3 Natural Solutions for Dog Joint Pain
by www.SixWise.com

Joint pain is a common and often unrecognized health concern among dogs. If your dog is limping, favoring a limb or having difficulty standing or getting comfortable, you may suspect a joint problem right away, but many other signs and symptoms of joint pain are not so obvious.

For instance, changes in your dog’s mood, appetite, or behavior can all indicate sore of stiff joints. Your dog may become less alert, less interested in playtime or walks, or may begin to sleep more than usual.

While large dog breeds such as Labradors, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes are especially prone to joint problems, any size dog can be affected, especially as they get older.

The 10 Major Classifications of Joint Problems in Dogs

One of the most common causes of joint pain and inflammation in dogs is arthritis. In the case of arthritis, the cartilage around the bones that form a joint begins to break down, causing pain and stiffness. One out of every five adult dogs in the United States will be affected by this disease, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

However, there are other causes of joint disease in dogs as well, including:

1. Ligament, tendon or muscle diseases

2. Fractures around the joint

3. Hip dysplasia and other developmental disorders

4. Congenital disorders

5. Obesity or thyroid diseases

6. Metabolic disorders

7. Cancer

8. Osteoarthritis

9. Rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease or other inflammatory joint diseases

10. Degenerative spinal joint diseases

If you notice any signs or symptoms that your dog is suffering from joint pain or stiffness -- behavioral changes, hesitancy to climb stairs or jump, sleeping more, weight gain, limping or favoring a limb, less interest in play or being less alert -- it’s important to see your veterinarian to find out what is at the root of the problem.

Tips for Helping to Prevent and Treat Joint Problems in Dogs, Naturally

Regular exercise and a healthy diet throughout your dog’s life will help to keep your pet in top condition. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation points out that regular exercise (for you and your pet!) will help you strengthen the muscles around your joints, which will reduce stress on the joint itself.

As an aside, if your dog already has joint problems or arthritis, you’ll want to engage him in only low-impact exercise, such as gentle walking or swimming.

Further if your pet is overweight, it’s important to help him shed pounds not only to prevent joint problems but lessen their severity if they’re already present. For tips on how to help your dog (or cat) lose weight, please read Pet Obesity is Now the Leading Cause of Preventable Death in Dogs and Cats.

If your dog is suffering from joint problems, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or painkillers as treatment options. You should know that there are natural supplements available as well that may help to both reduce pain and support joint health.

1. Omega-3 Fats

“Omega fatty acids … have shown to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs,” according to the Arthritis Foundation. In fact, numerous studies support the use of omega-3 fats for joint pain in dogs.

For instance, three recent studies published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs fed foods high in omega-3 fats had improvements in mobility and quality of life.

In the first study, dogs had improvements in their ability to play and rise from a resting position after being fed a diet high in fish oil omega-3 fats. The second study showed improvements in limb strength among dogs given omega-3s, while the third study found that dogs needed less drug pain relief when their food was supplemented with omega-3 fats.

An excellent omega-3 supplement for both dogs and cats is Animal Essentials Fish Oil Plus from GreenerWiener.com. This is a balanced formula of wild-harvested whole body fish oils (anchovies, sardines & mackerels), barley grass, and natural vitamin E -- in a revolutionary twist-tail softgel cap that guarantees optimum freshness and easy feeding.

2. Myristin Hip and Joint Formula

Myristin Hip and Joint formula is a combination of the best joint health products, including Glucosamine Sulfate and MSM, along with a signature patented product, Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO).

CMO is a unique fatty acid ester that is incorporated into the lipid layers of the cell membrane. It is often referred to as “nature’s WD-40 for joints” because of its lubricating qualities. Members of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association have been using Myristin® to support joint health in dogs and cats since 1996, and you can give it a try from GreenerWiener.com now.

3. Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in joint cartilage, and recent studies have found that it can provide improvements in pain and activity levels in dogs with joint problems.

An excellent collagen product for dogs is Happy Tails Joint Resolution, which you can find at GreenerWiener.com. Joint Resolution contains New Bio Cell Collagen Type II, which helps build new cartilage and reduce further damage to the joints. This patented, all natural ingredient found in HappyTails Joint Resolution is extremely absorbable so more of the formula gets to the site of the problem.

Finally, simple steps you take around your home can help to relieve pain and joint symptoms in your pet. Make sure your pet has a comfortable place to sleep (such as a specially designed orthopedic foam bed), and elevate her food and water bowls so she doesn’t have to strain her neck or spine to get to them. Ramps will also give your pet easy access to locations that require climbing or jumping to access.

You can also find a veterinarian who offers massage and physical therapy, as both of these can help to make your pet more comfortable.

Recommended Reading

How to Save Money on Vet Care: 5 Key Tips

Pet Obesity is Now the Leading Cause of Preventable Death in Dogs and Cats

Sources

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association March 1, 2010, Vol. 236, No. 5, Pages 535-539

Arthritis Foundation: Arthritis in Dogs

ASPCA.org Arthritis

PRNewswire.com March 4, 2010

PetEducation.com