Ailments and Conditions

Below is a list of common problems, clicking on them will take you to the relevant section further down the page. Within the page you will also find links to products that are useful in the management of the ailment or condition. Clicking on these will take you to the product's page so that you can add it to your order and read further information about the product.

Common Problems

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Allergies

Cats and Dogs can suffer from allergies and the best way to deal with these is to isolate the cause, although this can prove difficult in practice. Many allergies result in skin irritation which can result in minor infections, these can be treated with Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets for the infection and Dorwest Mixed Vegetable tablets to reduce the irritation, both at the treatment dose. See our section on Skin Conditions for further advice.

Anal Glands

These glands are situated on either side of the dog's anus and sometimes may become blocked, particularly in the smaller breeds of dog. Often, the first sign of this is the dog dragging its bottom on the ground or continually licking the area. It is essential that the diet contains enough roughage but also that the motions are not too soft so that the glands are cleared by the normal pressure of faecal evacuation. Give the daily treatment dosage of Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets to relieve any minor infection that may have occurred and bathe the area with antiseptic Dorwest Garlic Juice liquid to soothe and protect. If the problem persists or worsens consult your veterinary surgeon so that he can clear the glands manually, as in extreme cases an abscess may result.

Appetite (Depraved)

Eating their own or other dog's faeces is an unpleasant habit that is mainly seen in younger dogs and can become a habit. The addition of pineapple chunks to the feed is helpful, due to an enzyme in the fruit that seems to make this an effective deterrent. Another cause may be boredom, especially in the case of younger dogs and those in kennels who may not have enough to occupy them. Regular exercise, companionship and a selection of toys will help to keep them busy and so less likely to adopt this habit. It is also possible that a mineral or trace element may be lacking in their diet. Adding a good all round herbal supplement such as Dorwest Keeper's Mix will ensure that all the necessary minerals and vitamins required for good health are given. As this problem can easily become a habit it is essential to keep both the dog's housing and runs scrupulously clean and take steps to correct this problem as soon as possible.

Appetite (Poor)

This is often a sign that that a dog or cat is 'off colour' or coming down with an illness, and so should be closely watched for symptoms of any developing illness. However, for normal healthy adult dogs or cats, or ones that are just 'poor doers', the following treatment will help. Start with a 24 hour fast using a laxative such as Dorwest Natural Herb tablets, followed by a small meal of just one quarter of the normal quantity, giving the recommended dose of Dorwest Malted Kelp tablets half an hour before the feed. If food is refused, remove the bowl and do not offer any more until the next mealtime. Do not be tempted to give titbits or attempt hand feeding. When the first meal has been taken, gradually increase the food at each meal, still giving the Dorwest Malted Kelp tablets until, after a period of four weeks, normal sized meals are being eaten eagerly. Dorwest Malted Kelp tablets not only improve the appetite but as a result will encourage healthy weight gain and vigour. These un-coated tablets can also be crushed and sprinkled onto the food if it is impossible to give them before the meal.

Arthritis & Rheumatism

Both these conditions are more commonly seen in the older dog or cat, although arthritis can occur in young animals occasionally. The first sign is usually stiffness when getting up after sleeping or exercise with obvious pain in the joints and muscles. Arthritis is typified by inflammation of the joints, usually with swelling, pain and restriction of movement. Whereas rheumatism affects the muscles and is more noticeable during the colder, wetter Winter months. Both conditions have always be difficult to deal with but herbal medicines given in conjunction with the correct diet is effective in relieving the pain, making movement easier and appears to delay the progress of the condition. Although exercise is beneficial for mobility, it can be painful so should always be gentle and somewhat restricted. Dorwest Mixed Vegetable tablets should be given daily to reduce acidity, relieve the pain and make movement easier. These should be given in conjunction with Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets to provide a comprehensive and effective treatment. Both conditions 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, to control the conditions. Dorwest Cod Liver Oil capsules are a useful supplement for stiff joints, particularly during the Wintertime. While looking at the diet, also remember that if your dog or cat is overweight this will lead to more stress being put on the joints. If your pet needs to lose weight, give Dorwest Kelp Seaweed tablets throughout the dieting period to assist with weight loss.

