The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate has been used as a joint supplement for decades. Glucosamine and chondroitin are both naturally found in joint cartilage. Both have anti-inflammatory properties, help with pain, and cushion the dog’s joint, therefore easing the pain associated with arthritic joints.

While joint supplements help dogs with early arthritis, it’s wise to begin the treatment sooner rather than later. Active dogs, like agility dogs, often begin to take a joint supplement like glucosamine when they are around 1 year old to help support joint cartilage and slow the development of arthritis.

Many people cling to the decades-old belief that supplements to help arthritis don’t work. Well, that’s not entirely true. Joint supplements are preventatives that help slow the development of arthritis in your dog. They are not cures. Despite the belief that research is too inconclusive to believe, even as late as in a study released in 2023, huge numbers of anecdotal reports from veterinarians who recommend joint supplements to their clients show that joint supplements do help dogs with arthritis.

Glucosamine Dosages for Dogs

Overdoses of glucosamine are rare but can occur and usually show first as diarrhea and/or vomiting. Because the right amount of glucosamine to give your dog depends upon multiple factors, including what else is in the supplement, follow the manufacturer label instructions for your dog’s weight.

Most products recommend a short period of double dosing, which is called the “loading dose.” The loading dose jump starts the process, helping the glucosamine and chondroitin build up in your dog more quickly. You can do it with regular dosing, but it will take a lot longer to see results. Even with loading doses, it can take a month to six weeks to see a difference. Don’t give up too soon.

Note: Choose supplements made for dogs rather than sharing your human supplements, which may contain ingredients like xylitol that are toxic to dogs.

Fish Oil and HA  Are Effective Joint Supplements

Many brands of glucosamine-chondroitin for dogs include additional active ingredients like fish oil and HA. Fish oil has strong research showing it  to be a viable part of a pain-relieving treatment protocol for dogs battling arthritis, and was recommended by Dr. Joseph Wakshlag in Cornell DogWatch. In addition, a study on HA shows HA’s ability to increase the synovial fluid in a joint. HA has been long used as an injectable to promote joint health and ease arthritis, but many dogs, especially older ones, are responding extremely well to oral HA, which helps increase lubricating synovial fluid in the joints and avoids giving the dog an injection.

Best Brand of Glucosamine for Dogs

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When choosing a brand of glucosamine for your dog, look for a seal from the National Association of Supplement Companies (NASC), which verifies that the product you are buying contains the ingredients and amounts listed on the labels. We would avoid companies without that seal, with one exception: Products from Nutramax, maker of brands like Cosequin and Dasequin.

Nutramax has been an undisputable leader in joint-health research on supplements for animals for over 30 years. The lack of a seal on Nutramax products is not an issue for us.

Consult Your Veterinarian About Lameness

If your dog suddenly seems lame or sore when moving or getting up, don’t just guess arthritis, especially since arthritis has a gradual onset. The soreness your dog has may be due many problems besides arthritis. Never assume, even with an old dog, that glucosamine or fish oil for dogs are cure-alls. They aren’t.

If your dog is already limping from arthritis, chances are the pain is beyond the scope of a joint supplement. He may need a pain medication, such as the recently released Librela, which is an injectable drug that is helping a large number of dogs with serious arthritis.

Finally, keep your dog at a healthy weight. Maintain regular, appropriate exercise, like long walks and low-impact games. Tell your veterinarian if you see any evidence of early arthritis. The sooner oral supplements are started, the better the results. For active dogs, beginning joint-support supplements like glucosamine at an early age may have preventative properties and slow the onset of arthritis.

The post Best Supplements to Fight Arthritis in Dogs appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Elbow dysplasia results from a defect during the final development of the elbow joint in a puppy. The elbow is a complicated joint, involving the meshing of three bones: the humerus (big bone coming down from the shoulder) and the radius and ulna (two smaller bones that make up the forearm). Any change from normal in how these bones meet to form the elbow joint can lead to arthritic changes and corresponding lameness.

Note: Elbow dysplasia has been linked to early spaying/neutering in large dogs, so discuss when to spay or neuter your puppy with your veterinarian.

Bones Must Grow Properly

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) defines the degenerative joint disease (DJD) complex known as elbow dysplasia as involving three main areas where a failure for the bones to grow properly may lead to a problem:

1. Ununited anconeal process (UAP)
2. Osteochondrosis (OCD)
3. Fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP)

In most cases, when only DJD is marked on an OFA report (see sidebar), it can be assumed that lesions associated with coronoid process disease are present. This accounts for most elbow dysplasia cases.

OFA Grades the Joint

If the joint isn’t normal, OFA grades it as the level of changes in the joint. The classifications for elbows are:

• Grade I Elbow Dysplasia:Minimal bone change along anconeal process of ulna (less than 2mm).
• Grade II Elbow Dysplasia: Additional bone proliferation along anconeal process (2-5 mm) and subchondral bone changes (trochlear notch sclerosis).
• Grade III Elbow Dysplasia: Well-developed degenerative joint disease with bone proliferation along anconeal process being greater than 5 mm.

These grades are based on the amount of degenerative joint disease noted on radiographs. The bony degenerative changes are the result of joint defects. It is recommended to do elbow evaluations at 2 years of age. Over time, normal wear and tear on your dog’s elbow joints may lead to some bony arthritis changes, obscuring any genetic developmental problems.

Severe elbow dysplasia can be debilitating, but dogs with mild dysplasia may not show any lameness until later in life. Male dogs are more frequently affected. Both overweight and very active dogs are at risk for joint damage. Estimates of 30% to 80% of dogs will be affected bilaterally, which makes a diagnosis tricky. These dogs may not show the typical head bobbing we commonly associate with front-leg lameness but instead have an overall shortened stride and decreased range of motion. Both legs will show pain upon manipulation. If your dog is lame on one front leg, it is always wise to radiograph the other leg as well in case it is also affected.

With severe elbow dysplasia, the dog may have a swollen front leg at the elbow joint. Bony changes can lead to an almost fused joint, which will feel firm on palpation. In early stages, there may be warmth, fluid buildup, and inflammation, but this will change over time.

Diagnosis of Elbow Dysplasia

Diagnosis starts with a lameness exam, including flexing and extending the elbow joint as well as watching your dog move. Your veterinarian will likely recommend X-rays of the elbow joint. For OFA evaluation, an extreme flexed-joint X-ray view is required, but your veterinarian may take other views as well to determine the extent of the problem. If there is a question about the diagnosis, a CT scan or arthroscopy may be recommended, along with referral a board-certified veterinary surgeon.

Medical treatment can make your dog comfortable, but it won’t really slow down the progression of arthritis. Medical therapy may include painkillers, joint supplements, and rehabilitation plans to strengthen muscles and minimize strain on the joint.

What to Expect With Surgery

Surgery is generally recommended for the best prognosis for quality of life for your dog. The exact surgery done will vary depending on the exact defect.

Any bony or cartilage fragments will need to be removed. This can be done arthroscopically in many cases. If the joint needs to be realigned, more extensive surgery is required.

In rare cases, total elbow replacement may be suggested. There are limited facilities prepared to do replacement surgery, and elbow replacement is associated with potential complications. These include:

• Infections of the surgery site
• Instability of the prosthesis
• Fractures around the prosthesis site

These complications tend to occur early on post operatively, with a rate of 15% complications in the first year. On the positive side, 75% or more dogs who have had elbow replacements are considered successful with a great decrease in pain and ability to resume normal, or near normal, activities.

Postoperative care and rehabilitation are important for elbow dysplasia cases. Your veterinarian will provide you with a full plan, starting with limited activity for healing to take place, and then exercises to gradually build back muscles.

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons emphasizes that surgery is not a cure, stating: “Once arthritis is established it will slowly progress regardless of any treatment. On average, with treatment 85% of cases will show some degree of improvement in lameness and comfort despite progression of arthritis on X-rays. The aim of treatment is to slow the progression of arthritis and prolong the patients’ use of the elbow. Unfortunately elbow dysplasia cannot be cured but it can be well managed, and our patients can have a good long-term prognosis and outcome with a combination of surgical and medical management.”

The post Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

1. If your dog has chronic arthritis pain – especially if he’s relatively young for such troubles – consider exploring some of these alternative options.

2. Look for a veterinary practitioner who is open to alternative technologies. Many have developed a preference for a certain tool, based on good results with previous clients.

Arthritis pain, which affects four out of five older dogs, interferes with everything that makes life special for our best friends. Wouldn’t it be great if we could turn the clock back?

Technology may not yet offer a time machine, but it can seem that way for dogs treated with modern therapies that make them feel like puppies again. Would laser treatments, shock wave therapy, Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency therapy, or other innovative treatments help your dog jump onto the sofa or run and play the way she used to?

Veterinary Lasers

Once exotic, laser treatments have gone mainstream with equipment that is increasingly safe and effective, so that thousands of veterinary clinics treat dogs, cats, horses, and other animals with lasers for a variety of conditions.

The term “laser” was originally an acronym for Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation. First developed in the 1960s, lasers are used in fiber optics, computers, military weapons systems, manufacturing, building construction, communications, and medicine.

Laser beams are monochromatic (existing within a narrow band of wavelengths), coherent (tightly aligned), and collimated (with photons traveling in parallel). Lasers vary according to wavelength and power, and some lasers emit pulsing rather than continuous light waves. Power is measured in joules, an electrical energy classification.

Laser equipment varies according to the energy a laser emits (measured in joules); the time it takes the energy to reach target tissue (which determines the length of the treatment); wavelength (the laser’s depth of penetration, with blue light superficial, red light deeper, and nonvisible light deeper still); frequency (the number of impulses emitted per second); power (watts, the rate at which the energy is delivered); emission mode (continuous or pulsing); and dosage (joules per square centimeter, or J/cm2).

Class 1 and 2 lasers, which include laser pointers, are generally considered safe but have limited therapeutic use. Class 3 lasers (type 3A emits visible light and type 3B emits nonvisible light) have some therapeutic uses. The most recent laser classification (Class 4), approved for medical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005, is used in human and veterinary medicine to improve circulation, relax muscles, and reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling caused by injuries, surgery, or chronic conditions, such as arthritis.

LLLT, or Low Level Laser Therapy, is performed with “cold” or “soft” lasers, which penetrate the skin’s surface with minimal heating. According to the research group ColdLasers.org, which describes over 40 therapeutic lasers, some class 4 cold lasers will warm the treatment area but are not considered hot lasers because they cannot cut or cauterize tissue.

The plethora of technical terms and conflicting claims can confuse clients and veterinarians alike. In a February 2016 report in the journal Vetted, Jennifer L. Wardlaw, DVM, asked, “Should your veterinary practice become laser-focused?” She recommended comparing the wavelength, power density, and pulse modulation of lasers, not just their cost. “For example,” she wrote, “if you get a weak laser with a small diode, it may take 45 minutes to treat a 5-centimeter surgical incision with the correct dosage of 4 to 6 J/cm2. But if you get a more powerful laser with a bigger diode, it may only take you five minutes to treat the same patient.”

