly who took the time to really explore how she could help my pony.

I would certainly recommend homeopathy as Kath has been able to substantially ease the pain of a condition that was thought to be incurable.

Thank you Kath.

Shleigh Neave - a happy pony owner

Dog Testimonial

Thank you for the remedies that you have given me for my dogs Conan and Sheena.

As you were completing a course to graduate with Homoeopathy, I asked you to have a look at Sheena and see if you could help her. After examining Sheena and questioning me to find out all the information about her that could help her to become pregnant, you prescribed a remedy, which stopped her being aggressive.

After receiving the remedy for Sheena I asked if you could look at my male dog Conan, because he was lame. In your consultation, your questions reminded me that he was hit by a car about a year ago. You then stacked him in a straight stand and showed me how one side of his body was more muscular than the other. You then told me of a chiropractor who was very good and experienced. He only charged me $20 and put Conan’s back into place, and then you gave me a remedy to help.

When I had Sheena scanned, she only had one puppy. This meant she had to have a

c-section. Unfortunately because of a previous attempt at mating, Sheena had a cist in her womb which broke when her water broke. Even though I sped up the time for Sheena’s c-section the puppy had taken in too much puss and died.

Unexpectantly, you sent me some remedies for Sheena at no charge, to heal her wounds from internal cuts, for distress and general well being. This I very much appreciated.

Once again I thank you not only for your remedies, but also for your care and attention for my dogs and the experience, wisdom and your advice.

Peter Steiner

The Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2001 require the following caution on all prescriptions or advice.

"Homeopathic remedies do not take the place of qualified Veterinary advice. If your animal’s condition does not improve or the animal is suffering pain or distress, please consult your Veterinarian."

Homeopathic remedies do not take the place of qualified veterinary advice. If your animal's condition does not improve or the animal is suffering pain or distress, please consult your veterinarian.