Bad Breath

This is usually caused by teeth and gum disorders, so this should be checked first. If necessary your veterinary surgeon will de-scale the teeth and remove any that have become decayed. Regular brushing with Dorwest Roast Dinner Toothpaste will help to keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy. Your dog will appreciate having large raw bones to chew on a regular basis and this will provide good exercise for the mouth and also help to keep the teeth clean. Sometimes smelly breath can come from further down the digestive tract and giving Dorwest Garlic tablets daily as an aid to maintaining general health along with Dorwest Digestive Supplement tablets when required, are also beneficial for both dogs and cats. Adding fruit and vegetables to the diet is also helpful in keeping the breath sweet smelling.

Bladder & Kidney

As there are many serious, as well as minor bladder and kidney disorders, it is advisable to consult your veterinary surgeon if you think that your dog or cat may be suffering from this type of condition. Certainly if the condition persists or the animal's temperature is high, professional advice should always be sought.
Dorwest Mixed Vegetable tablets have a diuretic action and should be given at the treatment dosage to stabilise the acid base in the system and ensure proper urinary flow in animals who are prone to these disorders. By removing uric acid and maintaining good urinary elimination, Dorwest Mixed Vegetable tablets are also useful for cystitis, particularly when given in conjunction with Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets, or where there is a history of recurring stones or gravel.

Calling (In Season)

Queens that are not going to be mated, particularly the foreign breeds, are prone to frantic behaviour during the call. Give Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets at the treatment dose for one week to reduce anxiety and keep them calm. During this period queens may lose their appetite and as a result condition and bodyweight may affected. Dorwest Malted Kelp tablets should be given to increase the appetite following the call if this should occur.

Coat Conditions

A dull, thin, dry or scurfy coat may be the first outward sign of poor general health and overall condition should be looked at. However, to keep the coat in good condition, a comprehensive all round herbal supplement, such as Dorwest Keeper's Mix, given in the diet, will help to maintain a strong, thick healthy coat. Dorwest Wheatgerm Oil capsules or liquid are a Vitamin E supplement to maintain the skin in good health, whereas during the Winter months Dorwest Cod Liver Oil is a beneficial addition to the diet. Dorwest Evening Primrose Oil capsules or liquid, is well known for promoting good quality coat growth, minimising moulting, rectifying dryness and maintaining good skin condition. Remember that there is no substitute for regular grooming to remove dead coat and to tone the skin, particularly during the moulting period.

Colitis

Each individual is different and so finding a diet that is suitable for an animal with colitis is often a matter of trial and error; although white meat diets are often better tolerated. Dorwest Tree Barks Powder is a herbal food that has been developed for a particular nutritional purpose and is used for the reduction of acute intestinal absorptive disorders and to compensate for maldigestion due to its highly digestible ingredients and a low level of fat. Adding this to each feed has proved to be very helpful for animals with these conditions as it is nutritious, increases food toleration and by lining the digestive system it improves absorption and enables the dog or cat to gain full benefit from its food.

Constipation

Occasionally both dogs and cats can suffer from constipation and to prevent this it is important to make sure that the diet contains enough roughage. Give Dorwest Natural Herb tablets to alleviate the situation, but if it persists a veterinary surgeon should be consulted as a more serious condition may be responsible.

Coughs & Bronchial

There are many different types of cough; a persistent one accompanied by a high temperature may indicate something more serious and it is wise to call in your veterinary surgeon. Likewise a dry unproductive cough may be an indication of a heart problem and professional advice should be sought. However, if the temperature is normal, or near normal, and there is no loss of appetite, a course of Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets should be given using the treatment dosage to relieve the symptoms of coughs, catarrh and other bronchial conditions. To maintain and improve general health Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets or Dorwest Garlic tablets should be given on a regular daily basis at the maintenance dose, to prevent minor infections of this type.

