It's no wonder why canine arthritis is a hot topic in canine health. Osteoarthritis (arthritis) affects 20% of adult dogs, and for dogs in the advanced ages of 7+, arthritis affects 40% of dogs. We wondered how such high ratios of dogs with arthritis could be possible. Other than genetics, many of the contributors towards canine arthritis are based in diet and lifestyleso with that in mindthe modern dog with canine arthritis can be helped through diet and lifestyle.
Canine Arthritis: 5 Point Plan
1. PROTECT THE JOINTS
Simply, you can protect your dog's joints by feeding the joint tissue through supplementation of nutraceuticals that contain Glucosamine Sulfate, and Chondroitin Sulfate. Glucosamine/Chondroitin actually works to rebuild cartilage and restore synovial fluid in your dog's body.
In medical terms, glucosamine/chondroitin are the precursors to the formation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and this is a significant area to address in joint care when it comes to canine arthritis (Choose RJX for Dogs™, a natural joint nutrition liquid).
2. REDUCE PAIN AND INFLAMMATION
When the joint tissue of your dog is worn and damaged (the arthritic condition), it can result in a lot of pain and inflammation for your dog. The most powerful and natural nutrients you can provide your dog is omega-3fatty acids (EPA and DHA), and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).
- Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation by helping to produce hormone-like substances known as eicosonoids, which reduce inflammatory compounds in the body. (choose Celavin, an ultra pure omega-3 fish oil for dogs)
- MSM is an organic form of sulfur which assists in natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in the body. The benefits of MSM are vast, and with continued use, MSM very effective in improving joint and tissue health and reducing the pain that comes with inflammation.
There are certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, enzymes as well that can reduce inflammation and or pain, such as high doses of vitamin C, flavonoids, bromelain, and hops. But EPA-DHA (from fish oil), and MSM are the most effective nutrients for addressing joint pain and inflammation.
3. MONITOR THE DIET FOR FOODS THAT AGGRAVATE ARTHRITIS
There are increased correlations between certain foods and arthritis in dogs. The strongest correlation seems to be the feeding of grains in dog food. Many have found, that by simply eliminating grains from their dog's diet, the symptoms of canine arthritis are reduced almost completely. Other items to be aware of for elimination are plants from the nightshade family, eggplant, white potatoes (not sweet potatoes), peppers, and tomatoes.
4. INCORPORATE EXERCISE AND WEIGHT CONTROL
Keeping excess weight off of the arthritic dog is an important component of the program. Extra weight significantly increases the burden and stress on dog joints. Its a vicious cycle because the heavier the dog gets, the harder it is to exercise your dog. So keep your dog lean by feeding a health-conscious diet, with appropriate portions and consistent feeding times, with moderate low-impact exercise, such as, walking or swimming.
5. ENSURE PROPER BEDDING
Cold, damp, hard, sleeping quarters can worsen canine arthritis. Conversely, if you can keep your dog warm and cushioned from hard surfaces it can help reduce pain. Be sure to provide bedding that is warm, and that cushions against the floor. Indoor sleeping and blankets can do the trick, but some owners will even invest in orthopedic beds for their dogs. Follow these five points and your dog will be equipped in the fight against canine arthritisand will have improved quality of life.
NUSENTIA NUTRITIONAL PROGRAM FOR CANINE ARTHRITIS
Incorporating the above tactics with the nutritional remedies below can greatly improve dog health.
NUSENTIA RAW & GRAIN-FREE DOG FOOD
A Raw, Grain-Free Diet for Dogs Nusentia® Raw, Grain-Free dog food is a perfect diet for all dogs, and ideal for dogs suffering from arthritis. This raw-dehydrated, grain-free food is the perfect balance of nutrition and each bag makes 10lbs of fresh homemade dog food.
REFERENCES AND CITATIONS
Vet J. 2007 Jul;174(1):54-61. Epub 2006 May 2. Randomised double-blind, positive-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis. McCarthy G, O'Donovan J, Jones B, McAllister H, Seed M, Mooney C.
Source: Department of Small Animal Clinical Studies, School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, College of Life Sciences, UCD Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. grainne.mccarthy@ucd.ie
Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2000 Dec;2(6):472-7. Evidence of nutriceutical effectiveness in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Reginster JY, Gillot V, Bruyere O, Henrotin Y. Source: Bone and Cartilage Metabolism Research Unit, CHU Centre-Ville, Policliniques L. Brull, Quai Godefroid Kurth 45 (9 ème étage), 4020 LIEGE, Liège, Belgium.jyreginster@ulg.ac.be Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2012 Jul;42(4):769-91, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2012.04.002.
Epub 2012 May 8. Nutritional care for aging cats and dogs. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2003 Sep;15(5):651-5.
Naturocetic (glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) compounds as structure-modifying drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Reginster JY, Bruyere O, Lecart MP, Henrotin Y. Source: Bone and Cartilage Metabolism Research Unit, University of Liège, Belgium.jyreginster@ulg.ac.be
An un-commissioned randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study to test the effect of deep sea fish oil as a pain reliever for dogs suffering from canine OA. Hielm-Björkman A, Roine J, Elo K, Lappalainen A, Junnila J, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O. BMC Vet Res. 2012 Sep 6;8:157. doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-157. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2010 Jan 1;236(1):67-73. doi: 10.2460/javma.236.1.67.
Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogswith osteoarthritis. Roush JK, Cross AR, Renberg WC, Dodd CE, Sixby KA, Fritsch DA, Allen TA, Jewell DE, Richardson DC, Leventhal PS, Hahn KA. Source: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.