Dr. Wardlaw recommends starting canine arthritis treatments with 6 to 8 J/cm2 every other day for two weeks. For wound healing she prescribes 8 J/cm2 once per day for seven days, and for tendonitis 6 J/cm2 every other day for two weeks. A hand-held wand delivers the treatment (goggles or sunglasses protect the eyes of practitioners and patients) and the dosage can be applied with a sweeping motion or by using back-and-forth movements as though following a grid while treating one small area at a time.

In 2011, clinicians at the University of Florida’s Small Animal Hospital compared 17 dogs with intervertebral disc disease treated postoperatively with lasers to 17 dogs not treated with lasers. All of the dogs (mostly Dachshunds, a breed associated with intervertebral disc disease) were unable to walk, and their diagnoses were confirmed through MRI or CT scanning. All underwent decompressive surgery after their diagnoses.

Thomas Schubert, DVM, and William Draper, DVM, treated half of the study’s 34 dogs with Thor Photomedicine’s Class 3B laser (thorvetlaser.com) in the near-infrared range, a wavelength that has been shown to speed the healing of muscle pain and superficial wounds in humans. They presented their findings at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine’s 2011 meeting in Denver, calling the results “amazing” because the laser-treated patients walked sooner, avoided medical complications, were less stressed, and reduced their recovery expenses due to less hospitalization time.

Success with Laser Treatment on Dogs

Tia Nelson, DVM, at Valley Veterinary Hospital in Helena, Montana, has used the K-Laser, a popular Class 4 device, to treat more than a hundred dogs for pain and wound healing. “The initial protocol is six treatments over three weeks,” she explains, “typically three the first week, two the second, and one the third, then as needed after that, usually once a month. The results vary, depending on the condition’s severity, location, and cause along with the dog’s age and activity levels, but most dogs seem to be more comfortable for many weeks after the initial treatments and some don’t need additional therapy.”

Dr. Nelson keeps track of her clients’ anecdotal reports. “Typically, we hear about dogs now being able to scramble happily up and down the stairs,” she says, “and generally being more active and engaged with their families.”

One of Dr. Nelson’s favorite patients is a Pomeranian who stopped jumping on the bed to sleep with her owner due to lower back arthritis. “Pain meds weren’t helping,” she says, “and joint-protecting supplements offered minimal relief. The owner was somewhat skeptical but agreed to try the K-Laser treatments. She called me almost in tears of joy after the first week’s treatments because her little girl was able to jump up on the bed!”

The website of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association lists 280 member veterinarians who provide laser therapy, and more can be found with simple online searches.

Lasers Designed for Home Use?

There are no clinical trials in the medical literature testing lasers designed for home use, but if you look for them, you can find people who have bought portable low-level lasers and who report good results on themselves and on their pets. You can find portable Low Level Laser Therapy equipment ranging in price from $119 to $299, as well as units that are more expensive, on sites such as Amazon.

Some lasers that are used for pain relief are marketed as beauty products for wrinkle reduction and other cosmetic effects because their distributors cannot promote them as medical devices. Customer support, refund policies, and product warranties vary, so check with manufacturers for details, and take online customer reviews with a grain of salt.

One might take comfort from marketing claims that products are “FDA cleared,” “FDA approved,” or “FDA registered.” Please note, however, that these are not official endorsements. A manufacturer registered with the FDA has completed an application informing the FDA of its products and is thus “FDA registered.” A medical device that is “FDA cleared” is “substantially equivalent” to a device already on the market. “FDA approval” means only that the FDA has reviewed the manufacturer’s testing results and has concluded that the benefits of the product outweigh its risks.

At Muller Veterinary Hospital’s Canine Rehabilitation Center in Walnut Creek, California, Erin Troy, DVM, has worked with canine patients who did not appear to benefit from home laser devices. “But they did respond when treated with Low Level Laser Therapy using a proven effective laser used by someone knowledgeable about what settings to use and where to treat,” she says. “I’m frustrated with home devices because there is much more to laser therapy than point-and-push-the-button.”

These are early days in veterinary laser treatments, and the few articles published about them in the medical literature caution that more blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed before the use of lasers is routinely advocated, especially for conditions other than pain, inflammation, and wound healing. If you are considering the purchase of a Low Level Laser for using on your dog at home, we’d suggest finding a veterinarian who uses and is knowledgeable about lasers, and who will show you how best to select and use a therapeutic laser at home.

Red Light Therapy for Arthritis Treatment

Also known as photonic therapy, low-intensity light therapy, LED therapy, photobiostimulation, photobiomodulation, and photorejuvenation, the application of red light by means of a hand-held device, stationary panels containing LED lights, or units designed for treatment from a distance or in direct contact with the skin all claim to reduce inflammation and arthritis pain in pets and people. You can find a dozen or more different models online.

Red light therapy uses wavelengths of light between 620 nm and 700 nm, with the most popular wavelengths used in in-home products between 630 nm and 660 nm. Some devices include multiple wavelengths.

The most popular red light device may be the $270 Tendlite, which resembles a slender flashlight powered by a rechargeable battery that emits red light at 660 nm. The Tendlite is held 1 inch from the area to be treated for 1 minute at a time. (Most red light therapy devices require longer treatment times.)

For additional information about red light therapy and red light devices, see Red Light Therapy Guide, Red Light Man, and Photonic Health, which focuses on red light therapy for dogs, cats, and other animals.

Shock Wave Therapy

It sounds electric, but shock wave therapy is actually the application of high-energy sound waves to specific parts of the body, such as to break up kidney stones and gallstones without the need for invasive surgery. For 25 years, ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, which refers to the waves’ generation outside the body) has been used to treat orthopedic conditions and joint pain in humans, horses, and dogs.

The canine conditions shown to improve with ESWT include osteoarthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, chronic back pain, osteochondrosis lesions, sesamoiditis (degeneration of small bones in the foot that causes persistent lameness, especially in racing Greyhounds and Rottweilers), tendon injuries, lick granulomas, cruciate ligament injuries, nonunion or delayed-healing bone fractures, and painful scar tissue.

Shock wave therapy for dogs can have impressive results. Straus was contacted by New Jersey resident Debbie Efron when her veterinarian, Charles Schenck, DVM, a past president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, recommended shock wave therapy for Taylor, Efron’s 12-year-old Labrador Retriever, who had arthritis in her hips, spinal column, and right hock, and who had just torn a ligament in her right knee. Efron had never heard of shock wave therapy and asked for Straus’s opinion.

Encouraged by the positive results Straus found in the medical literature, Efron scheduled the procedure. Dr. Schenck treated Taylor’s hips, hock, and knee in two sessions, three to four weeks apart. He did not recommend shock wave therapy for the spine; he felt it works better where there is more soft tissue, so he continued treating the spine with acupuncture. Dr. Schenck hoped that eventually Taylor would experience an 80 percent improvement lasting six to seven months.

Just a few days after the first treatment, Efron told Straus, “Taylor is greeting me at the door with a toy in her mouth, something she stopped doing weeks ago. She is eager to go for walks and pulls me around the block with no limping and her back legs no longer buckle. She is playful again, wanting to wrestle and play.”

Eight months after treatment, Efron sent an update: “Taylor is on no medications, but she gets a lot of supplements and a raw diet. I think her improvement peaked about eight weeks after the second treatment, and she’s been great on walks ever since.”

As Kristin Kirkby, DVM, wrote in “Shock Wave Therapy as a Treatment Option” in the August 2013 Clinician’s Brief, “Shock waves can be generated in many ways, but electrohydraulic devices have the greatest capacity to produce and project high energy to a deep focal depth. ESWT can be highly focused and can achieve a focal point beyond 10 centimeters into deeper tissues, depending on the treatment head used. ESWT differs from radial pressure wave therapy, which does not deliver focused energy at the target; instead, acoustic waves spread eccentrically from the applicator tip.”

According to Dr. Kirkby, shock wave therapy has been shown to modulate the osteoarthritic disease process in animal models. Several studies have demonstrated positive results in joint range of motion and peak vertical force – as measured using force plate analysis – in dogs with stifle, hip, and elbow arthritis. For example, in dogs with unilateral elbow osteoarthritis treated with ESWT, improvement in lameness and peak vertical force was equivalent to that expected with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

A dog may be shaved to reduce interference between the probe and the dog’s skin, and a gel is applied to improve transmission. Treatment time depends on the amount of energy delivered and number of locations treated. A common dose of 800 pulses per joint requires fewer than 4 minutes to deliver.

The first shock wave generators were expensive, bulky, noisy, and painful, but the technology keeps improving. The new PiezoWave2 Vet Unit uses piezoelectric crystals to produce high-pressure sound waves and it has made ESWT machinery smaller, more affordable, and more accessible for large and small animals to receive treatment without sedation. TRT’s VetGold device is now also smaller and almost pain-free, no anesthesia required.

The makers of the VersaTron 4 Paws and the newer, smaller ProPulse shock wave devices publish case studies online, including reports of arthritic inflammatory disease, shoulder and elbow arthritis, and lumbar spondylosis in Labrador Retrievers and other dogs. In several cases, a variety of conventional and alternative therapies had been tried with minimal success, and the dogs were in severe chronic pain. In some cases lameness increased after the first treatment, but most dogs experienced significant improvement within a week.

Because shock wave therapy does not cure or reverse arthritis, its relief of symptoms may diminish after several months or a year, at which time a repeat treatment may be needed.

Ultrasound Therapy for Pain Reduction

Best known as a diagnostic tool or a means of determining an unborn baby’s sex, ultrasound has been used by physical therapists since the 1940s to alleviate pain and inflammation. Sound waves generated by a piezoelectric effect caused by the vibration of crystals in the head of a wand or probe pass through the skin and vibrate adjacent tissues.

In addition to having a warming effect, ultrasound has been shown to increase tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown. Conditions treated with ultrasound include tendonitis, joint swelling, and muscle spasms. The treatment is not recommended on or around malignant tumors or metal implants.

In March 2008, a critical review of published research on the effects of ultrasound in the treatment and management of osteoarthritis in humans appeared in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. Seventeen articles met the researchers’ criteria for methodology and accurate reporting; most of them showed that ultrasound, in addition to being cost-effective, portable, and easy to use, has significant therapeutic benefits.

For information about veterinary ultrasound therapy and referrals to veterinarians who treat dogs for arthritis and other conditions with this approach, contact the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians or the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, or simply search online for veterinary ultrasound therapy.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)

Magnets have long been thought to have healing properties, and whole industries have been created around the alleged benefits of magnetic jewelry, massage tools, mattress pads, and other devices. Do they work? A lack of research on the application of magnets to human or canine illnesses or injuries makes it hard to know.

But when it comes to pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, or PEMF, the evidence is growing. For many years electromagnetic field therapy was widely used in Europe while its use in the United States was restricted to animals. Veterinarians treating racehorses for broken bones were the first American health professionals to use PEMF. Now thousands of human clinical trials have shown beneficial results from PEMF therapy for chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, cervical osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis of the knee, lateral epicondylitis, recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery, recovery from interbody lumbar fusions, persistent rotator cuff tendonitis, and other conditions.

