Arthritis and other joint problems are a fact of life for many dogs and cats.  Unfortunately, the drugs prescribed to treat them are risky, and expensive. One in particular, Pfizer's Rimadyl (Carprofen), introduced to the U.S. market in 1997, has a very high adverse reaction history.  At July 8, 2003, here are the numbers from the Food and Drug Administration's website http://www.fda.gov/cvm/index/ade/ade_web_rpts.pdf. See the site for the most recent statistics. Note that these numbers are from reported cases, which are believed to be only 10-15% of actual cases where adverse reactions were noted, so the true statistics are undoubtedly much higher:

Numbers for Novartis's "safe and effective" Deramaxx (Deracoxib), introduced to the U.S. Market in August 2002, are no better:

Deramaxx, a Cox-2 inhibitor, is a different type of NSAID from Rimadyl. Cox-2 inhibitors can cause cross-reactions in breeds (and individuals) prone to sensitivity to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs). Dobermans are the breed most specifically identified with this sensitivity.

There are much safer alternatives available which are also much more cost-effective.  Below are several I recommend which are made by Springtime, Inc.  Springtime, Inc. has developed natural remedies for horses, dogs and people, and say that certain products can be used for cats as well such as Fresh Factors (see below).  Call the company for more information regarding use in cats -- 800-521-3212. From the company's Fall/Winter 2002 catalog, a letter to its customers:

". . . Springtime, Inc. strictly adheres to FDA approved methods called Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). GMP is a double check system that prevents errors and assures the highest standards of purity and quality.  Springtime products are produced with the same level of care as are prescription pharmaceuticals.  Additionally, Springtime only deals with suppliers and packagers who also adhere to GMP.  Trust and reliability.  They want our repeat business and we want yours.  We are enormously grateful for your trust and support.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."  Dennis Hampt, President

They have a fabulous product for dogs called Fresh Factors, which they describe as follows:

• Easy to feed chewables -- highly palatable

• Promotes strong joints and bones

• Restores bloom in older dogs

• Promotes healthy joints in growing dogs [disclaimer: this statement has not been evaluated by the FDA; this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease]

• Helps give all dogs a luxurious coat and itch-free skin

• Enhances digestion/reduces stool size, cleanup

• Promotes a playful, upbeat attitude

• Helps calm nervous, high-strung types

• Over 170 million sold

• Contains the equivalent of 10,000 mg. of cartilage (50 to 1 concentrate) per tablet.

• Ingredients: yeast culture, liver, bee pollen, chondroitin sulfate, kelp, biotin

This product can also be given to cats, in the same dose by weight as for dogs.

I can personally attest to their claims; so have many others. (I am not a distributor for Springtime, by the way). All of their products are of the highest quality, and really work.  I put an older rescue dog on it, and currently Max is on it, he's moving freely again and acting like a puppy. He used to carry his head parallel to the ground or lower, now it's up and he has much more energy. His face is softer, no doubt from reduction of discomfort. It is so good that I sent a letter with the testimonials to the company. All of these people are clients, friends or family, and they've been amazed at the results. It's all natural, you can't overdose them (Barney has eaten two almost full bottles (180 tablets each bottle) and all it did was make him hyper for the day.  He is a wily one! -- so now I keep them in the cupboard.

The company recommends feeding a double dose to begin with, then reducing the dose slowly to find the maintenance amount. Max was given 2 tablets twice a day (he's 80lb) to begin with (standard dose is 3 tablets a day). I found his maintenance dose was 5 tablets; others have been able to reduce the amount given over time. Definitely check this product out. If you buy two bottles, you get one free.  Call the company for more information and for suggestions regarding how best to use it for your dog's health. I highly, highly recommend Fresh Factors. For price comparison, Rimadyl for a dog his size would cost about $70 a month (from what I'm told); the Fresh Factors costs me about $22 a month. Obviously the cost is much less for smaller dogs (and cats), and for dogs that don't need as many tablets to maintain their improvement.

I've included testimonials from some of my clients and friends on the next few pages.  To order Fresh Factors and more, go to www.springtimeinc.com.  Please tell them you learned about Fresh Factors from my site. 

[Return to main Supplements page]

Go to Testimonials (Page 1)

[be patient, the pictures need to load]

• Overview • North American Herb & Spice • Pet Medicine Chest • Springtime • Others I Recommend •