Choosing a Natural Anti-Inflammatory for Dogs

An Anti-inflammatory for dogs is used to fight inflammations resulting from injuries, irritations or more serious medical conditions, such as arthritis. Generally, veterinarians prescribe non steroidal anti inflammatory medication for dogs, especially for arthritis. The NSAIDs are efficient in treating both the inflammation and the symptoms but can also cause serious side effects in dogs. Therefore, it is advisable to use natural anti inflammatory remedies in order to avoid all possible complications and side effects. 

Choosing a Natural Anti-Inflammatory for Dogs

Natural anti inflammatory remedies are safe and easy to administer. They do not present threats to your dog’s health and you can prepare most of them at home. If your dog experiences pain due to an inflammation it is best to have him diagnosed correctly by a veterinarian and then consult him regarding the natural remedies you can use. You have a series of solutions at hand such as:

  • Fish oil
  • Essential oils (cinnamon, peppermint, lavender, rosemary)
  • Plant extracts or creams (Arnica, Daisy, Cayenne, Marigold, Ginger, Liquorice root, Yucca root, Skullcap, St. John’s Wort)
  • Vitamin C

Fish Oil

Fish oil administered in high doses works as an efficient anti inflammatory. It is recommended to administer 1000mg/ 10lb and should be associated with vitamin E supplements because fish oil increases the demand of the body for that vitamin.

Essential Oils

Essential oils can also be used as pain relief remedies. You can mix 10 to 12 drops of essential oils with approximately 1 ounce of olive or almond oil and apply it on the painful body parts. The solution works both against pain and the inflammation and it is recommended in dogs with arthritis.

Herbal Extracts

Arnica combined with daisy are also efficient in relieving pain. Arnica and daisy can treat bruises and are recommended for trauma or after surgeries.

Marigold may help healing injuries and calms pain, especially in case of muscle pain and lacerations.

Cayenne has an analgesic effect and is most commonly used in creams and ointments and applied topically. It is good for arthritis and it also stimulates blood circulation.

Ginger poultice and liquorice oil infusions are recommended for external for arthritis and muscle strains. Ginger is an efficient antispasmodic. Liquorice can be used together with Yucca root which stimulates the production of corticosteroids and associated hormones. Skullcap and St John’s Wort work great in combination and are efficient against injuries and conditions which affect the nerves. Administer 12 drops of each three times a day.

St John’s Wort can be used externally in creams, oils or infusions.

Turmenic has anti inflammatory properties, compared to the effects of cortisone. It is also easy to administer: you can just add dried turmenic to your dog’s food.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C works in arthritic dogs. It helps with pain and inflammation. Calcium Ascorbate and Ester C are more recommended than Ascorbic Acid which can cause stomach problems. Consult your vet prior to administering vitamin C, to make sure you get the right dosage. 

 

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