The first PEMF device was a coil that generated a magnetic field into which the patient’s body was placed to deliver treatment. Most of today’s PEMF devices are mats similar to thick yoga mats containing flat spiral coils that produce an even electromagnetic field, or they consist of rings or coils that are placed on or under the person or animal being treated, or they are flat, circular magnets that can be placed under a mattress. An electric-frequency generator energizes the coils to create a “pulsed” electromagnetic field.

Comparing PEMF devices by their technical specifications requires a crash course in frequency, amplitude, intensity, sine waves, sawtooth wave forms, Schumann resonance frequencies, and other terms – and even the technically informed disagree as to which combinations are best for human, canine, and equine health. Intensity is measured in Tesla units (µT) and frequency is measured in Herz units (Hz). Those who compare PEMF systems usually recommend staying close to the earth’s magnetic field frequencies (11.75 and 11.79 Hz, or in the 0 to 30 Hz range) and low intensity (1 to 20 microtesla, which is less than the earth’s 30-66 microtesla).

Most of the websites mentioned here provide technical information and reports that help users understand the basics.

PEMF devices can be used for acute and chronic conditions, and there are no known adverse side effects, potential drug interactions, or interactions with surgical implants. The electromagnetic field penetrates clothing, fur, casts, and bandages to reach all tissue in the target area.

Acute inflammation often improves after one or two treatments, while chronic or degenerative symptoms may need two weeks or a month. In most cases, pain medications can be reduced or eliminated. (This should be done under medical supervision.)

Thanks to PEMF’s popularity in Europe, low-intensity, low-frequency, full-body PEMF mats are available in the United States. They are designed for humans but some users report improvements in dogs and cats recovering from accidents or illness, including arthritis in older animals. Pets often seek out and sleep on PEMF devices.

The best full-body mats are expensive, with the iMRS, which is made in Switzerland, starting at $3,600, and the Bemer, which is manufactured in Liechtenstein, starting at $4,300. Both can be rented by the month.

PEMF for Pets

In addition to full-body mats for people, the PEMF marketplace offers products specifically for dogs, cats, horses, and other animals. See the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website for veterinarians who provide pulsating magnet therapy.

Originally designed for human use, the Assisi Loop is sold by Assisi Animal Health for use with pets. According to its manufacturer, “The Assisi Loop generates a twice-per-second 2-millisecond burst of a 27.12 Megahertz radio wave signal with an amplitude of 4 microtesla. This pulse-modulated field is non-thermal and non-invasive, yet is sufficient in strength to have therapeutic benefit.”

The Loop’s electromagnetic field extends 4 to 5 inches on either side of the coil. The Assisi Loop website explains, “By emitting a burst of micro current electricity, a field is created which evenly penetrates both soft and hard body tissue around the target area. This electromagnetic field causes a chemical cascade, which activates the well-known nitric oxide cycle. Nitric oxide is a key molecule in healing for humans and animals. The compound is released when we exercise, and when we are injured, for the body to naturally repair itself.”

The Assisi Loop comes in two sizes, 7.5 inches (20 centimeters) or 4 inches (10 cm). The smaller loop is convenient for treating extremities, small animals, or conditions that are focused in an area less than 4 inches in diameter. For chronic or degenerative conditions like arthritis, the manufacturer recommends giving dogs three or four 15-minute treatments per day for a week to 10 days, monitoring until you see improved mobility and less pain response. You can then taper down to one or two treatments per day or even one to three treatments per week, and over time the patient may be treated only as needed for pain.

Both sizes of the Assisi Loop offer a minimum of 150 15-minute treatments and the Assisi Loop 2.0 Auto-Cycle offers a minimum of 100 15-minute treatments. The life of the Loop depends on its battery, which, because of FDA regulations, cannot be recharged or replaced. One Assisi Loop typically lasts from three weeks to six months, depending on the condition being treated and the number of treatments required per day.

The Assisi Loop can be purchased ($280) from veterinarians and animal rehabilitation facilities or directly from Assisi Animal Health with a prescription from your veterinarian.

Magna Wave sells several professional PEMF devices for between $7,000 and $21,000, plus a Magna Wave LP (Low Power) model, which is recommended for bone and soft-tissue injuries, for $429. According to its manufacturer, the Magna Wave LP incorporates Inductively Coupled Electrical Stimulation (ICES) technology that penetrates beneath the skin’s surface and zeros in on affected deep-tissue areas. Magna Wave provides PEMF training, practitioner certification, and technical/business support for veterinarians and other health care professionals.

EarthPulse PEMF consists of a circular magnet that goes under your (or your dog’s) mattress, by itself or in combination with a second magnet. The magnets plug into a simple control unit and can be left running without supervision for up to 12 hours. Its adjustable amplitude settings, recovery mode, and sleep programs make the EarthPulse a versatile, portable, “set it and forget it” PEMF device. Its five systems range in price from $499 for the basic single-magnet model to $1,799 for the four-magnet battery operated unit recommended for horses.

The Bio-Pulse Dog Therapy System consists of a large (for dogs over 50 pounds) or small (up to 50 pounds) mat with magnetic coils mounted on soft foam. “The depth of field of Respond Systems Bio-Pulse PEMF Therapy System can penetrate through the entire body of a dog lying on the bed reaching deep into the joints and muscles, stimulating circulation,” explains the website. “The system can be placed on the couch, in a crate, under your animal’s bedding or even in the car.” Prices range from $599 to $899.

The only PEMF system that’s designed to be worn by dogs is Brandenburg Equine Therapy‘s SI (Sports Innovations) Canine PEMF Therapy Blanket. It comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and is recommended for recovery, pain management, increased circulation, vitalization, and general relaxation. Another option is the PEMF dog mat, which can be placed on any sleeping surface. The therapy blankets and mats, which are made in Germany, cost $1,650 each and can be rented.

The Amethyst BioMat

Who wouldn’t want to rest on a bed of amethyst crystals? Add gentle heat produced by far infrared technology and the relaxing benefits of negative ions, and you have a spa experience – one that your dog can enjoy, too.

BioMats, manufactured in South Korea where the technology is popular and well researched, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, providing relief from sprains, strains, muscle and joint pain, stiffness, stress, and fatigue. BioMats come in several sizes, starting with the BioMat Mini (17 by 33 inches, 8 pounds, $670 plus $40 shipping). The mat is sewn with channels containing alternating rows of amethyst and tourmaline crystals, known among crystal enthusiasts for their healing properties.

For years I kept a BioMat Mini on our sofa, turned to the lowest heat setting. Chloe, my Labrador Retriever, ignored it because she preferred to sleep with her head on a frozen water bottle. But with age, her preferences changed, and by her 10th birthday, Chloe was spending a few hours every day stretched out on the sofa. Many BioMat users report that, like Chloe, their dogs went from stiff and sore to more relaxed and mobile soon after they started resting on the mat.

Creature Comforts

As our dogs age, we do everything we can to make them comfortable. In addition to nutrition, exercise, weight management, natural and prescription pain medications, aromatherapy, medicinal herbs, and assistive devices, today’s technologies may provide the support that will make a difference for your older dog.

Montana resident CJ Puotinen is the author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and other books.

The post Laser Therapy Treatments for Arthritic Dogs appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

For many veterinarians, prescription drugs are a first choice for the treatment of chronic pain, while for some they are a last resort. Used well, drugs can make a world of difference for our older companions, but they are controversial because of their documented side effects. Would prescription meds improve your best friend’s life?

Many WDJ articles about aging dogs have explored nutritional, herbal, aromatherapy, and exercise treatments for arthritis. According to holistic veterinarians, these and other drug-free approaches are worth trying. Unfortunately, they don’t work for every dog, and they may not work quickly.

In his book, Dr. Petty’s Pain Relief for Dogs: The Complete Medical and Integrative Guide to Treating Pain, (Countryman Press, 2016), Michael C. Petty, DVM, calls attention to pain symptoms that readers may not notice or consider important.

This is a mistake, he warns, because pain interferes with every aspect of a dog’s life. He begins the book by noting that most veterinarians who practice pain management have a story about their relationship with pain. His began in 1984, when his 64-year-old mother died in agony from breast cancer while her physician refused to prescribe morphine to ease her final hours. “I vowed that as a caretaker and steward entrusted with an animal’s health,” he writes, “I would never be indifferent to pain.”

As Denise Flaim explained in 2015, pain in animals used to be ignored, but attitudes are changing. Increasingly, veterinarians and pet owners are sensitive to their animals’ pain and motivated to relieve it. In fact, pain management for pets has become a medical specialty. (Click here to find veterinarians who belong to the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.)

How to Recognize Pain in Dogs

A major problem in the diagnosis and treatment of canine pain is that many dog owners don’t notice its symptoms, or they notice the dog is slowing down but don’t understand why. Another is that not everyone takes canine pain seriously, so it’s easy to overlook.

You can help your dog live a pain-free life by noticing changes in posture, gait, and activity level. Tell your veterinarian if your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms of pain:

• Shows reluctance to walk on or difficulty getting up and down on slippery surfaces.
• Struggles to walk up or down stairs.
• No longer jumps onto or off furniture or car seats.
• Gets up from a down position with the front legs first.
• Seems to have trouble lying down or finding a comfortable position.
• Declines to participate in favorite activities, especially running and jumping.
• Develops abnormal wear on nails, or tends to walk with a foot turned under or dragging.
• Seems reluctant to play or no longer initiates play
• Starts taking exception to being groomed or petted.
• Experiences sleep interruptions.
• Develops a decreased appetite.
• Begins experiencing “accidents” or incontinence in the house.

For more information on signs of pain in dogs, read our article Dog in Pain: 12 Signs and What You Can Do to Help.

A comprehensive pain exam, Dr. Petty explains, involves a visual inspection of your dog’s posture and gait, followed by a thorough hands-on exam and appropriate lab work in order to determine the pain’s underlying cause. “When it comes to signs of chronic or even short-term persistent pain,” he says, “simply treating the signs of pain with medications is not enough. In circumstances like this a proper diagnosis is required.”

Chronic pain can be caused by osteoarthritis, neurological disorders, injuries, and illnesses. Often, a condition has been progressing for months or even years before a caregiver notices a symptom for the first time, such as limping or a reluctance to chase a ball.

Even when a dog is favoring one leg or obviously limping, her pain may be caused by something far from the leg, such as a disc in the neck. As Dr. Petty explains, a ruptured cruciate ligament in the knee, spinal arthritis, bone cancer, a severe muscle injury, or disc disease are impossible to distinguish from one another by observation only. A pain-oriented veterinarian asks detailed questions, examines the dog with careful palpation, takes x-rays as needed, and does a neurological exam to determine the pain’s cause and best treatment.

