History

• Homeopathic medicine began in the 1800s and was first practiced by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. The theory behind homeopathy is that therapies and medications should be used to support the body in healing itself. Homeopathy uses very diluted concentrations of herbs, flower essences and other substances to stimulate the body's healing powers. Homeopathic practitioners may also rely on other alternative forms of healing such as acupuncture and massage. Many homeopathic veterinarians also place a strong emphasis on diet and encourage pet guardians to feed natural, organic, human-grade meals to their dogs.
  
  

Herbs

• Herbs are one of the most commonly prescribed medications used in homeopathic medicine. These solutions may come in the form of teas, ointments, rinses, tablets and more. Herbs may also be prescribed, in a fresh or steamed form, to be added to the pet's meals. While there are thousands of herbs a homeopathic veterinarian might prescribe, depending upon your dog's conditions, the most commonly used herbs are those with which you are likely already familiar. They include aloe, burdock, calendula, dandelion, garlic, ginger, licorice, parsley and raspberry.
  
  

Flower Essences

• Flower essences are one of the substances used to stimulate healing in homeopathic medicine. In most instances, flower essences are prescribed by a homeopathic veterinarian for behavior issues. One of the more commonly prescribed flower essences for dogs is Bach's Rescue Remedy. Rescue Remedy is a mixture of five flower essences. The makers of the product purport the solution calms pets, reduces symptoms of separation anxiety and relieves stress.
  
  More than 38 types of flowers are used to derive essences. The tincture from the flowers is preserved in alcohol. Before use, the pet owner further dilutes the mixture. For example, to calm a frightened dog using Rescue Remedy, you might add only a few drops of the solution to his water bowl.
  
  

Vaccinations

• If you place your dog under the care of a homeopathic practitioner, be prepared for a discussion about vaccinations. Many homeopathic practitioners believe vaccinations interfere with the body's ability to heal itself and that vaccinations can be dangerous to a pet's health. Homeopathic nosodes are a vaccination substitute. There have been no studies, however, that show they are truly effective in preventing infectious diseases in pets.
  
  

Veterinarian

• Although homeopathic medicine purports to be more natural and gentler than conventional medicine, some of the substances--including herbs--can be dangerous and toxic if administered in the wrong dosage or if given for the wrong condition. If you wish to treat your dog using homeopathic medicine, it is best to consult with a homeopathic veterinarian. You can find a homeopathic veterinarian in your area by visiting the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association's Web site.