What Can I Give My Dog For Arthritis?

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It’s not at all surprising that older dogs are prone to painful arthritis, but a chronic condition can affect man’s best friend at any age. It’s a huge quality of life issue.

One thing’s for sure: It is heartbreaking to see a dog suffer with arthritic pain. These problems sadly aren’t curable, but we’ll tell you about solutions for minimizing the effects.

What Can I Give My Dog For Arthritis?Human meds generally should not be depended on for reducing arthritis severity. The goal is to provide your dog with a safe and sustainable treatment.

There are Lots of Treatment Options For Dogs With Arthritis

Certain medications, supplements, foods and other natural remedies are promising.

Dogs do not need to constantly suffer from debilitating arthritis. Our oldest receives GlycanAid-HA which works wonders for her.

A conventional treatment would be a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as Rimadyl.

The truth is that most NSAIDs reduce arthritis symptoms, but they are way too risky for dogs!

Arthritis Supplements

A joint supplement such as chewable Glucosamine-Chondroitin (designed for dogs) is worth trying. It can reduce the vicious cycle of pain from arthritis. Just don’t expect a cure-all.

Glucosamine can be injected if your dog’s arthritis is advanced. Fast acting injectables may be used together with oral medications to diminish pain and discomfort.

For example, quality canine pain pills can be combined with long-term joint supplementation as a way to manage your pet dog’s aches and pains.

Try Basil and Fish Oil

Fresh basil has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties. Add it to your dog’s meals as well as fish oil. The fatty acids are rich in Omega-3 which can help with arthritis.

Many healthy foods contain anti-inflammatories that alleviate pain a bit. Whenever possible, incorporate natural supplements into your dog’s diet.

Turmeric is another one that’s terrific!

Value of Vitamin C & E

Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties. This powerful supplement is proven to be beneficial for joint health.

Depending on the size of your dog, you may consider providing 100 to 400 IU on a daily basis.

Vitamin C also can reduce inflammation and the resulting pain. If your dog isn’t producing enough, it may contribute to aches and pains brought on by arthritis.

Dosing ranges from 500 to 4,000mg, but don’t overload your dog with too much. Excessive vitamin C may worsen arthritis by harming cartilage.

A Happier Home Life

Arthritic dogs require a home environment that’s accommodating. Soft bedding, comfy carpeting as well as rugs over top of tiling and hardwood floors are essential.

Eliminate any slippery and/or hard surfaces throughout your house. Bad flooring will exacerbate pain problems and increase the likelihood of accidents due to poor traction.

Remember that many dogs do not realize their limitations as they get older.

Dieting and Exercise

Arthritis is more painful for overweight dogs. If necessary, focus on getting your pet to lose some weight in order to lighten their load.

Despite the difficulty, some level of regular controlled exercise is important for dogs with pain.

Watch this video for more common sense arthritis tips!


The Bottom Line

You can help your dog deal with arthritis. Combine lifestyle changes with safe supplementation.

Don’t depend on OTC drugs for pet pain.

Safe, natural treatments are recommended for easing a dog’s arthritis. Having a loving, compassionate and proactive master is the best remedy an arthritic dog can have.

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34 thoughts on “What Can I Give My Dog For Arthritis?”

  1. How often and how much do you give of Glucosamine per day? I have a 55 pound Border Collie.

  2. I have a 3 year old, 60 pound Boxer with arthritis. What can I give to help with pain?

  3. I recently read that you can give your dog apple cider vinegar to treat arthritis. My 12 year old Boxer has arthritis in both of her knees and I treat her with tumeric.

    I apply it myself by massaging it in. I use 2 Ortocanis dog knee braces (one for each of her arthritic knees). The knee brace and the supplements, I’d say, are what made the most noticeable differences in her quality of life.

  4. I have been giving my 16 year old Scottie Webbox muscle and joint bites. They are small liver flavored bites. He has has three a day and has been on them for 18 months. He runs around like a puppy.

  5. Stephanie says:

    I have a 14 year old Cairn Terrier. In the last year, his age has really started to show. He very much turned into a loner and now sleeps a lot, doesn’t go up the stairs or jump anymore. It was tough watching. Then my vet recommended Hill’s JD dog food made for joints.

    I really was a skeptic until one day he ran up the stairs to join the family again! He just got better and I’m still in awe of his progress within only 3 weeks.

  6. The origin of all dog breeds is the Wolf which continues to dominate in the wild. Wolfs live off the purest elements, vitamins and minerals which the immune system benefits from. There is no such thing as arthritis in the wild.

    Save yourself money and take a holistic approach to building your dog’s immune with fresh bones, meat, supplements and vitamins in the closest natural form you can! I have done it with my 9 year old Rottweiler and it cured her of arthritis.

