A Homoeopathic First Aid Box

By Sue Jones

Apis Mel: This remedy is prepared from Bee sting and is an effective treatment in cases of insect bites and burns. It is indicated when there is swelling and water retention .

Arnica: I would not be without this, it is the first remedy I reach for in cases of injury, bruising and shock. I give it routinely to a bitch when whelping is completed to settle her down and heal the bruising. A dose should be given before and after surgery and teeth cleaning, Arnica Lotion or cream is used on bruises and relieves the pain in injured tendons and muscles. It is invaluable in most stressful situations.

Arsenicum Album: I find this useful in some cases of diarrhoea and vomiting particularly when the animal takes frequent small sips of water, is restless and vomit may be bloodstained. It is the remedy to use if food poisoning is suspected.

Belladonna: Can be a useful addition to conventional treatment of epilepsy and eclampsia and is indicated where there is much inflammation, redness and a full bounding pulse. Veterinary help should always be sought in these conditions.

Calendula: Another 'must' in my medicine chest. The lotion is I think , the most healing that I have ever used and like Brut I 'dab it on all over'. It is also available in a cream and sometimes is combined with Hypericum..

Carbo Veg: A very effective treatment for stomach upsets especially those with much rumbling, gas and bloating. Usually given together with Nux Vom and I can recommend the combination for humans after any form of over indulgence .

Caulophyllum: The Homoepathic pituritin. I use this if a bitch seems to have stopped contracting during labour providing she shows no other signs of distress. It helps to make the contractions resume. I also give it routinely after whelping to expel any debris from the womb.

China : For states of exhaustion, particularly where there has been much loss of fluids through bleeding, diarrhoea or vomiting.

Euphrasia: Used as a lotion in 30 potency, this remedy is a most effective treatment for all kinds of eye infections and inflammations

Gelsemium: The treatment for the elderly, rather unsteady dog. It also treats fear especially of storms and loud noises and can often improve the nervous show dog.

Haemamelis: Helps to control haemorrhages and disperse blood blisters.

Hepar Sulphuris: Used in cases of suppuration, boils and abscesses. Low potencies bring the infection to a head while high potencies inhibit pus formation. It is also effective against some ear infections.

Hypericum: For pain, especially where nerve endings are affected as in crush injuries, Neck and upper spine conditions eg spondulitis are helped by it. Combined with Calendula in lotions and creams it soothes and heals wounds.

Ignatia: For homesickness and bereavement. I use this if a dog or puppy goes to a new home , comes to stay for a time or is separated from a much loved companion but most of all for when a bitch loses her puppies.

Lycopodium: for the fussy feeder who shows great eagerness for its food but will then take only a few bites leaving it and losing interest in it. Beware there is often a problem with the liver in these cases

Pulsatilla: One of the remedies to encourage fertility in the bitch and to restore the womb to normal. It is given routinely from time to time during pregnancy or between seasons to regulate them. I have also seen it bring about a great improvement in the condition of dogs suffering from prostate troubles both before and after surgery.

Rhus Tox : For arthritis and rheumatism especially where the symptoms are relieved by movement. Use for muscle strain.

Ruta Grav: For sprains, dislocations and damage to ligaments and tendons. Again the symptoms improve with movement.

Sepia : Another female remedy Used in cases of false pregnancy and to regulate a bitch's season if it is delayed. A dose should be given after whelping and also if the bitch is restless and scratching up with no discernable cause. I always give Sepia, Arnica and Caulophyllum in a combined dose after whelping. Sepia should never be given to a bitch in whelp.

Sulphur : For weeping eczema, dandruff or other skin conditions. Generally for an unkempt, smelly dog in poor condition. A valuable remedy for those who have rescued a dog which is in a bad way.

Symphytum: Given daily in all fracture Cases. This is the Homoeopathic form of Comphrey or knitbone. It can also be used in tablet form with Euphrasia lotion for eye injuries

Thuja: Use when an adverse reaction to conventional vaccination is suspected. Is also a remedy for some warts.

Urtica Urens : Combined in a lotion with Cantharis is a very effective treatment for burns and scalds. However it's greatest use for the dog breeder is that in it's low potency it suppresses the formation of milk and relieves engorgement in the 'milk bar' while in high potency it stimulates the production of milk. An invaluable remedy.

The Nosodes: These are also known as the Homoeopathic Oral Vaccines and are prepared from diseased tissue or from cultures of bacteria or viruses or other associated organisms and are usually given in 30c potency

A 'Dog Combination' is obtainable from Ainsworths Homoeopathic Chemists, 38 New Cavendish Street London W1M 7LH Tel: 0207 935 5330 and orders are dispatched very rapidly. The Combination consists of the Nosodes for Hardpad, Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and if requested can also include Kennel Cough. Personally I always order a separate supply of both Parvo and Kennel Cough as well and then they are readily available for emergency use if I suspect contact with either of these diseases.

The dosage is simple but should be followed meticulously. Puppies can be treated from 3 weeks of age. The tablet should be crushed in a spoon and dropped to the back of the throat. One dose twice daily for three days , thereafter one dose weekly for six weeks then one dose monthly for six months or when in contact Repeat annually I also give a three day course to any animal who is going to a show after a long stay at home. It may be unnecessary but it gives me peace of mind and is harmless. A Cat Combination is also available