RCVS Study: Homeopathy’s Perceived Effectiveness and Perceptual Error

A study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), conducted in 2017, has provided strong evidence that the perceived effectiveness of homeopathy is largely due to cognitive biases rather than actual therapeutic benefits. Researchers demonstrated that improvements observed in patients—both human and animal—are often the result of natural recovery, placebo effects, and misinterpretation of symptoms rather than the remedies themselves having any physiological effect.

Key Findings

The study highlights several psychological and statistical factors that contribute to the continued belief in homeopathy:

Regression to the Mean – Many illnesses naturally fluctuate, meaning symptoms may improve over time regardless of treatment. This leads people to incorrectly attribute recovery to homeopathic remedies.
Placebo and Care Effects – Patients receiving homeopathic treatments often experience positive changes due to the attention, care, and reassurance they receive, rather than any active ingredient in the remedy itself.
Confirmation Bias – Supporters of homeopathy may unconsciously focus on successful cases while overlooking instances where it failed to help. This selective memory reinforces the belief that it works.
Misattribution of Recovery – When multiple treatments or lifestyle changes are made, improvements may be wrongly credited to homeopathy instead of other factors like diet, rest, or conventional medicine.

Legal Considerations of Self-Treating Wildlife

In the UK, administering homeopathy or any other treatment to wildlife without veterinary oversight may have legal implications. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) states that non-evidence-based treatments like homeopathy should not replace conventional medicine and should only be used as a complementary approach.

Additionally, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) requires that:

"Any product claiming to treat or prevent disease in animals must have a marketing authorization"

Homeopathic remedies must either be registered under the homeopathic registration scheme or have a full marketing license to be legally used. Furthermore, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 mandates that individuals must prevent unnecessary suffering and ensure the welfare of animals under their care. Administering homeopathic remedies to wildlife without proper authorization could therefore pose both legal and ethical concerns. Always seek professional advice.

Is Self-Treating Wildlife Animal Experimentation?

In the United Kingdom, veterinary medicine, including the use of homeopathic treatments for animals, is regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). This legislation stipulates that only registered veterinary surgeons, or individuals under their direct supervision, are legally permitted to diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications for animals. The administration of homeopathic treatments to wildlife, even if not classified as animal experimentation, would fall under this regulatory framework.

If homeopathic treatment delays or replaces conventional medical care, it could lead to unnecessary suffering, potentially breaching the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Without veterinary oversight, administering any treatment to wildlife—especially one without scientific backing—may be considered irresponsible or even unlawful.

However, if someone is purchasing a homeopathic product online—particularly those containing unknown or dubious ingredients, such as diluted human scabies pus (Psorinum), for which there is no study to show safety or efficacy in foxes—and administering it to wildlife without any scientific backing, they are effectively conducting an uncontrolled animal experiment.

There are studies in dogs for other skin conditions (oral papilloma), to show verified homeopathic drugs—purchased from verified homeopathic veterinary medicine suppliers—can reduce skin symptoms in dogs, but only when used in combination with other tinctures (Sulfur 30C, Thuja 30C, Graphites 30C, and Psorinum 30C). This study does not show its effectiveness or safety for mange in non-captive wild foxes. A homeopathic vet would be required for these prescriptions.

Another study in dogs found "A commercial homeopathic remedy and a placebo were administered orally as individual agents to 18 dogs with atopic dermatitis. The pruritus was reduced by less than 50% in only 2/18 dogs; 1 of these dogs was receiving the homeopathic remedy, the other was receiving the placebo. One dog vomited after administration of the homeopathic remedy."

Until there is a scientific study on the use of homeopathy for treating mange in foxes, its use in foxes for mange remains an type of unverified veterinary procedure.

Administering Unverified Homeopathic Treatments

Millions of people across the UK may unknowingly be experimenting on wildlife by giving them homeopathic products that have no proven safety or effectiveness. The risks include:

Unknown Safety Risks – The contents of online homeopathic products are often unverified. Without rigorous testing, they could contain harmful contaminants or substances toxic to wildlife. Arsenicum Album, for example has been known to cause arsenic poisoning due to unsafe products being made readily available.
Unproven Efficacy – There is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating wildlife diseases. Administering an untested remedy—such as diluted human scabies pus—to foxes does not provide real medical intervention.
Masking of Serious Diseases – Homeopathic treatment may give the false impression that an animal is improving when, in reality, an underlying infection, parasite burden, or injury is worsening. This can delay effective treatment, leading to increased disease transmission, prolonged suffering and eventual death.
Inability to Provide Ongoing Care – Wildlife cannot be easily monitored for changes in health. Unlike veterinary interventions, which involve follow-ups, homeopathy relies on assumptions rather than clinical assessments.
Spread of Disease – By keeping sick animals alive longer without actually treating the root cause, infectious diseases can spread further among wildlife populations. An untreated fox with sarcoptic mange, for example, may continue to infect others while appearing to "recover" due to temporary improvement in symptoms.
Delaying Necessary Euthanasia – Some wildlife diseases are fatal, and humane euthanasia is sometimes the only ethical option. Homeopathic treatments may give caregivers false hope, prolonging suffering in cases where recovery is not possible.

Only purchase homeopathic products for wildlife from UK registered wildlife charities, using the product as directed, under the strict guidance of their vets. Alternatively, seek advice from your local veterinarian directly.

Implications for Veterinary and Human Medicine

This study is particularly important for veterinary medicine, where placebo effects can extend to owners interpreting their pet’s health. Since animals cannot report their symptoms, improvement is often assessed through subjective observation, which can be influenced by expectation bias. This makes rigorous scientific evaluation essential when considering alternative therapies.

The findings reinforce the need for evidence-based medicine in both human and veterinary healthcare. While homeopathy remains popular among some groups, this study adds to the body of research showing that its perceived effectiveness is best explained by psychological effects rather than real pharmacological action.

While the intention to help wild foxes is admirable, there’s a safer, more effective way to support their health—by turning to nature itself!

Instead of relying on unproven homeopathic treatments, why not create a fox-friendly environment filled with native medicinal and parasite-repelling plants? Not only is this approach scientifically sound, but it also benefits the entire ecosystem.

How Native Plants Can Help Wildlife Thrive

Many plants have natural properties that can help foxes fight mange and parasites, as well as being helpful for their prey—such as rodents, squirrels, rabbits, birds and insects—ensuring they thrive. For example:

Herbs and Roots: Dandelion, Broadleaf Plantain, Milk Thistle, Chamomile, Fennel, Turmeric, Chicory, Chervil, Carrot, Celeriac, Rosemary, Sage, Peppermint, Sweet Basil, Lemon Balm, Sunflower, Valerian, Dill, Wild Garlic, and Sulphur Flower Buckwheat.
Seeds and Grains: Pumpkin, Wild Oats, Barley, Rye. Pumpkin seeds contain curcurbitin and carica, which paralyze and eliminate parasites. You can lightly toast these in Manuka honey as an occasional sweet treat.
Berries: Hibiscus, Blackberry, Rosehip, Wild Strawberry, Blueberry, Mulberry, Gooseberry, Juniper, Elderberry
Nettles : While they might seem prickly, nettles are rich in nutrients for other critters and can boost overall health when foxes brush against them, stimulating their immune response.

By planting these native species in your garden or local green spaces, you’re not only helping foxes but also supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Here’s how to get started:

Choose the Right Plants: Opt for native species that thrive in your area and have natural medicinal or repellent properties.
Plant Strategically: Place them in areas where foxes are known to roam, like near dens or along their regular paths.
Avoid Chemicals: Steer clear of pesticides or herbicides, as these can harm foxes and other wildlife.

Unlike unproven treatments, native plants offer a sustainable, long-term solution that aligns with the natural behaviours and needs of wild foxes. Plus, they’re safe for the environment and other wildlife. By embracing this natural approach, we can help foxes thrive without unintended consequences. Let’s work together to create healthier habitats for our urban wildlife!

Sulphur Rocks and Dust Bathing

Sulfur is essential for foxes, as it is found in their skin, cartilage, and proteins, aids in metabolism, protects cells from damage, and helps maintain the health of their skin, tendons, and ligaments. Sulphur is also known as brimstone, has long been used to treat mange in animals due to its powerful anti-parasitic and antibacterial properties.

For foxes suffering from mange, there are several methods of treatment using sulfur, which also align with natural behaviours of self-medication—a process known as zoopharmacognosy, where animals instinctively seek out remedies from their environment. Sulphur is part of a foxes natural diet and environment and can be provided in several ways:

Sulfur Dust in Sand Baths: To treat mange in foxes, sulfur dust can be mixed with sand, bark, and mulch to create a dust bath. Foxes often roll in sand to groom, and the sulfur helps control the mites—both on them and in the environment—responsible for mange. Adding a small amount of Diatomaceous Earth to the mix can also boost anti-parasitic ability. Ensure the dust bath is in a well-ventilated area and check for territorial marking daily. Clean the dust bath once soiled. Refresh the mixture as required.
Sulfur Rocks in Drinking Water: Another option is placing sulfur rocks (such as Dog Rocks or other generic brands), sometimes combined with garlic, in the fox’s drinking water. As the sulfur dissolves, it is ingested and works to target the parasites, promoting healthier skin. Each rock lasts 2 months, however you must change the water daily. Be sure to provide a fresh bowl of water without the rocks as well, to ensure the fox has access to clean drinking water.
Sulphur Tablets with Food: A common and potentially effective homeopathic remedy suggested for treatment of mange in foxes is Sulphur 30C. These are usually provided in tablet form and given with food. However, there is a risk of habituation with this method of delivery, so remain mindful of any increase in boldness. Under the doctrine of homeopathy, if there is no improvement within a week or two, the practitioner should discontinue use.
Garlic Clove Treatment: Garlic contains over 33 sulphur compounds, and s ome wildlife rescues recommend a small clove of crushed garlic daily, for 1-2 weeks in the early stages of a potential mange mite infestation. Be mindful about habituation when feeding supplements.

Conclusion

The RVC’s research provides a clear scientific basis for why homeopathy appears to work, even when it lacks measurable efficacy. By understanding the cognitive biases at play, both medical professionals and the public can make more informed decisions about treatment choices, prioritising therapies that have been proven effective through rigorous testing.

Moreover, in the UK, treating wildlife with homeopathy without veterinary oversight is not only questionable in terms of efficacy but may also have legal consequences. In some cases, it could be considered a breach of animal welfare laws, and if done in a systematic manner, it might even raise concerns about unauthorised animal experimentation. More importantly, treating wildlife without proper monitoring can lead to the masking of serious diseases, delayed intervention, and the spread of illness to more animals.

Ensuring that any treatment follows legal and ethical guidelines is crucial for animal welfare and public trust in veterinary medicine.

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