Dog Flu: Remedy for an Epidemic

Dog lying quietly, sick.

I just feel sick. Leave me alone.

Hype or Not, We’ve Got Sick Dogs Here!

“I live in Chicago and work with dogs. I would call this an epidemic! It has destroyed the dog care industry here. Most of the dogs I know have gotten this flu. Thankfully none have died, but it is terrifying.”

Last week’s post on dog flu and its hype brought forth some consternation from those experiencing the disease. Even terror from one commenter. As this was obviously a fast spreading epidemic, easily transmitted from sick to non-sick dogs, I thought there had to be a homeopathic remedy to help.

Want to grab my free homeopathic dog flu prevention and treatment report?
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Homeopathy has a long history of use in epidemics. When a remedy has been identified that has cured a majority of patients, that same remedy often prevents the disease in those living near the sick.

Examples of homeopathic prophylaxis in human epidemics include scarlet fever, smallpox, yellow fever, cholera, and one of the deadliest flus in history, the Spanish flu of 1918. In the latter, the homeopathic physicians of the day had sterling results, with death losses close to 1%. Allopathic treatment was up to 68% death loss in this highly deadly human flu.

The scarlet fever experience goes back to Hahnemann’s day.

His initial foray into preventative use of remedies was the result of inductive genius. During an outbreak of scarlet fever, three children of four in a family under his care became ill. The fourth, who was usually the first to become ill, remained free from disease. Hahnemann reasoned that since the child had been taking belladonna for an affection of the finger joints, she was in some way protected from the infection. Soon afterward in a family of eight children, with three already infected with scarlet fever, Hahnemann seized the opportunity to test the prophylactic powers of belladonna. As he had hypothesized, all five escaped the disease despite ongoing exposure to their siblings.

[Epidemic Diseases And Homeopathic Prophylaxis: Fact Or Fiction]

Figuring Out the Dog Flu Remedy

The way a remedy for dog flu or any other epidemic is found is by looking carefully at the symptoms individuals show who have been sickened. I posted on Facebook to see if I could gather some, and a few individuals replied in the comments of my earlier dog flu post.

EM, in Chicago, reported the affected dogs were lethargic and not interested in interacting. The cough was dry but could end in vomiting white material. Fever was part of it. Discharges were clear from eyes and nose.

Janet from Wisconsin joined others who reported sneezing seeming to start the sickness. She saw coughing worsened by her dogs running. Her dogs (3) all caught the flu rapidly after exposure to another dog with the illness, demonstrating the “highly contagious” part. All three had a harsh cough that was followed by gagging. One, as I was writing this up, vomited egg white looking fluid after hard coughing.

Here’s the symptom list I came up with:

  1. Starts with sneezing
  2. Lethargy and lack of appetite are prominent
  3. Not interested in interacting
  4. Coughing is strong and often ends in retching
  5. Cough is dry
  6. Cough is made worse by exertion
  7. Fever, some with panting
  8. Runny nose, watery eyes
  9. Restlessness

I ran these symptoms through a couple of repertory programs I use regularly and came up with the following analyses:

Boger's General Analysis

Boger’s General Analysis

MacRepertory Graph

MacRepertory Graph

The next step is to pick a few remedies and read their descriptions in the materia medica. I looked primarily at nux vomica, bryonia and antimonium tartaricum, as I thought they sounded most likely to fit this disease of “coryza” (the old word for the human cold, which is the closest description of this dog flu).

Coryza: …usually short-lived yet highly contagious. The onset is marked by a chilly sensation followed by sneezing, watering of the eyes, nasal discharge, cough, and a mild fever. – Yasgur, J, Dictionary of Homeopathic Medical Terminology, 3rd edition.

I realize this dog flu is not so short-lived, some dogs being sick for weeks, apparently, but none the less, I think coryza with a cough describes the sick quite well.

And, The Winner Is

**Special Update, New Information!**

Based on a client’s experience with this disease, even though nux vomica comes out in the analysis as a top choice, Phosphorus is the remedy of this epidemic. I’d use it first, and nux vomica only if you haven’t seen sterling results.

Reading Nux vomica, a very common remedy in homeopathy, we find the following:

  • Nose, Coryza, with sneezing
  • Nose, Coryza with lachrimation (watery eye discharge)
  • Nose, Initial stages of coryza
  • Nose, Coryza…with impatient mood (perhaps that restlessness in several dogs?)
  • Cough, worse physical exertion
  • Cough, with vomiting
  • Cough, tight, dry, hacking
  • Mind, Wants to be quiet, desires repose and tranquility; retires to his room.