The most common canine illness is osteoarthritis, which affects four out of five dogs. But arthritis has many possible causes, making it a complex problem involving not only joints but also their surrounding structures. Osteoarthritis develops slowly, so it’s often not noticed until it has progressed to an advanced stage. There is no magic cure for osteoarthritis, and its management usually depends on a combination of treatments that continue through the dog’s life.

For more on diagnosing arthritis in dogs, read our article Identifying Arthritis in Dogs. 

FDA-Approved Pain Medications for Dogs

Hundreds of drugs developed for human pain are used by veterinarians to treat chronic pain in dogs, but only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (abbreviated as NSAIDs and pronounced “EN-seds”) and two non-NSAID prescription drugs (Galliprant and Adequan) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for canine use.

The most familiar NSAID is aspirin, which is effective in the treatment of pain associated with canine arthritis. However, although there are numerous “dog aspirin” products on the market, aspirin is not FDA-approved for use in dogs. According to Dr. Petty, “the administration of even a few doses of aspirin has been shown to cause inflammation of the gastric mucosa or lining of the stomach.” He considers all types of aspirin (plain, buffered, or coated) too dangerous for canine use.

If your veterinarian prescribes aspirin for your dog, be sure to discuss its dosage, potential side effects, and cautions before using it.

The FDA approved the first NSAID for use in dogs (carprofen, brand name Rimadyl, manufactured by Pfizer) 20 years ago. Since then, several other NSAIDs have been developed for dogs.

FDA-approved NSAIDs for dogs include etodolac (Etogesic), meloxicam (Metacam), deracoxib (Deramaxx), firocoxib (Previcox), tepoxalin (Zubrin), and carprofen (Novox, Vetprofen, and Rimadyl). These drugs have similar actions, contraindications, benefits, and side effects. Their primary influence is on the cyclooxygenase or COX pathway, in which chemical reactions create prostanoids, a family of lipid mediators that cause pain and inflammation in nerve endings and in the spinal cord.

COX-inhibiting NSAIDs help block this reaction, thus reducing pain. But some chemicals created through the COX pathway are important to proper kidney function and protection of the gastrointestinal tract. Reducing the body’s prostanoids reduces pain but contributes to the most common adverse reactions associated with NSAIDs. These include gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney failure in dogs with kidney disease, liver failure in dogs with liver disease, and liver failure in some dogs with no previous liver problems.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and depression, all of which should be watched for and if noticed, reported to your veterinarian, and the medication should be stopped at once.

Today, carprofen is very commonly prescribed for canine pain, but its ubiquity doesn’t mean it’s not without the potential for drastic and even fatal side effects due to liver or kidney problems, sometimes causing death within days. Any breed of dog can react to carprofen, but reportedly, Labrador Retrievers are more commonly affected than other breeds.

Problems with carprofen and other NSAIDs most often occur shortly after starting the drug. It has been observed that carprofen has caused a disproportionate number of NSAID-related dog deaths, although this could be because it is prescribed more than other NSAIDs.

NSAIDs should never be combined with corticosteroids (such as prednisone), aspirin, or other NSAIDs, or herbs that may contribute to bleeding or ulceration, such as white willow bark (Salix alba, the original aspirin).

Despite their potential side effects, NSAIDs are an effective first treatment for many dogs with osteoarthritis. By reducing the dog’s pain, they help increase activity and exercise, which slows the progression of arthritis.

While NSAIDs should not be combined with each other, they are often combined with other drugs for improved results. In many cases, adding a compatible drug may permit the reduction of the dosage or frequency of the NSAID without a loss of effectiveness.

To ensure an NSAID does not adversely affect the liver or kidneys, it’s recommended to have blood tests done prior to medication and again two to four weeks after starting the NSAID. Blood tests should be repeated every three months to a year while your dog is being given an NSAID.

It can be dangerous to switch from one NSAID (including aspirin) to another, or from an NSAID to prednisone or vice versa. It’s best to wait at least a week in between, and preferably longer, before starting the new drug. This is particularly important when you are switching from one of the older-generation NSAIDs, including aspirin and white willow bark. If you switch from NSAIDs to prednisone, a three-day waiting period is considered sufficient.

Galliprant

Aratana Therapeutics’ Galliprant was approved by the FDA in March 2016 for treating canine osteoarthritis. Galliprant is a piprant antagonist drug that inhibits the production of prostaglandins (lipid compounds with diverse hormone-like effects). NSAIDs target the entire cyclooxygenase or COX pathway, including the pathway’s protective functions, which explains most of their adverse side effects. By contrast, Galliprant specifically blocks the EP4 receptor, which is the primary mediator of canine osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, without involving the COX pathway.

Because of its documented safety, Galliprant does not require expensive monitoring the way NSAIDs do, and it is said to relieve pain in dogs who are not able to tolerate NSAIDs. It is considered safe for dogs age nine months and older. Appropriate monitoring is recommended for long-term use.

Galliprant should not be used in combination with COX-inhibiting NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Its most common side effects, all of which are reported to be mild and infrequent, include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy.

Adequan

An injectable joint protectant, Adequan Canine (polysulfated glycos-aminoglycan, or PSGAG) from Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is the only FDA-approved injectable, disease-modifying drug for canine osteoarthritis. Injected intramuscularly, Adequan stimulates cartilage repair, soothes and lubricates joints, reduces joint damage, and relieves pain.

Adequan travels to joints within two hours of injection and remains in joints for three days. It is administered twice weekly for up to four weeks with a maximum of eight injections. Signs of improvement usually appear within one month.

The drug’s most common side effects are stinging at the injection site and (less common) an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or abnormal bleeding. Adequan should not be used in dogs showing hypersensitivity to PSGAG or dogs with kidney disease, liver disease, or known or suspected bleeding disorders.

Although such treatment is considered “off-label” because it differs from the manufacturer’s protocol, some veterinarians continue to give Adequan injections at monthly intervals, or they repeat the prescribed protocol whenever the dog’s symptoms return.

It may not be necessary to inject this drug into muscles. Some veterinarians inject it subcutaneously, which is less painful for the dog and easier for owners to do themselves at home. A similar product, Cartrophen Vet, which is sold in Canada and other countries, is given subcutaneously.

Tramadol and Other Opioid Drugs

Tramadol (Ultram) is a synthetic opioid that appears to be safer than most narcotics and can be used for long-term chronic pain treatment. While not FDA approved for dogs, it’s widely prescribed by veterinarians.

Tramadol’s main action in dogs is as a serotonin and norepinephine reuptake inhibitor. Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters, substances that carry impulses from one nerve to another. Tramadol’s effect on neurotransmitters interrupts the transmission of pain signals. It acts on pain symptoms only and does not reduce inflammation. Tramadol is considered safe to combine with NSAIDs or with prednisone.

Tramadol should not be given with Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Examples include Anipryl/l-deprenyl/selegiline, and the Preventic tick collar, which contains Amitraz, another MAOI. It may also be dangerous to combine tramadol with St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). In addition, tramadol should be used with caution in combination with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil, as well as tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Clomicalm.

Because tramadol is metabolized through the liver and kidneys, its dosage must be reduced for dogs with liver or kidney disease. High doses may trigger seizures; it should be used with extreme caution in seizure-prone dogs.

Ultracet, which is tramadol combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol) for humans, can be dangerous for dogs.

Studies of tramadol’s long-term effectiveness have shown possible problems with absorption from the stomach or a decrease in the liver’s ability to utilize the drug. Recent research shows that tramadol may not work as well for dogs as it does for people. Higher doses, given more often, may be needed for adequate pain control, and it may work better for some types of pain than for others. Tramadol works best when combined with NSAIDs rather than used in place of them.

Opioid drugs (narcotics) are not FDA approved for canine use, but many veterinarians prescribe them for pain relief. Examples include oral hydrocodone (which can be combined with NSAIDs for additional pain relief), Vicodin (a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, which cannot be combined with NSAIDs), codeine, oxycodone, and transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patches. Their narcotic effects make these drugs best for short-term use.

Corticosteroids

The strongest anti-inflammatory drugs are corticosteroids such as prednisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and dexamethasone, but their significant side effects make them most appropriate for short-term use. Corticosteroids are not FDA-approved for canine use but are widely prescribed by veterinarians.

Steroids can suppress the immune system, increase appetite (causing weight gain), increase thirst and urination, lead to muscle loss and weakness, and cause gastric ulcers.

NSAIDs are not compatible with steroids and should be discontinued at least 72 hours before beginning steroid treatment. Steroids can be combined with other pain medications mentioned here except for Galliprant.

Prednisone and other corticosteroids are usually given in large initial doses, then gradually reduced to the lowest dose that controls symptoms. Giving them every other day and giving them with food helps reduce side effects. Steroids should never be stopped abruptly but rather tapered off.

Long-time WDJ contributor Mary Straus had a Shar-Pei, Piglet, who lived to be 17 and was mobile to the end, thanks to Mary’s attentive care and frequent trips to the veterinarian to adjust Piglet’s medication regimen. Straus turned to prednisone in what turned out to be Piglet’s last six months, explaining, “This allowed her to continue to be mobile after NSAIDs were no longer effective.”

Medical Marijuana

Even though marijuana (Cannabis sativa) has gained public acceptance and is legal for medical and recreational use in several states, a confusing array of federal, state, and local regulations, and a lack of scientific studies, make its use controversial.

When it comes to treating canine pain, marijuana and other cannabis products have a following among pet owners and veterinarians. In 2013, Mary Straus described the benefits of marijuana for canine pain control and the pioneering work of Doug Kramer, DVM, whose Enlightened Veterinary Therapeutics clinic in California offered medical marijuana protocols for pets in his palliative and hospice care practice. Sadly, Dr. Kramer died in August 2013 before he completed a clinical trial, and his clinic closed.

Given the dearth of studies, there is no reliable information about what dosage of marijuana is safe and effective for pets. Concentrated forms (such as oils, tinctures, and other extracts) in particular can cause toxicity even in small amounts. This problem is further complicated by the variation in strengths for each of these based on the strain of marijuana grown, the timing of the harvest, and the preparation of the medical product.

Marijuana contains more than 60 chemicals called cannabinoids, the most important of which are cannabidiol (CBD), which has therapeutic properties, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychoactive but may provide additional benefits when small amounts are combined with CBD.

Because of its very low THC content, hemp (a Cannabis sativa plant traditionally used for making rope, paper, and fabric) is not considered intoxicating. Instead, its cannabinoids are known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-spasmodic properties. Hemp capsules, oils, and other products containing cannabinoids derived from hemp are sold throughout the U.S. for human and canine use without restriction.

Doxycycline

The familiar tetracycline antibiotic doxycycline, which is widely used to treat bacterial infections, especially those carried by ticks, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and actually reduce the production of enzymes that lead to the progression of arthritis.

The discovery that human patients with arthritis improved while taking tetracycline drugs led to clinical trials, including some with dogs. Other trials have shown improvement in knee cartilage, other joints, and cartilage ulceration in both humans and dogs taking low doses of doxycycline.

