Distemper is a serious and contagious virus that often afflicts puppies. Luckily, homeopathic medicine is an effective treatment. 

Puppies treated holistically have definitely survived distemper. Even puppies supported merely with IV fluids and symptomatic drugs have survived distemper, some with and some without residual health problems. Juliette de Baircle Levy ran a distemper clinic in London in the late 1930s where she cured hundreds of dogs with fasting, herbs and a natural diet.

While distemper is a virulent virus and can certainly kill puppies quickly, there are many holistic approaches that can support them in surviving.

1. Reiki

First, every person needs to become attuned to Reiki (or one of the other energetic healers – Quantum touch, reconnective therapy, etc). When any illness or one of the early warning signs of internal imbalance is observed, begin Reiki. If a litter of puppies is found with distemper, start Reiki immediately.

2. Rescue Remedy

Second, every person with animals needs to have Rescue Remedy and begin using it with the appearance of any symptoms.

Distemper is a fulminant disease, so the best success will be when you are also working with a veterinarian trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), homeopathy or botanical medicine. They can individualize the treatment of each puppy to maximize the chance of success.

A list of the symptoms shown by each puppy are listed and either a separate remedy is given for each one, or a “genus epidemicus” remedy that matches most puppies’ symptoms is given to all, then individual remedies can be given. Some homeopaths find that Distemperinum, a nosode, is useful when they cannot find the simillimum.

Common symptoms of distemper in all phases include:

• eye and nose discharge
• loss of appetite
• fevers
• coughing
• pneumonia
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• calluses on the nose and foot pads

The end stage symptoms can be more difficult to cure, but still possible – convulsions, tremors and snapping of the jaws.

If one puppy with a creamy yellow nose and eye discharge was not thirsty, wanted lots of cuddling and petting and preferred to be in a cool place, Pulsatilla may help.

If another puppy had thinner discharges from the nose and eye that made the skin raw (or was having diarrhea and vomiting) and they were very chilly, restless and fearful, Arsenicum album may be chosen.

If a puppy loved to be petted, startled with loud noises and had some blood tinges in their diarrhea and vomiting, or phlegm from coughing, they may respond best to Phosphorus.

When it comes to treating distemper, almost any homeopathic remedy could be needed. Consult an integrative or holistic veterarian to find the best remedy and create a suitable treatment plan for your pup.