Recent studies estimate that the prevalence of arthritis in dogs over one year of age is more than 20%, or one in every five dogs. And with that comes a host of owners looking to natural remedies to help ease the discomfort of their furry friends. If you’re looking for natural remedies for dog arthritis, you are by no means alone. But where exactly do you start? What works? And most importantly, how can you really alleviate your dog’s suffering without resorting to pharmaceuticals? Let’s explore some effective, practical solutions.
Understanding Arthritis in Dogs
Before treating, it is very important to understand exactly what one is dealing with. Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and pain; dogs experience this much like humans-do-as they get older or after an injury. The question is – how can we make them comfortable?
1. Supplements for Joints: The Building Blocks of Natural Relief
Joint supplements are the most popular as well as effective natural remedies for arthritis in dogs. They include several standard ingredients: glucosamine, chondroitin, Omega, Deer Velvet and Green Lipped Mussel. Together, these ingredients control inflammation, support the health of cartilage, and enhance mobility with time.
The key is, take them consistently. Joint supplements will not work in an instant; in a few weeks, though, you should see a difference in your dog’s comfort level. For some, it can be life-changing.
Tip: Look for supplements specifically formulated for arthritis. You want products that have been tested and reviewed, not just anything labelled “joint support.”
2. Fish Oil: Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which exhibit aggressive inflammatory activity. This makes it an ideal dog arthritis natural remedy. These omega-3s not only reduce inflammation but also further the general functioning of joints and coat health.
Dosing does matter. Consult your vet to make sure you are giving the correct amount, as too much fish oil may lead to digestive upset.
Pro tip: Green Lipped Mussel has the highest amount of fatty acids and Omega of any marine derived supplement!
3. Turmeric: A Golden Spice for Joint Health
Turmeric is often referred to as “nature’s aspirin,” owing to the powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin it contains. Turmeric has been used for ages in treating many conditions, and arthritis relief finds a proud place in that list.
4. Massage and Physical Therapy
Sometimes the best medicine doesn’t come in a bottle. Massage and physical therapy can work wonders when trying to alleviate arthritis pain. Gentle massages tend to promote blood flow, allowing your dog’s joints to be less stiff. If you are clueless where to begin, many veterinary clinics either offer sessions or teach owners simple techniques they can do themselves at home.
These also include hydrotherapy, or water-based exercises, which enhance the mobility and muscling of your pet’s joints without stressing the joints. If your dog suffers from arthritis, adding these can make a big difference in the quality of his life.
5. Weight Management: Unsung Hero
If your dog is overweight, all those additional pounds put added stress on his joints. Losing just a fraction of body weight can dramatically affect how severe his arthritis symptoms are. Regular exercise, combined with the proper diet, can help your dog get rid of those unwanted pounds and begin to feel better.
Keep exercise low-impact. Swimming is a great option, as the water supports the joints while still allowing movement. Short, frequent walks are also better than one long, exhausting walk.
Feeding a raw arthritis dog food will also help support your dog’s joints and arthritis.
6. Comfortable Bedding and Home Adjustments
Don’t forget about the easy fixes – aka changes in their environment. Dogs with arthritis often have a hard time getting up from hard surfaces due to the pain of putting pressure on the joints. Get them a memory foam bed to cushion their joints and take some of that pressure off of those sore spots.
You can make life a bit easier on them by placing ramps next to furniture and the car so they don’t have to jump or strain. Likewise, keeping their feeding and water bowls at a high elevation can save them from having to bend all the way down, which cuts down on neck and back strain.
Conclusion
Natural dog arthritis treatments do offer some powerful remedies for inflammation and pain with no associated pharmaceutical side effects. Whether it be with joint supplements, fish oil, turmeric, or weight management/physical therapy, the sooner an action is taken, the more comfort your dog will experience.
It calls for a holistic approach wherein several remedies will be integrated to give your dog a chance at life without pain, full of happiness. You’ll see it in their movement, with more energy, and that wagging tail!
Your dog deserves an effective remedy, naturally.