Homeopathic Remedies for Older Animals

Article: Homeopathic Care for Aged Animals

Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

September 9, 2010

Older dog lying on blanket. After a recent trip to the vet, we had a tough decision to make: pay exorbitant bills for pain medication for our dog, or take him home and deal with it ourselves. Our pup is well beyond his spry years, equaling a 94-year-old man at this point, and his arthritis is causing problems. After consulting with a few homeopathic friends, some books, and one homeopathic doctor, we found some ways to ease his pain without breaking our budget.

Buy the Book

Every pet owner needs a book that explains basic medical care as well as emergency care. These books are filled with at home tricks for pet care, many that align with basic human care. The most valuable thing about these books is that they explain what over the counter medication is safe for dogs and cats. Treat your pets like children, but remember that they are not humans and their bodies may respond differently to medication. Always check with your vet before administering care, but be prepared for a bit of a battle. Like doctors, not all vets believe in homeopathic medicine, and many are quick to write a prescription.

Medicines to Try

Not being big believers in medications, we found some basic ones that keep our elder pet happy. The first was glucosamine chondroitin. Careful not to purchase any variant of the supplement with additives, we now crush one of these pills into his food each night, and he's shown a great improvement in his agility. Glucosamine aids in joint health and seems to have "greased up" his hips and shoulders a bit. It's not going to heal already damaged joints, but it has made things easier, which at this point in our pet's life is the best we can hope for.

Another staple we keep around is chewable children's aspirin. After reading a dosing chart in our pet medical book and checking with our vet, we keep these "treats" for days that his arthritis really seems to act up. Just like us, when he's hurting we give him his aspirin and lay a hot water bottle against him. Originally, our vet offered us a daily shot that we could administer, but after some research we learned that long term dosing of NSAIDS causes liver or kidney damage. Popular NSAIDS include Etogesic, Rimadyl, Metacam, Zubrin, Deramaxx, and Previcox.

While our furry friend doesn't need it, some pets get overly anxious during storms or during travel. For this children's Benadryl works well. It calms them down and creates the sedative effect of the antihistamine without too many side effects.

Simple Comforts

Simple comforts and common sense are often the best and certainly the cheapest alternatives. Old animals with joint pain need soft places to lay and should avoid environmental shifts. If the barometer suddenly changes, our dog shows signs of stiffness. On damp days we discourage him from sitting on the porch, and we make sure to close the windows at night if it's going to cool down significantly. After coming in from some time in the cold we provide an extra blanket or a hot water bottle for him to keep the aches away. Despite all that we tell him, he's still intent on exploring the yard and guarding it from wild visitors.

Chiropractic Care for Canines

If your pet suffers from joint pain, check with local chiropractors to see if they treat animals. I've watched many dogs enter our chiropractor's office and take the appointment slots before or after me. Hip dysplasia in dogs is much like lumbar misalignment in people, and chiropractic care is a non-invasive way of treating it. According to our doctor, the dogs enjoy their visits and don't react negatively to the adjustment. There are no needles and prodding instruments to fear, only friendly, gentle hands that take away the pain.

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Comments

xintexas
Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 278 Feedbacks

September 9, 20101 found this helpful

Careful Glucosamine chondroitin doesn't work on all dogs and or all humans. It does take about 6-8 weeks to work. Out of my two dogs it only worked on one.

And yes you can tell the difference. They do get a little more spry. I do recommend a egg crate or bed made for dogs with joint pain. This seems to help also.

Tess Vowels

September 4, 20132 found this helpful

Please give some suggestions about the books. I would rather use homeopathics on pets, too! But most homeopathic books don't have pet care. Help?

Anne Norman H.

January 8, 20152 found this helpful

Vitamin E is an anti-inflamatory. Ester-C helps with arthritis, so does grated celery mixed with the food. Ascriptin (Maalox coated aspirin) is good for pain. There is a book Natural Health in Dogs and Cats by Dr. Pitcairn that will help guide you with holistic and homeopathic remedies. Also find Dog Pain Away and Dog Gone Pain for arthritis, hip dysplasia.

For stressful times, there is nothing better than Bach's Rescue Remedy - a drop rubbed on the inner hairless part of the ear flap helps to calm dogs, cats. (Humans can also take by mouth - I use it myself sometimes.) A Thunder shirt can really help a lot. Moist heat helps ease pain and relieve stiffness. Swim therapy (warm pool/water) is good.

2ndsight

January 9, 20151 found this helpful

I give my dogs and cats Milk Thistle capsules to cleanse their liver. Just sprinkle a capsule over their food. Valerian capsules are good for over-active or nervous, anxious dogs. My friend gives her rambunctious dogs a dose before entertaining at her home.

I give my cats a sprinkle of something called "Barley Cat" and I provide spider plants for them to nibble on. This helps the urinary tract. The herbal supplement Mullein is good for respiratory problems and allergies. I have the book "The Nature of Animal Healing: The Definitive Holistic Medical Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat" by Martin Goldstein, D.V.M. It's available in hardcover and paperback, colorfully illustrated and easy to understand.

My dogs have also received Reiki treatments for various discomforts. This works both in person and remotely.