Supplements To Fight Arthritis

Arthritis  is one of the most common pains in older dogs and, in addition to causing damage and wear to the joints, it causes a lot of pain to the animal that suffers from it. Since there is no cure, vets try to reduce the progression, as well as the pain, to improve the dog’s quality of life. Here are some food supplements that can help you if your dog has arthritis. 

In any case, before administering these supplements to your dog, it must be remembered that  their use and implementation in the animal’s diet must be carried out exclusively under the supervision and indication of the veterinarian. Under no circumstances should you give your pet any medications, vitamins or supplements without being recommended by a specialist. Ignoring this warning can cause serious damage to your pet’s health.

The causes of arthritis

Arthritis is pain in the joints due to their progressive wear and tear and the rubbing or contact of nerve fibers present in the cartilages. One of the ways to protect the tissues and fluids in the joints and avoid problems is to give your dog a balanced diet, as well as including raw bones if possible.

Main supplements

Supplements are given to dogs by adding them to their diet; the most common against arthritis are: glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. These three nutrients are renowned for their ability to lubricate joints, as well as being able to help repair them if they are damaged.

Look for foods rich in glucosamine, as this is then metabolized as chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. Chondroitin is the component that gives cartilage its structure, as well as helping it to take blows. The hyaluronic acid instead constitutes the lubricant of the joints, and gives them a viscous consistency.

Glucosamine present in food is absorbed by the circulatory system of dogs with a percentage of about 30%, while about 10% of the other two elements is absorbed. The remainder is destroyed by the acids in the stomach.

Other remedies

Many remedies used to combat arthritis involve the use of medicinal plants.

Corticosteroids such as licorice root stimulate hormone secretions from the adrenal gland. It is also an anti-inflammatory that relieves pain caused by arthritis and some skin diseases. However, this should not be given for an extended period as it may cause skin problems.

There are also other herbs that stimulate the self-defense of the tissues and repair them. Boswellia has a similar effect to that of ibuprofen. Others are capable of creating enzymes such as pepsin, which forms part of the gastric juices. For example, bromelain helps control spasms and is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Some herbs such as cayenne and chamomile have  anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and considerably reduce  pain and inflammation.

Ginger helps with inflammation and pain. It also blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, such as protaglandin and leukotrienes.

Finally, there are other types of medicinal plants, such as gotu kola (also known as Asian spark or tiger plant), which promote  collagen synthesis in tendons and ligaments. Omega 3, found in foods such as fish, eggs and vegetable oils, have anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the ability to protect the body in the long term.

Remember to consult your veterinarian before turning your dog’s diet into a great mixture of supplements and herbs, as although luckily these herbs are easily obtained in supermarkets and specialty stores, they should always be used in moderation and under the supervision of a professional. expert.