Cuts, Bites & Scratches

Stop any bleeding by applying a cold compress and take the dog or cat to the veterinary surgeon for anything other than a very minor abrasion. The antiseptic properties of Dorwest Garlic Juice make it ideal for cleaning the area and it is safe to use on damaged skin. Give Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets to relieve any anxiety while dealing with the situation and follow this up by giving a course of Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets to treat any minor infection that may result from the injury.

Cystitis

If an animal is passing urine more frequently than normal and in small quantities it may be that bladder inflammation or cystitis is the cause. Give the treatment dose of Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets daily to help fight any infection and also Dorwest Mixed Vegetable tablets to increase the urinary flow and remove uric acid. If the condition persists or there is a high temperature present it is wise to obtain veterinary advice as a more serious condition may be indicated. Dry foods, and those high in salt or protein, should be avoided as they tend to aggravate the condition.

Diarrhoea

This is nature's way of cleansing the body and unless it is persistent or with vomiting it should be allowed to run its course. Dorwest Natural Herb tablets are a gentle laxative which can be given to help clear the digestive tract and with these, give the recommended dosage of Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets to treat any minor infection that may have occurred. Fast for 24 hours and then gradually introduce small quantities of food again. Dorwest Tree Barks Powder is a herbal food developed for a particular nutritional purpose and is used for the reduction of acute intestinal absorptive disorders. The ingredients are highly digestible and have a low level of fat, making it ideal to give during periods of and recovery from acute diarrhoea. So giving this for the few days following a bout of diarrhoea will help the system get back to normal. It is important, however, to consult your veterinary surgery if diarrhoea persists for more than a few days. There are homœopathic remedies which can also be effective in controlling this condition and so should be in every dog and cat owner's First Aid kit.

Digestion

A healthy and robust digestion is essential for any animal to obtain full benefit from its food but some breeds do have more delicate systems than others and for these attention to the diet is essential. Dorwest Tree Barks Powder is a highly digestible food with a low fat content and is developed for this specific nutritional purpose. If added to the daily feed will help to compensate for maldigestion by slowing down the passage of food through the system and providing a lining for the digestive system. Dorwest Digestive Supplement tablets are also available to help maintain a healthy digestion.

Ear

Animals with dropped ears where the air flow is restricted can become dirty and smelly. Regular cleaning is essential by wiping the outer ear with an antiseptic liquid, such as Dorwest Garlic Juice, which will clean them very effectively and remove any dust or dirt. The homœopathic remedy Dorwest Hepar Sulph 30C is useful for smelly ears.

Epilepsy

All cases of epileptic fits should be treated only in consultation with a veterinary surgeon, not only for diagnosis but also so that the animal's condition can be monitored. Each patient with this condition will have different levels or severity and therefore require individual treatment, which is why it is essential that veterinary advice is sought.
Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets are licensed for the treatment of epilepsy and are usually given in conjunction with orthodox anti-spasmodic drugs. By combining the treatments, veterinary surgeons have found that it is often possible to reduce the quantity of drugs required to control the condition and also therefore the side-effects that are often experienced from epileptic drugs, especially when they are given indefinitely.

Excitability

Over enthusiasm and excitability should not really be considered a problem but this behaviour which is often found in young dogs, can sometimes make day to day living difficult for the owners. The situation usually resolves itself with training and maturity but meanwhile herbal medicine can help. Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets are used to calm and relax dogs that are excitable, hyperactive or anxious and can be given for just short term use or over a long period of time if required. Dorwest liquid Organic Valerian Compound will also act quickly to calm excitable animals for short periods and so may be used for visits to the vet, car journeys etc. It is worth noting also that hyperactivity has been associated with allergic reactions to certain foods or ingredients and so changing to a low protein natural diet may be helpful.

Eye Problems

It is not advisable to actually put anything into the eyes unless this has been advised by a veterinary surgeon. The homœopathic Dorwest Euphrasia 15C has been traditionally used to keep eyes clear and sparkling with good health. Staining of the coat around the eyes can be reduced by giving Dorwest Mixed Vegetable tablets to reduce the acidity of the tears.