I think nux vomica fits quite well, but especially so early on. It is probably similar enough to prevent the disease if given to dogs in potential exposure situations.

This gets a bit confusing towards the end, my apologies. So much excitement when I found a better remedy! But, they could both work!
I’d suggest this for the simplest approach:
Grab my free homeopathic dog flu prevention and treatment report.
Click this button and get it now:

Note: While Nux v fits in analysis, actual clinical cases now indicate Phosphorus is the remedy of this epidemic. Actual dogs getting better on a remedy always trumps an analysis that shows something different.

If it’s much later in the disease, we may need to find some other remedy, but let’s start with nux vomica phosphorus and keep a journal of what improves, what doesn’t, and what changes. You can report in the comments on your experiences. Here’s what I’d hope for, if you care to share your results:

  1. How long were your dogs sick before you started phosphorus?
  2. What symptoms changed after you dosed?
  3. How quickly did change occur?
  4. If your dogs didn’t fully recover, what symptoms remained?
  5. Were there any new symptoms that weren’t there until after treatment?

If you’ve not had success in an established dog flu from Phosphorus, please try Nux vomica 30C, which also reads quite well for this flu. The protocol for both follows.

How to Dose

I’ll suggest two different dosing protocols, depending on where your dogs are in the dog flu scenario.

Not Yet Sick, But Potential Exposure Possible

I’d give these dogs one pellet daily of Phosphorus 30C, right before bed. You can buy this remedy where ever remedies are sold. If you don’t have a store nearby that sells remedies, you can order online through any number of homeopathic pharmacies. Two are Homeopathy Overnight and Natural Health Supply.

[Special note: don’t do this unless dog flu is clearly in your area. It’s never a good idea to give a remedy repeatedly and causelessly.]

You’ll get a tube full of fat BB-sized pellets, and it’s best not to touch them. Just pour one into the cap, open your dog’s mouth wide, pointing his nose skyward, and fire that little pellet down the throat to be swallowed.

If no success, you can do a water method as in the next scenario for sick dogs. Just give it once a day, though. No need to do the three doses in prevention mode.

Sick, Coughing, Sneezing, and Feverish

If your dog is already fighting the flu and has some symptoms like those listed above, here’s the way I’d treat them.

  1. Crush three of the phosphorus 30C pellets in a file card, folded in half and rolled over with a glass or bottle.
  2. Pour the powder into a half glass of purified water.
  3. Stir well before each dose and give a 1cc dose of this water/remedy solution night-morning-night, so you’ll give 3 doses total at roughly 12 hour intervals, then stop.

Alternately, a 1/4 teaspoon can be given with a spoon. The remedy can stay at room temperature, covered with a napkin between doses.

Evaluate over the next 24 hours and see if your dog improves. If so, no more remedy until improvement ceases. When ever improvement ceases, repeat a single dose and watch again for 6-12 hours or more. While improving, no further dosing.

If no improvement is seen, give Nux vomica 30C a try. But please write up your observations following the 5-point question list above and leave them as a comment below. We can learn from your experience to find more suitable remedies if needed.

Update April 12, 2015: Nux vomica a great second choice

My client with three affected dogs had brilliant success with her first and second dog with Phosphorus. The third dog responded, but not with the same vigor and steady improvement as the first two. Reading this blog, she changed the third dog’s remedy to Nux vomica, and he did every bit as well as the phosphorus treated dogs had done.

Clearly, it’s not pleasant for the sick dogs who have caught the canine flu. If this remedy acts as well as I think it will, it should shorten the severity and duration remarkably, compared to the untreated. And, if it successfully treats the sick, odds are high it will protect those exposed from getting a full-blown case of dog flu, especially if given early in the illness or before it ever occurs.

Just to recap, I’ve changed this original article, updating to reflect real-world experience with dog flu in actual patients in Austin, Texas. Read about that here.

NOTE: For an even more recent update, to help quell the hysteria of the 2017 resurgence of dog flu, you can read this post, hot off the presses. And then, relax quite a bit, as you wisely question the hysteria.

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80 Comments

  1. Emily on October 11, 2021 at 5:58 pm

    My nine year old English Pointer (50 lbs) has a hoarse bark/whine and has coughed a few times. His tongue is more red than usual and he is panting a bit when moving about, so possible fever. He is acting normal otherwise regarding playing, eating, bathroom habits, etc. Does this sound like the flu or should I try to get him in at my vet? Thanks for any advice!

