Arthritis in Dogs - Effective Natural Ways to Help
A degenerative joint disease, arthritis inflicts dogs just as it does humans. Much of the inflammation and degradation of the cartilage in the joint is what causes the pain and disability in the dog as it ages. Having a cartilage that has been injured lends itself to releasing inflammation-causing enzymes. This disrupts the elasticity and the ability of the joint capsule to nourish and heal itself.
Dogs have a tendency to not vocalize if they are in pain from sore joints. Some of the signs may be a dog that is reluctant to go on long walks anymore. The procedure of laying down can become quite an ordeal for them, struggling to get down and to get up. Stairs become difficult to navigate, they may show signs of lameness and to jump up or down from couches or beds becomes impossible.
Dogs can get arthritis in the hips, knees and elbows. Once a puppy is a year or two old, dysplasia which is a developmental disease, can be diagnosed. Arthritic symptoms can be lessened but they will however, never go away. Once the damage is done, it needs to be managed. By following three steps, a dog's quality of life can be enhanced and the progression of arthritis can be slowed down. The three actions to take are weight control, exercise and pain management if necessary.
The elements of a normal joint are made up of a joint capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The soundness of the joint capsule is very important for a smooth gliding function, for the production of hyaluronic acid and defense mechanisms. To provide proper metabolic waste removal from the cartilage in addition to supplying nutrients and lubrication, adequate synovial fluid production is needed.
A familiar term for Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear disease. Further pain and damage in the joint is caused by the subchondral bone becoming thicker and placing a heavier load upon the cartilage. This joint capsular thickening from the low-grade inflammatory process, ends up creating a decreased range of motion and reduction in functioning.
For many dogs with arthritis, the use of Nutraceuticals and Chondroprotectants are very popular. The optimum treatment plan would encompass exercise modification, physical rehabilitation, weight management, nutritional therapy and pain management if required. Surgery should be a last resort.
The abnormal joint surface will benefit from a reduced amount of weight placed on it. This is where weight control is of paramount importance. Hip dysplasia will reap enormous benefits from a reduction in the weight load. One of the most beneficial forms of exercise for a dog with arthritis is swimming. Without impacting and stressing the joints with unnecessary weight, the dogs maintain a good range of motion and are comfortable in the process.
One substance that is very beneficial for dog arthritis pain is Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids prevent abnormal cell growth and normalize the immune system. They also prevent inflammation and degeneration of the joint. When looking for sources of Omega-3, look at green leafy vegetables, flax seeds/oil, green-lipped mussels and cold water fish oils. Be sure to purchase organic cold pressed oils packaged in light resistant containers. The quality of oils will vary.
The most widely used nutraceuticals are chondroitin and glucosamine. These products can be used with other remedies, have anti-inflammatory properties and are effective in slowing the progression of arthritis. These have been proven to reduce swelling and help with pain. For the most absorbable into the joint, Glucosamine HCL has led the way.
Boswellia, Tumeric, Ginger and Devils Claw, have been used for centuries by people in India. They all naturally fight joint inflammation and reduce pain associated with arthritis.
Acupuncture is another treatment modality for arthritis. Not only can it change the course of the disease, but it is powerful in alleviating the pain associated with it.
The modality of Homeopathy is also very beneficial in treating arthritis. For an older dog that usually has less pain associated with heat, Causticum is used. If arthritis is worse with warm weather and exercise, Bryonia is the Homeopathic to use. For a dog that is stiff upon arising and worse in cold damp weather, Rhus Tox is a good remedy. Always check with your Holistic Veterinarian for the correct dosage for your particular dog.
If we modify the home to accommodate our companion dogs, it helps make their life much easier. One of the easiest modifications to make and utilize is the ramp. This prevents the dog from having to navigate up and down stairs. Raised feeding dishes and water bowels help reduce neck and back strain. Stiff, achy and painful joints are helped with heated beds. After all modalities have been exhausted, drugs or surgery may be useful. For the well-being of your dog, do everything else before that route.
www.treatment-for-dogs.com
Dogs have a tendency to not vocalize if they are in pain from sore joints. Some of the signs may be a dog that is reluctant to go on long walks anymore. The procedure of laying down can become quite an ordeal for them, struggling to get down and to get up. Stairs become difficult to navigate, they may show signs of lameness and to jump up or down from couches or beds becomes impossible.
