Homeopathy is a system of medicine that heals by “energy” rather than chemicals. The remedies come in the form of little sugar pellets that are approximately the size of a sesame seed. When giving 
a homeopathic remedy to yourself, you tap one or two of the dry homeopathic pellets directly in your mouth and dissolve on your tongue. With pets, a more effective way is to either put a couple of pellets inside the mouth flap, on the gum, or mix the dry pellets into purified or distilled water and syringe it onto their tongue, or to shake it up and give by teaspoonful. I find that mixing the pellets in water is an easy way to deliver a remedy to a pet. Mixing with water is gentle if you have a sensitive pet, but it’s also easier to make the remedy stronger by ‘succussing’ it to add extra energy. Succussing is hitting the base of the bottle with your hand firmly. This potentizes the remedy and the number of succussions increases the potency. I usually give it 2 succussions when first giving a 
remedy. You can increase the number of succussions to make the remedy stronger.
Here’s what you do to mix homeopathic remedies in water: Tap 2-3 pellets of the remedy you’re going to use into a bottle. Let the pellets dissolve for about 5 minutes, then shake vigorously to mix the dissolved remedy and succuss (give the bottle a couple of thwacks on your open hand).
Alternately, you can put the remedy into glass bottle containing 4 oz. of spring or distilled water and after it dissolves, stir briskly. Pour onto a teaspoon or if you have a syringe, draw up 1-2 cc’s and drop onto your pet’s tongue. You can always pour a little in an empty cup or bowl for him to drink (after shaking or stirring the mixture). If you have a pet who is not fond of handling, you can put the remedy mixture into a small spray bottle and spray on the anus or any orifice. Birds usually don’t mind being sprayed. Any mucous membrane will absorb a remedy.
Tip for helping birds
In the summertime I keep a spray bottle with arnica mixed in and use it to spray on any injured or stunned birds that accidentally hit my window. If you have flighted birds at home, this remedy mixture comes in handy.
Tips for administering remedies
Give the remedy on a clean palate, i.e., no food should be in his mouth. You don’t have to give it on an empty stomach, but just no food in his mouth so that it will absorb more quickly. It’s important not to mix into your pet’s food as it will hinder the effectiveness of the remedy.
Tips for storing homeopathic remedies
- Store remedies in a cool dark place, away from strong-smelling substances such as eucalyptus, camphor, oil of cloves, Vick’s vapor rub and aromatherapy oils. It is not a good idea, therefore, to keep them in the bathroom.
- Do not store remedies near mobile phones, televisions, microwave ovens or computers. The fridge is okay.
- Ensure the lid is well secured after use.
- Do not store where there is direct sunlight, or excessive heat or cold.
- Don’t transfer remedies from one container to another.
- After a few weeks, toss the remedy out and you can reuse the bottle for other remedies.
Most homeopathic remedies that are mixed in water last about 2 weeks if refrigerated.
Learn more about how to use homeopathic remedies with animals in Shirley’s other articles here on AWG, and in her book A Healer in Every Home
Also see our book review here.
Shirley Moore
I’m going to give my cat a homeopathic prescribed for arthritis.
I really don’t want to put it in her mouth as a pellet or as a liquid with a syringe because she had been on medication and is tired of that game.
Is there any reason why I couldn’t mix it up in water as you mention in this article, then just add to her drinking water?
Answer from Shirley:
Hi Kathleen,
Actually the pellet remedies do not expire, but FDA regulations require
the companies to put an expiration date on the bottles. Unless it¹s a
tincture, you should be able to use them for years.
Shirley Moore
Homeopath for Dogs
I have a tackle box full of very old out of date remedies. How should i safely dispose of them?
Hi Janice,
Shirley will contact you directly.
Hi Shirley;
My dog Quincy is a former Save A Dog . He just had a mass removed from his neck. It came back aggressive cancer. They want me to see an oncologist and begin treatments. I rather try homeopathic first. He’s a 8 yr old yellow lab . I appreciate any advice you could give. Quincy former name was Yeller; ID 3637
Thank you
Dr. Shirley,
My dog is taking a pain pill Tramadol and also Rimadyl for post-surgery on his knee. He gets his rabies vaccination soon and was wondering if giving him a dose of Lyssin is safe and will not interfere with his prescription meds.
Hi Pat,
Shirley will contact you directly with information.
Hi Tricia,
You can get it at a number of places, even at Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vuKrVY
How do I order ledum-palstre?
hi shirley
i am about to start my dog on the ledum, as prescribed by dr tobin
but how many do i give for each dose?
and is it safest to make some in water ( tap filtered water?) in a bottle? sometimes he spits out the pellets.
what (how many pellets) can i make up in a dropper bottle- enough for 3 days?
keep in fridge?
but i think u said throw out after two days-? can i boil the bottle and re use?
and the lyme nosode- just give him the pill or dissolve that in water too?
thank you so much
My cats seems to be having some pain in his mouth. Breath has been stinky and he seems to be swallowing more and wants to eat more often. But anyway i will be Bringing him in to the vet, but is there a Remedy that would be most appropriate for dental in the meantime. I am a student and have no money. But I would go without food first. I just want him to be as comfortable as he can for the next couple days before I can bring him in.
Hi Debby,
Shirley says that mixing remedies is not advised because some remedies antidote others. It’s best to find the remedy that matches the totality of the symptoms.
Hi, Dr. Shirley,
I want to mix several remedies very similar to BHI’s Skin. Is this OK to do and if so, what is the best way to combine remedies for animals?
I’m treating my cat for Mil. Dermatitis.
Thank you!