    • Will Falconer, DVM on October 11, 2021 at 9:08 pm

      It doesn’t, but no harm in getting a check up. Generally, sick dogs don’t play, eat, eliminate normally, so based on that, so I don’t hear a sick dog here.

      Just beware that your best stance,if you go to a vet is “diagnostics only please,” as it’s all too common to dish out antibiotics if they feel you are concerned and want to “do something.” Without a strong justification, those drugs impair the immune system unnecessarily, and you most certainly want your dog’s immune system to be on full functioning alert.

      (And flu is a virus, right? “Secondary bacteria” is a common excuse to throw antibiotics even at viruses, which they can’t possibly kill.)

  2. Joy on September 19, 2021 at 7:29 am

    The initial description in your recent newsletter sounded a lot like kennel cough, except that it lasts longer. Is that correct? Are they related? And if a dog has had kennel cough or dog flu previously, is natural immunity conferred?

    • Will Falconer, DVM on September 19, 2021 at 10:27 am

      Some similar symptoms (helpful in homeopathy) but they are different organisms so immunity doesn’t confer from having one to protecting against the other.

  3. Alethea on May 16, 2018 at 11:04 am

    Not Yet Sick, But Potential Exposure Possible
    I’d give these dogs one pellet daily of Phosphorus 30C …. for how long though – a week – a month? Can it be given in a bit of yogurt if the other two methods aren’t possible – coz these are strays I’m treating.

    • Will Falconer, DVM on May 16, 2018 at 11:18 am

      It depends on your risk, Alethea. How big is the disease right now where you live? Is it in the news? All over your local Facebook feed? If not, I wouldn’t do phosphorus at all.

  4. Pam Barnes on July 11, 2017 at 10:03 am

    I see you removed my post from July 9 about distemper acquired from the dog shows and my plea for help as I move my dogs from AZ to Texas where Distemper is full blown. We used the remedies for your dog flu protocol. When they didn’t help that was the first clue it wasn’t just flu. This is very serious. My niece’s dogs in CO are dying from it. I must protect my pack as I move into the heart of it. These are dogs that are exposed to various environments and should have acquired immunity. Titers are being done to see who needs boosting. Can you supply Tautodes if my dogs are not immune? The only vax I can find with only distemper is NeoVacD. I would only use this as a last resort.
    Thank you.

    • Will falconer, dvm on July 11, 2017 at 10:33 pm

      You’ll do well to find distemper nosode, useful both for prevention and treatment of distemper. Survey homeopathic vets for this. I can supply, but I’m not shipping until I return to the US next week.
      p.s. Where in Texas is all this distemper? Just had good success in a Florida outbreak with the nosode.

  5. Christina on July 6, 2017 at 7:55 pm

    Hello,
    I just treated my dog with your phosphorous protocol night-morning-night Tuesday into Wednesday. I came home from a weekend away and he started coughing Monday night with foamy discharge. We were at a dog show 2 weekends ago. He improved after the first dose, no more coughing Wednesday. I stopped the dosage but today I came home after work and he has a yellow mucous discharge from his nose. I made up the nux Vomica in water and plan to start that tonight. Should I be alarmed because the discharge is not clear? He seemed almost back to normal now this. He is eating with the same appetite and has lots of ebergy playing with my other dogs. I gave the phosphorus pellets to the others 3 dogs I have (12,7, and 11/2 years old) and they have not exhibited any clinical signs. He is 3 years old. I have also been supporting with slippery elm for his throat, echinacea and vitamin C.
    I just want to ensure I’m doing the right thing and a bit concerned about the yellowish mucous, thanks.

    • Will Falconer, DVM on July 10, 2017 at 11:51 pm

      Hi Christina,
      As long as he’s continuing to improve (appetite, energy, cough), no worry about the discharge being yellow, no.
      If he goes towards more coughing, you can repeat phosphorus. Please don’t change to nux. Once you’ve found a remedy that’s helped, if there’s regression later, you’d always repeat the remedy that helped rather than change to a new one.

  6. Cindy Price on June 24, 2017 at 10:46 am

    Can the Phosphorus be used on young puppies 4.5 months old. 4 sick coughing dogs in the house and puppies are starting to sneeze. Just wondering if its safe to treat them the same as the adult dogs.