Furballs

This recurrent condition is more prevalent in the long-haired breeds of cats, although all cats can suffer with it on occasions. The usual symptoms are vomiting, unproductive retching, lack of appetite and constipation. Dorwest Natural Herb tablets are a gentle laxative which are used to effectively control this problem and cats who are prone to this condition should be given one tablet daily during the moult. Regular grooming will help to minimise this problem.

General Condition

All dogs and cats should naturally have good health and condition. Adequate exercise, companionship and a healthy diet are all essential but there are additions that can be made to the diet to maintain this good condition. Dorwest Garlic tablets or Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets should be given daily to maintain general health and to help resist infection. Dorwest Keeper's Mix conditioning supplement, contains eight herbs that are beneficial to dogs well being, and so will supplement the diet and help your pet maintain good health throughout its life.

Gingivitis

This is a condition mainly seen in cats and the smaller breeds of dog. It is a minor infection of the gums with chronic inflammation which can result in the removal of teeth in extreme cases. It may be necessary for your veterinary surgeon to de-scale the teeth to remove any tartar that has built up and this should be followed by regular cleaning of the teeth, using a veterinary formulated toothpaste, such as Dorwest Roast Dinner Toothpaste, to keep the teeth and gums healthy. See also the Teeth, Dental Hygiene section. Give Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets at the treatment dose to relieve the infection and continue this at the maintenance dose thereafter for animals that may be susceptible to this condition. As animals with gingivitis may find it difficult to eat, there may be a resulting loss of appetite and a course of Dorwest Malted Kelp tablets can be given to stimulate the appetite following treatment. Gingivitis may occur as a consequence of a more serious condition and therefore if it persists or becomes acute, consult your veterinary practice for advice.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a hereditary genetic condition that is more prevalent in some breeds. There is no cure for the condition itself but it has been found that following the recommendations for treatment of dogs with arthritis and rheumatism does help to alleviate the pain and make mobility easier.

Incontinence

As dogs and cats get older they may suffer from bladder weakness and this often occurs in older spayed females. It causes them to pass urine more frequently, often in small quantities. Sometimes they are unaware of it and this often occurs when they are asleep. This can be distressing for both the animal and the owner. Dorwest Mixed Vegetable tablets are a gentle diuretic which help to maintain the urinary flow, ensure that the bladder is emptied completely when the animal urinates and so will usually improve the situation when given daily at a maintenance dose and so make the animal more comfortable.

Indigestion

Although not a common problem in animals, some breeds are prone to it and attention to the diet is vital. However, giving Dorwest Digestive Supplement tablets when required after meals will help to settle the stomach, aid digestion and reduce flatulence.

Infections

Infection can occur almost anywhere and vary in intensity. Some of the minor infections that may occur and which can be treated by the owner initially are interdigital cysts, minor cuts, scratches and abrasions, inflamed anal glands, coughs, gingivitis, bronchial conditions, cystitis, pyoderma and other skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. However, if in any doubt always seek veterinary advice if the condition fails to improve. The main signs of an infectious condition having occurred are a high temperature, heat at the site and swelling. If a high temperature occurs or is present for more than 24 hours then veterinary assistance should be sought, but for minor infections give Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets at the treatment dose until the symptoms have reduced and then reduce to the lower maintenance dose for as long as necessary. For external use the antiseptic Dorwest Garlic Juice can be used to clean the site of an injury.

Insect Bites & Stings

Young dogs love to chase insects and so are particularly liable to be stung occasionally. While usually this is relatively harmless, there is always the risk of anaphylactic shock resulting from bee or wasp stings, in which case veterinary help must be obtained immediately. For minor bites or stings, first clean the site with antiseptic Dorwest Garlic Juice and investigate the various homœopathic remedies that you may have in your First Aid kit to help.

