Natural Ways to Relieve Joint Pain in Dogs

Many dogs suffer from joint issues, and it can strike at any age. Even dogs you are less than a year old can be affected. In some cases, joint issues like hip dysplasia, are developmental or genetic. So, it’s important to take care of your dog’s joints, no matter how old he is. Here are some ways to relieve your dog’s joint pain and arthritis without prescription medications.

Why not use prescription pain meds?

You should always consult with your vet before choosing a course of treatment for your dog. That being said, there are significant side effects associated with the prescription NSAIDs that are usually prescribed for arthritis and joint pain in dogs, such as Rimadyl, Metacam, Previcox, and Deramaxx.

The drugs in this class are called Cox-2 inhibitors, and the are prescribed for joint pain and arthritis in dogs because they inhibit the inflammatory response. However, these drugs have also been shown to cause issues for the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system. Every dog owner should do their own research to educate themselves about these drugs before using them.

Natural Alternatives for Arthritis and Joint Pain Relief in Dogs

1.      Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Giving your dog a chondroitin supplement for his arthritis and joint pain can help repair existing issues and hydrate the joint to relieve pain. It can also protect the joint from future damage. Glucosamine also helps to replace joint fluid and repair existing issues in the joints. Combining these two natural ingredients is a great way to relieve your dog’s arthritis and joint pain naturally.

2.      Omega-3 Fish Oil

Omega-3s are great for reducing inflammation, so it only makes sense that they would be useful for your dog’s arthritis and joint issues. This supplement slows down the progression of arthritis, improves mobility, and even helps with brain, heart, skin, and immune system health.

3.      Curcumin/Turmeric

You have probably heard about taking curcumin for your own joint issues, but you may not have thought about giving it to your dog. Curcumin has been proven to be as effective as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and pain killers for relieving arthritis and joint pain in both humans and animals, so it’s a great supplement to incorporate into your dog’s every day routine.

Before giving any of these supplements to your dog, be sure to consult with your vet and do your own research. Some natural remedies can have unexpected drug interactions, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.