The mechanism that causes improvement is not well understood. Researchers theorize that human rheumatoid arthritis is triggered by the immune system battling infection, and when antibiotics clear the infection, symptoms improve. Although some studies have shown little or no improvement in humans with osteoarthritis, some canine studies show a good response to that disease.

Gabapentin

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant and pain relief medicine intended for the relief of neuropathy (nerve pain). It is similar in structure to GABA, a chemical messenger found in the brain, and it relieves or reduces pain by inhibiting the release of glutamate, which is a type of neurotransmitter. Gabapentin has been shown to be effective in combination with NSAID medications.

Because gabapentin can cause deficiencies of vitamins D, B1, and folate as well as calcium, it is important to provide a high-quality canine vitamin-mineral supplement in combination with the drug.

Gabapentin for dogs is administered in tablets or capsules. Do not administer liquid formulations intended for humans, as they may contain Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Note: Most dogs build a tolerance to Gabapentin over time so that the starting dose becomes ineffective. Higher doses are then prescribed.

Amantidine

Originally developed as an antiviral drug to prevent Asian influenza, amantidine (Symmetrel) found success as a treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. More recently, veterinarians began prescribing amantadine for chronic pain in dogs with arthritis, cancer, and disc disease. It has been shown to improve the effectiveness of NSAID medications when combined with them. Amantidine is administered daily for one to two weeks, at which point it can be discontinued or resumed. Dogs with kidney problems receive lower doses. Reported side effects include agitation, diarrhea, flatulence, and dizziness. If any of these symptoms occur, the medication should be discontinued and your veterinarian notified.

Amantidine can interact with heart medications, antibiotics, and diuretics, any of which can reduce the drug’s effectiveness, while antihistamines can increase its effects and induce a state of agitation.

Other Drugs

Used alone or combined with narcotics, NSAIDs, or steroids, some antidepressants relieve pain and discomfort in dogs with arthritis. These medications are not FDA approved for canine use but are prescribed by many veterinarians. Drugs in this category include amitriptyline (Elavil Rx) and other tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine (Clomicalm).

These medications should be administered under veterinary supervision as they require careful study, especially if they are used in combination with other drugs.

What You Can Do for Your Dog With Arthritis

1. Schedule a veterinary exam as soon as you notice signs of pain or lameness in your dog.

2. Before giving any medication to your dog, ask your veterinarian about any possible drug interactions or contraindications.

3. Note your dog’s responses (good or bad) to any prescribed medications on a calendar or journal. Memory is fallible, and your vet needs solid information in order to tailor doses and changes in dosing frequency for maximum benefit to your dog.

Montana resident CJ Puotinen is the author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and other books.

The post Prescription Drugs for Dog Arthritis Pain Relief appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

In addition to their use in teas, capsules, and other applications as discussed in last month’s article, “Herbal Remedies for Arthritis Pain,” medicinal plants provide pain relief and other benefits through their essential oils and hydrosols.

Essential oils – the volatile substances of aromatic plants – are collected, usually by steam distillation, from leaves, blossoms, fruit, stems, roots, bark, or seeds. The water that accompanies an essential oil during distillation is called a hydrosol or flower water. Hydrosols contain trace amounts of essential oil and are themselves therapeutic.

Aromatherapy for Dogs

It isn’t fragrance that imparts the medicinal properties of aromatic essential oils but rather their constituent chemicals.

Essential oils may contain anti-bacterial monoterpene alcohols or phenylpropanes, stimulating mono-terpene hydrocarbons, calming esters or aldehydes, irritating phenols, stimulating ketones, anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene alcohols, antiallergenic sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and expectorant oxides.

In addition, each chemical category may have several different effects. Aromatherapy is a modern healing art, and the therapeutic quality of essential oils is still being discovered. In other words, aromatherapy is a complex subject that deserves careful study and expert guidance.

There are many ways to deliver essential oils into your dog’s environment. You can:

– Send them into the air with an electric nebulizing diffuser (available from aromatherapy supply companies).

– Add a few drops to a small spray bottle of water and spritz it around the room, being careful to avoid wood or plastic surfaces and your dog’s face.

– Place a drop on your dog’s collar, scarf, or bedding.

– Place two drops on your hand; then rub your palms together and gently run your hands through your dog’s coat.

– Add 15 to 20 drops of essential oil to eight ounces (1 cup) of unscented natural shampoo, or add one drop to shampoo as you bathe your dog.

– Add two to five drops essential oil to a gallon of rinse water, shaking well before applying (avoid your dog’s eyes).

Quality is critical when it comes to essential oils, and there is much debate over which oils, sources, production methods, and testing procedures are best. For therapeutic-quality essential oils and blends that can help your dog lead a comfortable, active life, see the suppliers mentioned in “Reliable Sources of Quality Oils” at right.

Essential Oil Blends for Dogs

At FrogWorks, Colorado aromatherapist Frances Fitzgerald Cleveland does more than consider which essential oils will work; she lets canine patients make the selection. “For any condition, there are several essential oils that could help,” says Cleveland, “and I let the dog smell each of them, usually by offering the cap. If she runs to the other side of the room or turns her head away, that’s not the right oil to use. Don’t ever force an essential oil on your dog. Wait for her to find an oil she’s interested in, one that she wants to smell more of. She may even try to lick the cap.”

This approach is called zoopharmacognosy, a term coined by Cornell University biochemistry professor Elroy Rodriguez, Ph.D., to describe how animals self-medicate with plants, soils, and insects to treat and prevent disease.

Sometimes dogs are cautious because a fragrance is unfamiliar. If your dog turns away from an essential oil, offer it again tomorrow or the next day. Once you’ve found an essential oil that will treat the problem and that agrees with your dog, Cleveland suggests blending it with an easily digested vegetable oil, such as cold-pressed safflower oil.

“Diluting essential oils for use with dogs is an important first step,” she explains. “I strongly believe that full-strength, undiluted essential oils are too strong for animals, who are very sensitive to essential oils and plant medicine. Some essential oils, due to their chemical constituents, can cause skin irritation if not diluted and, because their olfactory systems are much stronger than ours, dogs can be overwhelmed by undiluted essential oils.”

Cleveland created the massage oil she calls “Path to Comfort” for her dog Oscar. “He was so active in his youth,” she says. “His favorite activity was chasing rabbits and he was good at it. Then one day when he was 11, a rabbit came into the yard and Oscar got into his chase mode. The rabbit took off, but Oscar stopped, sighed, and laid back down. He looked so sad that I made a blend to help him cope with his senior years.”

To a safflower oil base she added sweet marjoram essential oil for its analgesic, nervine, and vasodilator (blood vessel dilating) properties; ginger for its antispasmodic benefits; helichrysum for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and nervine properties; carrot seed, which is a vasodilator and smooth muscle relaxant; grapefruit for its detoxifying and emotionally uplifting benefits; vetiver, which is a deeply relaxing antispasmodic; and rose otto, distilled from rose petals, which has antidepressant and antispasmodic properties.

You can use this blend by placing a small amount of the oil in your hands and applying gently to areas on the dog’s body that seem stiff, sore, or restricted, or massage a few drops into painful joints.

You can learn more about Path to Comfort, individual essential oils, other canine massage blends, and Cleveland’s home study course, “Working with Essential Oils for You and Your Animals,” at the FrogWorks website (see above).

Pet Alchemist aromatherapist Joan Clark makes a massage blend for acute pain relief that she calls “Arf-itis,” containing angelica, arnica, wintergreen, marjoram, peppermint, and tansy essential oils, in a base of arnica-infused oil, St. John’s wort, jojoba, fractionated coconut oil, flower essences, and lavender hydrosol. The blend is also available as a hydrosol mist, which can be sprayed on painful areas and gently massaged in.

“Both blends contain flower essences and the best in essential oils and carrier bases,” Clark says. “Regular application is needed to get the full benefits of natural treatments. Our two Chihuahuas, Spirit and Sabrina, loved this blend. Every evening before bed we massaged them and we applied it again in the morning and before any physical activity. As they got older we had Sunday Spa nights starting with a massage using the blend and ending with a warm towel over the area.”

Arf-ritis Pain Relief massage oil from Silk Road Oils was developed by canine aromatherapist Faith Thanas, who blends AromaDog Products. “This is a serious treatment for stiffness and arthritis pain in dogs,” she explains. “Rosemary and ginger increase circulation to the area, while juniper acts as a detoxifier, and lavender and birch calm and help relieve pain. The oils are blended with arnica and jojoba.

“This is one product that takes a little time, but you will soon see improvement. Place a drop on the affected area and gently massage it into skin.”

If you search online for “aromatherapy canine arthritis remedies” you’ll find many other recommendations. One popular blend combines 60 ml or 1/4 cup carrier (vegetable) oil with four drops of helichrysum, two drops peppermint, three drops ginger, and three drops valerian essential oil. Another combines 120 ml or 1/2 cup carrier oil with eight drops lemon, six drops lavender, and eight drops ginger essential oil.

Easy and Inexpensive Arthritis Relief for Dogs

It’s sad when our aging dogs slow down because of arthritis – and a joy when natural remedies that are affordable and easy to use provide relief from pain and discomfort. Incorporating medicinal herbs and essential oils into your dog’s daily schedule may help him act like a puppy again.

Next month, we’ll discuss assistive devices that can help support a dog with limited mobility due to arthritis or other issues.

A long-time contributor to WDJ, CJ Puotinen is the author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and other books. CJ and her husband live in Montana.

The post Aromatherapy for Your Dog’s Arthritis Treatment appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Plants were the original pharmacy for humans and animals, and over thousands of years, cultures around the world developed remedies that remain in use today. Herbal teas, tinctures, capsules, poultices, rinses, and massage oils are widely sold. American consumers spent nearly $7 billion on herbal products in 2015, which is $480 million more than we spent on them in 2014, marking the 12th consecutive year of growth. The medicinal herbs industry is thriving.

While it’s true that some herbs recommended for use with canine arthritis have drug-like actions, including contraindications and potentially adverse side effects, the plants mentioned here are easily acquired from reputable sources, widely used, and safe for most dogs. The descriptions that follow include safety notes as applicable. See the “Professional Resources and Quality Control” below for additional information.

Herbal Terms

Although culinary plants and leafy weeds come to mind when we think of herbs, in botanical medicine all plants are herbs and so are all of their parts, including leaves, stems, blossoms, bark, fruits, and seeds.

A simple is a single herb, and whole schools of herbal medicine use one herb at a time to treat a condition until it improves. In contrast, a blend is a combination of herbs – as few as two or as many as dozens. Traditional Chinese remedies often contain 20 or more different herbs. While some herbalists consider blends safer than single-herb formulas because they are less likely to cause adverse side effects, that theory has not been proven. If a blend contains a potentially toxic herb, its smaller quantity may be helpful, but it is not necessarily safer than a tea or other product containing a single well-tolerated herb.

A specific is any herb known for its effectiveness in the treatment of a condition, such as turmeric for arthritis pain. Specifics can be used alone, in which case they are simples, or combined with other herbs, where they act as the blend’s active ingredients.

