Effective Alternative Treatments For Dog Arthritis

by Kate Barrington

Published: February 15th, 2015

effective alternative treatments for dog arthritis

For those looking to take a non-traditional route, here are a few alternatives for treating dog arthritis

It can be heartbreaking when your once-active dog starts to develop sore and painful joints that keep him from doing the activities he once loved. Arthritis affects many adult dogs – as many as one in five – and it is especially common in dogs seven years or older. Treating dog arthritis doesn’t necessarily have to involve expensive prescription medicines or surgery. There are several natural alternatives that some pet parents swear by and that you may find to be beneficial.

Natural Supplements

If you’re reluctant to try out the expensive medicines prescribed by your vet, you can try giving your dog some natural supplements to help relieve his joint inflammation and pain. Two of the most common supplements used for arthritis in dogs are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These supplements help to protect the dog’s joints from damage and lubricates them as well to reduce pain. If you use chondroitin sulfate that also has MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in it, your dog may receive additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

When using natural supplements to treat dog arthritis, it is important to realize that it could take up to six weeks for results to appear. Make sure you follow the correct dosage for your dog because the dosage instructions are typically given for a human weighing about 125 pounds. To calculate the dosage for your dog, then, you must divide your dog’s weight in pounds by 125. You will then need to multiply this number by the recommended dosage (example: 3 tablets twice per day) then round up to the nearest half or whole tablet.

Dietary Changes

Making changes to your dog’s diet can also have great benefits for his arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease so removing pro-inflammatory foods from your dog’s diet may help to reduce the inflammation and the pain. Wheat and wheat byproducts are some of the most common pro-inflammatory foods found in commercial dog food formulas – corn and soy may also cause problems. Consider switching your dog to an organic or at least an all-natural formula that has a high-quality source of whole protein as the first ingredient and does not contain wheat, corn, or soy.

Alternative Treatments for Dog Arthritis

In addition to changing your dog’s diet and giving him natural supplements, there are a few other alternative treatments you might consider, one being acupuncture. Though acupuncture is still fairly uncommon for dogs, it has been shown to help reduce pain in cases of hip and elbow dysplasia as well as for injuries to the ligaments and tendons. Acupuncture may help to increase blood flow to the muscle and joints which will slow degeneration. If you do not feel that acupuncture is right for your dog, traditional physical therapy may be beneficial as well. Physical therapy for dogs involves low-impact exercise to strengthen the muscles to reduce pain and increase range of motion.

There are many different ways to treat dog arthritis, especially if you don’t want to use medical or surgical treatments. Before taking any action or medication, always talk to your vet for his or her opinion.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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How to Relieve Your Dog’s Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a common ailment in older dogs, especially in larger breeds. Although you can’t cure it, there are ways to relieve your dog’s arthritis pain. As your dog gets older, he may start to slow down and his joints may become stiff. Arthritis is fairly common in older dogs and it isn’t always something you can effectively treat. Even if you can’t make your dog’s arthritis complete disappear, however, there are some things you can do to relieve his pain. Keep reading to learn more. Natural Ways to Ease Arthritis in Dogs If your dog suffers from arthritis you should follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding treatment. In some cases, however, your dog may need a little bit of extra help to relieve his day-to-day pain. Related: Effective Alternative Treatments For Dog Arthritis One thing you should definitely do is take a second look at his diet. If your dog’s diet is heavy in carbohydrates, particularly low-quality grains like corn and wheat, it could be triggering inflammation that is contributing to his pain. A diet rich in lean protein and healthy omega fatty acids will help to reduce inflammation and mitigate your dog’s pain. Another simple way to ease your dog’s pain is to give him glucosamine and chondroitin supplements – these supplements help to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and relieve pain. If your dog continues to feel pain, consider taking him to an animal acupuncturist – this painless treatment has been shown to relieve numerous conditions in dogs. At-Home Tips to Manage Your Dog’s Arthritis In addition to improving your dog’s diet and giving him joint-supporting supplements, there are some simple changes you can make around the house to ease his pain. Here are some ideas: Switch to raised food and water bowls to reduce the strain on your dog’s back and neck.Put down carpet or runners on hardwood floors to give your dog more traction and stability.Give your dog a comfy bed to support his joints – memory foam is a great option.Keep your dog’s nails trimmed short so they don’t become overgrown and affect his gait.Use ramps or stairs to help your dog climb into bed or get into the back of the car.Try using heat packs to soothe stiffness or cold packs to ease inflammation. Related: What Supplements Help Relieve Arthritis In Dogs? Not only should you make the above accommodations for your dog, but you should also make an effort to keep him active. When your dog suffers from arthritis pain, you might assume that you should give him plenty of rest and limit his activity. While your dog does need his rest and you should avoid strenuous activity, keeping your dog mobile is important for arthritis management. Gentle activity like walking will help to keep his joints from getting too stiff and it will help him to maintain a healthy bodyweight. Swimming is another excellent form of exercise for older and arthritic dogs. Though arthritis is common in older dogs, the symptoms can sometimes overlap wither other conditions so don’t try to self-diagnose your dog – always seek professional veterinary care. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the cause of your dog’s pain and help you understand it better so you can make changes to his lifestyle to help ease the pain and manage his condition.

