top of page
Search

Reflections on Veterinary Homeopathy: Science, Education, and the Growing Interest Among Pet Owners

Homeopathy is a medical specialty that seeks to treat the individual as a whole - body, mind, and emotions. In veterinary medicine, this approach has been gaining ground, particularly among pet owners who seek natural, safe, and integrative therapies for their animals.


Despite the growing public interest, veterinary homeopathy still faces major academic challenges. A study conducted by Coelho, Minami, and Balbueno (2022) revealed that among the 70 veterinary medicine programs in the state of São Paulo (Brazil), only four offer courses in homeopathy, representing less than 6% of the total. In many universities, this subject is even actively opposed, reflecting ignorance and a lack of interest among some educators. As a result, most future veterinarians graduate with no knowledge about homeopathy, which is a medical specialty officially recognized by the Brazilian Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine (CFMV) since 1995, through Resolution No. 625/95 and it limits the dissemination of approaches based on individuality and energetic balance in animals.


Despite this educational gap, scientific production in the field has been growing. National and international studies report promising results across several species and clinical conditions, including mild heart failure in dogs (Balbueno et al., 2020), experimental urinary infections (Coelho et al., 2017), postoperative pain control (Travagin et al., 2021), and even the treatment of pododermatitis in Magellanic penguins (Narita et al., 2021).


Moreover, critical reviews such as those by Lees et al. (2016, 2017) provide an in-depth analysis of the methodological challenges involved in assessing the efficacy of homeopathic therapies, highlighting the importance of robust and reproducible study designs. Even when mechanisms of action are not fully explained within classical pharmacological parameters, the authors acknowledge that homeopathy continues to attract growing interest among veterinarians and pet owners, particularly when assessed through real-world clinical effectiveness.


This dialogue between evidence-based medicine and integrative therapies is essential, not only for homeopathy but also for complementary practices such as Reiki. The concept of integrative medicine, described by Boon et al. (2004), promotes a patient-centered approach (animal or human), emphasizing prevention, well-being, and collaboration between professionals and caregivers. Thus, homeopathy ceases to be viewed as an alternative to conventional medicine and becomes part of a more comprehensive and respectful form of care.

Globally, veterinary homeopathy continues to expand. The market for homeopathic products for pets, for example, is growing at an estimated 5–7% annually, driven by the demand for natural, sustainable, and low-risk treatment options. This reflects a broader cultural shift: pets are no longer seen as property, but as beloved members of a multispecies family.


Teaching, researching, and practicing homeopathy with scientific rigor and ethical commitment is, therefore, an investment in the future of veterinary medicine - one that is integrative, responsible, and deeply focused on animal well-being.


References:

  1. BALBUENO, M. C. S.; PEIXOTO JÚNIOR, K.; COELHO, C. P. Evaluation of the efficacy of Crataegus oxyacantha in dogs with early-stage heart failure. Homeopathy, v. 109, n. 4, p. 224–229, 2020.

  2. BOON, H. et al. Integrative healthcare: arriving at a working definition. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, v. 10, n. 5, p. 48–56, 2004.

  3. COELHO, C. P.; MINAMI, R. A.; BALBUENO, M. C. S. Homeopatia nas universidades de medicina veterinária no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Conjecturas, v. 22, n. 2, 2022. DOI: 10.53660/CONJ-906-I16.

  4. COELHO, C. P. et al. Homeopathic medicine Cantharis modulates uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC)-induced cystitis in susceptible mice. Cytokine, v. 92, p. 103–109, 2017.

  5. LEES, P.; CHAMBERS, D.; PELLIGAND, L.; TOUTAIN, P.-L.; WHITING, M.; WHITEHEAD, M. L. Comparison of veterinary drugs and veterinary homeopathy: Part 1. Veterinary Record, 2016. DOI: 10.1136/vr.104278.

  6. LEES, P.; CHAMBERS, D.; PELLIGAND, L.; TOUTAIN, P.-L.; WHITING, M.; WHITEHEAD, M. L. Comparison of veterinary drugs and veterinary homeopathy: Part 2. Veterinary Record, 2017. DOI: 10.1136/vr.104279.

  7. NARITA, F. B. et al. Homeopathic treatment of pododermatitis in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Homeopathy, v. 110, n. 1, p. 62–66, 2021.

  8. TRAVAGIN, D.; BALBUENO, M.; COELHO, C. P. Use of homeopathic Arnica montana 30cH for postoperative analgesia in female dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Homeopathy, v. 110, n. 1, p. 72–78, 2021.

ree


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page