A catalyst, stimulant, activator, carrier, or emissaryherb can be added to herbal blends to increase their effectiveness, usually by improving circulation and digestion, thus helping other ingredients reach their destination. Some catalyst herbs are used alone but most make up a small portion of an herbal recipe. Cayenne and ginger are examples of pain-relieving catalyst herbs that can be used as simples or in blends for the treatment of arthritis.

Herbs can be given continuously or they can be pulsed by interrupting treatment, such as five days on and two days off per week, or three weeks on and one week off per month. While this approach has not been scientifically tested, some herbalists theorize that the treatment is less likely to cause adverse side effects, allows the body to recover from treatment, and may improve the overall result.

Medicinal Terms

The medicinal properties of herbs have their own vocabulary, and terms most important to the treatment of arthritis include the following:

– Analgesics, also called anodynes, relieve pain. These can be used internally or externally, depending on the herb.

– Anti-inflammatory herbs inhibit the effect of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the body at injured areas.

– Antispasmodic herbs prevent or ease cramps and muscle spasms.

– Nervines calm and soothe the nerves, reducing tension and anxiety.

– Rubefacient herbs draw inflammation and congestion from deeper areas, increasing circulation and promoting warmth.

– Tonic herbs restore and strengthen the entire system, producing and restoring normal tone. They are usually well tolerated and safe to take daily for long periods. Most tonics have general positive effects on the entire body.

Canine Arthritis Research

Search the medical literature or the websites of educational organizations like the American Botanical Council, and you’ll see many studies examining the effect of medicinal plants on humans with arthritis. But while canine arthritis is a popular veterinary research topic, only a few canine studies have examined plant-based therapies.

A 2004 study of 29 dogs with degenerative osteoarthritis conducted in Switzerland (“Dietary support with Boswellia resin in canine inflammatory joint and spinal disease” by J. Reichling, et al, Schweizer Archiv Fur Tierheilkunde) showed that boswellia extract significantly reduced symptoms and increased mobility in more than 70 percent of the canine patients.

In “A medicinal herb-based natural health product improves the condition of a canine natural osteoarthritis model: A randomized placebo-controlled trial” published in Research in Veterinary Science in 2014, scientists at the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine worked with 32 dogs weighing more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds), all of whom had been diagnosed with arthritis by X-ray and orthopedic exam.

The researchers developed their own combinations of medicinal herbs. Their first formula contained devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata), black currant (Ribes nigrum), white willow (Salix alba), and feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), plus small amounts of EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids). The second formula contained smaller amounts of the first two herbs, along with the same amount of black currant and the omega-3 fatty acids (found primarily in fish), added bromelain (Ananas comosus) and curcumin (Curcuma longa), plus glucosamine sulfate, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), chondroitin sulfate, l-glutamine, and hyaluronic acid.

Half of the dogs received the first formula for four weeks and the second formula for another four weeks. The other half, acting as the control, received a placebo. To determine results, the dogs were filmed as they walked at a consistent speed over a special platform that captured the strength of each paw; a special electronic collar recorded their daily activities; and owners were asked to provide their own evaluations.

As head researcher Maxim Moreau reported, “After the eight-week course, on average, the strength of the dogs receiving treatment had improved to the equivalent of a kilo of extra strength per paw . . . . None of these dogs saw their health decline, unlike 35.8 percent of the dogs who were given the placebo.” In addition, the placebo dogs became less physically active while the treated dogs became significantly more active.

Helpful Herbs for Arthritic Dogs

Study the labels for products intended to relieve athritis symptoms in dogs (and humans) and you’ll see the following herbs, all of which are widely used for arthritis pain relief and considered safe for dogs.

Note that some herbs inhibit COX-2 enzymes, which promote pain, swelling, and inflammation. Herbal COX-2 inhibitors block those enzymes, as do many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Herbs containing COX-2 inhibitors or compounds related to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) should not be taken together or in combination with COX-2 inhibitor drugs, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.

Arnica (Arnica montana)

A small alpine plant with yellow blossoms. The flower heads, made into tea, tincture, or massage oil, are anti-inflammatory and relieve the pain of bruises, sprains, arthritis, and inflammation. Arnica is used externally.

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

A large tree native to India, is a potent anti-inflammatory that effectively shrinks inflamed tissue by improving circulation and increasing synovial fluid viscosity. Boswellia may help alleviate pain and improve range of motion within a week of daily use, and may slow the progression of cartilage damage. A bitter herb, boswellia is usually taken in capsules.

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa)

Describes both hemp and marijuana. As WDJ contributor Mary Straus wrote in “Dogs Going to Pot?” (April 2013), marijuana can be either harmful or beneficial to dogs, depending on dosage. The plant contains more than 60 chemicals called cannabinoids, the most important of which are cannabidiol (CBD), which has therapeutic properties, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychoactive but may provide additional benefits when small amounts are combined with CBD.

“Unfortunately,” wrote Straus, “because of the politics surrounding the use of medical marijuana, there is no reliable information about what dosage of marijuana is safe and effective for pets. This problem is further complicated by the wide variety of products, including flower buds, oils, tinctures, and other extracts, as well as the variation in strengths for each of these based on the strain of marijuana grown, the timing of the harvest, and the preparation of the medical product. Concentrated forms in particular can cause toxicity to dogs even in small amounts.”

Given its very low THC content, hemp is not considered intoxicating. Instead, its cannabinoids are known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-spasmodic properties. Hemp capsules, oils, and other products containing cannabinoids derived from hemp are sold throughout the U.S. for human and canine use without restriction.

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

2016’s official Herb of the Year (see “Cayenne for Canines,” WDJ May 2016). Its active ingredient, capsaicin, makes cayenne a contact rubefacient, which means that it increases circulation to sore joints and painful areas when applied topically. Capsaicin also acts as a nerve block, reducing pain. Cayenne is an important stimulant or catalyst herb that can be added in small amounts to blends, improving their effectiveness, or added to food or given in capsules.

Cayenne is a member of the nightshade family, and while most dogs appear not to be adversely affected by nightshades, some may be sensitive. If cayenne seems to worsen your dog’s arthritis symptoms, try avoiding not only cayenne but its nightshade cousins tomato, potato, eggplant, paprika and other peppers, tobacco, and the medicinal herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, Anthemia nobilis)

One of the world’s most widely used herbs. This nervine, tonic, antispasmodic plant soothes mind and body, relaxes the nerves, and relieves muscle cramps. Chamomile can be safely added to food or applied topically to dogs of all ages unless they are allergic to plants in the aster family (rare among dogs).

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

The most significant plant source of the cell-growth stimulator allantoin, which speeds the healing of wounds and even broken bones (comfrey’s common name is “knit bone”).

This tonic, anti-inflammatory herb is no longer recommended for internal use because its pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) may cause liver toxicity, but comfrey tea can be safely applied as a rinse or poultice to inflamed joints or sore spines. Alcohol-based comfrey tincture can be applied to sore joints, injuries, muscle strains, and other painful areas.

Devil’s Claw Root (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Native to South Africa, has anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates the lymph system, and is a detoxifying herb for the entire body. Devil’s claw is usually taken in capsules. Unfortunately, overharvesting and adulteration have made much of the devil’s claw sold in the U.S. of little value. To give devil’s claw products a fair trial, look for sustainable sources. This herb contains COX-2 enzyme inhibitors.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

A bitter-tasting green plant with daisy-like blossoms, remained an obscure herb until its ability to prevent migraine headaches put it back into home gardens and natural food markets. Because so many arthritis patients report that feverfew’s positive effects continue after they stop taking the herb, it appears to do more than temporarily alleviate symptoms. It’s usually taken in capsules.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

A familiar spice in cooking and baking, is stimulating, warming, and anti-inflammatory. Ginger helps improve circulation and digestion, and it is often added to blends as a catalyst or stimulant herb.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

A good source of the trace mineral silicon, which plays an important role in bone formation and bone and connective tissue health. Horsetail’s effectiveness may result from its ability to boost silicon levels, which naturally decline with age. Taking this herb internally improves the skin, coat, nails, and joints; applying it externally as a soak, compress, or rinse speeds the results.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce joint pain and other arthritis symptoms while improving digestion and respiratory function. In small amounts, licorice root has no adverse side effects, but in large quantities or with daily use it can contribute to hypertension, edema, and hormone imbalances. Products labeled “deglycyrrhizinated licorice” or “DGL” have had the problematic substance removed, though some of the herb’s benefits are removed along with it.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

A perennial herb with anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, rubefacient, and analgesic actions. Its leaves, root, rhizomes, and flowers contain volatile oils whose compounds may be oxidized into salicylic acid, which, when metabolized in the gut, act like an herbal aspirin. In fact, the name aspirin is derived from Spiraea, meadowsweet’s old botanical name. This product should not be combined with NSAIDs.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

While best known as an herb for the respiratory system, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)

A mild sedative, antispasmodic, and pain reliever traditionally used to treat insomnia, nervous anxiety, and pain. It has a relaxing influence and can help relieve discomfort.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

The popular seasoning herb, has traditionally been used to improve memory, relieve muscle pain and spasm, and support the circulatory and nervous systems. Applied topically, rosemary can be used to treat muscle pain and arthritis and improve circulation. Important note: While most dogs respond well to rosemary, which is widely used as a food preservative (including in pet foods), rosemary extract has triggered seizures in some dogs. Avoid this herb if your dog has a history of seizures. If your dog suffers a seizure after consuming rosemary or a food containing rosemary extract, switch to other products.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Has long been used to relieve the pain and discomfort of inflammation in addition to reducing or alleviating anxiety. Skullcap’s active ingredient, scutellarin, is a flavonoid compound shown to have sedative and antispasmodic properties.

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Does more than flavor Italian food! Its anti-inflammatory effects make this a popular herb for arthritis, joint pain, and sore muscles. Like other culinary/medicinal herbs, it can be taken internally or applied topically. In addition to improving arthritis symptoms, marjoram is a relaxing nerve tonic that helps relieve nervous tension and stress-related symptoms.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Contains more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds, including six different COX-2 inhibitors. By itself, curcumin – the component in turmeric most often cited for its healthful effects – is a multifaceted anti-inflammatory that can reduce arthritis symptoms. In human studies, turmeric extracts containing at least 20 percent curcuminoids are comparable in their effects to the drug ibuprofen. Combining turmeric with bromelain (the pineapple enzyme) provides even more impressive results.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian’s distinctive fragrance has been compared to old sweat socks, is one of the most effective nerve tonics available.

White Willow Bark (Salix alba, Salix spp.)

Contains salicin, a chemical similar to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). In combination with white willow’s anti-inflammatory flavonoids, salicin is thought to be responsible for the plant’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. This product should not be combined with NSAIDs.

Yucca (Yucca schidigera, Yucca spp.)

