Canine arthritis can strike at any age, but it is most common in older dogs. Dog arthritis treatment varies significantly depending upon your pet's prior condition and existing health problems. While the disease itself is not treatable, you can help to improve your pet's quality of life by managing his symptoms. However, some dogs are so frail, or have complicating health concerns, that eliminate the option of standard medical treatment of these symptoms. If your pet does not respond well to prescription medicines aimed to control his arthritis, consider the wide range of natural supplements available to do so.
Omega Fatty Acid Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids have a number of potential health benefits, and are oftentimes recommended to promote heart health primarily. They can also help to manage the painful swelling and inflammation caused by canine arthritis. Provide your pet with a well-rounded Omega-3 fatty acid supplement like EPA in order to best address his arthritis symptoms.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is one of the most potent natural treatment methods for arthritis. Unlike other supplements, which oftentimes act only to address the pain and other symptoms related to arthritis, glucosamine can actually help to slow the progression of the condition. It acts to promote bone and joint restoration in dogs. While you should not expect glucosamine to completely treat your pet's arthritis, it may help to slow the deterioration of your pet's bones and joints as a result of arthritis.
There are a number of natural supplements containing glucosamine as an active ingredient. Not all of these treatment methods will work equally, however, so it is important to watch out for the signs of a high quality glucosamine supplement. Look for treatments that feature a liquid glucosamine at pharmaceutical strength. These supplements will be best able to deliver the highest quantity of the medicine to your pet's body with the fastest absorption time.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Unlike glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate is not designed for use in arthritic patients exclusively. This supplement is a dietary one, available to be included with your pet's meals. It acts as a general pain reliever, and may be helpful for use in conjunction with the two previous supplements, neither of which directly work to reduce the pain that your dog experiences as a result of canine arthritis. Used alone, however, chondroitin sulfate will not reduce the effects of arthritis in dogs.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs and natural treatments like Feverfew®, cayenne and turmeric all serve as anti-inflammatories. Many of these herbal treatments also help to promote your pet's own bodily response to inflammation as well. The effectiveness of these supplements varies greatly depending upon the drug and on the dog itself. Some experimentation may be necessary, and it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before administering a new herbal supplement to your arthritic pet.
Canine arthritis is a painful and debilitating disease. With the help of natural supplements and remedies, however, you can significantly improve your dog's condition in spite of the damage due to arthritis, and without paying the same cost that you may have to for prescription medicines and treatments.