    • Will Falconer, DVM on June 24, 2017 at 12:26 pm

      Any age, yes. Just like human babies and toddlers. Very safe, very effective.
      Let me know how you come out on treatment and prevention both, Cindy. Your feedback matters and can help others.

  7. Rene Warren on June 17, 2017 at 12:05 pm

    Hello,
    I really appreciated reading this article.
    My 13 year old Doberman (70lb for dosing) just got sick a couple of days ago. I rushed into action, thinking this was a repeat of a liver issue she had 3 years ago. (Many symptoms presented the same way). She lost her appetite, was lethargic and weak and her fever (with chills) spiked to 104 over night. No coughing, congestion or sneezing, just a little nasal drip here and there. I had her blood work done yesterday and everything looks great. Sooo, maybe this is a form of the canine flu. I started her on Denamarin (milk thistle) as a precautionary. But, more importantly, I started her on 5 pellets of Boiron Byronia 6c 3 times a day, for liver pain and fever yesterday. She did much better through the night and this morning her temp is at 101.1, she is more alert and seems to be interested in food. The difference has been so immediate it’s almost startling. I thought I was in for a week or two of dealing with a very sick dog and in 1 day she seems to be feeling so much better. I myself have not had much luck with homeopathy, but my pets sure have. I just wanted to share what I did in case someone else has a dog that presents the same way, they might try the same remedy.
    Thanks again!
    Rene’ in Portland, Oregon

    • Will Falconer, DVM on June 17, 2017 at 2:43 pm

      Hey, nice work, Rene! I’m gonna guess this was something other than dog flu, though. If it was flu, these are really atypical symptoms. As a respiratory virus that infects all the way from nose to the deepest part of the lungs, we be expecting a lot of coughing. This one is also reported to have a fair amount of sneezing.
      Bryonia is a fairly prominent liver (and fever) remedy, though, so bottom line, even w/o a firm diagnosis, you saw the wonders of a proper remedy play out in your old Dobie. Again: Congrats!

  8. Charlie Timmerman,DVM on June 15, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    Dr Will. I never heard back from you about phosphor-homacord from heel and its possibility to use as prevention/treatment
    Thx Charlie

    • Will Falconer, DVM on June 15, 2017 at 1:52 pm

      I’m not a fan of combo remedies, Charlie. They tend to not go as deep and act curatively as a single well-chosen remedy.

      • Charlie Timmerman,DVM on June 15, 2017 at 2:03 pm

        Ok will get some phosphor 30c

  9. Rachelle Bennett on June 14, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    Hello, so glad for this article. Thank you!
    This is definitely the HOT topic right now in my dog circle. We do agility and it’s all the fear right now. Starting in Georgia and Florida and now in Texas (?)
    Many are ordering the vaccine. Many fears about these strains going around if caught can cause permanent lung damage and cost thousands of dollars to treat your dog. The stories are scary. I am having faith in Homeopathy.
    If you aren’t sure of cases in your area and are unsure of other dogs and their exposure, would you not attend a trial or give according to the “not sick possible exposure” dosing?
    Thank you!

    • Will Falconer, DVM on June 14, 2017 at 5:53 pm

      Hey Rachelle,
      Oh, the fear mongers! Permanent lung damage?? Since when has any flu caused that, in any species? Gimme a break…
      I’d go boldly forth, but use the preventative Phos before you leave, and if you end up seeing a harsh cough, if the phos isn’t clearing it, I’d move right on to the nux v.
      Good for you, not buying into the fear. You represent sanity and confidence, and that’s so important when others are sure the sky is falling.

      • Rachelle on June 15, 2017 at 10:05 am

        Thanks!
        Now on to fight the fleas! This year they seem to be really bad for me. 🙁
        Thank you for all you are doing!!
        Rachelle

  10. Charlie Timmerman,DVM on June 14, 2017 at 12:24 pm

    I have phosphor homacord from Heel is this applicable for treatment and or prevention ..also have nux comics from heel
    All going crazy here I. South Carolina. Boarding kennels starting to require … Are dogs going to be protected if get shot on day or week of boarding.??? Media hysteria …vaccine not the answer
    Thx
    Charlie Timmerman ,DVM