Interdigital Cysts

These small swellings between the toes can be difficult to clear up as they are prone to recurring on a regular basis. First make sure there are no foreign bodies between the toes, such as grass seeds which are often the cause of the problem, then bathe with antiseptic Dorwest Garlic Juice to clean away any dust or dirt and protect the area. Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets are used very effectively to treat minor infections of this kind and should be given at the treatment dose until the cysts have completely disappeared. As these cysts tend to recur regularly it is advisable to continue thereafter by giving the lower maintenance dose to help prevent this.

Malabsorption & Intestinal

In common with all carnivores, food passes through the digestive system of cats and dogs in only a few hours and all the nutrients have to be absorbed during this time. If the animal has diarrhoea, intestinal or digestive problems the food may pass through even more quickly and so there is less time for the nutrients to be properly absorbed. This can result in weight loss and a lack of condition. Dorwest Tree Barks Powder has highly digestible ingredients and is an ideal food for acute intestinal absorptive disorders, maldigestion and malabsorption. It is effective in soothing the whole digestive system, slowing down the passage of food through the gut, so enabling the dog or cat to obtain the maximum benefit from its food. It may be given indefinitely if required and is simply added to the animals feed daily. It is sensible to consider making adjustments to the diet of any animal suffering from a digestive disorder and always take veterinary advice if there is any cause for concern.

Moulting

Both dogs and cats grow coats to protect them from the cold and from damage to their skin. The coat condition reflects the health of the animal and is a good indicator of general condition. If there is continual moulting this could be a sign of poor general health and should be remedied. Coats grow mainly during the Autumn to prepare for the coming colder weather and the main moult usually takes place during the Springtime. There are of course many reasons why coat loss can be experienced and the coat become thinner than normal. Dogs who live in centrally heated environments can drop their coat unduly at any time of the year. Dorwest Evening Primrose Oil capsules or liquid added to the feed appears to reduce shedding and improve coat quality. Give Dorwest Kelp Seaweed tablets daily, especially during the Autumn and Winter months to treat poor hair growth and to improve coat quality and pigment.

Moving House

Cats in particular often have trouble settling into new surroundings and becoming familiar with a new territory. It is obviously advisable to keep them indoors initially while they investigate their new home. Give Dorwest Organic Valerian Compound on the day before and the actual day of the move and then continue with a daily dose of Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets to help them adjust. Continue this for two or three weeks until the cat has fully settled into its new environment.

Nervousness

Many situations can make a dog or cat nervous - thunder, fireworks, strangers or simply a new experience are a few of the situations that can affect a nervous animal. Often the problem is not really nervousness but more the fear of exactly what is expected when a new situation or experience arises. This apprehensive behaviour is often noticeable in young dogs but with encouragement and appropriate treatment they will overcome this as they mature. Unfortunately this uncertainty can easily be transmitted from the owner, so behaving in a positive and encouraging manner is essential to instil confidence and security. Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets should be given to relax and calm the animal and so increase its confidence and concentration. The dosage of this tablet can be given at either the maintenance or treatment dose depending on the individual response. The length of time that they may need to be administered will also vary with each animal, but as there are no recorded adverse reactions or long time side effects associated with this herbal medicine, they can be given for as long as is necessary to overcome the problem and establish confidence.

Obesity

It is most likely that incorrect feeding and lack of exercise are the likely cause. For dogs and cats who are a little larger than they should be, it is sensible to avoid titbits between meals, feed an appropriate diet for the dog's lifestyle. For those who find it difficult to get the right balance in the diet, there are several commercial low calorie foods available to help. Dorwest Kelp Seaweed tablets containing dried Fucus and extract of Fucus for added strength, are well recognised for the treatment of obesity and should be given throughout the dieting period to assist weight loss. As the diet may be slightly more restricted than usual it is advisable to add a herbal supplement, such as Dorwest Keeper's Mix, to the feed to ensure condition is maintained during this period.

