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The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
Arthritis is common in dogs and increasingly prevalent in cats. In this comprehensive, up-to-date resource, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, the world’s leading holistic veterinarian, equips pet owners with the knowledge they need to recognize and treat this debilitating condition. Dr. Shawn helps caregivers blend the most effective conventional and alternative therapies, including acupuncture, homeopathy, and nutritional supplements. He offers tips on preventing arthritis and getting the most out of vet visits. In addition, Dr. Shawn distinguishes the approaches appropriate for cats and dogs, highlights age-specific strategies, and offers diet and exercise guidelines for the arthritic pet. The result is the most effective care for companion animals — and peace of mind for the humans who love them.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 7, 2025
Reading in honor of my late dog Priya. RIP Priya. Did the best i could at the time...and will continue to learn more about senior pet care in your honor ❤❤
Learned a lot particularly about supplementation. Author seems to have a wealth of knowledge on canine diet so i will be checking into his other works.
I agree with the author that many vets feel uncomfortable treating geriatric dogs. They also will prescribe medication for chronic conditions without knowing the underlying cause which makes zero sense. These meds should be used sparingly/last resort due to side effects. While agree i feel that this theme is repeated a lot in the book..making it overly redundant
The link between neurological issues and arthritis/degenerative disc could have been further explained. Also the link between thyroid and arthritis is something i want to know more about
More than likely vitamin c is helpful in preventing arthritis. Omega 3 and 6 (NOT derived from flax). One part omega 3 to five parts omega 6-EPA/DHA
Add an enzyme to make sure there are no underlying nutritional deficiencies (vim & vigor- petstogether.net). Overall suggests a homemade diet
Many other antioxidants are suggested will read author's other works if/when we add another dog to the family.
Hopeful that shark cartilage continues to be studied.it seems to really help pets but is crazy expensive and brings up ethical questions. The Perna Mussels supplements sound helpful. Hyaluronic Acid is also beneficial. Author suggests Cholodin Flex chewable treats for this. Mystein Special Canine Joint Formula has MSM and glucosamine. MSM helped 63-87% of paitents
Magnetic Therapy has promise. Including a magnetic collar of sleeping mat would be an easy thing to try.
Stem cell therapy sounds promising. Cant imagine the $$ that would be. Hope that research continues and options such as this become more affordable.
Devices can be purchased for at home use; red light and, or electrical stimulator.
If pet already has arthritis they need exercise but also breaks when it becomes painful. Go slow, play it be ear. To prevent arthritis find the proper amount of exercise for your specific pet. Overexertion will cause arthritis down the line. If your pet has known issues like hip dysplasia get the surgery as yound as possible to avoid this causing arthritis. Supplement their whole life especially EPA/DHA. Dont feed food with byproducts....prefer homemade.go easy on the flea meds and vaccinations
Petcarenaturally.com
Learned a lot particularly about supplementation. Author seems to have a wealth of knowledge on canine diet so i will be checking into his other works.
I agree with the author that many vets feel uncomfortable treating geriatric dogs. They also will prescribe medication for chronic conditions without knowing the underlying cause which makes zero sense. These meds should be used sparingly/last resort due to side effects. While agree i feel that this theme is repeated a lot in the book..making it overly redundant
The link between neurological issues and arthritis/degenerative disc could have been further explained. Also the link between thyroid and arthritis is something i want to know more about
More than likely vitamin c is helpful in preventing arthritis. Omega 3 and 6 (NOT derived from flax). One part omega 3 to five parts omega 6-EPA/DHA
Add an enzyme to make sure there are no underlying nutritional deficiencies (vim & vigor- petstogether.net). Overall suggests a homemade diet
Many other antioxidants are suggested will read author's other works if/when we add another dog to the family.
Hopeful that shark cartilage continues to be studied.it seems to really help pets but is crazy expensive and brings up ethical questions. The Perna Mussels supplements sound helpful. Hyaluronic Acid is also beneficial. Author suggests Cholodin Flex chewable treats for this. Mystein Special Canine Joint Formula has MSM and glucosamine. MSM helped 63-87% of paitents
Magnetic Therapy has promise. Including a magnetic collar of sleeping mat would be an easy thing to try.
Stem cell therapy sounds promising. Cant imagine the $$ that would be. Hope that research continues and options such as this become more affordable.
Devices can be purchased for at home use; red light and, or electrical stimulator.
If pet already has arthritis they need exercise but also breaks when it becomes painful. Go slow, play it be ear. To prevent arthritis find the proper amount of exercise for your specific pet. Overexertion will cause arthritis down the line. If your pet has known issues like hip dysplasia get the surgery as yound as possible to avoid this causing arthritis. Supplement their whole life especially EPA/DHA. Dont feed food with byproducts....prefer homemade.go easy on the flea meds and vaccinations
Petcarenaturally.com
September 11, 2016
Helpful and informative. Always enjoy reading Dr. Shawn's work.
October 14, 2016
Helpful
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews