Natural Treatment for Arthritis & Joint Pain n Dogs
Causes of Arthritis in Pets
The joints of your pet’s body are composed of soft connective tissue and cartilage. Their role is to provide cushioning between bones to allow normal movement. Arthritis is an inflammation that causes damage to joints.
In pets, it’s most often precipitated by one of the following:
• Developmental disorders for e.g. hip or elbow dysplasia
• High calorie, carbohydrate-based diets that cause your pet’s body to grow faster than the cartilage does, inducing cartilage deficits.
• Overweight obese dogs combined with lack of exercise
• Injury or trauma to a joint such as a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• Dysfunctional immune system through overuse of vaccination, overuse of conventional flea, tick and heart-worm preventatives and other chemicals.
Older and large breed dogs are more apt to develop arthritis than young dogs, smaller breeds. The longer a joint is used over a dog’s lifetime, the more apt it is to be injured. An animal’s weight puts a corresponding amount of stress on their joints, so a large or giant breed dog will be more incapacitated by arthritis than a small dog. Also, common canine bone problems like hip or elbow dysplasia are disorders most often seen in large, fast-growing dogs.
If your dog is overweight or obese it means more stress on their joints as well.
Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs
The following are some early warning signs of arthritis in dogs:
• Difficulty standing from a sitting or lying position
• Resisting touch, whimpering or crying out when touched
• Sleeping more than usual or seeming less “with it”
• Weight gain from a decrease in physical activity
• Favouring one leg
• Loss of interest in exercise or play
• Moving slowly or stiffly
• Reluctance to jump, run or climb stairs
Possible Causes of Arthritis in Dogs
Early Injuries Can Lead to Arthritis in a Pet’s Later Years
Many joint diseases in middle aged or older pets develop as a result of an earlier (sometimes much earlier), often seemingly minor injury or trauma.
Puppies are awkward, clumsy creatures, and a fall down the stairs or a jump to the ground from a high surface can be all it takes to set the stage for future joint degeneration.
One of the most common injuries is cervical damage in dogs prone to leap or jerk against the leash during walks. Similar injuries can occur to a dog by jerking a dog’s neck when he’s leashed to correct leaping and straining behaviours. This practice, often results in cervical trauma, which leads to degenerative joint disease as the dog ages.
Overweight Pet + Lack of Exercise = Arthritis
The pet obesity epidemic is having predictable results, one of which is an increase in arthritic dogs. An overweight pet is destined to suffer from the same obesity-related health problems as an overweight person. Chronic obesity puts tremendous stress on your dog’s frame, which often results in permanent damage to tendons and ligaments.In order to maintain a good weight and be optimally healthy, your dog needs to eat a diet that is Species Appropriate or BARF diet. Dogs are carnivores, so carbohydrate-based diets, even those marketed by pet food companies as “weight management” or low fat, are not what your pet should be eating. Carbohydrates promote inflammation and are the last thing your pet with an inflammatory joint problem needs.
If your pet is not well-exercised, even if her weight is good, it’s a set up for arthritis as she ages. Animals are designed by nature for movement. If your pet doesn’t have the opportunity to go on walks with you, run, play and get regular aerobic exercise, they can end up with any number of debilitating conditions affecting her bones, joints, muscles and internal organs.Your pet should get an absolute minimum of 20 minutes of sustained, heart-thumping exercise three times a week. Some pet owners assume lots of weekend activity will make up for their pup’s sedentary habits Monday through Friday. You can actually create injury to your dog with this approach that encourages your pet to go from zero to sixty on Saturdays and Sundays only. If your dog’s body isn’t well conditioned, a sudden burst of activity can create the type of injuries that lead to long-term joint damage. Consistent, daily physical movement is much safer for your pup than trying to cram it all into weekends only.No matter what the age of your pet, exercise is important. Even senior and geriatric dogs need regular physical activity, just not at the same intensity as younger pets. Puppies under 6 months should not be exercised vigorously.
Slow weight gain in large-breed puppies
When a puppy gains size and weight too quickly, the cartilage in his body often can’t keep up with the growth of his frame, and cartilage deficits result. When imbalances of this type develop in a growing dog, they can contribute to hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. High calorie diets, which are typically also high in carbohydrates such as in commercial pet foods, can cause too-rapid growth, especially in larger breed dogs.In fact, research indicates the amount of calories a dog consumes, especially from the age of three to ten months, can have a significant impact on whether a pup genetically prone to hip dysplasia will develop the condition.Despite what you might hear from other owners of large breed dogs or even from your vet, it is not protein in the diet that is linked to hip dysplasia, but abnormal calcium-phosphorus ratios and high caloric content. Obesity can increase the severity of dysplasia and arthritis. Extra weight can accelerate the degeneration of joints. Dogs born with genes that make them prone to hip dysplasia, if allowed to grow overweight, will be at much higher risk of developing the disease, and subsequently, arthritis as well.
Keep the Arthritic Dog Warm and Comfortable
Dogs with arthritis and hip dysplasia should be kept warm as the cold and damp will aggravate the pain. If necessary, put a jacket on your dog when going outside, and get your dog a blanket at night. A bed with good support is also important for a dog suffering from hip or joint pain. An orthopaedic foam bed can help dogs with arthritis or a bed that sits off the ground preventing cold of the floor penetrating the joints. Careful attention should be placed in not leaving dogs outdoors for long periods of time during colder weather. Elevate their food and water bowls. Decrease your dog’s jumping by using pet steps and ramps.
Over-vaccination adds Injury to Immune System
Many holistic Vets believe that over-vaccination can increase the risk of developing autoimmune disease such as arthritis and hip dysplasia in dogs. They advise that if your dog is young and is genetically predisposed, you should consider not vaccinating every year. Generally once dogs have been through their puppy vaccination they have lifelong immunity however if you are worried than running titer tests before vaccinating is the way to go to check for antibodies and your Vet can organise it quiet easily.
Stop Vaccinations & Switch to Homeopathic Nosodes
We also suggest that you carefully consider the misguided notion that every pet requires annual boosters for vaccines. Stopping vaccinations will help stop the insult on the immune system and boost it naturally. Use homeopathic nosodes instead of injectable vaccines, with the exception of legally required rabies vaccines. Homeopathic Nosodes are an alternative to conventional vaccines and can be used safely as a preventative or prophylactically during disease. We have the following Dog Nosodes available on our online store, Parvovirus, Demodectic Manage, Distemper, Canine Heartworm, Canine Hepatitis, Canine Bordetella, Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis and Australian Paralysis Tick.
Nosodes are homeopathic medicines made from the products of disease, and have a long history of providing great protection against various infectious diseases in dogs. Dr Christopher Day, a British homeopathic veterinarian, has reported on the effectiveness of nosodes in kennel cough outbreaks in dogs, as well as use on other species. Your Vet will be able to run titer tests to check for circulating antibodies for particular vaccines if you really have to vaccinate. Also do not vaccinate, until your pet has fully recovered from the disease.
Stop Conventional flea, tick and heart-worm preventatives
Toxic compounds are plentiful in conventional flea and tick products, heart-worm medications. These chemicals are poisons and will further poison and lower the immune system in your dog. If you have been giving these traditional preventative remedies to your dog this could be one of the many reasons their immune system has been compromised. There are many natural alternatives which can be used 365 days a year on your pet. Human grade Diatomaceous Earth powder, small amount of garlic, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, omega 3 fish oil, grated carrots, pineapple, pomegranate and fennel are all anti-parasitic foods for your dog. Anti-parasitic herbs such as Wormwood and Black Walnut hull, Cloves and oil of Oregon and homeopathic remedies such as Cina are useful and can be used as required. A dog fed a species appropriate or BARF diet has less affinity with parasites then a dog eating mainly commercial kibble and tinned foods.
Heredity
Many Vets believe that hip dysplasia in dogs is caused by heredity. Some breeds of large dogs, such as German Shepherds, St. Bernard’s, Golden Retrievers, etc. are more prone to hip dysplasia. There is a high chance that dogs with hip dysplasia will pass the arthritic joint condition down onto their offspring’s.
Improper Diet
Feeding a diet that has artificial calcium, low quality and indigestible protein, synthetic vitamins and minerals such as found in commercial dog food is disastrous to the health of your puppy and dog. Dogs that are also fed home cooked foods and table leftover meals are at higher risk of suffering from nutritional deficiencies. This has a detrimental effect on the development of the hip joints. Not feeding enough raw bones from puppy stage can lead to an imbalance of phosphorus and natural calcium for bone formation. Vitamin deficiencies especially vitamin C can also cause canine arthritis. Overfeeding large breed puppies can stress the joints during the growth phase.
Conventional Treatment
Conventional medical management of the condition involves the use of non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), buffered aspirin and corticosteroids to alleviate inflammation and pain. The side effects of these drugs can include organ problems and gastric ulcers.
Often when an integrative approach is taken to managing an animal’s arthritis, safe supplements and therapies can reduce or replace the need for potentially toxic drugs. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which address only the painful symptoms of arthritis, herbs can strengthen and support the body systems responsible for eliminating toxins that might contribute to the disease.
There are many natural remedies and supplements can be used to help repair joint tissue damage and to relieve pain and inflammation caused by the condition.
Foundation of Good Health
Good Nutrition for Good Bones & Joints
Switching a dog to a raw diet has been shown to be effective in relieving arthritic symptoms. All puppies and dogs should be fed a good quality raw diet with a good quality protein and plenty of meaty raw bones and cartilage to keep their skeletal system health and strong for life. A portion controlled BARF diet is ideal for large breed puppies and dogs as this is the diet of their ancestors and provides them with all the nutrition that they need including vitamins, mineral, trace elements, protein, antioxidants and amino acids. Everything your dog needs to keep a strong immune system.
BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw food diet. BARF diet is all about feeding dogs properly and returning them to their evolutionary diet the way our dogs and cats have eaten for millions of years for health, happiness and longevity. BARF dog food consists of raw whole foods similar to those eaten by the dogs’ wild ancestors. The food is 100% raw and contains such things as muscle meat, raw bones, fat, organ meats, whole eggs, natural yoghurt, pulped vegetable and fruit and healing herbs as Dandelion, Milk thistle, Spirulina, Burdock, Alfalfa, Chlorella, Nettle, Turmeric, ginger, garlic and fresh parsley just as mother nature intended them to eat.
The diet contains no grains, cereals, starch, pasta, rice, soya and cooked food as contained in the pet foods manufactured by pet food companies. A strong healthy functioning immune system is the best defence against degenerative or autoimmune disease for your dog.
Herbs for Pet Arthritis Pain and Inflammation
Boswellia Serrata
A resinous gum extracted from a bush native to India, Boswellia has a long history of effective use against the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis and other forms of degenerative joint disease. The herb contains boswellic acid and alpha- and betaboswellic acids; these are well documented as reliable anti-inflammatory agents.
Because of its demonstrated safety and efficacy in dogs, Boswellia has become a very popular ingredient for pets. Boswellia can help alleviate pain and improve joint mobility within a matter of days. It is thought to inhibit mediators of autoimmune disorders while decreasing glycosaminoglycan degradation. This in turn may help slow the progression of cartilage damage. Boswellia helps the body do for itself what most conventional anti-inflammatory drugs cannot do – heal from within. The biggest and perhaps only pitfall of Boswellia is its awfully bitter flavour; otherwise, Boswellia stands as one of the most effective herbal anti-inflammatories available.
Turmeric, Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil & Black Pepper
Arthritis patients given turmeric reported a significant decrease in inflammation. The reason behind the herb’s effectiveness is curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its deep-yellow colour. This herb’s anti-inflammatory effect is said to be comparable to those of cortisone. Turmeric is effective in treating arthritis and it can be safely mixed into their BARF diet. Turmeric should be taken with some grinded pepper and organic cold pressed coconut oil for better absorption.
Turmeric is also a peripheral vasodilator that helps warm the body and increase circulation to joints where added blood and lymph is needed for the regeneration of healthy tissue. Turmeric stimulates and protects the liver, so while it’s reducing painful inflammation, it’s also helping with the process of eliminating waste that’s contributing to the problem Step aside, NSAIDs.
Bromelain
When Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, is fed concurrently with turmeric, the results can be even more impressive. Bromelain is itself a powerful anti-inflammatory, and when combined with turmeric it also helps with digestion and transports turmeric’s curcuminoid into the bloodstream.
Ginger
Volatile oils the active constituents of ginger, offer medicinal attributes. In the case of arthritic joints, dried or fresh ginger root when taken internally helps relieve stiffness and pain, while acting as a peripheral vasodilator to improve circulation in and around swollen joints. Fresh ginger is added to all our BARF dog foods.
Licorice root
Licorice root is a useful anti-inflammatory herb; it contains several phytosterol compounds that are thought to affect the body’s production and utilization of cortisol, a steroid hormone that helps regulate the body’s inflammatory responses to damaged joints. It is therefore one of the many natural herbal pain remedies that can relieve pain without compromising the body’s immune system. With licorice root, although it may take a month or two before we see positive results, but we avoid the adverse side effects of cortisone. Licorice is especially useful when combined with alfalfa and yucca root, two other phytosterol-rich herbs that lend digestive and liver support to help with the elimination of toxins that might contribute to the progression of arthritis. Alfalfa and yucca root are herbs that traditionally have been used to treat arthritis. To alleviate pain and reduce joint swelling resulting from arthritis, an oil infusion of licorice can be used topically on the affected areas or the herbal powder can be mixed into your dog’s food.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa has long been considered as one of the most effective herbs for relieving pain and discomforts resulting from arthritis. It also helps with the transport of systemic waste from body tissues.
