As we head deeper into wellness for pets and becoming more aware of what they need to thrive, natural joint supplements for dogs should be at the top of your list. Pet owners have recently starting sharing more ways to help pets live longer and improve their quality of life. Depending on your dog’s activity, breed, and age, they could be suffering from joint pain.
What causes joint pain?
There are two kinds of joint issues that dogs can face: developmental and degenerative.
Developmental problems result from a genetic or hereditary predisposition. Hip dysplasia is a commonly known developmental condition that many German Shepards struggle with later in life. Whereas a degenerative issue occurs over time and can be credited to age or overuse. Arthritis is a great example for this. Arthritis is the result of years of running, playing, or jumping, that creates wear on the joints and ligaments.
What does joint pain look like?
Symptoms of joint pain can become more prominent over time but include:
- Limping
- Difficulty standing up from a resting position
- Trouble getting up onto a higher surface (a bed, couch, climbing into the car)
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Decreased interest in activities they once loved
Our Top 3 Natural Joint Supplements for Dogs
Turmeric
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory that dog owners have found to help with joint pain. It can also help with heart health, slow the growth rate of tumors, and soothe skin allergies when applied topically. Give your dog about 1/4 teaspoon for every 10lbs of body weight. Be mindful about using turmeric in cohesion with other medications. Turmeric is a blood thinner so it should not be paired with any blood-thinning medications.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
You may have heard of Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs, they were all the rave a few years back. This supplement is known to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. You can give your dog Omega-3 fatty acids through fish oil supplements, or via a natural source such as anchovies or sardines. Omega-3s are a poly-unsaturated fatty acid that have physiological effects on the body, such as reduced inflammation and pain. Fish oil also has benefits for the skin and coat. You can find Omega-3 oil or fish based diets at your local pet store!
CBD Oil
CBD has made quiet the rise in popularity for pets in the last few years. As more and more research emerges regarding CBD’s benefits, more pet owners and making the switch to the natural medication. CBD is a powerful natural inflammatory that is used to reduce pain associated with arthritis and joint issues. CBD is also used to aid in digestion, reduce anxiety, soothe allergic reactions, build healthy gut bacteria, increase appetite, slow cancer and tumor growth, reduce seizures, reduce nausea and vomiting, and promote health and wellbeing. There are many benefits of regular, or even periodic CBD usage, for both dogs and cats (and you!). We’ve got an article on how CBD works with the body here. You need CBD in your pets routine! Grab a bottle of CBD oil and CBD treats here!
Don’t Forget To Consult With Your Vet
You should always considering giving your vet a call when adding a supplement into your dog’s diet, especially if they are already on a medication or two. Better to be safe than sorry!