Aspirin For Dogs: Is It Safe Or A Headache?

A common over-the-counter pain medication, is Aspirin for dogs safe, or will it leave you and your dog with a headache that requires emergency treatment? When your dog is in pain, you want to do everything you can to soothe him. Unfortunately, the same treatments that can be used for your own pain may be dangerous for your dog. So what can you give your dog to ease his pain? Aspirin for dogs is a popular go-to remedy, but there are limits, you MUST follow the proper dosage and it’s not a long-term treatment – otherwise, it will do way more harm than good. Dosage for Aspirin in Dogs Before you give Aspirin to your dog there are a few things you need to check – the dosage and the type of tablet it is. To avoid irritating your dog’s stomach, use Aspirin tablets that are “enteric-coated” or “buffered”. When it comes to proper dosage for aspirin in dogs, you should aim for about 5mg to 10mg per pound of your dog’s body weight, given twice a day (every 12 hours). To calculate the right dosage, simply take your dog’s body weight in pounds and multiply it by 5 or 10 – that is the number of milligrams aspirin you should use. For example, if your dog weighs 45 pounds, the dosage recommendation would be 225 mg. Related: Effective Alternative Treatments For Dog Arthritis Most standard Aspirin tablets are 320mg and baby Aspirin is 80mg. Depending which tablets you have on hand, you may need to give your dog part of a tablet or several. Just make sure that you do not exceed two doses in a 24-hour period – that is, one dose every 12 hours. You should also keep in mind that anything over 30mg per pound is considered toxic, so make your calculations carefully. Proper dosage is important for all dogs, but especially for small dogs because even a minor miscalculation could lead to an overdose. Possible Side Effects When it comes to possible side effects for Aspirin, keep in mind that puppies are more likely to experience them than older dogs. Before your puppy is fully grown, his liver and kidneys will not be fully developed so his body won’t be able to completely metabolize pain medication the way an adult dog’s body can. For this reason, you should treat puppies with a lower dosage (per their body weight). Small dogs are also at a higher risk for side effects than large dogs. Related: Adjust Your Attitude About The Benefits Of Dog Chiropractic Care Some of the most common side effects of Aspirin in dogs include lethargy, loose stools, and loss of appetite. If your dog vomits a dark substance that looks like coffee grounds or if his stools look abnormally dark, it could be a sign of internal bleeding and you need to seek veterinary attention immediately. If you give your dog too much Aspirin at one time or if you do not space the doses far enough apart, you risk organ damage. To prevent serious problems like this, do not treat your dog with Aspirin for more than FIVE days in a row. Other Tips for Using Aspirin in Dogs Not only can continued use of Aspirin potentially lead to organ damage, but it can cause another serious problem as well. Aspirin thins the blood so it is dangerous for pregnant dogs and those due for surgery. Aspirin can also destroy your dog’s cartilage if used for long term treatment – this can make joint problems like arthritis (which the Aspirin was likely a treatment for) much worse. It is also dangerous to give your dog Aspirin if he is currently being treated with corticosteroids. Always check with your vet before giving your dog Aspirin. Aspirin can be an acceptable and temporary solution for pain in dogs, but you need to be careful when giving it to your pet. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions provided above and do not use it for more than five days. And as always, be sure to check in with your vet if you notice that your dog is suffering from any kind of pain and before you give him Aspirin.

What is a Holistic Veterinarian?

