A dog’s arthritis can be crippling due to massive inflammation and bone growth in the joints.
Dog Arthritis Symptoms
Most older dogs suffer from arthritis.
And, they almost all display the same, common symptoms.
For example, some common arthritis symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty getting up
The sad part is the fact symptoms worsen with age. And, almost all dogs suffer from arthritis as they age.
So, what’s the good news?
The good news is we have different options for helping arthritic dogs feel better.
Dog Arthritis Treatments
As mentioned earlier, we have many different arthritis treatment options.
Below are a few of Dr. Smith’s favorites.
Adequan
Adequan is an injectable prescription medication known as a “polysulfated glycosaminoglycan.”
Injectable glucosamine is another similar medication, used just like Adequan.
Both Adequan and glucosamine lubricate joints and rebuild cartilage in the damaged joint. Neither have side effects.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy increases blood flow to injured areas.
Then, the increased blood flow promotes increased circulation and a reduction of inflammation and pain.
As a result, laser therapy helps repair damaged cells, stimulating healing and creating new collagen.
Laser Therapy, Adequan & Legend Injection Combination
Sometimes we use a combination of several therapies to relieve pain and speed healing.
For example, one of Dr. Smith’s favorite combinations is:
- Laser therapy
- Adequan injections
- Legend injections
He’s had huge success with the combination in his clinic. And, it has no negative side effects.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) treatment method.
According to Eastern theory, the flow of “Qi” (energy) governs the body’s health.
And, as Qi flows freely through the body via meridians, complete health exists.
But, when Qi fails to flow, illness (or in this example arthritis) becomes apparent.
Dr. Smith inserts acupuncture needles at certain points to restore the flow of Qi.
As a result, the restoration of Qi flow restores health and relieves pain.
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture works much like traditional acupuncture.
Dr. Smith inserts needles at specific points along the body. Then, the practitioner attaches the needles to a device generating continuous electric pulses.
During electro-acupuncture, Dr. Smith adjusts the frequency and intensity of the impulse depending on your pet’s condition.
In most cases, an electro-acupuncture session usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is an alternative medicine treatment sometimes called proliferation therapy or regenerative injection therapy.
During prolotherapy, the doctor injects an irritant solution into tendons and/or ligaments.
Then, the irritant solution stimulates healing in the injected areas.
Consequently, your dog experiences pain relief and a faster healing time.
Hyaluronic Acid Arthritis Treatments
Another name for Hyaluronic Acid Arthritis Treatments is “Legend IV Treatments.”
Injectable hyaluronic acid regulates cells in the inflamed joint.
The injections also heal the joint lining and increase the joint fluid viscosity.
Accordingly, increased joint fluid lubricates and cushions the joint and helps protect the joint.
Herbal Therapy
Herbal therapy is a gentle treatment with little or no risk of side effects.
In addition, herbal therapy builds strength while easing arthritis pain, and reducing joint inflammation.
White Pine Bark & Pycnogenol
White pine bark helps dogs suffering from pain and inflammation.
Both products provide procyanidins. Procyanidins are powerful antioxidants inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes.
Consequently, dogs suffering from arthritis experience reduced pain and inflammation.
No-Slip Booties
No-slip booties help dogs walk better on the hardwood and other slick flooring surfaces.
The best no-slip booties for arthritic dogs are:
- Indoor Socks
- REI Dog Boots
- Protex Paws (available at PetSmart & Chewy.com)
- Ruff Wear
- Ace Ortho Solutions Footies
Harnesses for Dogs with Rear-End Weakness
Some dogs with arthritis experience hindquarter weakness and trouble walking.
If this sounds like your dog, get a support harness.
Support harnesses have handles, making it easier to lift and support the hind legs.
When using the harness, dogs walk on the front legs while the caretaker supports the rear legs.
One of our favorites for dogs with hind leg weakness is the GingerLead.
More Powerful Tools for Overcoming Dog Arthritis Challenges
There are many quick and easy changes you can make at home to help you give your dog an edge on easing dog arthritis pain.
- Learn more about dog arthritis.
- Try cooking for your dog or feeding high-quality dog food. Home-cooked diets and wet food help keep your pet from gaining too much weight. In turn, less weight means less stress on your dog’s bones and joints. PET | TAO Chill and Blaze are top choices for arthritic dogs.
- Ease your dog’s discomfort naturally. PET | TAO Comfort is a blend of Eastern herbs and Western supplements to soothe your dog’s arthritic challenges to make him/her more comfortable.
- Provide joint support. PET | TAO Harmonize Joint is a blend of herbs and supplements working together to lubricate and restore your dog’s joints.
- Try Freeze-Dried Kidney Treats. According to TCVM, the Kidney controls the bones and joints and supports arthritic challenges in a “like treats like” manner.
- Learn more about TCVM Herbal Remedies. Chinese medicine offers many amazing natural solutions for dog arthritis.
- Some good examples are:
