2024-09-09
Osteoarthritis affects more than 12% of the U.S. population between the ages of 25–74 years and 20% of dogs older than one year. It is a major health concern for big-sized mammals like horses too. Studies in the last 20 years have shown that this medical condition is not very well understood and we can primarily engage in palliative care for end-phase osteoarthritis patients be they humans, canines, or horses.
Osteoarthritis has many forms but it can be summarized as a disease of the joints that severely limits mobility, and causes inflammation and pain. That is why studies like this one from Cornell University (NY, USA) are so important for improving our understanding of Osteoarthritis and enabling us to predict its development. The researchers at Cornell University propose that there is a direct correlation between lubricin and joint problems. Lubricin is a glycoprotein that is secreted in joints and helps them stay mobile and healthy. When your body is not producing enough lubricating biomolecules like Lubricin you are at a much higher risk of developing Osteoarthritis.
This article is going to cover all-natural joint supplements for dogs that you can prepare at home and administer to your furry friend to make their life much easier and more comfortable.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve joint pain. Research from 2023 shows that it successfully relieves pain in dogs. In addition, a meta-analysis from 2008 suggests that curcumin can aid in wound healing and has a therapeutic influence on patients with diabetes, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. The recipe calls for mixing turmeric with coconut oil to create a paste and to add the resulting substance to your dog’s food. You can refer to this video for the preparation.
Simmer bones and meat to create a nutritious broth. The collagen and minerals in the bone broth can support your dog’s joint health. Make sure to strain the broth through a cloth and keep it in your fridge. You can add a bit of broth to your dog’s dry food servings to make them more nutritious and appetizing.
Berries (such as blueberries and strawberries) are rich in antioxidants. They help protect joints from oxidative damage. You can add 3-5 berries to your dog’s food bowl every day to keep them healthy. Make sure to wash the fruits well before serving.
Mix turmeric with warm milk for a soothing drink that supports joint health. The milk is rich in calcium and protein that boosts bone health. You can serve this to your canine every morning and you can both enjoy the drink.
Crush eggshells into a fine powder and sprinkle it on your dog’s wet food. Eggshells are a natural source of calcium. This helps boost bone health and improve cell communication.
Ginger also has anti-inflammatory effects. It can reduce joint stiffness and pain episodes. Ginger contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and stimulate the circulatory system. It is safe for dogs and may help decrease gas and bloating. While it is safe for dogs, you still need to consult a veterinarian about the proper dosage. Typically, you want to grate about one teaspoon and add it to the wet food of your dog.
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and support joint health. It plays an important role in keeping your dog’s coat and skin healthy. You can add about one teaspoon to your dog’s wet and dry food servings.
Green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) are found only in New Zealand and are under the trademark “Greenshell”. They are a significant factor in the NZ economy and are harvested below the intertidal zone (the area where the ocean meets the land between high and low tides). These mussels are frequently encountered in the northern region of the country. Why are they special? They contain natural glucosamine which can boost your dog’s ability to repair joint damage and reduce inflammation and pain.
Researchers observed that the use of GLM powder significantly alleviated pain for dogs and even contributed to better gut health counteracting the adverse effects of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories). NSAIDS are prescribed by many veterinarians for treatment of the inflammation in joints and they suppress the immune system response which often outweighs the benefits of the drugs.
You might want to check your local health stores or pharmacies that carry dietary supplements. Look for products specifically labeled as “Green Lipped Mussel” or “GLM.” Websites like Amazon and specialized supplement stores offer GLM powder. It is best to choose reputable sellers and read product reviews. Interestingly, GLM extract is also used as a bait additive for fishing. Some fishing bait suppliers sell high-quality GLM powder for this purpose. Verify you’re buying the right supplement it should contain a minimum of 6% fatty acids.
As you may already know, CBD Oil has been receiving a lot of praise for its pain-relief properties. Although the production of CBD oil is controversial in some countries it has a medically verified positive effect on humans and canines. A study from 2021 conducted by the Department of Psychology, Syracuse University (NY, USA) showed a significant reduction in pain in human adults. Another study from 2020 proved that CBD Oil administered orally to canines had the same pain-relieving effect. While marijuana contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD oil must have a THC content of 0.3 percent or less to be legally deemed safe to use.
Many licensed pharmacies and retail locations now carry CBD products. Also, you can do online shopping for CBD Oil. You can start your search for a reliable source here: thecbdinsider.com/cbd-near-me
This is exactly as it sounds—the thin membrane that is on the inside of an eggshell. Eggs are a game changer when it comes to feeding your dog as they are rich in vitamins, protein, and essential nutrients of all types. Research from 2016 reported that dogs who were fed a NEM supplement showed 20-28% reduced pain during clinical trials. If your dog is struggling with Osteoarthritis please talk to your veterinarian about a treatment with NEMs.
This is an antioxidant produced by red algae which has medically proven pain relief effects. Additionally, astaxanthin promotes bone and heart health and slows the aging process. Research from 2023 shows that astaxanthin is very effective in blocking inflammation and boosting healthy protein production. You can buy astaxanthin online and check your local pharmacies and retail stores.