  11. Debi High on June 13, 2017 at 5:12 pm

    Great article…..sharing!
    Thank you,
    Debi High Jarrell

  12. Joy Annunziato on June 13, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    Question for classical homeopath – If phos is used preventatively and the vital force doesn’t need, can an aggravation cause a preggo to abort due to this line in Boericke “disorganizes the blood, causing fatty degeneration of blood vessels and every tissue and organ of the body and thus gives rise to hćmorrhages, and hćmatogenous jaundice” I really need an answer to this priorate administering it.
    Joy

    • Will Falconer, DVM on June 13, 2017 at 4:09 pm

      Hi Joy,
      No, the materia medica you are citing is speaking of the metal in crude form, not the diluted remedy. If you abused the remedy even, giving it every day for a year (way more than I’m suggesting, if you review the protocol), it’d be extremely unlikely to cause anything like an abortion of a pregnant animal. It’s one main reason I’m a homeopath and not an herbalist: these are super safe forms of medicine!

  13. Joy Annunziato on June 12, 2017 at 9:27 pm

    We do not have the flu…yet in our area, Adirondack s but have been to many shows with my guys. Can I use phosphorous as a preventative even in a pregnant bitch?

  14. Olivia on June 11, 2017 at 11:21 am

    Great article I am passing around to all my dog friends as well as in dog groups. We have these remedies, and both we have used for other things always getting excellent results, such as using Phosphorus for nosebleeds, and for after any surgery to help the liver get anesthesia out of the system. And I think most peole know how well Nux Vomica does with an upset stomach. But now that everybody is talking about this canine flu, it is wonderful to discover one of these two, depending on the symptoms, can do such a great job treating this virus.
    I have read blogs about how difficult this is to treat using regular methods, so very pleased to see what to do with homeopathic remedies instead. Thank you for this informative article.

  15. Lindsey on June 9, 2017 at 5:13 am

    So the Asian strain of dog flu is back with avengence, this time spreading at dog shows primarily. I’m curious as to if you have any updates to add for this round of the virus? I see a homeopathic human MD up here in the DFW area myself and so I know homeopathy works. But just wondering if you’re feeling any different about all this now. There is now a vaccination for this strain. I can probably count the number of vaccinations my dogs have had over their lives on both hands, so I’m definitely a believer in minimal vaccines. But, high risk (dog with preexisting medical condition, Valley Fever, and a dog over the age of 13, and I teach dog sport classes as well as compete myself, tho I’m not competing until this calms down.) patients, do you feel any differently about them? Just trying to get as much info as possible. Thanks!

    • Will Falconer, DVM on June 11, 2017 at 12:27 pm

      Hey Lindsey,
      Homeopathy cures (and prevents, in this case) based on matching patients’ symptoms with those a substance could potentially create, if taken in excess by the healthy.
      As such, it’s “strain agnostic.” Naming the virus strain has nothing to do with how a remedy is chosen for an epidemic, and these two remedies were chosen based on how well they did in this illness.
      Now, as to a “high risk” animal? I’d never dream of recommending a vaccination for such an animal. Talk about adding fuel to the fire. Besides which, it’d be malpractice for any vet to vaccinate your dog with a pre-existing medical condition.
      So, yes, I feel even more strongly that any sick animal who wants to beat the flu and has any risk of exposure should consider these remedies. Only makes more sense for them.

  16. Mary on June 6, 2017 at 11:56 pm

    Dr.,
    If I am traveling with my females to be bred (one going 7 hours away; one a cross-country trip, 2 days of traveling and a week at stud dog’s house) is the phos 30C safe for breeding animals? I had entered a dog show for the weekend after breeding the first girl– but think I should probably stay home….

    • Will Falconer, DVM on June 7, 2017 at 11:57 am

      Hey Mary,
      One characteristic of homeopathy is its wide safety margin. So, yes, from toddlers to pups to breeders to Grandma, it’s a very safe form of medicine.

  17. jenny on June 6, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    I am confused; if my dog is already sick, for the phosphorus treatment, do I do 1 or 3 pellets?

    • Will Falconer, DVM on June 6, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      Hey Jenny, take your time and reread those instructions. I’m saying to crush three pellets and dissolve in water to dose those who are sick.

  18. Darci Michaels on June 5, 2017 at 9:21 am

    Thanks for the great article and help with this flu Dr. Will. (No signs of it in my area here in Winnipeg). I shared this article for those who may need it! I feel prepared and ready in case it comes here. Thank you agin!

