In the United States, 20 percent of all dogs over the age of 7 suffer from arthritis. Arthritis in dogs can affect their back, elbows, shoulders, hips and neck. Dogs with arthritis often will limp, struggle with walking, running and climbing steps.
Eventually, cartilage will continue to break down and deteriorate, causing even more discomfort and limiting the joints range of motion.
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Glucosamine
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Glucosamine is often the most recommend supplement to help dogs and humans with arthritis; it is cost effective, safe and natural.
Glucosamine helps restore the damaged cartilage by increasing the production of glycosaminoglycan (GAGs), found in the cartilage and synovial fluid. When considering a glucosamine supplement, it is important to purchase a quality brand. Glucosamine-osteoarthritis.org recommends purchasing glucosamine HCI and/or glucosamine sulfate, as opposed to a cheaper, less effective form of glucosamine 2KCL.
The general recommend dosage is 750mg of glucosamine HCI and glucosamine sulfate per 50 pounds of weight. A liquid form of glucosamine is recommend; pills can be difficult for some dogs to swallow. When beginning a glucosamine supplement, it is suggested for the first two to three weeks the treatment be doubled for maximize results.
Anti-Inflammatory
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Common natural anti-inflammatory medications for arthritis include yucca, boswellia and aspirin.
Yucca is a form of natural steroids which can help elevate the dog's pain.
Boswellia, commonly known as frankincense, regulates vascular response to inflammation by stabilizing cells.
Aspirin is often recommend by veterinarians to help elevated pain caused by arthritis by reducing inflammation in joints.
When considering an anti-inflammatory treatment, it is important to consult a veterinarian to provide information on a safe and effective dosage suitable for the pet.
Other Treatments
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Stinging nettle is a leaf with fine hairs; it can be found in forms of capsules, extract, freeze-dried leaves and dried leaves. Stinging nettle has detoxifying properties that cleanse the blood and help relieve the pain of aching joints.
Alfalfa also is a leaf that can be found fresh, dried, in capsules, seeds and in tea bags. This leaf helps to soothe swelling joints, strengthen bones and cleanse and detoxify bones.
It is believed the combination of stinging nettle and alfalfa provides optimum results for dogs with arthritis.
Vitamins B and C are important supplements to give dogs who suffer from arthritis. Not all dogs receive these vitamins in their daily diet. Foods rich in B vitamins help to distribute calcium to the bones, while vitamin C aids in the production of collagen which helps to support joints.
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