Homeopathy in veterinary medicine – what pet owners should know

If your pet becomes restless, starts whining, or you notice other changes in behavior, it is a sign that you should consult a veterinarian. Although pet owners often look for an immediate solution, the most accurate help begins with a clear diagnosis and a consistent care plan. Today, there is increasing room in such plans for gentler, body-friendly measures.

Practice in neighboring countries shows that some European veterinarians use various complementary measures in their work. For example, according to a study conducted in Germany in 2023, more than 85% of small animal veterinarians reported using naturopathy or complementary veterinary preparations. Homeopathic veterinary preparations are not new in Lithuania either. According to veterinarian and co-owner of the clinic “Siaurio Šnauceris,” Jurgita Siaurienė, these measures have long been used in their clinic as a gentler alternative alongside standard procedures. “As an additional measure alongside regular procedures, homeopathic preparations have been used in our clinic for about 15 years. Of course, urgent situations require quick solutions, and then it is possible to look for ways to responsibly integrate gentler measures into the animal’s daily routine,” says J. Siaurienė.

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J. Siaurienė recalls that more than a decade ago, the selection of homeopathic products in Lithuania was very limited. Today it is much broader – there are more categories of products, more professional training, and literature available. The clinic does not consider itself homeopathic; however, according to her, in some situations additional measures naturally integrate – they are discussed as part of the overall plan. For the owner, this usually means a simple, human explanation of what such a measure is intended for in the context of care. “Approximately one in three of our patients discusses the use of homeopathic veterinary medicines as part of the overall care plan. There are situations where this happens more often, especially when we talk about everyday well-being, comfort, mobility, or routine issues. Sometimes additional homeopathic measures are included at the end as well – when the treatment plan is meant to be completed in a way that is gentle on the body,” shares J. Siaurienė.

According to the veterinarian, pet owners’ expectations vary greatly. Some are actively interested in alternatives and are prepared to wait patiently for results, while others expect immediate changes. Therefore, during consultations, it is important to emphasize that homeopathic remedies often take longer to take effect, whereas quicker results are usually achieved using conventional veterinary measures. “In practice, it happens that something seems to be missing with various measures already in use, and after introducing a homeopathic remedy, positive dynamics are seen within a week. I always honestly say – sometimes this happens, but we cannot say for sure whether it is specifically related to that remedy, or if it is simply the time for a change,” she says. For homeopathic remedies to meaningfully integrate into daily care, J. Siaurienė plans the sequence of actions with the pet owner in advance – what actions to take immediately, what to review after a few days, and what signs to monitor at home.

“Our patients don’t speak. Sometimes a person might feel pain in one place, whereas the real cause is somewhere else. It’s the same with animals – it’s better not to give something that might not be needed and not to overload with remedies without a clear plan,” emphasizes J. Siaurienė. She advises consulting even about supplements. According to J. Siaurienė, there are stages when a pet’s body needs additional “building materials.” However, the inclusion of individual nutrients in a pet’s daily routine should be discussed with a doctor, taking into account their diet and activity level. Such decisions are not made independently – they fit only as part of an overall plan, which outlines what the owner does, what the doctor monitors, and when to review the results.

“Supplements are not just a separate product – they are part of a routine that requires consistency. Their prescription also needs to be comprehensive and individualized – which is why it is worth consulting a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist even regarding feed supplements. Sometimes a combination of different supplements is needed, and other times – less is more,” notes J. Siaurienė. She also points out that homeopathic veterinary preparations and supplements should only be chosen if they are strictly regulated internationally and nationally. In Lithuania, one such representative is ‘Biomedela.’ The company has been working for over a decade in the veterinary pharmacy and feed supplement segment in the Baltic countries, collaborates with internationally recognized brands created in Germany, and emphasizes that products are supplied only through legal channels, in compliance with regulations in the fields of veterinary products and feed.

According to representatives of ‘Biomedel’, attention to quality begins with the selection of raw materials and production standards – strict quality systems are applied, ensuring traceability and transparency of ingredients. In the lines of feed supplements, preference is given to well-tolerated ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives, and some of the assortment producers also opt for organic certificates. In practice, this translates into a simple recommendation for owners – choose only legally registered veterinary products or feed supplements, carefully read the information leaflet on the packaging, and consult a veterinarian or pharmacist regarding usage.