  19. Deborah on April 11, 2016 at 7:14 am

    Good Morning, I am so grateful for your support over the weekend. My little one got up at 3am. I was so relieved to see him walking on his own 4 legs. After the Nux Vomica treatment you recommended. I continued to give him water with a little dilute honey and mashed garlic.His glands were so swollen yesterday that I gently massaged with coconut oil with a drop of oregano oil. He ate cooked carrot at 4 am and just now wolfed down some mashed sweet potatoes. This is the first food he has eaten in 3days! Thank you for being here, I don’t know how I would have got through the weekend without you. ((Hugs))
    Deborah

  20. Deborah on April 9, 2016 at 6:06 am

    I live in Florida. 10 days ago, I took my dog to a new pet groomer.
    He has been lethargic and feverish now for several days. His neck glands are swollen as well. My holistic vet cannot seen him till next week! Any suggestions?

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 9, 2016 at 9:01 am

      It’s all laid out for you in this article, Deborah. Roll up your sleeves and get started. No value in waiting now, time to jump.

      • Deborah on April 10, 2016 at 3:01 pm

        Yes, I read the article. Our local health food store had Nux Vomica 30X, but not the Phosperous you mentioned. I have given him the 3 doses as recommended in the article, but he is still very lethargic & will not ear or drink. I have a large plastic syringe( without a needle) that I give him liquids by mouth every couple hours.
        My holistic vet cannot see him til next Friday. Should I try to find the Phosporous you mentioned? Any other advice?

  21. Kurt on January 29, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    I’m confused. As a preventative, the dosage is one pill of Phosphorus 30c. However, if my dog is already sick then I crush three pills, dilute in 4oz of water and only give him 1/4tsp or .04oz 3 times in 24hrs?
    It seems like he’s getting much less Phosphorus 30c with the latter.
    What am I missing here?

    • Will Falconer, DVM on January 30, 2016 at 3:59 am

      Hi Kurt,
      We’re dealing in homeopathic potency now, which is not physical, but energetic medicine. At 30C, there’s no physical phosphorus in that pellet. Once diluted, the water is the same potency as that single pellet.
      If you want to learn more, there’s a very well written book (free) on my Resources page called Homeopathy: Beyond Flat Earth Medicine, by Tim Dooley, ND, MD.

      • Kurt on January 30, 2016 at 9:05 am

        Thanks for the reply Will! I’ll check it out

  22. Ellen on December 23, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    The media are getting folks whipped up into a lather about this flu with a few cases turning up in Texas recently. My ex vet is sending out emails advising pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated. I’m going to be proactive and give my dogs the phosphorus you recommend until the scare dies down.
    Until I can get my hands on the phosphorus, I’m wondering if the human grade bone meal supplement I have on hand might be a good alternative. It has 210 mg of phosphorus per serving, but I’m not sure how that would equate with 30c of phosphorus. Any thoughts?

    • Will Falconer, DVM on December 23, 2015 at 5:41 pm

      Hi Ellen,
      Is this flu trying to make a come back? Odd. I expect it’ll be significantly less pathogenic this round, if that’s the case. Immunity would be quite established from the earlier visit it made.
      Phos 30C is a remedy. Nothing like a supplement that has physical phosphorus in it. You’ll find it where ever homeopathic remedies are sold, including Natural Grocer, Whole Foods, Central Mkt, probably even several HEB’s.
      But, I’d keep an eye on the news to get a sense of whether dogs are really falling sick. I’ll take a peak soon and see what it sounds like.
      All the best.

      • Will Falconer, DVM on December 23, 2015 at 7:27 pm

        Just checked news sites, and it appears there’s been a case in Austin. The press is busy fanning the flames, trying to scare people [“On the order of 100 times more contagious previous strains of flu,” says a vet].
        So, there’s contagious (how fast it spreads) and there’s mortality rates (extremely low incidence of fatality). Needless to say, the hubbub is all about contagion, less about how it’s unlikely to cause death. Still, the call is going out to vaccinate with the brand new Merck vaccine.
        Sigh. I’d quietly ignore that.

        • Ellen on December 23, 2015 at 9:10 pm

          Thank you kindly for your advice. It’s much appreciated.