    1. There is arthritis in wild but because wolfs live in packs, they are looked after by the others and their life span is only about 8 years. I tried the holistic approach with my German Shepherd but to no avail. Although she has the supplements, it turned out she’s allergic to grain! Pet food is full of rubbish and packed with wheat. It adds to ailments and vet bills.

      1. Val, you should try Wild Oil of Oregano (80% carvacrol) for your German Shepard. Arthritis is a virus and this oil allows the body to seek it out and completely eliminate it from your dog’s system.

        1. How do you give the oil of oregano?

        2. How to administer? It’s a horrible taste and aftertaste!

  7. My Chihuahua-mix dog is displaying every symptom of arthritis. She’s 10 years old and she is also overweight. I can’t afford to take her to a vet. Is there something I can purchase in a pet store or online? I’m extremely worried about her and would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

    1. I would think that, first and foremost, you must get her weight down. This is a key factor and a healthy diet would probably be best for both her weight and arthritis.

    2. Hi Shirley. My 8 year old dog started developing arthritis 6 months ago. I was recommended an all-natural joint supplement with organic turmeric, glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. My dog loved the taste and we are not 5 months into taking it and have seen incredible improvement! I love it and it’s made in the USA.

      1. What is the name of the joint supplement you are using?

  8. What can I give my 50 pound English Setter to reduce fear of thunderstorms and lightening? I have tried Thundershirt but it doesn’t work. He pants and runs around the house. He’s about 13 years old and a rescued dog.

    1. I had that problem with my older dog, but it was due to a bad tooth. Have you had him checked? We lost our Schnauzer and he also was a rescue. You could try Benadryl, check with vet. Also, a warm blanket may help. Good luck!

      1. Thanks for the info. He was just to the vet for a yearly checkup and rabies shot. He said Benadryl was okay except that it took about 2 hours to get into his system. He also said that there’s a drugstore cream we can try. You put it in the hairless part of the inside ear. I like the idea of a warm blanket, if he’ll stay put for awhile. I appreciate your reply!

        1. When I start to hear fireworks, or a bad thunderstorm, I put my dog in my bedroom and close the door. Then I turn on a box fan, on high, so he can’t hear anything else.

    2. Thundershirt effect sometimes wear off if it’s used too long. Try wrapping his head with an ace bandage at the same time, not too tight but around the neck and ears. This will diminish hearing a little. You can also use a part of a sweater or sweatshirt sleeve.

    3. I had an Akita with the same problem. I gave her 1mg of Xanax and this calmed her down completely. She lived to be 16 years old which is incredible for that breed.

    4. Also, an ice pack will do the job. It gets their mind off the storm.

  9. Can a human joint supplement be given to a dog?

    1. I looked it up and found that you can give human joint supplements to a dog.

  10. I use baby aspirin for my girls. My mini Schnauzer weighs 20 pounds so I give her 1/2 to 1 tablet. It is extremely helpful for her arthritis.

  11. This had the best impact for my dog. It’s enzyme-based:

    LifeSpan Systemic Enzymes for Dog Arthritis, Mobility, and Pain Relief

  12. My Staffordshire Bull Terrier is old, but I’m not sure how old because she is a rescue dog. Vets estimate 14 years. Monika had a cancer operation a year ago, but now is suffering with arthritis. She is still lively and eating and drinking. Her back right leg keeps giving way. She was put on Meloxicam and joint tablets. I don’t know what else to do.

    My kids say I’m being cruel but there is life in her yet! She gets caught short in the night when I’m in bed and I put puppy pads down but she does not always make them. I love her and so does her daughter. Please somebody what should I do?

    I’ve had Monika for 13 years. I don’t want to prolong her agony and I don’t mind cleaning up after her. My husband died 8 years ago this month and I lost my Dad last year. My girls were there when no one else was. Someone answer my prayer.

    1. You will know when it’s time. If she is still lively, eating and drinking then as you said she does have life in her. Your vet will also be able to help you decide. I know things might have changed, but it sounds like he/she is willing to help you with Monika’s care by prescribing medication.

      You are willing and able to clean up after her. My belief is that you will know when suffering begins and you will be able to do the right thing by her and by you.

      1. My vet recommended Duralactin chew tablets which is made from a milk protein and is very safe. It has worked wonders for my 11 year old Shih-Lhasa rescue.

  13. Can I give my dog Ibuprofen? She is 12 years old and seems to be a bit stiff when trying to get on beds or sofas.

    1. Never give Ibuprofen or Tylenol to your dog. They are poisonous and chances are she will die as a result.

  14. Some good ingredients for treating arthritis in dogs:
    – Broccoli
    – Cantaloupe
    Celery
    – Chicken Gizzard
    – Coral Calcium
    Cucumbers
    – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    These are all natural ways to treat a dog’s arthritis.

    1. I heard that sardines in spring-water is good for dog arthritis. Is this true?

      1. Yes, because of the Omega-3 fatty acids. All cold water fish can be fed to dogs, but not regularly. 3 times a week is a good policy.

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