This article about natural canine arthritis treatments was first published on September 4, 2018, and has been updated.

Natural Canine Arthritis Treatments

In part 1 I discussed all the traditional ways to treat your dog’s arthritis. In this post, I’m going to tell you about all the natural canine arthritis treatments.

As I mentioned then, most (if not all) dogs will eventually suffer from arthritis or painful joints. Just like you and me, a dog’s joints Cartledge wears down over time. Younger dogs may suffer after an injury or from developmental disorders.

Some dogs may experience mild pain and others the pain may be severe, but arthritis is progressive and will get worse over time. That is why it should be a priority for all dog parents. It may be necessary to treat with traditional medications, but most medications for arthritis have negative side effects and can damage internal organs. But because your dog could suffer from arthritis for a long time it may be necessary to explore natural canine arthritis treatments. I personally prefer to go with alternative and natural treatments whenever I can.

Natural Herbs And Supplements

Glucosamine sulfate

Glucosamine is one of the safest natural canine arthritis treatments and the one used most often. It helps by stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate which is the essential component of cartilage. It has shown to be anti-inflammatory which helps to relieve so of the pain your dog may be suffering.

Chondroitin sulfate

Also for treating canine arthritis, Chondroitin sulfate is a natural medicine found in the body and it works to block enzymes from degrading the cartilage of the joints. Glucosamine is often used along with chondroitin, however, when used alone it helps the body to manufacture its own chondroitin.

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)

SAM-e acts as a pain reliever and has anti-inflammatory properties and is great for when canine arthritis is painful. It may also stimulate the growth of cartilage and serotonin. Serotonin reduces the body’s perception of pain.

Boswellia Serrate (Indian frankincense)

The components of Boswellia Serrate have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It also helps prevent cartilage loss and inhibits the autoimmune process which helps with canine arthritis. The extract, also known as Loxin 5 has shown to significantly improve pain and function within seven days and slowed cartilage damage after three months.

Capsaicin (Capsicum frutescens)

Capsaicin temporarily reduces substance P, a pain transmitter. It has been shown in many studies, including a 2010 study published in Phytotherapy Research, to reduce joint pain by 50 percent after three weeks.

Tumeric

One of the benefits of turmeric is that it has a chemical that reduces joint pain and swelling by blocking inflammatory enzymes. It has shown long-term improvement in pain and function in studies on canine arthritis.

Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA)

This powerful nutrient blocks certain inflammatory properties. In one study done fish oil significantly decreased joint tenderness and stiffness.

These are just a few supplements that have proven to be effective. It would take more time than either you or I have to list every single one that claims to be effective.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps the body to heal itself. It does this by correcting energy imbalances in the body and enhancing blood circulation and stimulating the nervous system and releasing anti-inflammatory pain-relieving hormones that help with the pain of canine arthritis.

By inserting needles where nerve bundles and blood vessels come together a cycle of energy occurs throughout the entire body in a 24 hour period.

Acupressure

This works essentially the same way as acupuncture only using pressure instead of needles. This is helpful when treating un-corporative dogs and when treatment with needles is unavailable.

Aquapuncture

This involves injecting homeopathic liquids diluted vitamin B12 and other natural medications into the body. The liquid exerts a change in energy by pushing the tissue out of the way.

Moxibustion

The application of heated Chinese herbal compounds to the needles. The heat is very helpful to older dogs that are suffering from arthritis and/or muscular soreness.

Electrostimulation

This sends an electric current into the body between acupuncture needles. It relaxes muscles and aids the body to stimulate nerve impulses.

Laser

This is becoming a very popular treatment in veterinarian hospitals and clinics. It uses laser energy to stimulate nerve impulses at acupuncture points. This treatment doesn’t generate significant heat the will burn hair or skin.

Massage Therapy

Who doesn’t love a relaxing massage? By rubbing and kneading the muscles and joints, massage therapy relieves tension and/or pain. It helps to reduce stress and helps joints and muscles to heal.

Massage is something you actually can do yourself at home. There are different techniques used to treat different illnesses or injuries. For more information on canine massage therapy see; Top Massage Techniques You Can Do At Home.

Did you miss Part 1? CLICK HERE >>