Vet Advice: Dog Food For Pain Arthritis Joints & Hip Dysplasia
If you decide to feed homemade dog food for arthritis, please get a recipe for a balanced diet from a veterinary nutritionist! You can even get a free recipe from BalanceIt.com but youll have to buy and add their powdered supplement to make the diet complete. Feeding an unbalanced diet can cause serious problems over the course of months. Dont make this mistake!
Arthritis In Dogs The Causes
Your dog is an amazing athlete. When was the last time YOU were able to jump as high as you are tall? I thought so.
But their athleticism comes at a price. You can only jump so high and land so hard so many times before the ligaments surrounding the joint start to stretch. As those ligaments stretch, they no longer hold the bones as tightly together so the bones start to grate against one another. This grating erodes the joint cartilage and creates inflammation within the joint and arthritis is born.
How early in life does arthritis in dogs occur? It is dictated by three factors:
- GENETICS Size counts. If your parents had bad joints, you will have bad joints.
- LIFESTYLE the more jumping, stairs, and twisting play you enjoy the earlier your pain.
- SPOILING every pound of fat creates an extra ton of pressure on a painful joint each day.
How To Help Dogs With Arthritis
It is a disorder in which dogs experience joint discomfort, and it is one that will affect the majority of dogs as they get older. There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching your greatest companion get older. However, there are certain things you can do at home, in partnership with your veterinarian, to assist dogs with arthritis manage their discomfort and maintain the condition of their joint cartilage. Here are some suggestions for alleviating your dogs joint pain and inflammation while also minimizing its inflammation.
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Joint Supplements For Canine Arthritis
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fatty acids whose anti-inflammatory effect has been scientifically proven. The fatty acids are found in oily fish like salmon, sardines, and anchovies but they are also available as supplements. Dogs fed omega supplements may need lower NSAID doses to experience pain relief.
Glucosamine. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound in joint cartilage. The body produces glucosamine but may sometimes fail to produce enough due to factors like age, genetics, or illness. By supplementing with glucosamine, you increase the concentration of the compound at the joint and improve cartilage mass and quality.
Chondroitin Sulfate. Chondroitin, similar to glucosamine, is produced by the body but may sometimes be in inadequate amounts. Its main role is to promote water retention and elasticity at the joints.
Both glucosamine and chondroitin are usually extracted from sea animals like oysters and green-lipped mussels. Green-lipped mussels are a type of shellfish native to New Zealand. The mussels are very rich in both glucosamine and chondroitin and also contain a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring fluid in the body that is very hydrophilic . Due to its water-loving nature, it attracts water to the joint space, promoting lubrication and fluidity of the joint. The acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect which is helpful in slowing the progression of arthritis.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
It is very important for dogs with arthritis to maintain a healthy weight. Any extra weight adds more pressure and pain to your dogs achy joints.
While losing weight can be a challenge for older dogs, helping your canine friend lose some of the extra pounds is worth the effort. With controlled exercise and a healthy diet, weight loss can be possible. Consult your veterinary to help you make a weight loss plan for your furry companion and be sure to stick to it.
Not just arthritis, obesity is linked to other health problems in dogs, such as diabetes, pancreatitis, heart disease, disc disease, hip dysplasia, and several types of cancer.
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What Causes Arthritis In Dogs
Dogs who play too much fetch or jump high off the ground often cause damage to their joints and cartilage. Older dogs are more susceptible to arthritis than younger dogs.
Also, larger dogs are more likely to suffer joint problems than smaller dogs. Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to developing arthritis than others.
For example, German Shepherd dogs have a higher incidence of hip dysplasia which causes arthritis in later life.
Some dogs develop arthritis because of an injury such as a broken leg or dislocated shoulder. Other factors include obesity and being overweight. Obesity puts extra stress on joints and increases the risk of arthritis.
What Is Arthritis In Dogs
Arthritis refers to inflammation and abnormal changes in the joints. But there are different types of arthritis, each with its own causes and symptoms. The most common type of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis. Its also known as degenerative joint disease or DJD. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage the smooth, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones and protects joints breaks down. As the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. There are other types of arthritis, too. Infectious arthritis is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Its usually the result of an injury or infection elsewhere in the body that spreads to the joints. Autoimmune arthritis happens when the bodys immune system attacks the joints. This can be caused by conditions like Lyme disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but its most common in the hips, knees, elbows, and shoulders. It can also affect the neck, back, and ankles. Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability in dogs. Its estimated that 1 in 5 dogs will develop arthritis at some point in their lives.