Contains saponins, soap-like chemicals that reduce pain, joint swelling, and stiffness. Yucca is a popular ingredient in animal feeds because it reduces unpleasant odors in urine and feces. It should not be used in large doses for extended periods because it can irritate the stomach lining and cause vomiting.

For best results, use products recommended for dogs, follow label directions, and instead of giving it every day, consider a two-day break from yucca every week and a week-long break every one or two months.

Chinese Herbs for Arthritic Dogs

Conventional Western medicine typically uses symptom-suppressing drugs and therapies to relieve pain. Traditional Chinese medicine takes a different approach, examining the ways in which Chi or Qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s life energy, might be slowed or obstructed.

Some traditional Chinese herbs used in arthritis remedies, such as stephania root (Stephania tetrandra or han fang chi), have been removed from formulas because they contain aristolochic acid, which can (rarely) cause renal damage.

Fortunately, most traditional Chinese blends contain herbs that are well tolerated, especially in small amounts. Chinese therapeutic categories include “vitalizing the blood,” “resolving hidden phlegm,” and “removing obstacles to the flow of chi” through the body’s meridians or energy channels. Formulas may contain warming herbs, herbs that support the kidneys or blood, or herbs that dispel dampness.

Key herbs used in Chinese blends for the treatment of arthritis include epimedium (Epimedium grandiflorum), rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa), peony (Paeonia lactiflora), white mustard (Sinapis alba), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), angelica (Angelica archangelica), mulberry (Morus nigra), frankincense (Boswellia sacra), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and ligusticum (Ligusticum porteri).

For best results, use Chinese herbal formulas that are manufactured in the United States or which have been tested for purity and label accuracy. Many herbal products imported from China contain dangerous ingredients or are incorrectly labeled.

Commercial Products

Most pet-supply stores and natural-food markets sell a variety of herbal products, and so do online retailers. Check with manufacturers regarding their guarantees of purity and label accuracy.

To discover which products work best for your dog, follow label directions and complete one course of treatment (typically four to six weeks) before starting another. Make notes about your dog’s arthritis symptoms (such as his willingness or ability to get in the car or jump up on the couch, or how long it takes him to get on his feet after a nap) in your dog’s health journal before beginning any new remedy, and again at weekly intervals. Another good way to track the effectiveness of a new product is to take video of your dog walking, turning, or playing before and after a course of treatment.

If your dog is taking prescription drugs, be sure to discuss herbal products with your veterinarian before adding them to your pet’s medications.

The following are some of the leading herbal blends for relieving canine arthritis symptoms:

• Alenza Chewable Tablets, combine Boswellia serrata with a proprietary blend of bioflavonoids to help active and aging dogs manage discomfort, recover from stress or injury, and speed the rehabilitation process. Scored tablets can be given during or after meals or crumbled into food.
• Animal Essentials Joint Support (formerly Alfalfa/Yucca Blend) is an alcohol-free vegetable glycerin tincture containing certified organic alfalfa, yucca root, burdock root, and licorice root. The sweet-tasting glycerite can be squirted directly into a dog’s mouth from the measured dropper or added to food twice daily.
• Arnica tincture, an alcohol extract of Arnica montana, is made by several herbal product companies for topical application and is widely available, though you’ll find the largest selection online. Arnica tincture is usually effective for acute pain, especially if it is applied topically over the area that hurts as soon as symptoms develop.
• Hemp products from Canna-Pet, Bluebird Botanicals, Vet CBD, Dixie Botanicals, and Healthy Hemp Pet Company are designed for pet use. Hemp’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids help relieve pain, swelling, and other arthritis symptoms in dogs.
• The Australian remedy DGP (Dog Gone Pain) contains marine collagen extract, boswellia, corydalis root, wheatgrass, turmeric, feverfew, celery seed, and a proprietary blend of wild rosella, capsicum, aniseed, mountain pepper, and other ingredients along with the enzymes bromelain and papain.
• Dr. Christopher’s Complete Tissue and Bone Formula is a dry herb blend containing white oak bark, comfrey root, marshmallow root, mullein leaf, black walnut leaf, gravel root, wormwood, lobelia, and skullcap. It’s named for the late Dr. John Christopher and is available from Dr. Christopher’s Herb Shop.

I like to simmer four rounded teaspoons of the dry blend in a covered quart of water for up to an hour, then let the tea cool to room temperature before straining it into a glass jar and refrigerating. Because of its comfrey and wormwood content, this tea is not recommended for internal use. It can be gently rubbed into the skin around sore joints, poured over the neck, spine, or other affected joints as a rinse, or applied as a compress where needed. Apply frequently, two or three times a day, for best results. Refrigerated tea keeps for about a week.

• HerbAprin (formerly Herbal Aspirin) from Glacier Peak Holistics provides a proprietary blend of white willow, feverfew, skullcap, valerian, chamomile, rosemary, passion flower, and cayenne for dogs. It is available in tincture, powder, and capsule form.

Note that HerbAprin contains white willow, which should not be combined with COX-2 Inhibitors or NSAIDs. It also contains rosemary, which is not recommended for dogs with seizure disorders.

• Muscle and Joint Support from Pet Alive contains devil’s claw, spirulina, lecithin, and glucosamine sulfate.

Ways to Administer Herbs to Your Dog

Tea is the most basic herbal preparation, and for dogs with arthritis, a properly brewed, room-temperature tea applied as a rinse or simply massaged into the skin can make a difference, as can small amounts of tea added to the dog’s food.

To brew an infusion or tisane (an herbal tea made from leaves or blossoms), add 1 teaspoon dried herb or 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh herb to a cup of water. Start with cold water and heat it to the boiling point in a covered pan before removing it from the heat, or pour boiling water over loose herbs, cover, and let steep. The longer it brews, the stronger and more medicinal the tea. For best results, use a stainless steel, glass, or enameled pan with a tight-fitting lid and leave your tea undisturbed until it cools to room temperature, then strain and use. Tea can be strained through cheesecloth, a kitchen towel, or a wire mesh strainer.

To brew a decoction (a simmered tea made from roots, bark, or seeds), start with cold water and chopped or cut dried or fresh herbs in the same proportions as for an infusion. In a covered pan, bring the tea to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer over very low heat for 15 to 20 minutes or longer. Remove the pan from heat and let the tea continue to steep with the lid on until cool. Unlike leaves and blossoms, roots, bark, and seeds can be reused, usually three to four times. As flavor and color decrease with use, extend the brewing time or replenish herbs by adding small amounts of new material.

Tinctures are liquid extracts, usually made with alcohol or vegetable glycerin. Alcohol is the most widely used tincture solvent because it extracts more constituents and preserves them longer than anything else. While a large dog may safely take an alcohol tincture with food, puppies and small breeds should have minimal exposure to alcohol. Fortunately, well-made tinctures are so concentrated that just a few drops contain a therapeutic dose. Some manufacturers offer tinctures from which the alcohol has been removed, or you can use glycerites, which are made with vegetable glycerin. Alcohol tinctures, because they are highly concentrated, can be applied topically to arthritic joints, strained muscles, or other painful areas.

Capsules are convenient because most dogs find them easy to swallow when hidden in food or treats. Encapsulated herbal blends have become popular arthritis treatments for canines and humans.

Poultices are wet herbal packs applied directly to an inflamed, irritated, swollen, infected, or injured part of the body. They are made of fresh mashed herbs or the residue left after brewing tea, and are usually applied cool rather than hot. Use whatever will hold the poultice in place for as long as possible, such as Vetwrap, elastic bandages, plastic wrap, cheesecloth, muslin, or cotton fabric. A layer of plastic over the poultice helps prevent stains on rugs or furniture. Alternatively, fold the plant material into layered gauze or fabric and hold it in place by hand.

A compress is a towel or thick cloth saturated with cold or room-temperature herbal tea and held in place for five or 10 minutes. A fomentation is a hot or warm compress. One or the other may bring relief to a sore spine or joint.

Washes and rinses are just what they sound like. Any beverage- or medicinal-strength tea can be used by itself or as a final rinse after shampooing. For a dog with arthritis, soaking the coat to the skin and gently massaging tea into the neck, spine, or joints can be therapeutic.

Store dried herbs and herbal products away from heat, light, and humidity – in other words, not in the kitchen or bathroom – and tightly sealed. Most herbal tinctures and capsules come in protective packaging such as dark blue or brown bottles.

Where to Start Looking for an Arthritis Remedy

There are so many arthritis remedies available; how should you decide which to try first? And, once you start a supplement, how can you tell whether it’s helping? Individuals respond differently; what works for your friend’s dog might have no effect on yours, and vice versa. Even without treatment, a dog’s symptoms can change from day to day, making it hard to measure improvement.

You have to start somewhere, so it’s worth trying a remedy that helped a dog you know, that was recommended by someone whose opinion you respect, or that for other reasons looks promising.

We suggest experimenting with one remedy at a time, following label directions for a “course” of treatment, which is typically four to six weeks, or until the package is empty. Of course, if the dog has an adverse reaction or seems worse, discontinue that product and try something else.

Is your dog better? The best way to determine that is with an objective measurement of some kind. For example, can she no longer jump onto the sofa or your car’s back seat, climb up and down stairs, or play with friends? If she resumes those activities while on a supplement, it’s probably working.

Mary Straus spent years working with her dog Piglet’s arthritis. “I was always trying something new,” she says. “If I thought I saw improvement, I added it to the regimen. If I didn’t see any change, I stopped giving it after I ran out. That gave me another chance to see if it was helping, because if the product was effective, the dog could get worse after stopping.”

Professional Resources and Quality Control

How can you be sure that an herbal remedy will be safe and appropriate for your dog? While there is no standardized certification in the United States for herbalists who create pet products, they are represented by professional organizations, as are veterinarians who use medicinal herbs.

The American Herbalists Guild, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, maintain professional standards and list members with their qualifications.

The American Botanical Council is an important educational resource that promotes good manufacturing practices (GMP) and monitors the quality of plant-based medicines sold in the United States. The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), an industry trade association of suppliers, manufacturers, and marketers of dietary ingredients and supplements for pets, has endorsed the Botanical Adulterants Program, which is a coalition of the American Botanical Council, the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP), and the University of Mississippi’s National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR).

You can ask manufacturers for information about the sources, quality, and testing of their ingredients; asking them about any professional affiliations they have with the above organizations is another good idea.

It’s ideal if you can consult an experienced holistic veterinarian and/or herbalist in person. But if you can’t, see the following books for in-depth guidelines on using herbal remedies for your dog:

– Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life by Mary L. Wulff and Greg L. Tilford (2nd Edition, Lumina Media; 2009)

– Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care by CJ Puotinen (McGraw-Hill, 2000)

In the next issue, we’ll discuss essential oils and aromatherapy products that can help a dog with arthritis.

The post Herbal Remedies for Your Dog’s Arthritis Pain appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Arthritis affects one in five adult dogs, and a full 80 percent of dogs who are 8 years old or older! If you’re one of the 50 million Americans who have arthritis, you know the symptoms. It hurts to stand, sit, jump, run, climb, or turn your head. You’re more sedentary, and inactivity can lead to weight gain. You might limp, and because everything hurts, you feel grumpy. We aren’t alone, for our dogs share these symptoms.