Yucca
This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve pain of arthritis and hip dysplasia in dogs. One main constituent of yucca, saponin, has anti-inflammatory actions. It also stimulates the body to produce its own corticosteroids and corticosteroid-related hormones. Using yucca to relieve pain and inflammation resulting from arthritis, therefore, is much safer than using synthetically produced drugs such as prednisolone. Yucca is particularly effective when used in combination with alfalfa and licorice.
Cayenne
Cayenne taken internally seems to offer pain relief for some patients. In addition, cayenne acts as a systemic stimulant, helping move herbs and other medicines into joint areas where they are needed. Many dogs enjoy the taste of cayenne sprinkled over their food.
In people, cayenne also is used topically as an ointment applied directly over painful joints to relieve pain. A cream or ointment is one of the most frequently used topical herbal pain remedies for treatment of stiff or arthritic joints. Bandage the area up after rubbing the capsaicin ointment on the dog to avoid the dog licking it.
Dandelion and Nettle
These liver supporting herbs are rich in minerals and vitamins and are effective in helping joint repair as well as removal of metabolic wastes from the body, which if the liver is overburdened with toxics may then spill into other bodily parts such as the joints.
Ginkgo/Hawthorn/Rosemary
These are tonic herbs that are effective in improving blood circulation. An increase in blood flow in the tissues surrounding the painful joints will result in more flexible muscles and less stiffness.
Devil’s claw
Rich in potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds, most researchers credit the iridoid glycosides in devil’s claw for this herb’s pain-relieving potential. During one double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 63 participants with lower-back pain took devil’s claw or a placebo for four weeks. At the end of the study, those taking the herb reported a significant improvement in muscular pain and stiffness compared to the placebo group.
White Willow bark
Often called “herbal aspirin,” willow bark is a natural source of salicylic acid — the active compound in aspirin. When they compared it to Vioxx, Australian researchers found willow bark just as effective as the pharmaceutical drug for pain and inflammation, but without its negative side effects. Although willow bark has been safely used for 3,500 years, do not use the herb in your dog if they are allergic to aspirin.
Feverfew
Feverfew is anti-inflammatory and is one of the most commonly used herbal pain remedies for arthritis sufferers. This herb is a useful alternative to aspirin for dogs.
St John’s Wort
St John Wort is an effective herbal nervine and is commonly used to relieve pain resulting from nerve-related injuries or diseases. St John Wort will also be effective for depression or irritability following injury, long term pain and stress in your dog.
Ceylon Cinnamon
An anti-inflammatory, cinnamon is great for dogs struggling with arthritis. Cinnamon can be sprinkled on their food daily or given as a snack with half-teaspoon of cinnamon with a tablespoon of honey. This is the recipe used by researchers at Copenhagen University, where arthritis patients were able to walk without pain after just a week of taking cinnamon with honey every day.
Arnica ointment
Arnica ointment is among the most commonly used remedies to provide relief from pain associated with bruises, sprains, muscle pains, strains and other traumas. Use Arnica if the dog is afflicted with intense pain that has resulted from an injury. The mixture should be rubbed into the aching muscles and joints of the dog.
Homotoxicology Remedies -Biological Medicines
Traumeel drops and ointment
Traumeel is a natural anti-inflammatory substance that can be used from bruises to repetitive strain injuries, sprains, swelling, periodontitis, gingivitis, post-surgical pain, oedema, eye infections, abscess, arthritis of the hip, knee and small joints. It can treat injuries and trauma that require the use of an analgesic or anti-inflammatory. Traumeel also mitigates inflammation, stiffness and pain associated with chronic conditions such as arthrosis of the joints.Traumeel can be administered internally as drops and the ointment is administered directly to the skin to aid swelling, pain and discomfort. It is very safe for use in pets. It contains 12 to 14 different herbs including belladonna, arnica Montana, calendula officinalis, Echinacea purpurea and more.
Traumeel drops are often recommended as an alternative to no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and is quite fast acting remedy. Traumeel has no hepatic or gastro-intestinal side effects, which are common with other conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. There are no known drug interactions. Dogs who are allergic to any of the main ingredients should not receive Traumeel. You’ll have to closely monitor a dog with a suppressed immune system if you administer a Traumeel formulation containing Echinacea, as the herb can cause dizziness and respiratory distress.