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Benefits Of Dog Arthritis Massage
Massage is the gentle manipulation of superficial and deep soft tissues and is medically beneficial for the following reasons:
- Prevents adhesions of muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Reduces muscle spasm, swelling, and joint stiffness
- Improves tissue relaxation, muscle flexibility, and blood flow
- Maintains muscle mass while decreasing pain
Furthermore, dogs seem to enjoy massage and its benefits.
Diet And Supplements To Treat Arthritis In Dogs
Your dogs diet is always of the utmost importance and even more so if your dog has arthritis. Dr. Klein says, weight management is prime, for arthritic dogs. Excessive weight causes extra strain on your dogs body and joints. Although exercise may be difficult, especially if the arthritis is severe, you can work with your veterinarian to find appropriate activities. Additionally, you can pay close attention to his diet.
Make sure you have the right food for your dog and that it meets his nutritional needs. Prescription foods sold by veterinarians might be particularly useful in helping your dogs arthritis. These foods often contain natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, or Omega fatty acids.
Furthermore, you might want to consider a food containing glucosamine or giving glucosamine or chondroitin as supplements. These sulfates are the building blocks of healthy cartilage and appear to stimulate the body to make more cartilage. Dr. Klein says that studies on glucosamine and chondroitin are conflicting. However, some demonstrate a beneficial effect on arthritis pain.
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Relieving Dog Arthritis With Natural Remedies
You can get pet medication prescribed by your dogs vet if he or she is suffering from arthritis, but there are also many natural remedies out there that may help your dog feel better.
This article will discuss the different natural remedies available to try for your dogs arthritis to help you choose the best one.
Early Signs Of Arthritis In Dogs
Canine arthritis is a common condition among our furry best friends. In data collected from Healthcanal, almost twenty percent of dogs will be affected in their lifetime, and the problem isnt only applicable to older dogs.
Certain breeds of dogs, those with short legs, such as Corgi, and those with large sizes, like Great Dane, can also contribute to the factors that can develop arthritis. Aside from this, frequent injuries, like fractures or ruptured ligaments, can increase the chances of damaging your dogs joints.
Meanwhile, genetics also play a vital role in the likelihood of becoming arthritic dogs because of the body structure. As pet owners, you want to manage your dogs pain, so youre looking for natural pain relief for dogs to decrease pain in inflamed joints.
But before we go into that, here are the early signs and symptoms that your dogs develop arthritis:
- Trouble getting up or laying down
- Pain of the affected joints
If your dog manifests any of these signs, bring your dog to the nearest vet to get pain medications or consult a holistic veterinarian to use alternative veterinary medicine and natural treatments to manage dog arthritis.
You can do these natural remedies to reduce pain in the dogs joints at home.
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Keep Your Dogs Nails Trimmed
Nails naturally wear down through friction with the ground as your dog moves around. However, if your dog is suffering from arthritis, it begins to move around less than usual, and because of this, its nails will not wear down as quickly as they used to be. If they become overgrown, they can make your dogs feet stand at an unnatural angle, and this can give them excruciating pain. This is why you have to trim your arthritic dogs nails constantly.
Managing Arthritis In Dogs: Improving Mobility And Joint Health
- Dont wait. Act now to preserve your dogs joint health.
- When your dog has arthritis, cartilage in his joints is wearing away, causing significant pain.
- Addressing the problem now can spare your dog more aggressive treatments, like surgery.1
1 Renberg WC. Pathophysiology and management of arthritis. Vet Clin North Am: Small Anim Pract. 2005 35:1073- 1091.
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Limit Mobility Commands To Only When Necessary
Surely your dog has earned a lifetime supply of treats simply because theyre awesome. Now that your dog has arthritis and youre trying to treat the condition at home, its a good time to stop insisting that your dog sit, lay down shake paws etc, in order to receive a treat.
If you still want your dog to perform for treats, you could ask for a kiss , hug or a bark or hide them in places that are easy to find and access.
Ways To Help A Senior Dog With Arthritis At Home
Because arthritic discomfort is threatening to steal the joy from your dogs golden years, you want to make sure that your home is secure and pleasant for your senior dog who has mobility issues. Dr. Julie Buzby, an integrative veterinarian, relies on her many years of experience in loving and caring for elderly dogs to give these eight practical tips for helping your dog with arthritis at home. Because your dog has been celebrating his tenth birthday for the previous three years, it may be easy to overlook that your dog is approaching the end of his working life.
The majority of dogs are excellent at hiding their age. However, when people acquire arthritis and see changes in their mobility, it may become more evident that the passage of time is taking its toll.
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Combining Arthritis Dogs Treatment
Many dog arthritis natural remedies can be combined with traditional pain relief therapies, such as NSAIDs, tramadol, amantadine, gabapentin, steroids and more, Dr. Morgan says.
