If your dog suffers from some type of gastrointestinal disorder and you are tired of trying regular medications, you may want to turn to alternative pet therapy. Alternative pet therapy is made up of numerous natural methods that are used for treating all types of illnesses in dogs. Homeopathy is one type of alternative medical technique a holistic veterinarian might suggest, and here are several things you should know about this.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a unique type of approach used to treat almost any illness a dog may have, including gastrointestinal issues. Its approach is based on the principle that "like cures like," which means illnesses are treated with ingredients that are known to cause the issue the dog is being treated for.

This method was developed around 200 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann, and it has been used ever since. Homeopathy is not only used for pets though; it is also used to treat illnesses in people.

The philosophy behind homeopathy is that by treating a dog's illness with something similar to what is causing it, the dog will be able to build up an immunity against it. Because of the way this works, only small doses of the ingredient are given to the dog. Giving it large doses could make the condition worse or kill the animal.

What is used to treat gastrointestinal issues in dogs?

If your dog has gastrointestinal issues, a vet that offers homeopathic care might suggest trying arsenicum album, also known as white arsenic. When this is given to a dog in large doses, it will cause the dog to vomit and have diarrhea. The dog may also experience stomach pain and dehydration.

When given in small doses, the dog's body should be able to fight this off, which will cause its immune system to strengthen against the symptoms listed here.

The medication itself is available from vets that offer alternative forms of pet therapy, and it is typically in the form of pellets. You can crush the pellets or place them directly in the dog's mouth. You can also place them in the dog's water bowl. Your vet will know how much to give your dog, and it is very important to follow these directions.

Homeopathy is one way to treat your dog's health problems, but there are many other methods to try. To learn more, contact a veterinarian that offers alternative pet therapy, such as those at Downing Center For Animal Pain Management.