Illness in pets can sometimes be linked to both physical and mental causes – a holistic veterinarian looks at both in order to determine treatment. Do you think that a vet is a vet? The reality is that there are different subspecialties for veterinary medicine and different approaches to veterinary medical practice as well. In the same way that there are both traditional medical doctors and those who practice alternative medicine, there are also regular veterinarians and holistic veterinarians. What is a Holistic Vet? The term “holistic” can be interpreted in different ways, but a holistic veterinarian is generally defined as one who uses alternative medicine to treat animals. Holistic veterinarians tend to look at the bigger picture, taking into account all aspects of an animal’s being (both physical and mental) to diagnose health problems and to determine the ideal treatment. Related: What’s The Point Of Dog Acupuncture? Most holistic veterinarians utilize minimally invasive techniques, focusing on methods such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, ethnomedicine, chiropractic, and homeopathy instead of prescription medications and surgery. Holistic vets take into account not just the animal’s physical ailments, but the context of the environment as well. By its nature, holistic veterinary medicine is humane. The techniques used to diagnose and treat medical conditions are as gentle as possible and they incorporate the animal’s general well-being as well as specific treatment for the condition at hand. Holistic veterinary medicine also places a heavy focus on stress reduction and natural remedies, often combining a variety of different therapies that work together to produce the desired result. Related: Effective Alternative Treatments For Dog Arthritis But before any treatment takes place, a true holistic veterinarian will examine the problem from all angles to determine the “why”. Whereas traditional veterinary medicine is often aimed at relieving symptoms, holistic veterinary medicine aims to solve the whole problem, gently and naturally. Understanding Holistic Veterinary Treatments Holistic veterinary medicine is different from traditional veterinary medicine in many ways, but the most obvious different is in regard to treatments. To help you understand how holistic veterinary medicine works, here is an overview of some common therapies: Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an element of traditional Chinese medicine and it involves inserting tiny needles to stimulate certain points on the body to alleviate pain or to speed healing. It has been used to treat everything from diarrhea to arthritis.Ethnomedicine: This type of medicine involves studying and utilizing the traditional medical practices utilized by various ethnic groups and indigenous peoples. Homeopathy: This is a type of alternative medicine that is based on the idea that whatever is the cause of a problem can also be the solution – that taking a small dose of something that causes the symptoms the patient is already experiencing can help to cure the problem.Chiropractic: Animal chiropractic is the practice of manual therapy and/or spinal manipulation that can be used for pain management and to treat musculoskeletal problems.Chinese medicine: Many of the same theories of traditional Chinese medicine used to treat humans can also be used for animals. This type of medicine usually involves herbal therapies, acupuncture, food therapy, and hands-on treatments like Tui na and qigong.

What Supplements Help Relieve Arthritis In Dogs?

Getting older means dealing with new aches and pains. Just like humans, arthritis in dogs can cause discomfort and reduced mobility. Can supplements help? Arthritis in dogs is one of the most common health problems that vets see and treat. There are a number of supplements that can help with the symptoms of arthritis in dogs, but they can’t reverse much of the damage that’s already been done. Sadly, many veterinarians and dog parents don’t notice the first signs of canine arthritis as a lot of dogs will keep going and not show any discomfort. As such, you might want to supplement older dogs even if they aren’t currently showing any signs of arthritis. These are the main supplements that will help relieve arthritis in dogs. Glucosamine Sulfate Glucosamine sulfate – also simply known as glucosamine – is among the safest and most common supplements given for canine arthritis. It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, which means it reduces the amount of joint pain that arthritis might be causing your pup. What’s more, glucosamine helps to repair damaged cartilage by stimulating production of some of the various substances in your dog’s body that make up cartilage. Related: Effective Alternative Treatments For Dog Arthritis Chondroitin Sulfate Chondroitin sulfate is found naturally in your dog’s body and is a substance that works to prevent certain enzymes from breaking down the proteins that form joint cartilage. Some experts suggest that chondroitin and glucosamine are most effective when you supplement them both. However, giving your dog glucosamine will encourage his body to make its own chondroitin, so it might not be vital to give him both. MSM MSM, or Methylsulfonylmethane, is frequently recommended by vets as a treatment for arthritis. This substance actually prompts your four-legged friend’s both to produce its own stores of glucosamine and chondroitin, in addition to methionine and cysteine, two amino acids with are important for maintaining healthy cartilage. Related: Ramps And Pet Steps Give Stiff Senior Dogs A Leg Up Vitamin C Collagen is an essential part of soft-tissue support for joints. Vitamin C helps to boost the production of collagen, meaning it can be beneficial treating arthritis in dogs and generally promoting better joint health. Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3 is the essential fatty acid supplement that works as an anti-inflammatory. It can be found in coconut oil, hemp oil, fish oil or flaxseed oil – amongst other sources – and helps to lubricate your dog’s joints, which can help with pain and mobility. Omega 3 oils can also aid in effective weight loss in dogs, which is beneficial as too much weight puts undue stress on your pup’s arthritic joints. Curcumin Curcumin is the active ingredient found in the spice turmeric. It has long been used in traditional Eastern medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. Since part of the pain from arthritis in dogs is caused by inflammation, curcumin can help to relieve discomfort. Boswellia An anti-inflammatory herb, boswellia increases the amount of blood flow to your dog’s joints which helps with repair and relieves some pain. Bromelain Bromelain is a natural enzyme which is found in pineapples. It’s a mild anti-inflammatory and also helps to reduce swelling in general, which means it can reduce discomfort in arthritic joints.

