Proper Nutrition To Help Dogs With Arthritis

Dogs with arthritis can be helped by nutrition. This article will help teach you about proper nutrition for dogs who suffer from arthritis

Perhaps you've noticed that your dog has gotten a little stiff in the hind legs or that they are having trouble walking up stairs. These problems may be more serious than you think. Difficulty performing routine movements and reduced mobility may be indications that your pet is suffering from arthritis.

This progressively degenerative joint disease usually affects larger breeds of dogs, like retrievers. The most common form, degenerative osteoarthritis, is characterized by the erosion of the joints' normally smooth cartilage surfaces. Rough new surfaces develop in their place and cause joint pain and inflammation.

Arthritis can stem from a variety of factors including poor diet, genetics, aging and even Lyme disease. Since many other conditions, from heart disease to anemia, produce similar symptoms, have your veterinarian diagnose the condition with an X-ray. The good news is, whether you're looking to prevent the onset of arthritis or alleviate the symptoms, there are plenty of natural remedies to turn to.

Nutrition is the most important thing you can do to prevent your pet from developing arthritis. Most canned and dry commercial pet foods lack the minerals needed for maintaining ideal health, and can be obtained by adding a supplement to your pet's diet that contains digestive enzymes, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Digestive enzymes help the body break down food more completely and thereby unlock the essential nutrients. Antioxidants act as soldiers that patrol the body for the free radicals that are by-products of inflammatory processes such as arthritis. And essential fatty acids, like omega-3, cannot be made by the body but have been shown to aid in the prevention of arthritis.

If your animal is already symptomatic, John Heinerman Ph.D., author of Natural Pet Cures: Dog and Cat Care the Natural Way (Prentice Hall Press, 1998), suggests giving him mineral-rich anti-inflammatory like alfalfa and yucca. Add them in powdered form to food once a day (1/4 teaspoon [tsp.] each for cats, 1/2 to 1 tsp. for dogs). He also recommends cold-pressed flaxseed oil (1 tsp. for cats, 1 tablespoon for dogs) to reduce swelling.

Physical therapies, such as acupuncture, Shiatsu and chiropractic, can also relieve arthritic pain when performed by a licensed practitioner. According to Buchoff, chiropractic adjustments every six months, especially for large animals, can halt the onset of arthritis. Pain and stiffness can also be reduced by giving a gentle daily massage with your thumbs and fingertips on the pet's affected joints.

Exercise is also important for prevention and symptom management. It helps maintain muscle strength, which enhances joint support, and keeps off extra weight that can put pressure on the joints. (Take your dog for a walk.)

Finally, be sure to give your pet a warm, dry bed that's far away from joint-stiffening drafts.