Homeopathy, often seen as a complementary approach to Conventional Medicine for humans, also presents promising options for treating animals. This alternative therapy can be applied to pets at any stage of life and for a variety of health issues, offering a holistic, personalized approach to their well-being.
According to the veterinarian specializing in felines and Homeopathic Medicine at the Taquaral Veterinary Hospital, in Campinas, Gabriela Pires Crispim, it is very common for owners to resort to homeopathy after allopathy resources seem to have been exhausted. Another motivation is to provide a better quality of life for the animal that has a fragile stomach due to having already received other medications. Or even as palliative treatment in the last stages of the patient’s life. “Homeopathy can be sought at any time and for any condition, not just as a last option”, she reinforces.
The specialist also highlights that homeopathy and allopathy can work in synergy, with communication between specialized veterinarians to offer the best treatment plan. One of the great benefits of homeopathy is the absence of significant side effects. “If we realize that the treatment is not having the desired effect, we can simply interrupt it without risk to the animal,” she says.
Allopathy and homeopathy
Gabriela explains that allopathy, or conventional medicine, is based on suppressing symptoms using medications that produce effects opposite to the symptoms of the disease. “Homeopathy relies on activating the body’s healing systems, using substances that, in small doses, can induce symptoms similar to those of the disease.” According to the veterinarian, the alternative approach is based on the principle of “like cures like”, and each treatment is highly individualized, considering the animal’s physical, emotional and mental aspects.
Just like a consultation with a homeopathic doctor for humans, the first visit to a specialized veterinarian lasts an hour or more. In addition to the clinical examination, the veterinary homeopath talks to the owner to learn about the animal’s routine, personality, fears, habits and everything that involves the animal and then recommends a “background medication”, that is, the medication that most closely resembles the patient characteristics. Repertorization (anamnesis) also aims to identify impediments to healing and remove obstacles from the pet’s reach.
Special care with homeopathic medicines
The veterinarian highlights the importance of proper storage of homeopathic medicines. “Homeopathy is energy. It is crucial to shake the liquid content to activate and avoid exposure to electromagnetic fields, such as those generated by cell phones and microwaves, which can render the medication unusable. Carrying the medication bottle in your bag with your cell phone by your side is unfeasible,” she warns.
She also emphasizes the need to remove any obstacles to healing during treatment. “If a pet is being treated for anxiety, it is essential to remove objects or situations that may stress them. If the pet bird is medicated to combat lead poisoning, but has contact in the cage with newspaper paper that has lead as a raw material for the paint, the function of the treatment is nullified”, he adds.
Homeopathic medicines come in several forms, including globules, liquids, and even topical products like shampoos and ointments. “Treatments can vary in frequency and type of administration, depending on the formulation and the specific problem being treated”, he concludes.
Source: Hospital Veterinário Taquaral, adapted by the Cães e Gatos team.
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