Homeopathic remedies have been used to treat people and animals since the late 18 th century.

Homeopathy has, historically, been particularly effective with children. In
the same manner, puppies often respond very well to homeopathic treatment. Homeopathic treatments produce a smarter, healthier and more resilient body. They work with the body. That’s why I highly recommend using homeopathic treatments with puppies. Starting young, during a time when a puppy has a high vital force, trains her body to maintain better health naturally as she grows.

Let’s start at the very beginning, when the puppy is still in the womb, and then move on to problems that can occur during the birthing.

For a puppy with a congenital hernia: whether the hernia is inguinal or umbilical, first give a dose of Sulphur 30C. If this doesn’t work, give a dose of Nux vomica 30C a few times a day over a period of two to three days, followed by one more dose of Sulphur 30C. I have found that most umbilical hernias in puppies resolve un- eventfully with homeopathic treatment.

For rash on abdomen of young puppies, a few doses of Rhus toxicodendron 6X
or Sulphur 30C will usually do the job. You can also wash the area in a diluted Calendula tincture.

For fading puppy syndrome (also known as canine herpes). The pups may have soft greenish stools, labored breathing, retching and vomiting. Give Rescue Remedy to all the pups, particularly before bed. Keep the pups warm and dry. Begin with Aconite 6C or 30C four times in one hour and then every hour for four hours. Follow this with Arsenicum album 6X or 30X, eight times in the first day for retching and diarrhea and signs of abdominal discomfort. One or two doses of Silicea 30C is also a good remedy to follow with when all has settled down.

"Homeopathic treatments

produce a smarter, healthier and more resilient body"

For nutritional anemia: at about two weeks of age, pups may develop a paleness of the visible mucous membranes and progressive weakness. The remedies to use include Trinitrotoluene 30C, Ferrum Iodatum 6C and China 30C. I recommend starting with China 30C three times a day and Ferrum Iodatum 6C once a day.

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy can occur in older puppies up to the time of weaning and is characterized by swellings at the end of the long bones. This is painful and the pup will be unwilling to walk long dis- tances and may have a high temperature. The first remedy to try is Calcarea fluorica 30C. This remedy should not be repeated too often. It’s a very good general remedy for bone conditions. Ruta gravolens 6C is also good for the initial inflammatory re- action involving the periosteum of bones. Ruta can be given three to five times a day.

GENERAL PUPPY PROBLEMS

Carsickness. Cocculus 6X is the first choice for controlling travel sickness. Give twice before travel, with doses a half hour apart, then as needed.

Diarrhea. China 6X or 30X is a phenom- enal remedy for diarrhea and can be given every two hours or so. Podophyllum 6X is great for puppy diarrhea that’s light brown or yellow colored while Aloe is a good remedy if there’s a great urgency to go. All of these remedies can be combined and/or given at the same or similar times. Arseni- cum album 6X or 30X is very good for vom- iting and diarrhea, although with a young puppy you should be ready to get to the veterinarian if the Arsenicum doesn’t clear up the problem quickly (it often does!). A diet of well-cooked watery white rice with beaten eggs scrambled into the rice should be given in addition to any remedies.

Homesickness. When the puppy is sepa- rated from her litter mates and is getting used to new surroundings, Ignatia 30X three or four times a day for a few days will help soothe the transition. If a dog has been abandoned and has many losses of human companionship, the remedy Natrum muriaticum 6X given three times a day for a week or so will often help ease deep grief.

Kennel Cough. Antimonium tartaricum 6X along with Aconitum naellus (Aconite) 6X

DURING PREGNANCY

AND BIRTHING

Caulophyllum will help establish a normal pregnancy, regulating the entire gesta- tion. Its use during the birthing is its real claim to fame. A few doses of Caulophyllum 30C during birth can help with a smooth and uneventful delivery. Uterine inertia responds beautifully to this remedy.

AFTER THE BIRTH

For swelling and elongation of the puppy’s head due to a difficult birth, give Arnica 6X, four to six times a day. Rinse the head lightly a few times with cold water, being careful to keep the puppy warm. If the puppy is not better in two days, try Rhus toxicodendron 6X, four to six times a day.

For a puppy who’s blue at birth and having difficulty breathing, give one dose of Sulphur 30C immediately. After an interval of three hours, one dose of Calcarea carbonica 6X can be given. Another remedy that can be given concurrently if the puppy is gasping is Carbo vegetabilis 6X

or 6C every half hour to start, until the puppy is comfortable