Dorwest Herbs, manufacture and supply a professional range of veterinary licensed herbal medicines, supplements and homœopathic remedies. They have been involved in the natural rearing and treatment of both Show and pet dogs for over 50 years and we have called upon their expertise in dealing with the problem of diarrhoea and colitis.

Over the last few years, we have been contacted more and more, by worried dog owners, concerning the problem of persistent diarrhoea. This may indicate nothing more than a reaction to an incorrect diet, so the first approach we advise is to find a food to suit their dog's individual digestive system. Finding the correct diet for a dog with persistent 'looseness' is often a matter of trial and error although white meat diets are generally better tolerated and the feeding of meat and cereal foods at separate meal times is certainly recommended.

Continual diarrhoea however, is another matter, because not only are the digestive processes and the absorption of nutrients impaired, but the loss of fluid gives rise to dehydration. If diarrhoea persists for 48 hours or more, veterinary advice should definitely be sought as this symptom may be associated with another more serious problem.

Over the last few years the diagnosis of Colitis, or inflammation and swelling of the colon, has become much more common. The cause of this problem is unknown but the chief symptom is diarrhoea. In very severe cases, blood, mucus or pus in the stools can indicate ulcerative colitis but most cases are generally less severe and can be controlled with the right diet and supplementation. Where colitis has been diagnosed and treated, the symptoms of diarrhoea can be suppressed but very often have the unfortunate habit of returning time and time again. In these cases Dorwest can offer a herbal supplement that has proved extremely successful in strengthening the digestive system and controlling the condition.

Dorwest's Tree Barks Powder is a nutritious mixture which swells when it comes into contact with liquid and has a most soothing and healing action on all the parts it comes into contact with. It is thus ideal for soothing irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines and helps the passage of faecal matter through the bowel. The therapeutic benefits of this supplement are demulcant, which in layman's terms describes a soothing and oily substance used to relieve pain or discomfort in inflamed, irritated or abraded skin or mucous membranes. In effect, Tree Barks Powder soothes the whole digestive tract and is therefore of great benefit for acute intestinal disorders. It can be given both during and in the recovery period following acute diarrhoea, or for dogs that suffer from a regular recurrence of this problem, given on a daily basis. Tree Barks Powder is easy to administer; give one 5ml teaspoonful per 10kgs bodyweight mixed with a little water or sprinkled on the food.

Tree Barks Powder is a versatile supplement. It is highly nutritious and will thus help dogs that have suffered weight loss through persistent diarrhoea, to regain bodyweight. These qualities also make it a wholesome and sustaining food for weaning puppies and for convalescents. The highly digestible ingredients and the low fat content make it an ideal food to aid poor digestion as well as for use in the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Dorwest's FREE brochure: "Your Guide to Natural Feeding and Treatments - for Dogs and Cats" provides full details of their veterinary Herbal and Homœopathic products.
These are available from their Stands at the major Championship shows, by their prompt mail order service or through a range of stockists, kennels and veterinary surgeries. Contact: DORWEST HERBS, FREEPOST (BOA 12), BRIDPORT DT6 3BR Tel: 01308-897272
Fax: 01308-897929 e-mail: dorwest@cix.co.uk web site:
www.dorwest.com