  23. Walderez Vianna douglass on May 27, 2015 at 10:43 am

    Many many thanks for this information. I need to buy this for my JRT, we walk every day and right now he’s recuperating from HGE, maybe because last week my 16 y. Parson terrier die…Waiting today for some blood exam results.
    last June he had demodecic mange and we use a natural product that totally heals him in 2 week baths and I start to cook for him too.
    What to you recommend for those Texas fleas? We live at Galveston Bay and Sentry Natural Defense it’s not working anymore. 🙁
    ((((BIG HUG)))))

    • Will Falconer, DVM on May 28, 2015 at 8:49 am

      Hi Walderez,
      Sentinel sounds like pesticides, so I’m hoping you’ll be finding safer alternatives to that. One of my most popular pages is called Non-toxic Flea (and Tick!) Control. You’ll find what you need there.

      • Cindy on June 28, 2015 at 3:46 pm

        Dr. Falconer,
        Mad about Organics Insect relief repellent works great for fleas and ticks, flies and Mosquitos ! I’ve used it for years.

  24. Andrew on May 23, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    THANK-YOU very much for this article. I have a 12 year old Westie and we’re in the Chicago area. I was alarmed after learning of this flu. While my fur-baby is her normal, hyper-energetic self, I feel at ease being armed with information on what to do should she show any signs of distress/illness. Again, many thanks!

    • Will Falconer, DVM on May 23, 2015 at 4:03 pm

      You’re most welcome, Andrew. And hey, would you post here now and then to tell us where your epidemic is going? From what I hear on the interwebs, it’s winding down and sputtering as I write this. Sound like reality from where you stand?

  25. Darleen on May 18, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    Thank you so much posting this dr Falconer. It seems both my dogs have come down with the dog flu and are at the early stages.
    My 12 1/2 yr old daschund mix had her spleen removed 12 days ago and was recuperating at the vet after her surgery, where, unfortunately, the 1st confirmed case of dog flu in Ga. was confirmed 2 days ago. She’s lethargic, with sneezing and a runny nose, but is eating. Needless to say, my puppy, a shihtzu, has also started sneezing and has watery eyes .
    I just picked up the phosphorus and will start the treatment this evening. Do I need to alter the amounts given for their size? The puppy is 11 lbs
    and the elderly pet is 22 lbs.
    Thanks Again ,
    Darleen H

    • Will Falconer, DVM on May 18, 2015 at 6:28 pm

      Excellent, Darleen, this is very timely then.
      No, the dose is the same for an elephant or a shrew, as it’s energetic medicine in this 30C dilution. You’re good to go, and if you need some help interpreting their response, just post back here and I’ll stop in to help as needed.
      You should be fine, especially catching it early in its course.
      Please keep good notes, and keep us apprised on how you do.

      • Darleen on May 18, 2015 at 6:57 pm

        I will be monitoring them very closely Dr.Falconer. Thank so much for your assistance and expertise.
        It’s much appreciated.
        Sincerely ,
        Darleen H.

  26. Lori on May 11, 2015 at 11:14 am

    Thanks!
    So as a preventative, would I dose every night ?
    take care
    Lori

    • Will Falconer, DVM on May 11, 2015 at 12:26 pm

      I would, yes, Lori, until you hear the epidemic has died out. That’ll be harder to find out, as it’s not nearly as exciting for the media to report. 😉

  27. Renée on April 29, 2015 at 6:35 am

    Hi,
    My Golden Retriever, Caine, & I are in Southeast Florida. The flu has hit down here. Several dogs at a “good” shelter passed away quickly after getting the flu. One dog w/ the flu was at our vet’s & is on IV fluids / under watch.
    How do I get one of your rescue kits?
    We plan on traveling in the next couple of weeks.
    Thank you!

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 29, 2015 at 8:08 am

      Hi Renee,
      Several dogs died in SE Florida? How many actually died please? I’m not seeing any reports of dog flu deaths above the 6 dogs that died in the midwest that I reported on last week. Usually, the media is all over this and, unless I’m searching wrongly, they’re not showing up.
      I can send info on my kit via my Contact page. Just make the subject line Remedy Kit and I’ll get that to you. The remedies mentioned in this article should be widely available at any store that sells homeopathic remedies, though. You’d have them sooner if you shopped locally.
      Thanks for clarifying the death info I’ve asked for. That would be news if true.

  28. Esther on April 28, 2015 at 8:04 pm

    Thank you for caring about all our animals. The flu is not in my area yet but it is good to know you have a remedy that can be used to cure symptoms and shorten the suffering of the sick dogs, and also preventing the ones that have been exposed to the flu from getting the disease.

