A Word About Homeopathy
We appreciate your interest in homeopathic medicine for your pet. The success of your pet’s restoration to health is partially based on your understanding of how homeopathy works and, in turn, your commitment to the process. Homeopathy was discovered about 200 years ago by a German medical doctor named Samuel Hahnemann. He found that organic substances could be used to stimulate people’s natural defenses. When certain natural substances (known to have specific side effects in healthy people) were given to people suffering from diseases with those same symptoms, they were cured. For instance, if a healthy person ingested a plant known to induce fever, rash and chills, that same plant could be used to treat a sick individual exhibiting those signs.
Homeopathy works by employing hundreds of natural substances that have been thoroughly studied for unique effects on the body, emotions and mind. Homeopathic pharmacists prepare these remedies in a time-tested manner that enhances their usefulness while minimizing potential unpleasant side-effects. By diluting and purifying plant, animal and mineral matter, they are able to produce very powerful medicines; much the same way vaccine or allergy desensitization injections are produced.
top of pageHomeopathy is only used to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms, therefore, a carefully selected remedy is given and the animal’s response to the medicine is closely observed. The medicine should not be repeated until the animal’s system has been given an opportunity to respond. After each remedy is given, a brief evaluation of your pet’s response is made. Over a period of time, different remedies may be necessary to complete the healing process. Because each animal responds to disease uniquely, it is vital that your pet be considered as an individual. Using a “shotgun” approach by giving combination remedies (tinctures or pills with many different remedies) does not take into account each animal’s unique symptoms and should be avoided. This is also why a consultation with a homeopathic veterinarian is so vital.
When animals suffer from significant health problems, homeopathy can offer a complete form of healing, however, patience is imperative. Homeopathy works systematically, and you may note dramatic improvement, but it may take time. Our goal is to restore your pet’s health. Some animals have incurable structural changes in their vital organs that are incapable of responding to homeopathy. Some pets are too old to be completely cured, but increasing their quality of life may be within reach.
top of pageThe beneficial effects of homeopathy are curbed when combined with other types of treatments that stimulate your pet’s life force (mainly acupuncture and strong herbs). It cannot be used with drugs (including steroids, antibiotics, etc.). Your pet will be guided off these medications before starting homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy can also “dig up” old symptoms that have been suppressed by allopathic treatment. These symptoms are only temporary, and indicate your pet’s system is “cleaning house” (a good thing). Please do not give other medications you may have for these prior conditions. The success of homeopathic treatment will be improved if you follow these guidelines:
- Do not expose your pet to strong odors during homeopathic treatment. The effect of the medicine can be cancelled by strong fumes such as camphor, tea tree oil, etc.
- Do not store homeopathic remedies in excessive heat (car) or on the microwave.
- Do not give your pet other medication during treatment. Heartworm prevention is the only exception.
- Inform the doctor if you plan to vaccinate your pet while taking remedies.
- Give the remedy as directed (see “How to give a Homeopathic Remedy” sheet). Pour the medicine directly into your pet’s mouth. Do not feed your pet for 10 minutes.
- Note any changes in your pet’s physical, mental or emotional health. Call and leave an update message on the recommended day. Keep scheduled phone consult appointments.
- Do not give any remedy without first consulting with the doctor.
- Call Natural Pet Animal Hospital if you have problems.
The initial consultation takes time, as we are gathering all the history and pertinent information together for the first time. Depending upon the complexity of the case, this can range from 20-40 minutes. Much of the time involved for the doctor is in working up the case after she has seen the pet. Our fees are based on the time the doctor spends on the case, including office visit, phone consultation and case analysis time. If you decide to treat your pet homeopathically, the initial computer analysis is $35.00 and $20.00 for each subsequent analysis. Follow-up phone consults are $10.00/10 minutes.
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