Joint pain is quite a common health condition that is especially found in older dogs. Arthritis and joint pain are something that almost all dog owners must address eventually. Although dog arthritis cannot be cured completely, some natural remedies can help make them more active and improve the overall quality of life.
Most pet owners try to avoid prescription medicines that are produced synthetically and can have adverse side effects. Hence to help such pet parents find the right cure for their pup, here we will discuss a few natural remedies that are also recommended by most veterinarians to relieve joint pain in dogs.
Weight management
Becoming overweight is the source of all health issues whether in humans or animals. Hence maintaining a healthy weight is the most important part of any therapy. When a dog becomes obese, the extra pounds put more strain on his joints. Thus, leading to joint pain and discomfort. Also, It is said by doctors that any dog who is five percent overweight, will have reduced mobility. Bringing your pup in the right shape can decrease the amount of medical treatment necessary.
CBD
Cannabidiol or CBD, although new in the market, has already gained popularity among its users in many places. CBD can be found in various forms starting from oil to edible treats or creams. The way CBD works is through interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and binding to ECS’s receptors to create a calm effect. Thus, allowing the body to self-heal.
This content explains how CBD can help cure joint pain, arthritis, inflammation, and other ailments. It is for this reason why CBD oil is so popular among pet owners, as well as preferred over other medications.
Acupuncture
We have all heard about this traditional Chinese medicine called acupuncture. Acupuncture is a popular way used even by veterinarians to treat joints in pets. acupuncture has been in use for thousands of years. and the best part is most patients found it useful. The procedure can also help treat swelling and inflammation in dogs.
The process of acupuncture involves inserting needles into the dog’s body to stimulate nerve pathways. The procedure involves the release of chemicals like endorphins. A feel-good hormone that can help decrease pain.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy for canines was first found in Europe in the year 1980s. which was then followed by the U.S in the early 1990s. Physical therapy includes various techniques to help improve mobility and reduce pain in dogs. The procedure involves stretching, swimming, walking the dog over the pole, underwater treadmill, etc.
Although physical therapy is mainly given by expert therapists, pet owners can also perform a few therapies under the guidance of a veterinarian. But in more complicated situations, you obviously will need the help of a veterinarian to pinpoint where to begin from, depending upon your dog’s unique condition.
Massage
A good body massage is loved by all. And a dog is no exception. Massage can be the best natural remedy to treat joint pain in dogs. The right body massage can help increase circulation muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the painful joints of your pup. Body massage is a new canine therapy that is borrowed from human massage therapy. Hence the procedure involves body massage techniques like acupressure, passive range of motion, trigger-point massage, etc.
Supplements
When we think of giving supplements to our pets for treating joint pain, the first name that comes to our mind is glucosamine. But many other natural anti-inflammatories help ease joint pain by supplying the necessary nutrients required for cell repair. Some of these natural supplements are green-lipped mussel, chondroitin, colostrum, etc.
Administered through pills, liquids, or food additives, the content in the joint supplements can help stimulate joint function, relieve pain and prevent inflammation.
Conclusion
The article describes how you can treat joint pain in dogs through natural procedures. The six most popular natural remedies for dog joint pain described above can help ease the severity of joint pain and other physical ailments like inflammation, arthritis, etc. But at the same time, it’s also necessary to take the advice of a veterinarian to better understand the physical state of your pet.