Once-Abused Dog Celebrates First Christmas With Vet Who Saved Him

A puppy who survived a terrible beating has celebrated his ‘first proper’ Christmas with a veterinarian nurse who provided a loving furever home for him.A whippet named Terry was only 12 weeks old when he was viciously attacked by his owner and left with severe trauma injuries after he urinated inside. The injured pup was taken to the Hull PDSA Animal Hospital in East Yorks, England, where he was treated by the veterinary nurse Rachel Coombes. During the initial exam, the hospital’s staff discovered that Terry had a bruised eye and lips. The pup was also missing three of his upper incisors, and another tooth was broken.For nurse Coombes, this was love at first sight! She told her colleagues that if Terry survived, she would adopt him, and that’s exactly what she did.Although Terry celebrated Christmas with Rachel and her son Stanley last year, this year was their ‘first proper’ Christmas together since Terry is now fully settled in with the family.“I just felt a connection as soon as he was brought in as he was in such a state we actually thought initially that he hadn’t made it,” said nurse Rachel according to Talker. “Then when we spotted gentle breathing I did say ‘if he survives this I’m going to give him home’ which is exactly what I did.”From that moment on, Terry’s life changed completely! “He hasn’t looked back since - he loves life and is having the best of life right now.” According to his new owner, Terry likes to run around the garden and enjoys going to the beach. The pooch has also formed a strong bond with Rachel’s son, Stanley, and is always by his side. “Last year, we got him around Christmas, but it was such a hectic time for him, and he was learning to settle then.” But this year, the family planned a festive celebration for Terry and did everything to make him feel special during the holiday season. Due to the suspicious nature of Terry’s injuries, RSPCA Inspector Laura Barber was asked to investigate. The inspector said that despite the severity of his injuries and his overall state, Terry had put his head on her and was so trusting. “He was in such a sad state and was really quiet and withdrawn when he was with people. He was so lovable, and it is great to see he has a home he deserves with such a lovely family.”“I know Terry will have the best first proper Christmas with his lovely new family and one he thoroughly deserves,” the inspector added. Terry’s extensive injuries were enough to build a case against his former owner. After appearing in court and admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, the person was handed a five-year ban on keeping animals. Emily Lomas, an animal care assistant at RSPCA’s Hull branch, said she was thrilled when she learned that Rachel had adopted Terry. “He was very traumatized and overwhelmed when he came to us, we had to really show him there was nothing to be scared of and that he was now safe. We took him to the socialization room, and I remember him falling asleep on my legs,” said Lomas.“We were all thrilled when he was adopted and knew he was going to a special home,” she added.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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42% of Pet Parents Feel Caring for Pets is More Stressful Than Kids!

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Dog Finds A Forever Home After Spending 1,007 Days at Delaware Shelter

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What Are the Symptoms of Dementia in Dogs?

As the years go by, health issues tend to pile up, even in canines. Old age can bring a range of problems – some doggos have troubles with arthritis and limited mobility, while others suffer from cognitive decline and experience issues such as dementia. That’s right, even dogs can suffer from dementia, which is also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This illness can bring about some troubling changes in your pet’s behavior, and it would be wise to be familiar with all the symptoms of dementia, especially if you are a senior dog owner. Let’s go over them and get familiar with the challenges of canine dementia.Doggy Dementia: Symptoms and What To ExpectAs your pet reaches their golden years, some issues are bound to pop up, including dementia. Known as canine cognitive dysfunction, it has similar symptoms to Alzheimer's disease in humans. The main cause is the aging of the dog’s brain, which results in many troubling issues. Of course, CCD doesn’t happen to all old dogs. Latest studies revealed that it only happens to roughly 50% of dogs that are over 11 years old. Of course, if you own a senior doggo, it is wise to get to know the symptoms of dog dementia. Here are some of the most common ones:Confusion and Disorientation:As dementia sets in, your pet might seem suddenly disoriented and awfully confused. They could get lost in spaces that should be all too familiar to them (the house for example), or could just stand and stare blankly into space. Major Sleep Pattern Changes:Dogs tend to have a solid sleep routine. But with dementia, this can suddenly change. They could experience alterations in their sleep-wake cycle, sleep a lot during the day, and become restless and sleepless throughout the entire night.Loss of Interest:Your dog, with dementia, could suddenly become a totally different pet. They could lose all interest in common interactions. They could have zero interest in playing with you or interacting with the family members. The same goes for interacting with other pets, or playing with toys - even if they were their favorites. Forgetting Housetraining:

