Natural Remedies for Arthritis in Dogs
Nicole Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in canines. It is a degenerative disease that causes pain, loss of mobility, and a decreased quality of life. It is estimated that 20% of dogs will be affected by arthritis, and while it is most common in older dogs due to the natural erosion of joint cartilage, young dogs can also be susceptible due to injury or trauma.
Dog Arthritis Symptoms
Unfortunately, it can be tricky to notice the early warning signs of arthritis in dogs because they can disguise the symptoms. If your dog is at risk of arthritis, look out for the following symptoms:
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Limping or favouring certain legs
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Walking or moving very stiffly
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Taking extra care when lying down and standing up to avoid painful positions
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Unwillingness to climb, jump or run
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Recoiling in pain when touching certain limbs
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, take them to a veterinarian for an official diagnosis.
Treatments
While there is no cure for arthritis in dogs, the condition is treatable and you can increase your dog's quality of life by combining simple therapies and natural remedies:
Swimming - This form of exercise not stressful to the joints and can help to increase mobility and strengthen the joints.
Apply heat to affected areas - Heat increases circulation, stimulates muscles, and lessens pain. Use heating beds or a warm bath to soothe your dog's aching joints - ensure that you test the temperature yourself first to make sure it is bearable.
Give your dog gentle massages each day - Regular massages reduce muscular tension and help to relieve the aches and pains associated with arthritis. Massage also stimulates circulation and can help to slow down the degeneration of joints. Check out YouTube for expert videos on massage techniques.
Control your dog's weight - Carrying extra weight increases pressure on the joints. If your dog is overweight, try to reduce their portion sizes and encourage exercise through swimming and regular walks.
Glucosamine - Glucosamine is naturally concentrated in joint cartilage, where it plays an important role in maintaining the smooth working of joints. Daily glucosamine supplements for dogs will protect and lubricate the joints and help to rebuild damaged cartilage, while also relieving arthritic pain.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Feed your dog a diet filled with omega 3 fatty acids, good sources of which are salmon, tuna and sardines. Omega 3's are proven to reduce joint inflammation and lubricate joints and often help to relieve joint stiffness after periods of inactivity. Cod Liver Oil supplements for pets are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and are easy to add to their food.
