So, your dog has a fever? Homeopathy can help!

When your dog has a fever, what is your reaction? Do you look at fever as a positive aspect of healing, or as a symptom that scares you? If you said the latter, let me take the fear out of fevers for you and show you how homeopathic medicines can help.

A fever is a response to inflammation in the body. This reaction is directed solely at restoring health. But we fear a fever in our dogs because it is often accompanied by shivering, lethargy, dullness, increased respiration rate, panting, and lack of appetite.

Conventional veterinarians usually see fever as a symptom of an infection or disease. They will often prescribe antibiotics. But antibiotics kill off healthy gut flora which are “good bacteria.” Both we humans and our dogs need good bacteria to stay healthy.

Homeopaths believe fever is a sign of a fully functioning immune system at work. When the immune system is healthy and in full operation, a fever stimulates healing.

However, there are times when a fever may get too high (105 degrees F or higher) or go on for too long (more than two to three days). In those cases I recommend providing some relief by using homeopathic remedies. I’ll discuss some possible choices later. When used correctly, homeopathic remedies encourage the immune system to work optimally. They are not suppressive and do not destroy healthy gut flora.

You should stop remedies once symptoms subside. If the fever does not begin to recede after 12 to 24 hours, reassess the condition and consider switching remedies. Contact a veterinarian or homeopathic veterinarian if fever persists or if you have questions.

To administer the remedy, place the pellets directly into the back of your dog’s throat, close the dog’s mouth, and point the nose to the ceiling until the dog swallows. Sometimes gently rubbing the throat will encourage swallowing. Homeopathic remedies are sweet-tasting, and most dogs take them easily.

However, if it is difficult for you to give your dog pills by mouth, you can make an aqueous solution by placing 1 to 2 pellets into a 2- to 3-ounce glass jar or cup and filling it with distilled or spring water. Once the pellets are dissolved in the water, vigorously stir the solution 10 times to activate the remedy. Between 5 to 10 drops from a dropper equal one dose. If you do not have a dropper handy, you can use a teaspoon. Even just lifting your dog’s upper lip and streaming the aqueous solution onto the gums will be effective.

Not every fever the same

Not every fever is the same. To choose the correct homeopathic remedy, be sure the remedy’s description includes the symptoms your dog exhibits. I recommend 30C for the potency in acute cases and dosing 2 to 3 pellets every 15 minutes for one hour if the fever came on suddenly, or every 1 to 2 hours for a lingering fever.

Here are some useful remedies for addressing fever in your dog:

ACONITUM NAPELLUS: This remedy is especially helpful if the fever comes on suddenly, particularly if the animal has been exposed to cold winds before the fever developed. Think of this remedy first, especially when the dog presents with a fever and no other symptoms. Aconite works quickly but usually requires frequent dosing.

ARSENICUM ALBUM: Think of this remedy if the fever is worse after midnight and is accompanied by chills. Other things to look for: Your dog desires company. He or she will follow you from room to room and not want to be alone. The dog will sip water as opposed to gulping it.

BELLADONNA: Your dog seemed fine earlier and now has a high temperature which came on quickly. You may see that your dog has red ears due to the heat from the fever. The dog may also have dilated pupils and a full bounding pulse. The fever usually comes in the late afternoon hours. Your dog may be irritable and could be aggressive.

BRYONIA: The fever is dry. Your dog may be excessively thirsty. He or she lies in the doggie bed and stays there. Movement makes the dog feel worse.

CHAMOMILLA: You will see one ear red and hot and one ear pale and cold. Your dog may be whiny or needy. He or she seeks your company, but then walks away, wanting to be left alone. The dog is irritable, fidgety, and oversensitive to pain or discomfort. He or she will have a chill even with the fever.

FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM: This remedy is used for lingering fevers. The symptoms are worse at night and early in the morning, worse on the right side, and worse from touch or movement. Your dog feels better from cold applications such as putting cold packs under the armpits or in the groin area.

GELSEMIUM: Your dog has a chill but without thirst. The chill will run up and down the spine, and you could see your dog shiver or have muscle twitching. The dog will have thin, watery, and acrid discharges from their eyes. You will see the dog lethargic and sneezing, especially in the morning.

SULPHUR: The fever will rise gradually and consistently. Think of Sulphur for viruses.

PYROGEN: This is for fevers that are mainly associated with abscesses. This remedy is beneficial in treating septic conditions where there are offensive and foul-smelling discharges. The fever will be high, but the pulse will be low. (Compare with Belladonna which is for a fast pulse.) The animal will be weak, but restless and will change positions often.

I hope that I’ve taken the fear out of fevers for you. The next time your precious pooch experiences fever, choose homeopathy and encourage your dog’s immune system to work optimally.

Brenda Tobin is a homeopathy practitioner for animals and people. She is certified in canine nutrition, a Reiki Master, Animal Reiki Practitioner and a PEMF practitioner. She has been working remotely since 2016 and has clients worldwide. You can reach her through her website at www.wellnessmattersonline.com or by emailing info@wellnessmattersonline.com.

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