Sometimes the terms “homeopathic” and “holistic” are used interchangeably, but in fact they are two entirely different things. A holistic veterinarian is a veterinarian who uses homeopathy as one of his alternative treatment methods. Homeopathy is an alternative therapy whose underlying premise of treatment is “like cures like.”

Homeopathy defies common sense. Though it has been praciced for nearly 200 years with great success, no one has been able to prove by modern medical standards exactly how it works. The founding father of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, was a physician and chemist. He found after years of experimenting and testing that the same substances that created the symptoms of a particular disease could also cure that disease. This is the basis of homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathic remedies are very diluted versions of the particular ailment they are thought to cure. Hahnemann believed that the more diluted the remedy, the more powerful it became. The key to using homeopathic remedies effectively is to match the entire patient to the remedy, including the animal's physical and emotional makeup to determine which remedy to use.

Holistic veterinarians work from a list of remedies. They try to match the remedy as best they can to the patient's ailment and individual personality. The remedy is usually given orally, in a pill or liquid form, though some holistic practitioners are able to use injections. The remedy may be given as a one-shot treatment, or it may be administered daily for several weeks. This depends upon the condition and what the case calls for. Classic veterinary homeopaths tend to give remedies in single doses, but others combine remedies from a number of ingredients and administer them together at a very low potency.

Homeopathy has been gaining in popularity and many holistic veterinarians are beginning to use homeopathy as one of their tools for regaining the body's natural balance and returning it to health. As with other alternative therapies, extensive classroom and handson practical experience are needed for a homeopathic vet to be effective in treating patients. As your Golden's caretaker, you would be wise to find a practitioner with both the knowledge and experience to give your Golden the best treatment and care possible.