Hey Sam, come here. Let’s talk about homeopathy, boy!

Wait, what-e-op-othy?

Uh, doesn’t sound like anything I’d be interested in or want to know more about.

Sure you do. You know that spot on your tail that hasn’t healed well over the past couple of weeks? I think you might benefit from a homeopathic remedy since you keep licking it raw.

I am not licking it. I’m…um…applying super healing dog saliva, yeah, that’s the ticket. Super healing dog saliva!

Oh good grief…well, it doesn’t seem to be working in any event so I thought we’d try something out of “Mom’s super homeopathic kit” to help you out. It’s that or a trip to the vet. Do you want to go to the vet>

Hmm, no! You do make a valid point there. Ok, tell me more about it, maybe I’ll warm up to the idea pay attention to what you’re saying. Is it magic fairy dust? I LOVE fairy dust!

Unlike drugs or fairy dust, homeopathic remedies use the original thing that started the problem. According to The Natural Canine, “homeopathy uses micro doses of natural substances, has no side-effects or interactions with pharmaceutical medications.” With homeopathy, the cure won’t be worse than the problem. Homeopathy principles date back to Hippocrates and even before him to ancient Hindus while modern day homeopathy was founded by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1810. It’s based on the law of similars whereby remedies containing minute amounts of natural substances stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms against specific imbalance. If given in large doses, they would produce the same symptoms. The healing power doesn’t actually come from the substances but from the energy released during the refinding process of shaking and dilution.

So you’re telling me something from your hocus-pocus bag will make me better? Nah, I don’t think so you’d better find me some magic fairy dust.

Oh Sam, you’re just being ridiculous irrational. Don’t you want relief from the itching that caused it? Personally I think you might have an allergy to some of the plants and grasses near Grandpa’s house. Remember how you were sniffing for bunnies and kept getting into the brush? After a thorough cleaning of the spot, I’ll apply an anti-allergy dose and you’ll begin to feel better in no time.

Oooh, yes, bunnies, Can we go see the bunnies again?  It would be nice not to have to chew on my tail 87 times a day. Is this something like the essential oils you use on my collar to keep ticks and other critters away? That stuff smells so interesting.

Yes, Sam, please focus-no bunnies right now. A few dabs of rose geranium essential oil is very successful for repelling ticks from dogs.

Ok, I’ll agree, but I still think I’d prefer the magic fairy dust.

Sigh. Wouldn’t we all like some fairy dust?

Next time, I’ll tell you what ingredients you should have around to create your own ‘hocus-pocus bag.’ Till then…

Live, love, bark! <3