The most common form of arthritis is “degenerative joint disease” which occurs when the connective tissue in the dog’s joints deteriorates to the point of causing pain, stiffness and often swelling. In advanced cases, direct fluid injections are used to lubricate the joint, reducing friction and pain. However, depending on the severity of your dog’s arthritis, one or a combination of non-prescription treatments may work as well. Your veterinarian is the only person who can tell you if the top non-prescription arthritis treatments for dogs will work for your pet, but these are some options you can discuss at your next vet visit.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
The top non-prescription arthritis treatments for dogs are dominated by supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. Some studies have shown they help rebuild connective tissue and encourage joint lubrication, both essential in battling arthritis. Supplements may be sold in pill form, as dog treats or added in to dog food specially formulated for senior dogs. If glucosamine and chondroitin are taken before there are signs of arthritis, it may even help prevent the dog from ever developing this painful condition. The majority of non-prescription supplements—including Cosequin, Arthogen and Arthroflex—are built on these two ingredients, though some may include other joint-healthy or pain relief elements, including Vitamin C. The all-natural Glyco-Flex is another popular supplement.
Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief
Another of the top non-prescription arthritis treatments for dogs is aspirin. In the proper dose, aspirin helps reduce the swelling related to arthritis, as well as offers pain relief. Just be sure to consult your veterinarian before administering aspirin sold in human-sized doses as improper treatment can cause stomach problems and internal bleeding. Aspirin for dogs, like Vetrin Canine Aspirin, is buffered to be gentle on your dog’s stomach and available in a chewable beef-flavored tablet. Omega-3 fatty acids are also excellent to help reduce inflammation, so many vets may suggest fish oil capsules, dog food or treats containing fish oil, or fish oil additives for your dog’s food.
To read up on home remedies for dogs that can replace traditional pain medicine, click here.
Fitness & Exercise
When dogs get old and arthritic, they also tend to gain weight and be less inclined to exercise. Excess weight puts a terrible burden on arthritic joints, and exercise is essential to provide good fluid circulation. If your dog is in advanced stages of arthritis, discuss a proper amount of exercise with your vet and stick to it; a lack of exercise could cause your dog to lose what mobility it still has. Adjust your dog’s diet to fit its age and activity levels, and discuss a lean diet with the vet if your dog is significantly overweight.
Keep Warm & Comfortable
All of the top non-prescription arthritis treatments for dogs in the world aren’t going to do a lot of good if your dog isn’t comfortable. In the same way that people wake up with more aches and pains as they grow older, dogs also get stiff and sore from the immobility during their sleep hours. Make sure that your dog always has a warm, comfortable place to sleep with plenty of cushioning. For advanced cases, specialized dog beds for arthritic dogs may really help. Take extra precautions during cold weather by watching out for icy patches where your dog could slip. Also, provide easy-access alternatives to your dog — such as dog-sized stairs or ramps — for any place it has difficulty getting to, like a vehicle or grooming table. With these treatments and some preventative measures, you can give your dog the best chance at a mobile, pain-free life for the remainder of his or her days.
