Recent studies indicate a dog fish oil arthritis treatment has been proven effective in eliminating the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Studies show when taken orally and in appropriate amounts, fish oil reduces the inflammatory mediator levels and helps eliminate the arthritis stiffness and pain.
How Does the Fish Oil Arthritis Treatment Work for Dogs?
Fish oils are a rich source of DHA. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid. The body converts the DHA found in fish oils into another chemical called Resolvin D2.
THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF RESOLVIN D2
Resolvins, locally acting factors derived from omega-3 fatty acids, have been recognized as inflammation-resolving mediators. Experiments in a mouse abdominal sepsis model now show that resolvin D2 (RvD2) inhibits neutrophil trafficking to inflammatory sites and decreases leukocyte interactions with endothelial cells in a nitric oxide-dependent manner. RvD2’s cellular and molecular actions translated to a dramatically increased survival. This work points to RvD2 as a potent anti-inflammatory agent and suggests new therapeutic approaches that do not compromise host defenses.
-Nature International Weekly Journal of Science
Another reason that fish oil helps dogs with arthritis is that fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Many dog foods contain mostly Omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils. This results in dogs ingesting an unbalanced ratio of Omega-6 fatty acids to Omega-3 fatty acids. An imbalance with Omega-6 fatty acids being high can lead to increased inflammation. Supplementing with fish oil will provide more Omega-3 fatty acids, bringing the dogs diet back into balance.
Dog Fish Oil Arthritis Treatment Dosage Recommendations
According to Susan G. Wynn, DVM, in A Review of the Scientific Literature on Fish Oil Doses for Pets, there is little well-supported dosing information available for cats, but studies have proven fish oil in specific doses to be an effective arthritis treatment for dogs. Dr. Wynn’s studies showed that a dosage of 90mg/kg of Fish Oil (EPA+DHA) taken orally appeared to reduce inflammatory mediator levels.
Our clinic will be glad to help you calculate the appropriate dosage for your dog!
Inflammatory mediators are molecules that are normally released by immune cells when harmful agents invade the body. In many chronic conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory mediators are released by the body at times when the body has not been invaded by harmful agents. Inflammatory mediators alter the function of the sensory fibers in the body, and through a series of complicated biochemical reactions, produce the end result of pain an inflammation in the body. According to Dr. Wynn’s studies, orally ingesting fish oil at the dosage recommended above will reduce inflammatory mediator levels and reduce the amount of pain and inflammation in the dog’s body.
Dog Fish Oil Arthritis Treatment Fish Oil Recommendations
- Salmon, tuna, anchovies, and sardines are the richest sources of fish oil. Sardine contain fewer contaminants and are more desirable than salmon, which often contains high levels of mercury and other toxins
- The best fish oils contain three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: DHA, EPA, and DPA.
- Make sure the label lists the fatty acid amounts. The amounts of the DHA, EPA, and DPA should add up to within 100mg of the total Omega-3 fatty acid amount. If it does not, the product contains filler oils
- The best fish oils are 100% pure
Sources:
- A Review of the Scientific Literature on Fish Oil Doses for Pets by Susan G. Wynn, DVM
- Fish Oil for Dogs
- Inflammatory Mediators of Pain by A. Dray
- Nature.com
- Science Daily