  29. Deborah Stark on April 28, 2015 at 11:07 am

    Dr. Falconer, I love reading your newsletters and I adamantly your approach to caring for our beloved animals. One note in question though regarding the journals – There have been numerous articles, etc. regarding the mass roundup and killing of dogs (and cats) in China and Indonesia for their meat and skins. The skins and fur are then used in leather products of all types. How about a non-leather bound book for a journal? Somehow the madness of too many must be stopped. We love our animals dearly as we should love and care for them all. I dream of a day when we regard all life as precious.
    Thank you for your great work.
    Debra Stark, Santa Fe, New Mexico

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 29, 2015 at 5:01 am

      Sure, Deborah. None of the journals recommended have leather covers to my knowledge.
      Thanks.

  30. Tricia on April 27, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    My second of 4 chihuahuas has it right now
    The first went lethargy, sensitivity to being picked up (yelped even though it is something done on a normal basis) feverish eyes were runny (worse than normal) then spent a night hacking until bringing up clear fluid
    I’d given arnica Montana for the sensitivity (achy) and nux vomica for the wretching
    He made a big improvement after that night over all was sick for about 4 days
    My second dog is in the lethargic sensitive stage so I’m starting the remedies now
    Thanks for the info!

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 27, 2015 at 9:22 pm

      Hi Tricia,
      Better to stick with only one remedy, and in this case, it’s nux vomica, known for sensitivity in states of illness. Using two remedies is always going to be less effective than the one best fitting one.
      Please keep me posted here about how your second dog does.

      • Tricia on April 27, 2015 at 9:35 pm

        Thanks will do

        • Tricia on May 5, 2015 at 5:56 pm

          She had an easier time than my first dog felt better after only 3-4 days
          Perhaps it was just a dog cold 🙂

          • Will Falconer, DVM on May 5, 2015 at 6:27 pm

            Why not because you gave a single appropriate remedy? That’s what a correct remedy is supposed to do: shorten the disease significantly, and make it milder.
            A “dog cold?” Not sure I’d make up a new disease, as contagious as this flu is…



  31. Stacey Zanella on April 27, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    Thank you Doc!

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 27, 2015 at 6:28 pm

      You’re welcome, Stacey. Seeing any flu in California?

      • Stacey Zanella on May 25, 2015 at 9:48 am

        Hi Doc,
        I do not watch the news but apparently the flu has landed in the San Diego area. I’m heading down to Santa Monica this week and I’m taking Chanel (my 12 year old Standard) with me for a little girls only Thelma and Louise road trip. I just ordered the Phos 30C so we are going to charge the beach and go everywhere with no fear. I will give the Phos 30c once a day as a preventative. I certainly would not want to bring the flu home to my 5 males but even if we did I’m not worried because I now know how to treat it naturally, thanks to you :).
        Cheers, Stacey & the Gang

        • Will Falconer, DVM on May 25, 2015 at 9:19 pm

          I like your attitude, Stacey.
          And you’ll do fine. Just please: no driving off cliffs, eh? That didn’t end well for Thelma nor Louise.

  32. Chris Bond on April 27, 2015 at 9:13 am

    Thank you for your continued work on behalf of our beloved dogs! What a timely article that I will be printing off for future reference.

  33. Joyce on April 27, 2015 at 8:26 am

    Short, sweet and awesome! Thank you!
    Sharing to create awareness.

  34. Lori on April 27, 2015 at 8:15 am

    cool. Thanks. I will be traveling with my homeopathic kit and my doodle. 🙂

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 27, 2015 at 8:36 am

      Aren’t you in the Chicago area, Lori? Yes, your remedy kit should serve you well.

  35. Mary Schafer on April 27, 2015 at 6:24 am

    Thank you !

    • georgia gilham on April 27, 2015 at 9:56 am

      Liposomal Vitamin C – you can buy it or make it yourself – there are recipe’s on line – you make it with lecithin and ascorbic acid – you can get non gmo sunflower lecithin – and if you want non gmo ascorbic acid you can get it from UK thru’ Amazon. There’s not one virus that has not responded to Vitamin C. You just have to use enough – and you can’t get enough with oral Vitamin C. See “Curing the Incurable” by Thomas Levy, MD, JD. The CDC and FDA have been doing a great job suppressing information on Vitamin C.

    • michael h carter on December 8, 2018 at 9:42 am

      where can you get Phosphorus

      • Will Falconer, DVM on December 9, 2018 at 8:46 pm

        Michael, this is the homeopathic form of the phosphorus, so Whole Foods or most health food stores who carry homeopathic remedies will have phosphorus 30C.

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