Arthritis and other joint issues are extremely common in dogs of all ages. Currently, there are more dogs with arthritis and joint injuries than ever before. However, you can relieve your dog’s discomfort by using herbs for arthritis to support its joint health.
Types of Joint Disease
Natural remedies can be highly effective in managing dog joint health issues. Here’s a guide to some of the most beneficial herbs: Cat’s Claw is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. It’s particularly effective for treating connective tissue disorders such as luxating patella or partially torn CCL, as well as managing arthritis. It may be the single most important herb for Lyme-triggered arthritis and is also high in antioxidant activity, helping to combat free radicals. Devil’s Claw is another potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb. It can quickly alleviate pain by reducing inflammation. High in magnesium, it’s crucial for bone health and muscle function, playing a role in protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. Ginger is known to relieve pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting the immune system’s production of inflammatory leukotrienes. It’s a healing herb that synergizes well with cooling herbs such as turmeric, devil’s claw, and boswellia. Solomon’s Seal is recognized in Chinese medicine for its ability to moisten dryness, alleviate pain, and reduce spasms. It’s particularly successful in treating bone spurs and arthritic joints, and it complements other joint health supplements like glucosamine, amalaki, and boswellia. Comfrey Leaf is a powerhouse for strengthening connective tissue, ligaments, and tendons. Rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, A, silicon, selenium, protein, potassium, chromium, and calcium, it’s a vital component for joint health. Boswellia is a herb with a long history of use for its anti-inflammatory properties. Derived from the sap of the boswellia tree in India, it can slow the breakdown of connective tissues and inhibit inflammatory activity. However, concerns exist with boswellia powders containing silicon dioxide (sand), making tinctures a preferred form. Additionally, the endangered status of boswellia in India due to its slow growth and high demand is a matter of concern. When choosing herbs for your dog’s joints, consider a blend that includes these herbs to nourish, supply, and fortify your dog’s musculoskeletal system. Consult with a holistic veterinarian or herbalist to create a custom supplement tailored to your dog’s specific needs, keeping in mind that requirements may change with healing, age, and activity. For herb dosage, since these herbs are sold for human use, adjust the recommended dose for a 150 lb human to match your dog’s body weight.
Protecting your dog’s joints is crucial to prevent arthritis and ensure a healthy life. Here are some essential factors to consider:
Exercise is a key factor in maintaining your dog’s joint health. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to joint issues in over 70% of cases. If your dog is a ‘weekend warrior,’ receiving little exercise during the week and then engaging in intense activity on weekends, it can result in injuries due to over-stressed joints and inflammatory responses. Regular, moderate exercise is essential for joint health. Nutrition plays a significant role in your dog’s musculoskeletal system. Commercial diets lacking whole food nutrition fail to provide the necessary building blocks for joint health. Processed foods can cause inflammation due to synthetic, genetically modified (GMO), and starchy ingredients. To improve your dog’s mobility, opt for balanced whole food nutrition and consider adding joint supplements to their diet. Age and weight management are important as your dog ages. With less exercise, your dog will need fewer calories. Monitor meals and treats to prevent weight gain, which can increase stress on joints. Moderate exercise maintains muscle mass and joint flexibility, but excessive exercise can cause further stress. For dogs with arthritis or joint issues, avoid encouraging jumping or standing on back legs. Toxins can also affect your dog’s joint health. Avoid exposure to genetically modified foods, over-vaccination, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, steroids, chemical flea, tick, or heartworm prevention, and heavy metals. If you use any of these, consider switching to natural remedies and using a detox supplement to cleanse your dog’s system. If your dog suffers from arthritis or joint issues, consider joint-protective measures and herbs for significant relief and improved quality of life, without the harmful long-term side effects of prescription drugs.
