arthritis & pain

Question
Dear Doctor:
I have 5 years old little Japaness Chan, which less 10 lb. When I woke up this morning, I tried to play with her. She was screaming. She couldn't stand up and won't let me touching her. She never injury or others hurt as I knew. I am not sure that she gets minor arthritis. I gave Tylenol mixed with water. She felt better at night. At lease she was follow me again. I did some research to find out that I shouldn't give her any Tylenol extra. Is it true? I know that I should call her vet. Last time her vet told me it is common for little dog. Would you give me some idea what I should do next? I gave her dog vitiman every day,humon food too. I can't refuse her little face. Looking forward for you advise. Thank you!

Answer
Yes it's true, Tylenol is not good for dogs and can actually be lethal. If you want to try something holistic go to your local health food store and get some hypericum. It's a homeopathic solution that works well for pain.

Use Hypericum 30C and add one pellet to 4 ounces of pure water in a glass bottle. Tap 10 times and give one teaspoon as a dose. If you notice improvement in the pain repeat when the symptoms worsen again. They can use the same solution, just tap 10 times and give one teaspoon. And best given 1/2 away from food or water and to have the animal restful for a bit after the dose. If they give two doses and notice no improvement than this is not the most similar remedy and we would need to try something else like arnica, etc.

As for some prevention, the best food you can give her are raw chicken feet. They naturally have the ingredients that help arthritis. Consider switching to a species appropriate diet of raw meat for your little baby, mostly red meats, some bone and some organ meat. Here are some links to feeding raw:

http://www.rawfed.com/myths/
http://www.rawlearning.com/rawfaq.html

There are supplements out there with MSM and glucosamine which would be helpful too. Also consider acupuncture. Holistic medicine tends to take a bit longer than some conventional medicine does but attacks the underlying cause and not just the symptoms so be patient.

And please let me know how she does!