I like people to understand that there are always more tools in the toolbox to treat arthritis, she says. Some dogs have horrible joints on radiographs yet show little pain. Others have minimal changes on X-ray yet act stiff and sore and don’t want to move. Pain tolerance is different for each individual.
While I always treat first with natural therapies and remedies, I will add in prescription medications when needed to control pain, she adds. Sometimes it takes a combination of many therapies and supplements and medications when the disease reaches an advanced state.
Natural Joint Pain Relief For Dogs With Arthritis
If you prefer to say no to prescription medication from your DVM veterinarian, its time to consider alternative tools and treatments for your dogâs arthritis.
Many pet parents are concerned about the side effects that surgery and prescription medication can have on their beloved animals.
Despite many treatments being completely safe, if you still prefer to find a less invasive or drug-free approach to treating arthritis in dogs, we hear you loud and clear!
With many chronic conditions, treatment for canine arthritis in dogs is all about making your pet feel more comfortable and happier.
Whether its walking pain-free or sleeping without worrying about stiff joints in the morning.
Simple lifestyle changes are often very effective in improving your pups overall sense of health and well-being.
So, whether you have a senior pup unable to go down the medical route or have an energetic puppy suffering from canine arthritis.
Were about to reveal ten amazing natural arthritis treatments for dogs that dont involve drugs, surgery, or seeing your veterinarian.
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What Are The Best Dog Arthritis Natural Remedies
It can be really upsetting when you suspect your older dog is in pain. Thankfully, arthritis relief for dogs is out there, and you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to access it. If you’re wondering what to give dogs for arthritis, here are some natural remedies for dog arthritis that you can try to ease your pet’s discomfort and give yourself some peace of mind too.
Help your dog lose weight. Extra weight can be tough for your older dog to carry and can put pressure on dogs’ joints. In fact, obesity can be a big trigger for dogs developing arthritis. Maintaining a healthy diet is vital. Raw foods and probiotic-rich foods can be especially helpful, too, as opposed to heavily processed dog food brands.
Find a more supportive dog bed. Treating your dog to a healthier sleeping place could really ease your dog’s arthritis pain. You can make your dog’s bed more supportive by making it thicker and stronger so that it supports the points like hips and shoulders that get worn and inflamed over time. You can also think about investing in a bed with a supportive mattress-like base, rather than a cushion, to help spread your dog’s weight more evenly as they sleep.
Our Solution: Glyde Mobility Chews Hip & Joint Supplement For Dogs
We decided to start with a dietary supplement of Glyde Mobility Chews to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Unfortunately, there is no reversing the disease. But the good news is that just as it is in humans, arthritis signs can be treated.
I learned that Glyde Mobility Chews had a special formula with natural ingredients which would promote joint health and normal cartilage development.
I never knew joint health was something to be concerned about.
Well, it certainly is! Also important is the fact that Glyde has proven levels of glucosamine and chondroitin and that help maintain normal joint function. Glydesformula also contains New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, the only natural source of ETA, a potent Omega-3 fatty acid, that helps relieve joint stiffness and while maintaining youthful mobility.
I now gave Glyde to my beloved beagle daily. It was funny how quickly I felt she reacted to it. Within a week, I already saw the difference. She was bringing me her toy to throw and she seemed happier. I felt that it was really working. We were starting to return to our regular schedule of morning runs. Mostly because I knew I needed to keep her active, just as I needed to keep active too. After some time on Glyde, and regular exercise, my adorable beagle was back to her old self.
I was a bit offended. No, we arenât leaving her.
Now, we get Glyde delivered to our house on a regular basis.
Thanks to Glyde Mobility Chewsfor bringing the puppy out of her again!
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Use Ramps Wherever Possible
While getting off the couch, stairs, and into bed may not place any challenges on you, dogs legs are shorter than humans. To help your dog with more effortless movements, you can make use of dog stairs or ramps wherever possible. This is especially important for a breed of dogs with short legs. Each time a dog suffering from arthritis lands on a hard surface, its joints feel the impact and can cause the dog excruciating pain. If landing and jumping are a regular part of your dogs everyday life, your dog will be at a high risk of arthritis over the years due to the wear down of the cartilage protecting the joints. Because of this, bones will begin to rub painfully against each other.
The Best Natural Remedies For Dog Arthritis
As humans age, they may experience bouts of arthritis. Just like humans, your dog will age and can start showing symptoms of joint pain, as well.
If you notice that your dog is starting to show symptoms of arthritis, you may feel frustrated and upset. You dont want to spend a ton of money to treat their pain. And you also dont want to subject them to a life full of medications.
Thankfully, there are natural remedies for dog arthritis. Read on if youre interested in learning how to safely treat your furry best friend.
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