Homeopathic Remedies for Dogs

Information about homeopathy, the claims made for common remedies and the importance of evidence-based veterinary care.

Homeopathy must not replace veterinary treatment There is no reliable scientific evidence that highly diluted homeopathic remedies treat or prevent disease in dogs. Using them instead of appropriate veterinary care may allow a painful or serious condition to become worse.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is based on the ideas that a substance capable of causing symptoms can be used to treat similar symptoms and that repeated dilution increases its effect.

Many homeopathic products are diluted to such an extent that little or none of the original substance is likely to remain. This is different from herbal medicine, where a product contains measurable active plant ingredients.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons states that homeopathy and other complementary treatments should only be used alongside conventional treatment, in discussion with a veterinary surgeon, and must not delay or replace treatments supported by recognised evidence.

Common remedies and traditional claims

The following products are commonly marketed for these purposes. These are traditional homeopathic claims and should not be interpreted as proof that the products are effective:

Arnica

Traditionally promoted for bruising, strains, injury and recovery following surgery.

Arsenicum album

Traditionally promoted for digestive upset, itching, anxiety and restlessness.

Bryonia

Traditionally promoted for stiffness, joint pain, coughing and constipation.

Cantharis

Traditionally promoted for urinary discomfort, burns and irritated skin.

Euphrasia

Often called eyebright and traditionally promoted for watery or irritated eyes.

Fragaria

Traditionally promoted for reducing plaque on teeth.

Hepar sulphuris

Traditionally promoted for abscesses, wounds and discharging infections.

Nux vomica

Traditionally promoted for constipation, digestive upset, appetite and liver support.

Phosphorus

Traditionally promoted for vomiting, bleeding, coughs and fear of sudden noises.

Pulsatilla

Traditionally promoted for false pregnancy, nasal discharge and digestive upset.

Rhus toxicodendron

Traditionally promoted for stiff joints, strains, back pain and itchy skin.

Ruta graveolens

Traditionally promoted for tendon, ligament and bone injuries.

Silica

Traditionally promoted for abscesses, foreign material, cataracts and eye ulcers.

Sulphur

Traditionally promoted for itchy, inflamed, flaky or greasy skin.

Symphytum

Traditionally promoted for fractures, joint injuries and eye ulcers.

A traditional claim does not establish that a remedy can diagnose, cure or safely manage the condition mentioned. Several of these conditions require prompt examination, pain relief, diagnostic testing or specific veterinary treatment.

Nosodes are not vaccines

Homeopathic nosodes are sometimes advertised as natural alternatives to vaccination. They are not vaccines and have not been shown to provide reliable protection against diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, infectious canine hepatitis or leptospirosis.

Nosodes do not produce the recognised immune response expected from vaccination and should not be used as a substitute for an appropriate vaccination plan discussed with your veterinary surgeon.

Before using a complementary product

Ask your vet to diagnose the problem before beginning any treatment.
Tell your vet about every remedy, supplement or herbal product being given.
Do not stop prescribed medication without veterinary advice.
Check whether the product contains alcohol, xylitol, essential oils or other ingredients that may be unsuitable for dogs.
Remember that products sold as “natural” are not automatically safe.
Stop using the product and contact your vet if your dog develops any unexpected symptoms.

Conditions requiring veterinary attention

Do not attempt to manage the following with homeopathy alone:

Breathing difficulties
Collapse, weakness or seizures
Uncontrolled bleeding
Suspected fracture or serious injury
Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
Inability to pass urine or repeated straining
A painful, swollen abdomen
Eye pain, injury, cloudiness or an ulcer
An infected wound or abscess
Suspected poisoning
Sudden paralysis or dragging of the feet
A newborn puppy that is weak or not feeding

Complementary care

Some complementary therapies may help an animal feel more comfortable when used alongside appropriate veterinary care. Any benefit must be weighed against the risk of delaying a diagnosis or effective treatment.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends that animals are properly assessed and diagnosed by a veterinary surgeon and that treatment decisions are based, wherever possible, on sound scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.

Further information:

RCVS – Complementary medicines statement

BSAVA – Complementary and alternative therapies

This page records commonly made homeopathic claims for information only; it does not endorse those claims. Homeopathy should never replace veterinary diagnosis, emergency care, vaccination or treatment supported by reliable evidence.