Zeel tablets
Zeel contains a wide variety of low dilution herbs which provide tissue function, reduce pain and inflammation. This formula was evaluated in a double blind placebo study and was compared against the NSAID drug Diclofenac ( Marrona, Weiser, Klein 2000). The study revealed that Zeel worked as well as the conventional drug in relieving arthritic pain and has no adverse side effects. Another study examined the effectiveness of Zeel vs Celebrex (Birnesser, Klein, Weiser 2003) and got similar results. The onset of effect can be rapid but in most cases takes 4-5 weeks to become evident. Many cases of arthritis pain and discomfort can be improved with a combination of Zeel and Traumeel and other herbal supplements.
Arthritis Supplementation
Omega 3 Fatty Acids -Deep Sea Fish Oil
According to recent studies of cats and dogs with osteoarthritis (OA), both species can benefit from a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish. The University of Montreal conducted a study of 30 dogs with OA and concluded a diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids resulted in significant improvement in movement problems and performance of daily activities. Omega-3 fatty acids can benefit your pet in a number of other ways, including improving the condition of the skin and coat, improving skin conditions, heart health and overall joint health and well-being.
High Dose Herbal Vitamins C
Pain of arthritis in dogs is very often caused by inflammation both inside and surrounding the joint. Vitamins C has been found to reduce inflammation and cartilage damage, so it is advisable to give vitamins C to a dog with hip pain. Our vitamin C is made with rosehip, hawthorn berries and Acerola cherry. It’s easily assimilated by the body unlike synthetic Vitamin C.
Colloidal Silver /Colloidal Gold
Many dogs given colloidal silver and colloidal gold have shown a marked improvement in their condition as well as an overall improvement in health and vitality. Colloidal silver helps to regenerate both tissue and bone. Recent studies and tests have shown colloidal gold to be very effective in treating arthritic conditions. It eliminates pain, increases mobility and reduces swelling.
Colostrum
Colostrum is the protein-rich pre-milk fluid produced from a mother’s mammary glands during the first 72 hours after birth. It has been found to be highly nutritious; it contains immune and growth factors, enzymes, proteins, and many other beneficial substances. Colostrum has been used by holistic Vets to treat a lot of dog health problems. For example, joint problems e.g. hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, etc respond well with supplementation of Colostrum. The growth factors in the Colostrum help facilitate the body to regenerate cells. It also helps absorption and utilization of other supplements such as glucosamine.
New Zealand Green Lip Mussels
Green-lipped mussels are shellfish from New Zealand. They’re a recognized source of complex proteins, concentrated glycosaminoglycans, amino acids, omega 3 (ETA), omega 6, nucleic acids, selenium, and chelated minerals (zinc, copper and manganese). Green-lipped mussels are a source of chondroitin sulfate, a naturally occurring component of connective tissue and joint structure in humans and animals. They also boast anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have shown green-lipped mussels to be impressively effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in humans, dogs and cats. In just six weeks of Green-lipped mussel supplementation, dog arthritic scores were reduced significantly [Bierer, Bui, 2002]. However, other studies have shown that a longer period of supplementation is required before improvement is evident. Green-lipped mussel supplements may also provide relief for dogs and cats suffering with hip dysplasia.
Hylauronic Acid
Hylauronic Acid is found in many joint supplements and is chemically the same as joint fluid. Like chondroitin, it has a large molecule so isn’t as easily absorbed as glucosamine.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
These supplements are effective for arthritis due to wear-and-tear joint deterioration both in people and dogs.
MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane)
MSM is anti-inflammatory and is effective in relieving pain and inflammation in the joints.
Other useful complementary therapies to consider include:
• Chiropractic therapy – chiropractic therapy can help your pet avoid the compensating injuries that often result from CHD.
• Regular massages can alleviate inflammation and prevent further damage through compensation.
• Stretching and other forms of physical therapy will increase the condition and mobility of her joints, tendons and ligaments, helping to preserve her range of motion.
• Acupuncture can be tremendously beneficial in relieving the pain and inflammation of degenerative joint disease.
• Aquatic therapy or hydrotherapy uses an underwater treadmill or heated pool to take pressure off your dog’s injured or painful joints. Water therapy can also improve your dog’s cardiovascular health, muscle strength and range of motion critical for supporting arthritic dogs.
Daily Herbal Intake Based On dog’s Weight