Natural Remedies For Dogs With Arthritis
Owners of an aging dog will appreciate the symptoms and pain that arthritis causes. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this age-related disease and it can be difficult to select a treatment plan for your pet. Treating arthritis in dogs at home with natural remedies has shown to provide relief from symptoms as well as help to nourish the dog’s joints.
1. Make sure that your dog has access to food and water.
Arthritis makes it difficult for some dogs to get around, so keeping their meals within reach will ensure that they are getting enough nutrients. Also, check the water bowl several times a day because some dogs with arthritis have trouble getting up for a drink of water. If you notice that your dog is not keeping food down or has trouble chewing, you will want to make a trip to the veterinarian right away.
2. Get physical with physical therapy
Physical therapy can help dogs with arthritis move more smoothly and reduce some of the pain that they are feeling. Some dogs find relief from swimming for this reason, while others benefit from massage therapy or simply having their pet parents give them a good stretch. A few minutes of physical activity on a regular basis can reduce the stiffness and pain that your dog feels and allow him to get around more easily.
3. Give Omega-3 fatty acids
There is some evidence that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are found in high quantities in some fish oils, can help reduce the inflammation that is associated with arthritis. You can purchase these supplements at your local pharmacy or pet store, or you might want to discuss the right dosage with your veterinarian first.
4. Make some homemade treats
Continuing to serve your dog his regular dog food is a good idea, but it can also be a treat to make some healthy and tasty snacks on your own. For example, you can bake up some all-natural peanut butter doggy biscuits by combining 3 parts whole wheat flour with 1 part oatmeal and one part peanut butter. Add in some water and knead it into a dough. Lastly, roll out the dough to around 1/4″ thick and cut the biscuits with a dog-bone-shaped cookie cutter. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Stretch before bedtime
Your pet will appreciate having time to stretch her legs before going to bed at night. This is a good time to brush your dog’s teeth and help them get in some last-minute bathroom business before heading off to dreamland. Also, if your dog likes to cuddle in bed with you, make sure that they are comfortable by using a pet pillow or giving them their own comfy spot on the floor.
6. Give CBD oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has shown to provide some relief for dogs with arthritis, according to veterinarians who are prescribing it. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in cannabis and hemp. The dosage amount can vary depending on your pet’s weight, so be sure to check with your veterinarian before introducing CBD to your dog’s regular medication routine, information collected on this article.
7. Give your pet a massage
Dogs with arthritis often feel stiff, sore, and generally uncomfortable just about all of the time. To help them out, try massaging their paws and legs several times a week. You can do this while they are watching TV for added relaxation. Just rub their paws and legs in a circular motion and be sure to spread the pressure around. For extra relief, try adding some CBD oil before you start your massage session.