Pet insurance customers told: Stay away from "unproven remedies"

Tuesday, 16 February 2010 17:00

Ethical insurance policyholders worried about their pet's health care may want to take note of a tip recently given by the Telegraph's resident vet.

Dr Pete Wedderburn said in certain cases it is generally better to stay away from using "unproven remedies".

His comments were in response to a reader's question of whether using raspberry leaf tablets on a pregnant Jack Russell is a good idea when it comes to whelping.

However, Dr Wedderburn said to exercise caution, because his colleagues who specialise in herbal pet remedies have some reservations about raspberry leaf.

"Apparently a researcher in the United States has noted a possible connection between raspberry leaf and the need for a Caesarean section," he explained, adding that keeping the pooch at a healthy weight and ensuring she has a good diet and exercise may be a more effective plan of action.

Sources appear to be divided when it comes to the effectiveness of raspberry leaf and its ability to induce labour in humans.

Animal Friends are a specialist pet insurance company providing dog insurance and cat insurance to British pet owners since 1999 and we now offer horse insurance too.

Posted by Gemma