Much like humans, dogs can develop arthritis in any joint at any time, no matter their age. And the swelling, inflammation and stiffness can lead to much pain and discomfort. So finding a treatment method that alleviates their symptoms is paramount.
From medication to surgery, there are a number of methods a vet might use to treat your dog’s condition. But sometimes we would rather look for natural treatment methods. Continue reading to learn more about holistic treatment for arthritis in dogs.
Lifestyle Changes
When you are looking for a natural arthritis treatment for dogs, a great place to start is by looking at what lifestyle changes can be made.
Weight
Arthritis affects your dog’s joints, so is greatly impacted by the weight of your dog. Ensuring that they are a healthy weight can have a positive effect on any pain and discomfort that they are experiencing. Reducing the load on their joints both will improve their symptoms and reduce accelerated degeneration. Maintain your dog’s weight by monitoring their calorie intake and ensuring their portions are controlled.
Diet
You should also ensure that your dog is consuming a well-balanced, nutritious diet. As arthritis is linked with inflammation, you could try opting for an anti-inflammatory diet.
Exercise
It’s beneficial to reduce the amount of strain that your dog puts through their joints so avoiding excessive exercise is a must. Try low-impact movements such as walking to help prevent accelerated wear and tear.
Supplements
Supplements are a great holistic treatment for arthritis in dogs, and there are a number of them to try.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is linked with cartilage health, the tissue that lines joints and allows for frictionless movement. It works to keep up the health of the cartilage and reduce the speed of breakdown, which is why it’s commonly used to treat arthritis.
Chondroitin
Naturally found within cartilage, Chondroitin gives elasticity and promotes water retention. This nourishes the tissues that surround the joint and helps to reduce inflammation. By better supporting your dog’s joints, their symptoms can be better managed.
Omega 3
Found naturally in some foods such as fish and oil, Omega 3 has strong anti-inflammatory properties so could be effective in reducing symptoms of arthritis in your dog.
Light Therapy
In recent years, red light therapy has been growing in popularity as a way to treat dogs with arthritis. With wavelengths adjusted in accordance with your dog’s needs, it has been proven to help with a range of symptoms. With both at-home and clinical-quality treatments available, your dog can benefit from arthritis pain relief, a reduction in swelling and inflammation, increased circulation and blood flow, increased production of collagen and much more. Available in both coat and wrap form, you can target the joints that cause your dog the most discomfort.
If you are looking for natural help for dogs with arthritis, this is a great place to start. Browse the collections at Pets HeaLED to learn more about our red light therapy solutions.