Arthritis Pain Relief For Dogs ? Simple Home Remedies That Work

Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs over the age of seven? It is a painful condition that affects the joints and can occur in your pet's neck, hips, shoulders, elbows and back. However, there are many simple solutions that you can provide at home that will relieve the aches and pains in your dog's joints.

Change Your Dog's Diet

Easy enough and it worked for my dog. Be sure you are providing a high-quality dog food with no added preservatives, food colorings, wheat, corn or soy products. It would be preferable to get a dog food that is low fat AND has low carbohydrates, but unfortunately there is no such thing as a low-carb dog food. Just be aware that grains (which make up a large component of dry dog food) tend to increase inflammation and aggravate arthritis. A better alternative would be to switch to home-prepared meals with either cooked or raw meats and vegetables.

However, if you don't want to prepare meals for your pet, then cut back on the dry food and start adding a cup of fresh veggie "salad" every day. Celery is excellent for the joints. I often chop up lettuce, celery, cucumber, some carrot, and any other fresh vegetables I have on hand. Just make sure to cut all vegetables into very small pieces for easy digestion (a food processor is perfect for this) and don't use onions or mushrooms as they may be toxic to your dog.

Provide Supplements That Reduce Arthritic Swelling and Pain

Give your dog a glucosamine tablet. Glucosamine helps the body manufacture glycosaminoglycans, which is designed to maintain cartilage structure. The recommended dosage is ¼ mg of a 500mg tablet per 10 pounds of body weight once a day. Preferably use a glucosamine tablet that also contains Chondroitin Sulfate. This supplement helps to attract water into the cartilage for added nutrition and lubrication. It also seems to inhibit excessive cartilage destroying enzymes.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring organic dietary sulphur that has been shown in studies to relieve arthritic pain, slow joint deterioration and reduce inflammation with no negative side effects.

Dogs don't usually get enough Omega 3 fatty acids in their diets. Omega 3 helps to regulate pressure in the joints, among many other things. A good source for this is fish oil capsules. Additional vitamin E will also be needed since adding more oil to the body increases the need for this vitamin.

Reduce Excess Weight

Extra weight on a dog puts extra pressure on the joints and causes more pain and swelling. Begin by reducing the amount of treats given, cut back a bit on food, and provide a lower fat diet for your dog. Exercising is also important. If possible, take your dog out for several shorter 10 to 15 minute walks each day rather than going for one long walk. Another great strategy is to take your dog swimming. They'll get the exercise without stressing the joints. A bathtub works well for very small dogs. However, if your dog is a landlubber and hates water don't push the issue.

Keep Your Dog Warm and Cozy on Cold, Damp Days

Set up a soft bed or some layers of fleece in the area where your dog normally sleeps. If your dog usually stays outside, then provide an insulated dog house with soft bedding on the floor. Be sure the doorway is somewhat sheltered and facing away from the wind. Better yet, bring them inside when it's cold and/or wet.

Apply Moist Heat

Apply a hot water bottle with warm water or use a towel soaked in warm water that's been wrung out to your dog's aching joints. Moist heat penetrates deeply and provides welcomed relief. Do not use a heating pad as it may get too hot for the dog and burn them especially if your dog has limited mobility - they may not be able to get up and move away from a pad that is too hot.

Raise Your Dog's Food and Water Dish

If your pet has arthritis in their neck or shoulders, consider raising their food and water bowls so they don't have to bend their head down to eat.

Give Your Pet a Massage

Don't we all love to have sore muscles rubbed? Gently rub around the affected joint and massage the surrounding muscles. This gentle kneading and the heat from your hands should ease some of the pain.

Use a Ramp For The Stairs

If your dog has a hard time going up and down stairs, think about buying or making a ramp that can be laid over the stairs so your dog can more easily maneuver them. This is especially useful for when they need to go outside to "do their thing" or are required to jump into a truck for a trip to the vet.

Additional alternatives include herbal and homeopathic products, acupressure, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Safer and often just as effective, these are just some of the things that you can do at home for your dog to give them relief from arthritic pain.

Is your dog sick and getting sicker by the day? Are you searching for answers and alternative solutions to your dog's health care problems? Visit Caring for Canines, a web site that focuses on holistic approaches to dog health issues => http://www.caringforcanines.com

(c)2005, Rose Smith. All rights reserved.

---

The Optimum Cichlid Aquarium Set Up

The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More

How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy - Playtime for Kitty

While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More

Horse Training Techniques From The 1800s

Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More

A Healthy Cat Knows What Tastes Good...

As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More

Broken Trust

The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More

Do They Really Need a Dog Bed?

When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More

Setting Up A New Aquarium

Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More

Benny Comes Back!

This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I... Read More

Mind Over Matter

Understanding where horses come from has been a long road... Read More

Good Dog Care Is Vital

Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More

Winterizing Your Dog

It's beginning to get cooler and as such it is... Read More

Choose an Acrylic Bird Cage

Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More

Breeding Discus ? 3 Ways to Encourage Spawning

So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More

Mabeke: Gorilla Teacher

Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More

How Old is Your Pet- Really?

Just how old is your dog really? More than likely... Read More

A Guide to Bird Cages for Sale

As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More

Our Childrens Story

One we must regrettably share with our children for they... Read More

Loyal Companions Promote Longevity

Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks, or if... Read More

How To Choose A Dog - There Is A Lot To Consider, But A Lot Of Help Too

Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for... Read More

Help Your Dog Become a Good Canine Citizen

Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More

Sugar Gliders: How to Select a Sugar Glider Breeder

It is important to choose a sugar glider breeder carefully.... Read More

Westies Dogs ? Please Consider Adopting an Older Westie Dog

Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More

What are Pug Puppies?

Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More

Saving Ginger From Being Put To Sleep ? Part 2

The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More

Puppy Care 101

Puppy CarePuppy care can be a lot of work, but... Read More

What About a Newfoundland Dog

Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show... Read More

Dog Behavior Training: Methods of Working with a Shy Dog

Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More

Responsible Dog Ownership

With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More

Animals Are Forever

Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More

An Introduction to Dog Beds

Some people are so attached to their pets that they... Read More

Treat Fleas Naturally and Avoid Vaccinations, for a Truly Healthy Dog

An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More

Holistic Pet Care?From a Distinctly Christian Perspective

As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More

Practical Advice for Adopting a Dog

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your... Read More