Pancreatic Insufficiency

Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to this condition than others and it is one that should be treated in consultation with your veterinary surgeon. However, there are certain foods which are helpful in compensating for the maldigestion and diarrhoea that occurs. Dorwest Tree Barks Powder is a herbal mixture of Slippery Elm and Poplar Barks that has been developed for this particular nutritional purpose. It is used for the reduction of acute intestinal absorptive disorders and to compensate for maldigestion due to its highly digestible ingredients and a low level of fat. Adding this to each feed has proved to be very helpful for animals with this condition as it is effective in soothing the digestive system, helping recovery from the diarrhoea that results and can be safely given indefinitely, if required, in cases of chronic exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Phantom Pregnancy

Animals that have a tendency to phantom pregnancies will often suffer season after season. In extreme cases it may be advisable to obtain veterinary advice regarding the ultimate spaying to resolve the problem. However the following treatment has proved very effective in either totally preventing a phantom pregnancy or reducing the symptoms.
Dorwest Raspberry Leaf tablets should be given, at the recommended dosage, to susceptible bitches from the first sign of them coming into season and continued for twelve weeks to prevent the physical symptoms. Many animals become anxious and stressed at this time and Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets should be given when required to keep the bitch calm and settled. There are homœopathic remedies that may be considered to reduce the symptoms if a phantom pregnancy should occur.

Pigmentation

A drop in pigmentation is often noticed in the nose, eyes and mouth of bitches and queens following a season or pregnancy and is more often observed during the Winter months. However it may be noticed in both males and females at various times in their life. This fading is generally considered to be due to a lack of minerals, particularly iron and iodine. Dorwest Kelp Seaweed tablets contain these two minerals in sufficient quantities to improve pigmentation and as they also contain all the other minerals and trace elements necessary for health, they should be given for a period of around two months to regain lost pigment. Prevention is always better than cure, so giving Dorwest Kelp Seaweed tablets or powder from the Autumn through to the Spring will help to maintain the pigment during the Winter months. As an alternative Dorwest liquid Organic Elderberry and Nettle extract can be easily added to any feeding regime to maintain pigment throughout the year without any risk of overheating the system.

Ring Shyness & Showing

Cats and dogs can become unsettled in unfamiliar surrounding and not show at their best. Sensitive handling and patience is required to get them through this. Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets can be used to calm anxiety and steady dogs to enable them to perform at their peak. Given the night before a show and again about two hours before entering the ring, they will reduce anxiety, relax, calm and steady the dog and so enable it to perform in a more confident manner. A further dose may also be given later in the day if this is necessary for late judging or to settle the animal for the journey home. Some dogs may require a daily dose of tablets to be given for the week prior to a show, but every dog's needs will be different and the amount of tablets can be safely adjusted to suit the individual's needs without any fear of causing drowsiness or affecting performance. Sometimes dogs are not apprehensive or anxious in the show ring but simply need a little something to give them extra energy and alertness to enable them to sparkle in the ring. Dorwest Damiana and Kola tablets will provide this extra stamina and should be given to dog about two hours before showing to dogs which are sluggish and need that little extra boost. Dorwest Organic Valerian Compound is a quick acting alternative with a similar formulation which may be used in the short term. This may be useful for cats, given directly or a few drops can be placed on bedding. The aroma from this can help calm cats and enable easier handling and showing.

Sexual Behaviour

Male dogs can sometimes inadvertently cause embarrassment with behaviour that can be unacceptable to owners. This is especially evident in situations where a female in season nearby is causing extreme behaviour. Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets can be given to both dogs and cats to reduce this type of excitability and help the situation. There are also homœopathic remedies that may be considered.

Shock & Trauma

If a very severe shock or trauma is sustained veterinary treatment may be indicated, especially if this has been caused by an accident or injury. However, there are times when dogs and cats may need to be kept quiet and calm, perhaps following surgery, a mild shock, veterinary treatment or during convalescence.
Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets should be given twice daily in these cases to relieve the anxiety that may have resulted and these can be continued for as long as is necessary. There are homœopathic remedies that you might also find worth investigating and which you may have in your First Aid kit.

