Pets are harmed by some homeopathic treatments, scientists say

Homeopathic treatments are killing animals with preventable diseases. Experts from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) warn that some vets are promoting “unscientific” treatments, and more than 3,300 vets signed a petition voicing their mutual concern over homeopathic remedies for animals.

Chris Tufnell is the senior vice-president of RCVS. Tufnell raised a red flag about one popular homeopathic remedy in particular called nosodes, which is an alternative to traditional vaccinations in the form of sugar-coated pills containing diseased matter from other animals.

Dogs Naturally magazine says, “The alarming increase in autoimmune conditions, allergies, cancer and other canine health issues due to vaccine reactions is a known fact. Pet owners are now seeking alternatives to keep their dogs healthy while preventing disease and illness. The growing interest in nosodes comes at a time when the safety and efficacy of vaccines are being questioned.”

However, Mr. Tufnell said that the use of this unproven treatment is “entirely unnecessary.”

“I have seen dogs die from completely preventable conditions such as parvovirus, which is extremely unpleasant and preventable,” said Tufnell.

Tufnell added that depriving pets of much-needed painkillers by replacing them with homeopathic remedies leaves the animals in unacceptable pain.

Some doctors and vets believe that homeopathic treatments, which are highly-diluted substances, can enable the body to heal itself. Yet many of the remedies are no more than a sugar pill, containing no active ingredients whatsoever.

Many studies have proven that the remedies perform no better than placebos, which is a treatment that only works because the patient believes it will.

A 2010 review from the  Science and Technology Committee determined that the principles upon which homeopathy is based are “scientifically implausible.” Experts at RCVS agree, stating that there is no “recognized body of evidence” to support homeopathy.

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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer