As a leading London Consultant Medical Herbalist, I am often asked by my patients, if I can recommend anything to help with their pet’s arthritis. Fortunately, there is a way forward and this has helped many pets to have a more enjoyable and comfortable life.
Arthritis is most commonly seen in the older dog or cat, although it can occur in young animals occasionally. The first sign is usually stiffness when getting up after sleeping or after exercise. There is obvious pain in the joints, usually with swelling and restriction of movement. It can be more noticeable during the winter months. Although there is no cure for arthritis, herbal medicines given in conjunction with the correct diet and suitable supplements are effective in relieving pain, making movement easier and appear to delay the progress of the condition. Although some exercise is beneficial for mobility, it should always be gentle.
Mixed Vegetable tablets should be given daily to reduce acidity in the system, relieve the pain and make movement easier. These should be given in conjunction with Garlic & Fenugreek tablets to provide a comprehensive and effective treatment. Mobility problems will usually have developed over a long period of time, and improvement, therefore, will be gradual but should be noticeable within a few weeks of starting treatment. It is recommended that the treatment dosages be given for at least an initial month’s course if starting during the summer, and a two month course if beginning in the winter. As improvement is made the dosage can be reduced to the lower maintenance dose, which can be continued for the rest of the animal’s life, if necessary, in order to control the condition.
Diet appears to play an important part in the maintenance of these conditions. Dairy products and red meat should be omitted from the diet as these tend to aggravate arthritic conditions. While looking at diet, also remember that if your dog or cat is overweight this will lead to more stress being put on joints. So if your pet needs to lose weight, give a suitable low calorie diet and add Kelp Seaweed tablets throughout the dieting period to assist with weight loss. Glucosamine & Chondroitin is a very effective supplement to help maintain joint health, when given alongside the herbal medicine. Tablets can be crushed, if necessary, using a pill crusher. Cod Liver Oil capsules also help joint mobility and are a good source of Vitamins A & D.
Indeed, there are a number of herbal medicines and supplements that can make older animals more comfortable in their later years. Tree Barks Powder is very nourishing sprinkled onto food. If arthritis is developing and bladder control is weaker, causing leaking, Mixed Vegetable Tablets are formulated to treat both these problems effectively and are best given with Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets. Help ensure your pet enjoys the best possible health until the end of its life.
Deborah Grant BSc (Hons) Herb. Med.
Herbal Products: www.medicine4animals.com
westhillwhistler.com 