Skin Conditions

There are so many types of skin complaints that it is sometimes difficult even for professionals to identify the cause; even with the benefit of a skin scrape or biopsy undertaken by the vet. Many of these non-specific skin conditions are attributed to an allergic reaction and these are particularly difficult to control unless the actual cause of the allergy can be identified. Obviously the first check to be made is to ensure that there are no parasites on the skin, particularly mange mites which will need veterinary treatment. However, having eliminated this cause, the other most common forms of skin problems are dermatitis, pyoderma, eczema or are known simply as a non-specific skin allergy, this is often called overheating and is particularly common in some breeds. The symptoms are typified by inflamed hot skin, itchiness and a redness that can be seen under the armpits and on the belly where the coat is thinner. Hair loss can result from the continual scratching carried out by the dog or cat to relieve the intense irritation. Herbal medicines have proved to be particularly effective in controlling these skin conditions by dealing holistically with the problem. It is important to try and deal with the cause and firstly the diet must be considered as this often affects the condition. Experience shows that during the initial treatment period a cleansing diet should be followed; giving only white meat or fish with the addition of boiled rice to provide the carbohydrate content of the feed. After one month a good quality biscuit meal can replace the rice with other items being introduced gradually into the diet, depending on the improvement noticed. It is advisable to avoid high protein foods, red meats, vitamin and mineral supplements and any foods containing colouring and flavouring agents. All of these have been found to be responsible for an allergic reaction in some animals.

To treat the condition give the treatment dose of Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek tablets to deal with any minor infection on the skin and also the treatment dose of Dorwest Mixed Vegetable tablets to relieve the irritation and cool the skin. This should be continued for at least one month of treatment, reducing to the lower maintenance dose as the condition improves. For dogs and cats who have a susceptibility to skin problems of this kind it is sensible to keep to a white meat diet to reduce the likelihood of the condition recurring. If hair loss has occurred as a result of scratching this can be improved by giving Dorwest Kelp Seaweed tablets to encourage good coat growth, but this should only be given after all irritation has subsided.

Skin Maintenance

The skin is the largest organ in the body and keeping it in good health will reflect in the coat and the overall condition of the animal.
Dorwest Wheatgerm Oil capsules or liquid are a Vitamin E supplement which help to maintain the skin in good health and should be added to the diet on a regular basis. In recent years Dorwest Evening Primrose Oil capsules or liquid has been found to contain high levels of GLA (Gamma linolenic acid) which is necessary to keep the skin and coat in a healthy condition and may also help to maintain a healthy hormonal balance. Antiseptic Dorwest Garlic Juice can be used to clean and protect the pads and paws and is safe to use even on dry, scaly or damaged skin. Dorwest Easy-Green is a dried herb supplement that is beneficial for the skin when added to the diet, especially during the Summer months.

Sprains, Strains & Fractures

Any injury involving broken limbs will obviously need immediate veterinary attention but sprains and strains of tendons, cartilages etc that may occur either through injury or exercise can be helped immensely by simple rest and restricted exercise. Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets should be given daily to reduce any anxiety and keep the animal calm and relaxed while it is restricted and nature takes its course. Comfrey herb (Symphytum officinalis) whose common country name is Knitbone, was traditionally used to treat these conditions and although this is not commonly available in herbal tablet form for internal use nowadays, the leaves collected from the plant can be useful when added to a poultice and applied to the affected area.
Dorwest Symphytum 15C is also available in our homœopathic range.

