Your Dog's Arthritis: Alternative Treatments You Can Try
Posted on: 18 April 2016
As your dog ages, you may notice that they have a harder time getting up from a sleeping position, or that they walk with a stiff gait in their front or hind legs. After a thorough examination from your vet, it can be determined that your dog has arthritis. This common joint condition affects dogs the same way as it affects people; cartilage starts to wear thin or whole cells begin to die, leaving your dog with stiff and painful joints. If you want your dog to live a more comfortable life but you don't want to give them traditional medicine, there are many alternative therapies in your area you can try to ease their pain.
Water therapy
Your vet may recommend placing your dog in a water therapy program. Water renders the body nearly weightless, allowing your dog to exercise and move their joints freely without pain. An underwater treadmill is used in many water therapy programs, and your dog is placed in a sturdy, comfortable harness to allow them to walk underwater without losing balance or focus. This may be a recommendation your veterinarian offers to you and your dog if your pet is overweight in addition to suffering from arthritis and traditional exercise is painful.
Hydrotherapy is another type of water therapy your vet may recommend you try for your dog. With hydrotherapy, your dog lies in a pool of jetted water with specific areas of water pressure to stimulate blood flow and provide a relaxing, beneficial massage. You can combine both types of water therapy to increase your dog's comfort, especially if they love water or are comfortable with either regimen.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is the use of diluted herbs and natural oils to reduce pain and other ailments. Your vet may suggest homeopathic medicines that you can apply to your dog's skin or place in their food or water dishes to help give them greater energy and lubricate their joints from within. Common homeopathic herbs that can be diluted for pet therapy include:
- lavender
- bryonia
- dandelion root
- ginger
- turmeric
- black licorice root
Always consult with your veterinarian before applying any herbal treatments to your dog. Some herbs can cause damage to your dog's sensitive organs even if they are safe for human use.
When your dog suffers from arthritis, you want to find ways to bring them relief quickly. Working with your veterinarian, you can quickly find alternative treatments that can bring your pet a lot of relief.
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