Avoid the harmful side effects of prescription medications and learn how to relieve your dog’s arthritis and joint pain naturally.
Arthritis is a very common issue for dogs, and as many as 1 out of 4 suffer from it. Arthritis can affect dogs of all ages, not just older dogs. As many as 22% of dogs who suffer from arthritis are less than a year old. And, 70% of joint diseases like hip dysplasia are the result of developmental diseases. It’s never too early to think about your dog’s joint health. At the Fuzzy Butts Blog, we are passionate about taking a holistic approach to pet care. Thankfully, your dog’s arthritis and joint pain can be relieved naturally, reducing or even eliminating the need for harmful prescription drugs.
Joint Issues and Inflammation Go Hand in Hand
Joint problems in dogs are generally either degenerative or developmental. Degenerative joint issues in dogs usually present as arthritis. Developmental joint issues in dogs most commonly present as elbow or hip dysplasia. Less common developmental joint issues include HOD (hypertrophic osteodystrophy) and OCD (osteochondritis dissecans). Most joint issues will get worse over time if they aren’t treated.
Inflammation is usually present whenever there is a joint problem, whether it’s developmental or degenerative. Inflammation is the body’s way of healing the joint, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing. It means that the body is sending white blood cells and antibodies to the area to encourage healing.
However, if the swelling and pain of inflammation aren’t addressed, over time they can contribute to your dog’s joint problems. This happens because the joints in your dog’s body are lined with a thin layer of cartilage, which produces fluid to lubricate the joint so that it can move freely without rubbing.
When the problem in your dog’s joint goes unchecked, the antibodies from the chronic inflammation actually start to break down the cartilage that’s protecting the joint. Over time, this degeneration can begin to cause the exact joint problems the inflammation is supposed to be protecting against. As the problem worsens, you’ll begin to notice signs of joint problems, such as pain or stiffness.
Your first instinct will probably be to head to your veterinarian for prescription meds. But, let’s consider the side effects of those medications first, and discuss some ways to relieve your dog’s arthritis and joint pain naturally.
The Side Effects of Prescription Pain Medications
If you were to take your dog to the vet for arthritis or another joint issue, he would most likely prescribe an NSAID (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Some examples are Previcox, Deramaxx, Metacam, and Rimadyl. These drugs are classified as cox-2 inhibitors, and their job is to inhibit the body’s inflammatory response, which happens through the COX pathway (cyclooxygenase pathway).
While the COX pathway is responsible for the body’s inflammatory response, it also has several other vital functions in the body. First, they are responsible for blood clotting and the constriction of blood vessels. They also transport blood to the kidneys and liver. And, they also play an essential part in producing stomach acid and the mucous lining of the stomach.
Those functions all sound pretty important, so maybe controlling inflammation with COX-2 inhibitors (NSAIDs) isn’t such a good idea. Especially if there are ways to relieve your dog’s arthritis and joint pain naturally, without causing issues in other parts of the body.
According to the makers of the popular NSAID Metacam, COX-2 inhibitors can cause issues in the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and liver. Not only that but in extreme cases, they have also resulted in serious reactions that could cause death without any warning.
But, that’s not all! According to this article written by a well-respected doctor whose practice focuses on pain management and rehabilitation, NSAIDS can actually accelerate the degradation of cartilage, thereby contributing to the development of osteoarthritis. Arthritis can actually be accelerated by the use of NSAIDs!
“One of the most serious adverse reactions to NSAIDs, that is little appreciated, is that as a class of compounds they cause the breakdown of articular cartilage, thereby accelerating OA [osteoarthritis], the very disease for which they are most commonly prescribed.” – Ross A. Hauser, MD
Yikes! In my opinion, the side effects associated with NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors far outweigh the benefits. Especially when there are natural alternatives that have been scientifically proven to be every bit as effective. Let’s take a look at seven ways to relieve your dog’s arthritis and joint pain naturally.
7 Ways to Relieve Your Dog’s Arthritis and Joint Pain Naturally
1. Curcumin (Turmeric)
There is a lot of research out there to support the use of curcumin for natural joint pain relief due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin is one of the main components of turmeric, a spice you probably already have on the shelf in your kitchen. Studies show that curcumin can be more effective for relieving pain and stiffness than steroids, pain killers, or anti-inflammatory drugs!
You won’t get the benefits you’re looking for by simply sprinkling some turmeric on your dog’s food every day. He would have to eat a lot of it and most dogs won’t care for the flavor or smell of turmeric on their food. Offering a high-quality curcumin supplement in its pure form will be much more effective.
2. Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a major component of cartilage. Supplementing with chondroitin can help the body repair cartilage that has been damaged and restore the integrity of the joints. It hydrates cartilage tissues to improve shock absorption. It also slows down the destructive enzymes that degrade joint fluid and cartilage, protecting them from premature breakdown.
Glucosamine combines glucose with the amino acid glutamine. Animals produce glucosamine naturally and it’s used to build the molecules that form joint cartilage. As your dog ages, glucosamine production slows down. Supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine helps replace lost fluid in the joints so that they glide freely without causing pain. It can also repair existing damage to the cartilage.
Glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to work together to provide significant pain relief in people who have moderate to severe joint pain. Look for a high-quality, all-natural glucosamine and chondroitin supplement made from natural ingredients like shellfish and bones.
Many vets will recommend synthetic versions that are created in a lab, but these should be avoided because they aren’t absorbed as well as natural nutrients. Homemade bone broth is also a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin that can be added to your dog’s food. Learn about the benefits of bone broth and how to make it here.
3. Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that is released by a certain species of red algae when it’s under stress. It contains a red pigment that actually turns the animals who eat it pink, such as flamingos, salmon, and shrimp. Astaxanthin is an excellent natural arthritis and joint pain reliever for dogs because actually blocks certain chemicals that create pain. It reduces pain by decreasing inflammation and cleaning the body’s cells and repairing DNA.
But, that’s not all this amazing supplement can do! There is increasing evidence that astaxanthin is also effective for improving cardiovascular health, preventing cancer, boosting the immune systems, and slowing down the aging process. It’s also a great supplement for eye and skin health. Once again, synthetic supplements should be avoided. Choose an all-natural astaxanthin supplement and provide 1 to 1.6 mg per 20 pounds of body weight each day.
4. Omega-3 (Fish Oil)
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can relieve your dog’s arthritis and joint pain naturally by reducing inflammation. Studies show that supplementing with fish oil can reduce and delay osteoarthritis and improve lameness. Omega-3 is also essential for neurological, cardiovascular, immune system, and skin health.
Just about any dog or cat can benefit from an omega-3 fish oil supplement as long as it comes from a pure, wild source. The best omega-3 fish oil supplement for dogs is made in the USA in FDA registered facilities and contains high levels of DHA and EPA for maximum benefits.
5. Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is rich in an essential fatty acid called Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA). GLA offers multiple benefits for dogs, and studies show that it can reduce arthritis symptoms by as much as 25%. The essential fatty acids in hemp oil also reduce inflammation. It is rich in Omega-3s, so it has many of the same benefits as fish oil. It may also be beneficial for separation anxiety and stress relief.
Hemps oil can also improve the condition of the skin and coat, reduce allergy symptoms, and fight cancer by boosting the immune system and preventing tumor growth. Hemp also contains the important antioxidant vitamins A and E, which fight free radical damage and boost the immune system. As an added bonus, hemp is also rich in important nutrients, like lipids and trace minerals, that provide a vast amount of health benefits for your dog.
If you can’t stand the smell of fish oil, hemp oil could be a great alternative. Be sure to choose a high-quality, organic hemp oil supplement that was made in the USA. Many cheap hemp oil products are contaminated with pesticides and other toxins.
6. CBD Oil
Many people think hemp oil and CBD oil are the same things, but there are actually some pretty significant differences. While it’s true that they both come from the Cannabis Sativa plant, CBD oil is from the stalks, leaves, and buds of the plant while hemp oil is made from the seeds only. CBD oil has many medicinal properties, but hemp has significant nutritional value.
Although CBD oil comes from the same plant as marijuana, it only contains minute amounts of THC, so it will not get your dog high. Both humans and dogs have specific cannabinoid receptors in their bodies. When those receptors are fed, there are some major medicinal benefits.
CBD oil has major anti-inflammatory properties and it reduces pain, so it’s an excellent way to relieve your dog’s arthritis and joint pain naturally. It can also help inhibit cancer, reduce anxiety, and manage seizures.
7. Low-Carbohydrate Diet
Although low-carbohydrate diets are not the perfect solution for every dog, they do offer benefits for dogs with arthritis and joint pain. Low-carb diets reduce inflammation in the gut and other parts of the body. In small amounts, carbs are fine as a source of energy for your dog. In fact, many carbohydrates also provide fiber, which is beneficial for your dog’s digestive health.
Unless your vet has recommended refined carbohydrates (such as white rice) for certain medical conditions, the carbohydrates in your dog’s diet should come from whole sources like fruits, vegetables, or legumes (like peas) that also provide moderate amounts of fiber. Avoid sources like corn and wheat because they cause allergy symptoms in many dogs.
Fed in large amounts, carbohydrates can lead to excessive inflammation and other health issues in some dogs. However, it is important to note that dogs who suffer from pancreatitis and hypertriglyceridemia (high blood fat levels) should not be fed a low carb diet. Dogs with these issues should generally be fed a higher carbohydrate diet to compensate for the necessary decrease of fats in their diet.
If you want to try a low-carb diet to relieve arthritis and joint pain for your otherwise healthy dog, choose a food that contains somewhere between 14% to 25% carbohydrates. This comes as close to an ancestral, species-appropriate diet as possible.
Final Thoughts
One of the most essential parts of providing holistic pet care is forming your own opinions and doing what’s best in your particular situation. Before making changes in your dog’s diet or adding any supplements, you should always do your own research and consult with an open-minded veterinarian. Even natural remedies can have unexpected side effects or drug interactions, so you must always take the time to educate yourself. Learning how to relieve your pet’s arthritis and joint pain naturally, without NSAIDS, will benefit his health now and in the future.
