Natural Support for Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis in dogs is just like arthritis in humans. As we age it begins
to show up as pain and inflammation in the joints. Arthritis will be
most prevalent in larger breeds, however all sizes of dogs can be
affected. If your dog is overweight, this will further aggravate the
condition.
Signs
of arthritis in dogs can be an increasing difficulty in getting up
after sleeping. They may show signs of difficulty walking which may
dissipate after being up for a short period of time. Swelling of the
joints may also be visible.
Here is a list of beneficial natural remedies that have been
helpful in treating arthritis in dogs. Don’t use them all at the same
time. Try a couple for a while to see what results you get If you do
not get the results you want, then try others for a period of time.
- Glucosamine Sulfate: Glucosamine is a naturally occurring
substance found in the fluid around the joints. Joints are cushioned by
this fluid and the cartilages. Arthritis is when the cartilage breaks
down causing friction, pain and stiffness. Glucosaminer for dogs can
help reduce these problems. Glucosamine Sulfate supplements are thought
to increase the cartilage and fluids around the joints and prevent them
from further damage. Sulfate is necessary for the production of
cartilage. Glucosamine for dogs is one of the most helpful substances
for treating arthritis.
Most dogs have no side effects from glucosamine sulfate
supplements. Give about 20 mg. per pound of body weight, daily. For a
50 pound dog give 1000 mg. per day. You can divide the dosage in half
and give it every 12 hours.
- Chondroitin Sulfate: Chondroitin Sulfate is a
substance found in cartilage, tendons and ligaments in the joints and
connective tissue. It helps promote strength, flexibility and shock
absorption. Chondroitin for dogs is used to help maintain proper joint
functioning. Since Chondroitin Sulfate is a part of the dog’s cartilage
naturally, supplementing it may help to rebuild it over time.
Chondroitin for dogs may also stop future damage to the cartilage. It
is an anti-inflammatory agent and helps reduce pain.
Give 10-15 mg. per pound of body weight. For a 50 pound dog, give 500-650 mg. per day. You can divide it into two doses per day.
- Vitamin C: One of the many benefits of
Vitamin C is that it helps to increase the production of collagen in the
body. Collagen is an important substance in the support of the soft
tissue around the joints. Give 500 mg. for a 50 pound dog, twice a
day.
- Fish Oil and Vitamin E: Fish oil has
major anti-inflammatory benefits because of its Omega-3 fatty acids.
When giving fish oil, you will want to supplement the give your dog a
little extra Vitamin E. Give around 500 mg. per 10 pounds of body
weight of fish oil. For a 50 pound dog give 2500 to 3000 mg. per day.
Fish oil will help support the immune system in addition to helping
treat arthritis in dogs. You can get gel capsules with 1000 mg. each.
Puncture the capsules and squeeze the fish oil onto your dog’s food.
Give 100 IUs per day of Vitamin E while supplementing with fish oil.
- MSM: MSM for dogs can help alleviate
problems with arthritis. MSM stands for Methylsulfonlmethane. This is a
naturally-occurring form of sulfur. Sulfur is very important for the
maintenance of healthy skin and healthy connective tissues. It is found
in the hair, nails, skin and joints. With age the body’s level of MSM
decreases. This can lead to joint pain and arthritis among other things.
Supplementing with MSM for dogs will help reduce pain and
inflammation. Give 50-100 grams per 10 pounds of body weight.
- Exercise: Regular exercise is important
to keeping arthritis in check. You will not want to over do it, but a
daily walk will help keep your dogs joints working a lot better. Many
people think that with arthritis, exercise should be stopped. Nothing
could be further from the truth. It is essential to stay active in order
to keep this progressive illness at bay.
- Soft Bedding: Be sure that your arthritic
dog has a soft, comfortable bed to sleep in. Sitting and laying on a
hard floor, will make the pain and discomfort of arthritis a lot worse.
Always consult your vet for medical problems.
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