Naturally Treat Arthritis in Dogs

March 6, 2014 by Dr Loridawn Gordon

As our dogs age, their joints begin to feel the effects of a lifetime of wear and tear from activity. As a result, degenerative diseases or osteoarthritis can take hold. Symptoms commonly associated with arthritis in dogs include:

• Stiffness
• Pain
• Lameness
• Slowed movement
• A general reluctance to move around.

And even though a host of factors can lead to arthritis, such as injuries, scar tissue, genetic problems, toxicity, and deficiencies, there are many ways to treat it naturally.

The Problem with Conventional Treatments for Arthritis

Veterinarians often prescribe a variety of medications to treat arthritis, but these often include nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications like acetaminophen, and aspirin. Using these medications long-term can contribute to more serious health problems later in life.

The Many Natural Remedies to Choose From

Thankfully, you can bypass all of the harsh conventional treatments out there if you provide your pet with the right combination of natural remedies that can help the body heal when arthritis takes hold. Some natural options to treat arthiritis in dogs include devil’s claw, a herbal remedy that’s prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain. It’s often used when pets are diagnosed with arthritis, but it shouldn’t be given if your pet is diabetic.

Mild cases of arthritis respond well to vitamins C and E, as well as dl-phenylalanine. If the case is severe, adding sodium oxide dismutase, also known as SOD, can do the trick. This is an antioxidant that provides anti-inflammatory properties.

If you want to take an Ayurvedic approach to treating your pet’s arthritis, you can try Boswellia and Ashwaganda. Both are anti-inflammatory herbs that provide relief of stiffness and pain by shrinking inflamed tissues down and increasing the blood supply to these areas in order to promote healing. Ashwaganda also helps generate energy while counteracting the negative effects of stress on the body.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also popular natural remedies that support healthy joints by enhancing the cartilage between the joints. These supplements can help halt the degeneration of the cartilage and help the body rebuild it.

Pau D’Arco is an herbal remedy that’s known for relieving the pain caused by arthritis, which can promote mobility if your pet is having trouble getting around.

Turmeric is another commonly prescribed herbal remedy for animals suffering with arthritis because it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the liver and protects against myriad diseases.

Final Thoughts

If your dog isn’t moving quite like he used to, you don’t need to resort to using strong prescription medications that can cause more harm than good. Instead, start providing a better diet, as nutrition is the foundation of health, and then give the right natural supplements that will help maintain cartilage, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve mobility.

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