Dogs can get arthritis in the hips, knees and elbows. Once a puppy is a year or two old, dysplasia which is a developmental disease, can be diagnosed. Arthritic symptoms can be lessened but they will however, never go away. Once the damage is done, it needs to be managed. By following three steps, a dog's quality of life can be enhanced and the progression of arthritis can be slowed down. The three actions to take are weight control, exercise and pain management if necessary.
The elements of a normal joint are made up of a joint capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The soundness of the joint capsule is very important for a smooth gliding function, for the production of hyaluronic acid and defense mechanisms. To provide proper metabolic waste removal from the cartilage in addition to supplying nutrients and lubrication, adequate synovial fluid production is needed.
A familiar term for Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear disease. Further pain and damage in the joint is caused by the subchondral bone becoming thicker and placing a heavier load upon the cartilage. This joint capsular thickening from the low-grade inflammatory process, ends up creating a decreased range of motion and reduction in functioning.
For many dogs with arthritis, the use of Nutraceuticals and Chondroprotectants are very popular. The optimum treatment plan would encompass exercise modification, physical rehabilitation, weight management, nutritional therapy and pain management if required. Surgery should be a last resort.
The abnormal joint surface will benefit from a reduced amount of weight placed on it. This is where weight control is of paramount importance. Hip dysplasia will reap enormous benefits from a reduction in the weight load. One of the most beneficial forms of exercise for a dog with arthritis is swimming. Without impacting and stressing the joints with unnecessary weight, the dogs maintain a good range of motion and are comfortable in the process.
One substance that is very beneficial for dog arthritis pain is Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids prevent abnormal cell growth and normalize the immune system. They also prevent inflammation and degeneration of the joint. When looking for sources of Omega-3, look at green leafy vegetables, flax seeds/oil, green-lipped mussels and cold water fish oils. Be sure to purchase organic cold pressed oils packaged in light resistant containers. The quality of oils will vary.
The most widely used nutraceuticals are chondroitin and glucosamine. These products can be used with other remedies, have anti-inflammatory properties and are effective in slowing the progression of arthritis. These have been proven to reduce swelling and help with pain. For the most absorbable into the joint, Glucosamine HCL has led the way.
Boswellia, Tumeric, Ginger and Devils Claw, have been used for centuries by people in India. They all naturally fight joint inflammation and reduce pain associated with arthritis.
Acupuncture is another treatment modality for arthritis. Not only can it change the course of the disease, but it is powerful in alleviating the pain associated with it.
The modality of Homeopathy is also very beneficial in treating arthritis. For an older dog that usually has less pain associated with heat, Causticum is used. If arthritis is worse with warm weather and exercise, Bryonia is the Homeopathic to use. For a dog that is stiff upon arising and worse in cold damp weather, Rhus Tox is a good remedy. Always check with your Holistic Veterinarian for the correct dosage for your particular dog.
If we modify the home to accommodate our companion dogs, it helps make their life much easier. One of the easiest modifications to make and utilize is the ramp. This prevents the dog from having to navigate up and down stairs. Raised feeding dishes and water bowels help reduce neck and back strain. Stiff, achy and painful joints are helped with heated beds. After all modalities have been exhausted, drugs or surgery may be useful. For the well-being of your dog, do everything else before that route.
www.treatment-for-dogs.com
About the Author:
Helga Schmitt has been keenly studying and researching dog health, physiotherapy and rehabilitation actively for the past 20 years. She is a Chartered Herbalist, Holistic Nutritionist and she holds a Certificate in Homeopathy. She strives to educate dog owners about healthy choices. For your Free dog Health Book and to read more on dog arthritis, go to www.treatment-for-dogs.com.
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