Does your dog suffer from arthritis? Are you looking for a home remedy to help improve your dog’s arthritis chronic joint pain and other symptoms? As per midss.org, one out of five dogs suffers from osteoarthritis, especially if they are older than seven years old.
As pet owners, it can be very difficult to watch our furry friends struggle with arthritis pain. Fortunately, there are natural remedies available that can have just as effective of an outcome – and better yet – many items used in these home remedies are things that you can implement by yourself.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most popular and successful home remedies to provide your dog arthritis pain relief without having to depend on medications.
What is The Best Home Remedy for Arthritis in Dogs?
The pain your pet experiences when they develop arthritis can be excruciating. The treatment of arthritis in dogs typically involves prescription pain medications. Let’s take a look at some of the best home remedies for arthritic dogs.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that has been shown to be effective for pain management and inflammation associated with arthritis in dogs.
According to Clarke, M., CBD oil contains enough psychoactive THC to treat inflammation, anxiety, and arthritis.
It provides a viable alternative to the unpleasant experience of providing medication through pills, capsules, and injections. Not only is it significantly easier to administer, but it also tends to be less stressful on your pet due to the lack of any significant side effects.
Research also suggests that CBD works by binding to the receptors of the dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), helping to decrease pain and create balance so the body can heal itself.
Weight Management
If your dog is overweight or obese, then losing some extra weight could make a big difference in their overall health and mobility. Overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from arthritis pain because the excess weight puts additional strain on the joints.
If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, it is important that you discuss your dog’s diet and weight management with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Exercise
Activities such as swimming and walking are one of the top activities recommended for dogs with arthritis. These low-impact activities are easy on the joints, plus not only does it help them stay physically fit, but it also boosts their energy levels and has a positive effect on their joint health.
Shorter walks are encouraged rather than lengthy ones so if your pup responds positively to short walks you can gradually increase the time spent together.
Additionally, if your dog loves playing fetch, be sure to start with a warm-up walk first. This will keep their muscles primed while helping them enjoy the activity without putting too much stress on their joints.
Massage
As your dog ages it is more likely to develop arthritis, and you may begin to notice stiffness in certain joint areas of its body. This is where massage therapy can come in.
You can easily replicate the calming effects of a professional massage session in the comfort of your own home simply by massaging areas like the hips, knees, shoulders, and spine.
Massage relieves stress hormones such as cortisol that are associated with chronic pain syndromes like dog arthritis by releasing endorphins into the bloodstream resulting in a calming effect on your pup.
If you’re massaging your pet for the first time, make sure you have a trained veterinarian or therapist supervising you.
Doing so will provide both you and your puppy peace of mind knowing they are receiving proper physical therapy tailored specifically towards alleviating their arthritic pains.
Dietary Supplements
Glucosamine and chondroitin are one of the most popular supplements for treating arthritis in dogs.
According to research, glucosamine aids in cartilage regeneration, relieves pain, and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. On the other hand, chondroitin has been noted to decrease pain related to arthritic issues, as well as slow its progression.
Another supplement that is recommended is omega-3 in the form of fish oil, which contains two main types: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Studies suggest that EPA may reduce inflammatory prostaglandins and DHA may increase joint lubrication, which increases flexibility.
The dosage required depends on the size and weight of your arthritic dog so before starting any supplementation it’s important to speak with a vet about what precisely is best for your pet’s particular case.
What Are The Signs of Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis can affect any joint in the body resulting in a wide array of signs for pet parents to be on the lookout for. Recognizing early arthritis signs in your pup can help you treat it quickly.
Some key indicators may include:
- limping; difficulty rising after lying down
- decreased activity levels or reluctance to move
- favoring one side when walking
- loss of muscle mass near affected joints
- stiffness or lameness after rest
- changes in sleeping patterns with increased nighttime activity
- licking or chewing at affected areas due to discomfort
- apparent pain when touched near affected joint
You should contact your veterinarian if your dog shows any of these signs – prompt treatment and knowing how to calm a dog in pain could mean a world of difference.
The Bottom Line
There are many home remedies available for treating canine arthritis that doesn’t require medication or surgery – from CBD oil to physical therapy and dietary changes.
When combined with regular checkups at your veterinarian’s office, these treatments can help alleviate some of the pain associated with this often debilitating condition while promoting better overall health.
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