6 Ways to Alleviate a Dog’s Arthritis Pain

If you’re a veterinarian, you know that arthritis is a common struggle for older dogs. You want to make sure your patients live out their twilight years as comfortably and happily as possible, but making the proper treatment plan can be hard. Do you rely on traditional veterinary techniques? Do you suggest dietary changes? Do you try natural canine supplements that are less severe? In addition to providing wholesale collagen supplements for canine support, Custom Collagen is here to give you some tips for alleviating arthritis pain in dogs.

1. Pain Medication

Just like in humans, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) can be crucial to relieving arthritis pain in dogs. NSAID medications help block enzymes that produce inflammation and pain. DMOADs work similarly but tend to be more targeted at arthritis-related issues. Take the patient’s medical history into account to determine if these medications are appropriate.

2. Joint Supplements

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two common canine supplements that help with joint diseases. Hyaluronic acid is a third, but somewhat less common, supplement. All three of these nutrients aid in keeping a dog’s joints lubricated and can even repair damaged cartilage. Improved joint mobility is possible even for dogs who are already dealing with arthritis, especially with the help of these supplements.

In addition to canine supplements like glucosamine, certain herbs can help improve a dog’s comfort when added to their daily diet. For example, bromelain, chamomile and curcumin are all anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Bromelain and chamomile can also help reduce muscle spasms.

Another canine supplement to consider is collagen. On top of keeping a dog’s joints lubricated, collagen will help keep their skin moisturized and their coat silky smooth. Consider incorporating it into your patients’ treatment plans to keep them feeling and looking good.

3. Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an alternative, natural set of remedies that can treat common dog ailments, like arthritis. It’s wise to talk with dog owners about their pets’ symptoms before starting treatment, discussing specific homeopathic substances, potencies and dosages. That way, you can determine what would be the best course of action.

One example of a homeopathic remedy for pain aggravated by movement is salicylicum acidum with a potency of 6c. On the other hand, if a dog’s pain is improved after they’ve moved around a bit, you might want to try Rhus toxicodendron (tox) with a potency of 30c. There are also a variety of other homeopathic canine supplements that can help meet a dog’s specific pain needs.

4. Massage

Animal massage therapy, in tandem with canine supplements, can be immensely helpful for relieving a dog’s arthritis pain. Additionally, massage can increase the dog’s flexibility and circulation, both of which will help improve their overall mobility and happiness. Research some local professional animal massage therapists so you can give your patients’ owners recommendations as part of the treatment plan.

5. Lifestyle Changes

Find out about a dog’s diet and exercise regimen. Maintaining a healthy weight will take pressure off their joints and help ease arthritis pain. Be careful that owners don’t take exercising too far, though — rough-housing at an old age can lead to accidental joint injury. Suggest playing on soft surfaces so the dog can stay happy and active without getting hurt.

Additionally, make sure that the dog has a warm, dry place to sleep. Cold and damp conditions can aggravate arthritis pain. The owners may want to invest in a well-padded dog bed or even warm compresses that can be applied to painful joints.

6. Preventive Measures

Rather than waiting for arthritis symptoms to appear or worsen, you may want to recommend that pet owners take preventive measures to ensure that their dogs avoid this common ailment. Adding canine collagen supplements to a dog’s diet early on can help their connective joint tissues stay flexible and strong. Collagen can even regenerate joints that have started to deteriorate.