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Perhaps you spotted tears streaming from your pet’s eyes and wondered: do dogs cry tears as an emotional response? Or is there a different explanation for this phenomenon? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward – dogs don’t produce tears because of their emotions like we humans do. They produce tears primarily to lubricate their eyes, and remove dust and other irritants. But, this does not mean that they don’t express emotions in other ways – here’s what you need to know about your teary-eyed furball.Do Dogs Cry Real Tears?If you spot tears running from your dog’s eyes, you are not deceived – they are real. However, they are not tears of sadness or emotion, as dogs simply don’t express feelings the same way as we do. The role of those tears is more of a bodily function. They are there to lubricate the eye, making sure it functions as it should. After all, dogs can just rub their eyes or place a few drops inside when needed. So, their body does the job for them, and hence the tears. Of course, an excessive amount of tears is not natural. And neither are dry and tearless eyes. So, in either one of these cases, you should schedule a visit with your vet. Dry eyes in dogs are also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye syndrome," and can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential complications if left untreated. In many cases of dry eyes, veterinarians prescribe artificial tears or  lubricating eye drops to help moisturize the eyes and relieve discomfort. These drops can help supplement the natural tear production and provide relief from dryness. 

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This Revolutionary Drug Could Help Extend the Lifespan of Dogs

In a groundbreaking trial that is set to launch in the United States, around 1,000 elderly dogs will be given a pill – in the form of a sweet treat – in the hope that their lives will be extended because of it. Behind this innovative work stands Loyal, a startup company based in Silicon Valley. They are currently gathering a number of senior dogs through a well-developed network of veterinary practices in all US states. The tests are set to launch before the end of 2023, after four years of complex studies.In this case, all dogs must be over 10 years old in order to be included in the study. The study itself is set to be a “randomized double-blind placebo trial”. The director of veterinary medicine at Loyal, the company behind this trial, Dr. Brennen McKenzie, said for  Telegraph that this will “probably be the largest clinical trial in veterinary medical history”.“We’re hoping to show that we can both increase the length of life and, more importantly, the length of time these dogs live healthy and happy and functional lives,” McKenzie states. “We’re looking at the length of time that dogs live on the drug and the placebo, hoping to show that we can extend their lifespan and also hoping to show that they develop less disease.”What the study will potentially show is that dogs who receive the drug will live one year longer - on average compared to those who are taking the “placebo” drug. Still, the length of life gained is only one aspect, Dr McKenzie said at the North American Veterinary Community’s Veterinary Innovation Summit in Kansas City. McKenzie also added that increasing health was their number one priority.“We think of lifespan as the amount of time that you live but healthspan is the amount of time that you have good health, good function, good quality of life,” Dr McKenzie said. “That’s clearly the most important thing”.All of this sounds quite “larger than life”, no pun intended. And, of course, with such advanced propositions, the trial drug and its contents are a closely guarded secret, especially due to commercial reasons. This will be the situation until the trial of the drug is finished. And if the drug happens to be as efficient as hoped, Loyal plans to place it on the market immediately, offering an affordable daily supplement that can extend the lives of dogs. “If we get through this four-year trial and we achieve our endpoints, the FDA will license us to sell this as a prescription medication and it will be the first medication ever to extend lifespan in any species,” Dr McKenzie said. “We are absolutely interested in a product that is accessible to the majority of pet owners.”It is worth noting that the drug in question was already proven to be safe for consumption, and there is a low risk of this potential supplement causing any unwanted side effects. Loyal is a company that has two other products in the works, and they are also scheduled to undergo extensive tests. However, work is not yet finished, and one of the two is expected to go on trial around 2026. 

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