Website design By BotEap.comCold winter weather and a wet spring can cause older pets additional joint aches and pains due to arthritis. In the early stages, the signs of arthritis can be subtle. Arthritis (also called degenerative joint disease, DJD, or osteoarthritis) is the result of chronic wear and tear on or injury to the joint. The cartilage thins or even disappears; this, along with bone spurs and inadequate joint fluid, contributes to painful inflammation.

Website design By BotEap.comDogs with DJD don’t want to play as much and may resist long walks or hikes that they used to enjoy. They may resist using the stairs; They may appear stiff, stumble, or have trouble getting up from a sitting or lying position. The inflammation and pain that come with arthritis can even cause problems with messing around the house if there is no easy way to get to the garden.

Website design By BotEap.comThere are several veterinary pain relievers that are commonly given to dogs, such as carprofen (Rimadyl), but this drug has caused serious, sometimes fatal, side effects in dogs. It may be better to use different NSAIDs or even opioids. Human pain relievers are potentially toxic to dogs (and cats). Never give any human medication without specific instructions and close supervision from your vet.

Website design By BotEap.comFortunately, there are many safe and effective natural and holistic treatments for canine arthritis.

Website design By BotEap.comweight control: The most important factor in arthritis is diet. If your dog is overweight, losing the extra pounds will make a world of difference to his joints. A natural diet of raw or homemade foods, or even canned foods, will help with weight loss. Minimize dry foods in the diet, as they are high in calories and much more fattening than other forms of food. Low-carb or grain-free diets may not be any better if you make up for the lack of carbs by adding fat, or simply substitute starchy vegetables for grains.

Website design By BotEap.comModerate exercise is also important. While it may seem logical to minimize activities that seem painful, not exercising will make the problem worse over time. However, avoid strenuous exertion that could lead to injury.

Website design By BotEap.comEnergy Medicine: Holistic vets understand that no physical condition is purely physical. All disease, including arthritis, begins as an energetic imbalance long before it causes symptoms in the physical body. Energy healing techniques such as homeopathy, homotoxicology, Reiki, meridian therapies, and flower essences can resolve energetic imbalances that underlie physical ailments. Unless these imbalances are addressed, true healing is impossible.

Website design By BotEap.comNutritional supplements May help maintain and improve joint health. However, they are not quick fixes. It may take several weeks for these to build up in the system before the improvement is noticeable from the outside, although your dog will likely feel better much sooner.

Website design By BotEap.comOmega-3 fatty acids They are powerful anti-inflammatory products. Several pet food manufacturers now add Omega-3s to joint-formula pet foods, but the quality of those oils is likely not very good (they go rancid quickly) and because they are expensive, the amounts are minimal. . It is best to supplement the Omega-3s separately. Nordic Naturals produces excellent quality cod and fish liver oils for pets that are renowned for their freshness, purity and safety.

Website design By BotEap.comseal supplements Like glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin, they are believed to maintain joint fluid and nourish cartilage, as well as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Both research and experience suggest that glucosamine sulfate alone is the least expensive and most effective product. green lipped musselsPerna canaliculus) are another excellent source of all of these compounds, as well as a wide range of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Website design By BotEap.comAntioxidants: to help minimize and resolve inflammation, which is the main cause of joint pain. These include antioxidant vitamins C and E, astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid, and essential fatty acids. Antioxidant combinations are more effective than individual products.

Website design By BotEap.comanti-inflammatory herbs: boswellia serrata (incense) is used for arthritis in many traditions. Consult with a veterinarian trained in the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Western herbs. The common spice turmeric (turmeric longa) is a powerful antioxidant that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Native Americans used yucca schidigera for arthritis pain; a happy side effect is that cassava also reduces flatulence and stool odor).

Website design By BotEap.comphysical treatments

Website design By BotEap.comMassage, physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, prolotherapy, Bowen therapy, and other holistic treatments may also be helpful for dogs with arthritis. To find a local doctor, call the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association at (410) 569-0795.