The kind of arthritis dogs have are similar to that of humans. As dogs age, their joints and bones degenerate, and the pain and inflammation become much worse. If you’re a firm believer in natural therapy, you might be interested to know that there are methods that can help your old buddy. Traditional Chinese medicine and supplements, in fact, have been used on dogs with arthritis, with a considerable measure of success.
A few natural remedies that you can start with are nutritional supplements. Supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate with MSM contain anti-inflammatory properties that relieve joint pain both in humans and animals. The MSM and glucosamine have been proven by years of research to relieve arthritic pain.
You should also look for supplements with Omega 3 essential fatty acids. This is usually available in fish oil or flaxseed oil for dogs. Omega 3 helps in lubricating the joints and combating the inflammation. But its benefits don’t end there: it will also make your dog’s coat look thicker and help reduce excess weight.
Other supplements that work great against arthritis are those that contain antioxidants and enzymes. These will not only improve circulation, but also strengthen the immune system.
Cure for Arthritis in Dogs: Supplements, Acupuncture, and a Great Diet
When you purchase nutritional supplements for your dog, you may only be able to find human versions of the products. That’s okay, but be careful about using recommended dosages. Dosage information for most supplements is based on the needs of an average person of about 125 pounds in weight. To calculate your dog’s needs, consult with your pet health practitioner, or do the math yourself:
Divide your dog’s weight by 125. For example: 40/125 = .32
Multiply the recommended dosage by this number: For example: 3 tablets, twice per day. 3 tablets X .32 = .96.
Rounding the final number a bit, the dosage of this supplement for a 40 pound dog would be 1 tablet, twice per day. (Read More)
You shouldn’t only focus on the treating arthritis in your dogs, but also focus on preventing them. You best stay away from wheat products and by-products, as studies have shown that it can even worsen the pain. Instead, opt for free-range and organic meat, and free from wheat, corn, and soy. These will not only cause joint pain, but also put on weight in your dog.
Lastly, you might want to look at canine acupuncture as an alternative treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to improve circulation, and is a tried and tested treatment for hip and elbow dysplasia, and tendon injuries. However, acupuncture is not a band-aid, immediate treatment. Its effect will be felt over a number of sessions, so you best prepare your time and money for more than one acupuncture session.