Q. I used your Certo remedy for arthritis with my beloved Rachel Dog for seven years. She thrived without side effects and as pain free as her debilitating arthritis would allow for the duration. I am a believer!
A. We are glad the remedy worked for Rachel Dog, but we don’t recommend this approach for other dogs. There are several cases in the veterinary literature of grapes and raisins causing kidney damage in dogs (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Sept-Oct. 2005). Because the remedy calls for Certo, a plant pectin used in home canning, to be dissolved in grape juice, we cannot be sure this is safe for dogs.
There is no research proving that Certo dissolved in grape juice will ease arthritis pain in people, but many readers tell us that it is helpful. We describe this and the gin-soaked raisin remedy along with other non-drug approaches to common ailments in our Guide to Home Remedies. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (63 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. R-1, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from the Website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
