How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs with Home Remedies

How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs with Home Remedies

Has your dog been diagnosed with canine arthritis? Are you feeling lost as to how to alleviate the pain? It is imperative that you follow the medicinal treatment prescribed by your vet and that your dog gets the physical exercise that they need in order to ensure their quality of life.

Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints that is rarely cured completely. However, it is possible to supplement medical treatment with natural remedies to help relieve the dog's pain. Read this article to discover how to treat arthritis in dogs with home remedies with oneHOWTO's most effective tips.

Steps to follow:
1

If your dog is overweight, the first thing you should do is regulate their food and be consistent with exercise so that they can reach their ideal weight as soon as possible. Ask your vet what is your dog's ideal size; it will depend on their breed, age and lifestyle. Here you can learn how to know if your dog is overweight.

Once your dog has lost the excess weight you should help them maintain it, making sure that they don't pile the pounds back on. If your dog is overweight, their range of motion is reduced and the arthritis will be aggravated, causing further pain. The best home remedy for arthritis in dogs is a balanced diet and regular exercise.

2

One of the most effective home remedies to reduce the pain caused by arthritis in dogs is omega-3. Therefore, you should choose dry feed that's rich in omega-3 or supplement your dog's existing diet with omega-3 capsules.

If you opt for the latter option, check the ingredients to make sure that your dog is not allergic to anything included in the capsules. If you decide to alter your's diet for feed richer in omega-3, take a look at our article on what can't dogs eat and toxic foods to avoid. For instance, garlic is rich in omega-3 but in high quantities it can be highly toxic for dogs.

3

Another effective way to treat arthritis in dogs with home remedies is to apply compresses or heating pads onto the joints. This is particularly beneficial in the morning, when their legs are stiffest. Simply rest onto the joint for a few minutes.

Of course, if you notice that your dog is restless or whimpering, the compress or pad is probably too hot. Wait for it to cool before applying.

4

Vitamin C is another beneficial way to treat canine arthritis. The best way to provide your dog with vitamin C is to find feed rich in this vitamin. However, you could also pour a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into the dog's water bowl. Among its many health benefits, apple cider vinegar is anti-inflammatory, ideal for relieving the pain of canine arthritis.

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5

It's important that you take your dog for a walk several times a day so that they exercise their joints and prevent them from degenerating further.

Exercise intensity should be moderate; too much can seriously damage the joints further. Therefore, remember to increase the length of exercise gradually. Prevent your dog from engaging in high-impact activities that might harm them, such as jumping.

6

The cold and damp are factors that deteriorate arthritis in dogs. If your dog's bed is in a place prone to cold, damp and air drafts, move it to a warmer and drier place. It is very important that your dog sleeps in a room where heat and temperature are maintained and that they have a cushioned and comfortable bed.

7

As well as the mentioned home remedies, there are also a number of medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that are very effective to treat arthritis in dogs. Some examples include:

  • Blackcurrant
  • Cat's claw
  • Boswellia
  • Figwort
  • Rosehip

Remember that dogs cannot eat just any plant, because many are extremely toxic to them. One way to give your dog these herbs is to add a couple of drops of essential oil to their water bowl. Just in case, here you can check the signs and symptoms of dog poisoning.

8

Massages in the affected areas are also highly beneficial to relieve the pain caused by arthritis. It is best that you go your vet for advice on exactly how to perform these massages, how much pressure to apply and how often to do them.

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9

Remember not to stop giving your dog the treatment prescribed by your vet, as this could carry serious health consequences for your dog. Remember to also consult your vet before giving your dog any of these home remedies for canine arthritis to make sure that it is safe.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs with Home Remedies, we recommend you visit our Pets category.