Both these conditions are more commonly seen in the older dog or cat, although osteo-arthritis can occur in young animals occasionally. The first sign of canine arthritis or arthritis in cats is usually stiffness when getting up after sleeping or exercise, with obvious pain in the joints and muscles.
Osteo-arthritis is typified by inflammation of the joints, usually with swelling, pain and restriction of movement whereas rheumatism in dogs and cats more usually affects the muscles and is more noticeable during the colder, wetter winter months.
Both conditions have always been difficult to deal with and there is no cure, but herbal medicines given in conjunction with the correct diet and suitable supplements are effective in relieving the pain, making movement easier and appear to delay the progress of the condition. Although some exercise is beneficial for mobility, it can be painful so should always be gentle and somewhat restricted.
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 colder, wetter wintertime. 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 and the ‘Cleansing Diet’ described in our Special Diet section is recommended during the initial period of treatment to improve the response rate. Dairy products and red meat should be omitted or be very limited in 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.
Don’t forget you can contact Dorwest on 01308 897272 for advice on treatment.
“This is my second order for Garlic & Fenugreek tablets and Mixed Vegetable tablets. There has been a huge improvement in my Sheltie’s arthritis since starting these. He has had arthritis in a front knee for some years, he’s only 7, and although he still has days when he limps a bit, he can now jump up onto our bed which he could never do before, even when a puppy – not always a good thing when it’s wet and muddy outside!! He is also much more alert and generally seems to have more life about him. Your tablets work much better than the combination of chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM he had been taking for about a year on the vet’s recommendation – the improvement was visible within less than a month.” Lynne Crow, Perth.
Dorwest Mixed Vegetable tablets can help to treat dogs with arthritis, rheumatism, and kidney and skin conditions. Contact Dorwest Herbs on 01308 897272 for more information.
Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek Tablets can be used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, coughs and skin conditions in dogs and cats. Contact Dorwest Herbs on 01308 897272 for information and advice.
Dorwest Kelp Seaweed Tablets can aid weight loss and relieve problems of pigmentation and hair loss in dogs and cats. Contact Dorwest Herbs on 01308 897272 for information