Teeth & Dental Hygiene

Good dental hygiene is extremely important for the health of your dog or cat. The soft foods that are often fed to animals these days tend not to provide the abrasive action necessary to keep the teeth clean and the gums as healthy as they might be, whereas raw meat contains enzymes which help to keep the teeth clean. Dogs and cats kept on these natural diets will usually suffer less from teeth problems and have whiter, healthier teeth. Giving dogs raw marrowbones to chew intermittently will keep them happy and benefit their teeth too, but remember never to give cooked bones.
Tartar is the hard, chalky deposit that forms on the teeth which can not only become unsightly but enables bacteria to multiply and infect the gums and teeth, leading to bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth and sometimes more serious problems. Regular, preferably weekly, cleaning of the teeth using Dorwest Roast Dinner Toothpaste should be carried out to keep the teeth and gums healthy. This toothpaste is especially formulated for veterinary use, being slightly more abrasive than ordinary toothpaste but also low foaming to cause less stress to the animal. Its meaty flavour is very acceptable and turns the whole dental experience into a pleasure for both animal and owner.
Dorwest Fragaria 3C is a homœopathic remedy made from Wood Strawberry, that can be given to dogs and cats on a daily basis, to soften and aid the removal of tartar on encrusted teeth. Thereafter if one pillule is given weekly it will help prevent the formation of further deposits. Regular use will not only improve the appearance of the teeth but also cause less stress for your dog or cat by making teeth easier to clean. It is also ideal after teeth de-scaling to help prevent the build-up of new tartar.

Territorial Spraying

This problem is a tiresome one for all cat owners. It is particularly prevalent in males, although all cats can develop this behaviour. Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets given daily at the treatment dose will reduce the anxiety that causes the problem and so help to moderate or completely stop this habit. The dosage can usually be reduced to the maintenance quantity after two weeks, but if stopped altogether it is sometimes found that the habit will recommence.

Travelling & Travel Sick

Anxiety, excitability, nervousness or simply apprehension are the most common cause of travel sickness in dogs and cats rather than true motion sickness which is relatively rare. This nervousness and anxiety can especially affect young dogs and cats when travelling and for whom it is a new experience. Positioning the animal so that it can see out of the window can be very helpful, as can accustoming it to the car by first being used to being in a stationary car, then a car with the engine running and finally being driven for short journeys to build up confidence. To enable a dog to accept that the car is part of it's normal environment it has been found helpful if it is encouraged to sleep and also be fed in a stationary car occasionally. All these methods have proved useful and are certainly worth adopting from an early age. It is advisable not to give food before a journey. Give Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets to relieve anxiety, calm and relax the animal and to reduce excessive salivation during the journey. Two doses should be administered at around 12 hours and again 2 hours before travelling using the higher dosage rate. For travel problems which are not associated with apprehension or anxiety, give Dorwest Digestive Supplement tablets to settle and soothe the stomach about two hours before a journey commences.

Vomiting

Many owners worry about their dog or cat eating grass and then vomiting. This should not be considered a problem as it is the way that most carnivorous animals cleanse their digestive system. Cats often retch when trying to regurgitate furballs and giving Dorwest Natural Herb tablets during the moulting period will eliminate the need for them to do this as the furball will be passed naturally through the system. Prolonged or persistent vomiting should always be referred for veterinary treatment but if this is not immediately available there are homœopathic remedies available which can be given.

Whelping & Kittening

Unexpected difficulties can occur during gestation and delivery and veterinary assistance should be sought if there is any doubt or concern. However for bitches and queens who have previously experienced normal but prolonged or unduly extended labour, giving Dorwest Raspberry Leaf tablets from the third week after mating until one week after delivery will strengthen the reproductive system and aid the birth process. Many owners and breeders over the years have reported normal easy births having taken place following the use of this traditional birth remedy. There are homœopathic remedies that may also assist during delivery and to increase milk production afterwards, but should problems occur at any stage, always seek veterinary advice.

Working Dogs

Most dogs nowadays are kept as companion animals but there are many who are still used in various fields of work which require high energy and stamina levels to be maintained - sheepdogs, sled dogs, retrievers, hounds etc. The dietary requirements of these dogs is much greater and so their diet needs a higher level of protein, carbohydrate and energy producing foods to maintain their activity. In colder weather Dorwest Cod Liver Oil, provides energy which is slowly released to give extra stamina and is therefore a useful addition to the diet of working dogs. For those occasions when extra alertness and stamina are needed giving Dorwest Damiana and Kola tablets about two hours before strenuous activity will provide this extra energy.