How Can You Treat Arthritis In Dogs Naturally

Arthritis occurs in adult dogs very rarely but it is quite common in older dogs and dogs with seven years of age. It causes joint pain, inflammation, and loss of mobility. The signs of arthritis include limping, stiffness when getting up or lying down, slowing down on walks, pain in the joints after exercise, or unwillingness to climb steps or jump. You should understand these signs and take an early action to make the life of your dog happy.

Natural remedies such as diet, exercise, or supplements can help cure arthritis in your dog safely and effectively. Let's have a look in detail on these natural remedies.

• Diet: Some foods aggravate the symptoms of arthritis and these include the grains such as wheat, corn and soy. Try to avoid these foods by giving home-made foods without adding these ingredients. Prefer canned dog food over dry dog food which will have fewer grains. While there are some foods which can actually help reduce the symptoms and these includes celery, ginger, alfalfa, and tropical fruits like mango and papaya. Also avoid high fat foods as it may lead to weight gain which is not desired in arthritis as it may stress the joints for the movement. A low-carb and high-protein diet works best to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
• Exercise: When dogs have arthritis, it's very important to keep them lean and make sure that they don't gain excess weight. Extra weight adds stress on the joints which makes it difficult for him to move or do exercise. To reduce his weight, you can make him do slow and steady walk which will also strengthen his muscles and keep the joints limber. Don't try high intensity exercises such as jumping or climbing stairs which will wear down his cartilage, instead you can choose swimming or slow walking as one of the activities to reduce weight.
• Supplements: Nutraceutical supplements which contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin protects the joints by rebuilding cartilage and restoring synovial fluid. You should consult about the dosage with your vet doctor, though generally giving high dosage initially can help you understand the response of your dog for that supplement. Omega-3 fatty acid supplement, or fish oil supplement acts against inflammation and helps with lubrication of joints. Enzymes, antioxidants and vitamin supplements also show a positive effect against inflammation and helps reduce arthritis.
• Acupuncture: It is another natural alternative treatment which is helpful to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. It improves the circulation, provides more oxygen, releases endorphins (a feel good hormone) and prevents cell degeneration. Gold bead implants can provide your dog with the permanent acupuncture.

Besides above mentioned natural remedies you can also try massage, chiropractic treatments, physical therapy or hydrotherapy to treat the arthritis in your dogs. These natural remedies are generally safe and effective for most of the breeds of dogs.

You can use these treatments along with conventional treatments such as medicines or use them individually, but don't forget to consult your vet doctor when the symptoms are severe.