Often prescribed for arthritis, Rimadyl is a pain reliever for dogs that was introduced by Pfizer pharmaceuticals in 1997. According to USA Today, by 2005 "nearly 15 million dogs [had] taken it, many for pain from degenerative joint disease." Unfortunately several reports of dangerous and even deadly side effects have caused a great deal of controversy over this drug. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Pfizer continue to support the use of Rimadyl, it's understandable that some dog owners are searching for alternatives when their best friend suffers the pain of arthritis.
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Natural Joint Health
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The best advice for using natural alternatives to Rimadyl is to consult with a veterinarian who is skilled in natural remedies for dogs. Generally speaking, many supplements, foods or remedies that would be safe for a human to ingest could be safe for a dog, but this is not always the case. All supplements should be discussed for safety and dosage with your veterinarian. As with humans, glucosamine supplements are found to be an effective treatment for arthritis. Glucosamine is the body's natural joint health monitor, but with age, injury or stress the rate of glucosamine production decreases. There are glucosamine supplements being produced specifically for canines, and they often include other herbs or substances that are thought to improve joint mobility such as alfalfa, fish oil, magnesium and vitamin E. These types of supplements may by purchased from your veterinarian's office or through a variety of online sources. While glucosamine supplements may be effective in improving joint health, they do not alleviate the pain of arthritis or disease that may already be present.
Natural Pain Relief
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According to the website Natural Dog Health Remedies, there are several herbs that can help alleviate joint pain in dogs. Feverfew and licorice have anti-inflammatory qualities, and St. John's wort and skullcap are considered nervines which are effective for relieving pain in nerve-related injuries. In addition to supplements, Natural Dog Health Remedies suggests acupuncture and the use of essential oils with massage to help relieve pain in dogs. While this may seem like an unusual idea, there are veterinarians who specialize in acupuncture for animals. These experts can be located through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Additionally, there are experienced massage therapists who are trained in canine massage. Unlike ingestible remedies, massage and acupuncture have no risky side effects and dogs often find them to be enjoyable activities.
Pharmaceutical Options
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Of course, though they are popular because of their rare occurrence of side effects, natural alternatives to Rimadyl are not the only choices for dog owners. There are other pharmaceutical painkillers that you can discuss with your dog's veterinarian. Deramaxx, Metacam, Previcox and morphine are among the options your veterinarian might suggest for managing your dog's pain.
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