If your dog is slowing down on walks, hesitating at stairs, or stiff in the morning, arthritis is likely the reason. And if you’ve been searching for something that works beyond just pain medication, you’re in the right place.
I’m Dr. Turnera Croom, a mobile holistic veterinarian serving Southwest Michigan. I use Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) alongside conventional care — and Chinese herbal formulas are one of the most effective tools I reach for with arthritic dogs.
Here’s what I actually use and why.
Why Chinese Herbs Work for Arthritis
In TCVM, arthritis is most often diagnosed as Bi syndrome — a painful obstruction of Qi and Blood in the joints caused by cold, damp, or wind invasion. The goal of herbal treatment isn’t to mask pain but to move stagnation, warm the channels, and restore circulation.
This is fundamentally different from NSAIDs, which reduce inflammation but don’t address the underlying energetic pattern. Chinese herbs work on that pattern.
The Formulas I Use Most
Body Sore (Jing Tang) — My most-reached-for formula for dogs with generalized musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. Warms the channels and moves Blood stagnation. Best for older dogs who are cold-seeking and stiff after rest.
Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan — Classic formula for lower back and rear limb weakness, especially in older dogs with Kidney deficiency alongside joint pain. If your dog is losing strength in the hindquarters along with the joint issues, this is the one to discuss.
Mobility 3 (Jing Tang) — For dogs with more active inflammation. Better suited to dogs with hot, swollen joints rather than cold, stiff ones.
This Matters: Pattern Diagnosis
I want to be direct about something most herb websites skip: the right formula depends on your dog’s specific TCVM pattern. A dog with hot damp arthritis needs a completely different formula than a dog with cold deficiency arthritis. Giving the wrong one won’t typically cause harm, but it also won’t work — and that makes pet owners think herbs don’t work when the real issue is that the wrong formula was chosen.
This is exactly why I offer holistic telehealth consultations. I can assess your dog’s TCVM pattern and match them to the right formula — nationwide.
How to Get Started
- Michigan & Colorado: Full telehealth prescribing available. [Telehealth Consultation–Michigan & Colorado]
- All other states: Holistic telehealth consultation available. [Schedule here]
- Ready to order? I carry Jing Tang formulas directly through my holistic store. [Shop here — Holistic Store – Dr. Croom Holistic Veterinarian ]
Dr. Turnera Croom, DVM is a licensed veterinarian and Army Veterinary Corps veteran offering mobile holistic veterinary care in Southwest Michigan, including veterinary chiropractic adjustments, TCVM herbal medicine, and in-home end-of-life services.
