Supplements To Help Your Dog With Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in older dogs, but in addition to causing damage and wear to the joints, it is characterized as a very painful disease. Because there is no cure, veterinarians try to reduce their advancement and the sensation of pain, thus improving the quality of life of dogs. 

My Pets shows you here some supplements that can help your dog with the pain of arthritis.

However, before introducing these supplements, it is worth remembering that their use and implementation should be under the sole indication of the veterinarian.

If, for any reason, you give your pet medications, vitamins or supplements, they must have been recommended by a specialist.

Neglecting these instructions can be very harmful to your pet.

Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis is a pain in the joints, where bones, as a result of friction and wear and tear, in contact with nerve fibers found in cartilage meet.

One way to protect the tissues and fluids present in your joints and prevent problems such as osteoarthritis or arthritis is to give your dog a balanced diet, especially if you can include raw bones in it.

Main supplements

Supplements are normally given to the dog through diet, the most common ones used to help with arthritis pain are glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid.

These three nutrients are known to help lubricate joints and even repair damaged cartilage.

You should look for foods rich in glucosamine, as these are metabolized as chondroitin and hyaluronic acid.

Chondroitin is the component that gives texture to cartilage, and will help it to resist shocks and compressions.

Hyaluronic acid forms the joint lubricant, giving it a viscous consistency.

Glucosamine is absorbed in food, 30% enters the dog’s bloodstream and the other two elements are absorbed, around 10%. The rest is eliminated by stomach acids.

other remedies

Many remedies used to treat arthritis pain are herbal.

Corticosteroids, such as licorice root, stimulate hormone secretion from the adrenal glands. It is also an anti-inflammatory that relieves the pain of arthritis and some skin conditions.

However, licorice should not be given for a prolonged period as it can cause some skin problems.

Some other herbs stimulate immunity and tissue repair. Broswellia serrata has an effect comparable to ibuprofen.

They are able to create other enzymes, such as pepsin, which forms part of the gastric juice.

For example, bromelain helps control spasms and acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Some herbs such as cayenne and chamomile have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, significantly reducing pain and inflammation.

Ginger helps fight inflammation and pain, as well as blocking the production of inflammatory substances such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

And finally, there are other herbs, like gotu kola, which help collagen synthesis in tendons and ligaments. Omega 3, found in foods like fish, has anti-inflammatory effects and protects the body in the long term.

Remember to consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, luckily these herbs are available at grocery stores and specialty stores.