Conventional medicine considers arthritis a chronic disease that progresses and has no cure but which can be managed with symptom-suppressing drugs and other therapies. Holistic veterinarians manage arthritis in dogs with diet, nutritional supplements, medicinal herbs, and a variety of noninvasive treatments, many of which dog lovers can provide at home.

Whatever the type of arthritis or its complications, early diagnosis helps keep symptoms from progressing, and understanding the disease may help you slow or prevent its development in your dog.

Types of Arthritis in Dogs

There are a number of types of arthritis that affect dogs:

Osteoarthritis

Primary osteoarthritis results from inherited anatomical problems that put excessive stress on joints. Most dogs develop secondary osteoarthritis, which is caused by damage from vigorous exercise, injuries, excessive jumping, torn ligaments, and other accidents.

Osteoarthritis is also known as “wear and tear” arthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD). It develops gradually over months or years, and its symptoms can wax and wane. The cause is a loss of cartilage, the slippery material that covers the ends of bones. Cartilage is the body’s shock absorber, and without its protective cushion, bone-on-bone movement creates serious discomfort.septic or infective arthritis,

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are a deep, aching pain; difficulty climbing stairs; morning stiffness; pain while walking; and stiffness after resting. Joints may be warm to the touch, swollen, and restricted in their range of motion.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks joints and other body parts, leading to inflammation that can cause severe damage. It’s unusual in dogs, occuring mainly in small and toy breeds between two and six years of age. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers may also have a genetic predisposition to developing RA.

RA affects multiple joints, including wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, and even the jaw and neck. Stiffness that begins in the morning can last for hours or the rest of the day. Other symptoms include fatigue and a loss of appetite.

Septic or Infective Arthritis

This type of arthritis is caused by infections that enter joints through the bloodstream. An insect or tick bite, road accident, cut, abrasion, puncture wound, or similar injury can allow infective organisms to cause inflammation and discomfort.

Spinal Stenosis, Spondylitis, and Spondylosis

All three of these disorders are degenerative spine conditions that often accompany arthritis.

Spinal stenosis, which can be caused by osteoarthritis of the spine, describes the narrowing of the spinal canal. Symptoms can include changes in bowel and bladder function, leading to incontinence, as well as poor mobility, increased fatigue, reluctance to go on walks or play, and obvious pain when touched on the hind legs, back, or tail. The most common symptom of lumbosacral stenosis in dogs is difficulty standing after lying down, which can worsen as muscles in the hind legs atrophy.

Spondylitis can cause an overgrowth of bones leading to their abnormal joining, called “bony fusion.” Fusion that affects bones of the neck, back, or hips may impair movement. Calcium deposits can create a bony spur or bridge between vertebrae.

Spondylosis develops in older dogs as the spine’s soft tissues degenerate and wear away, leading to pain. Herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis can develop as a result. Spondylosis typically occurs with no outward symptoms, and the condition is often discovered through X-rays taken for unrelated conditions.

Does Your Dog Have Arthritis?

Your veterinarian can tell for sure, but here are some common symptoms:

• Intermittent lameness or a limp

• A three-legged or “hopping” four-legged gait

• Stiffness after rest or after vigorous exercise

• An unusual or abnormal stance when walking

• Exaggerated hind leg movement

• Dragging the back feet

• Reluctance to rise or move

• Swollen joints, which can be warm to the touch and tender

• Joints that hurt when touched, moved, or palpated

• Visible joint deformities

• A lack of interest in play or physical activity

• An inability to jump onto familiar beds, sofas, car seats, or the back of an SUV

• Increased inactivity or sleep

• Weight gain from inactivity or weight loss from lack of appetite

• Depression or lack of interest

• Irritability

• Snapping or growling when joints are touched

Risk Factors for Canine Arthritis

Some dogs get arthritis and others don’t, and there’s no way to predict whether a puppy will eventually develop the disease. At the same time, understanding risk factors can help caregivers anticipate, recognize, document, and treat arthritis symptoms before they become incapacitating.

1. Size

Larger dogs are more likely to develop joint problems. This includes large breeds and dogs that are overweight.

2. Age

The risk of arthritis increases with age.

3. Genetics

Any breed can develop arthritis, but some are well known for the illness, including those mentioned earlier, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherd Dogs, along with breeds associated with joint abnormalities.

4. Joint abnormalities

Hip and elbow dysplasia stress the joints, as do injuries that interfere with proper alignment.

5. Stress and trauma

In addition to injuries and illnesses that damage ligaments, tissues, or bones, repeated stress on joints can make high-activity or working dogs susceptible to arthritis.

6. Inflammatory diet

Food is an important factor because some common foods trigger arthritis flare-ups in humans and canines.

7. Tick bites

These arachnids sometimes carry bacteria that can infect joints with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or Ehrlichiosis, all of which can cause arthritis.

8. Diabetes

Dogs with diabetes are more likely to develop arthritis than those with normal blood sugar.

9. Vitamin D deficiency

Dogs with arthritis tend to have low D levels, and when their levels improve, so does their range of motion. (See “Vitamin D for Dogs,” a review of vitamin D supplementation, in the July 2016 issue of WDJ, for more information.)

How Diet Affects Arthritis in Dogs

In addition to discussing options with your veterinarian, look for strategies you can use to help your dog avoid arthritis or improve its symptoms. One is helping your overweight dog lose weight, since excess weight on arthritic joints can trigger or worsen the condition.

Diet is an obvious first step, not only for weight control but also because many widely used foods have an inflammatory effect on dogs. Individual responses vary, so a food that causes acute discomfort in one dog may have no effect on another, and vice versa. Experimenting with your pet’s diet can make a difference.

For example, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from soybean, corn, sunflower, and other vegetable oils, along with shortening and margarine, can trigger inflammation. Although cayenne (a member of the nightshade family) is often used to relieve joint pain in dogs and humans, nightshade plants (tomato, pepper, eggplant, tobacco, and potato, among others) may trigger inflammation in some individuals. Several grain-free foods contain potato, which might be a problem for your dog.

Compare pet food labels, whose ingredients are listed in order of quantity. Look for foods that contain high-quality, named animal protein sources in the first few positions on the ingredients list. Corn gluten meal and meat by-products from unnamed species indicate that the food has been made with low-quality protein sources.

Raw diets are increasingly popular, and many veterinarians and some pet owners report improved canine health as a result of adopting a balanced raw diet. Raw diets are almost all high in fat, however, which can lead to weight gain that makes arthritis worse. High-fat diets are inappropriate for inactive dogs who eat less than normal for their size.

If you feed a commercial diet, check WDJ’s annual reviews of dry and canned foods for help. Feeding a home-prepared diet makes it easier to avoid any ingredients to which your dog may be sensitive. See “Easy Home-Prepared Dog Food” by Mary Straus (WDJ July 2012) for guidelines. If feeding a commercially prepared raw diet, see “The State of the Commercial Raw Diet Industry” by Karen Becker, DVM; Steve Brown; and Mary Straus (WDJ, September 2015). See also “Helping Your Dog Lose Weight” by Mary Straus (WDJ, September 2009) for how best to trim down your dog.

Dehydration complicates joint problems, so it’s important to provide fresh, good-quality water in clean bowls at all times. To encourage a dog to drink more water, add small amounts of bone broth or other flavorings.

GAGs for Arthritis in Dogs

The most widely prescribed supplements for dogs with arthritis are glycosaminoglycans or GAGs. Also known as mucopolysaccharides, these nutraceutical supplements include glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate; sometimes, the unprocessed sources of these GAG supplements, such as beef cartilage and green-lipped mussels, are used.

As Mary Straus reported in “Canine Arthritis Treatment,” WDJ March 2007, “GAGs are important because they actually protect the joint rather than just reduce symptoms, by helping to rebuild cartilage and restore synovial (joint) fluid. GAGs may also have some preventive effect on arthritis, though this is speculative.”

GAG supplements may be most effective given between meals, though they can be fed with food if needed. “Always start with high doses, so you will be able to tell whether or not your dog responds,” Straus says. “If you see improvement, reduce the dosage to see if the improvement can be maintained at a lower dose. If you don’t see any change within three to four weeks, try another supplement.”

Straus listed Arthroplex from Thorne Veterinary, SynFlex from Synflex America, Synovi G3 from DVM Pharmaceuticals, and K9 Glucosamine from Liquid Health. Products labeled for human use that contain glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and green-lipped mussel can be used as well, and manganese in the supplement may improve absorption.

GAGs work by decreasing the production of harmful inflammatory compounds that adversely affect the cartilage matrix. In addition to reducing pain and inflammation, GAGs stimulate cartilage synthesis, support new joint cartilage, and increase the synthesis of proteoglycans, the joint lubricant hyaluronic acid, and collagen, all of which are needed for proper joint structure and function.

Individual responses vary, and GAGs are not effective in all animals. A dog may have to take a GAG supplement for one to two months before noticing improvement.

Oral supplements are affordable, convenient, and often effective, but injectable GAGs can be used in addition for faster results. Injectable GAGs include Adequan and Cartrophen Vet, which are administered by veterinarians.

Treatment with Adequan (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan) involves twice-weekly intramuscular injections for a month, during which it prevents the breakdown of cartilage and may promote the development of new cartilage.

Cartrophen Vet, given in weekly subcutaneous injections, reduces pain and lameness in 80 percent of pets. The series of four injections is given once a year for mild cases and up to three times per year for severe cases. Cartrophen Vet is said to prevent destructive enzymes from breaking down collagen, stimulate the body’s production of cartilage and joint lubricant, clear blood-vessel blockages to deliver nutrition to joints and bones, and stimulate the production of anti-oxidants.

Other Nutraceuticals for Arthritis

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe, pronounced SAM-ee) is manufactured by the body when the essential amino acid methionine reacts with adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that carries energy. SAMe is used to treat a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis.

Products containing 200 mg SAM-e are appropriate for most dogs weighing more than 15 pounds.

Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM) is a naturally occurring form of sulfur produced by ocean planktons and that can also be found in cow’s milk, meat, sea vegetables, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Low concentrations of MSM in the body may result in physical and psychological stress, organ and tissue malfunction, and fatigue. Sulfur deficiencies result in canine skin and coat problems, poor GI and immune systems, joint pain, and arthritis.

MSM supplements are sold as powders and capsules with a recommended dose for dogs of 50 to 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. MSM powder can be mixed with food.

DL-Phenylalanine(DLPA) is an essential amino acid used to treat both depression and chronic pain. It works by intensifying and prolonging the body’s natural painkilling response. Studies have shown that the D-form inhibits several enzymes that are responsible for the destruction of endorphins, the body’s endogenously produced pain-killing hormones.

The suggested human dose, which can be adjusted for your dog’s weight, is 750 mg three times a day, taken 15 to 30 minutes before each meal. Most patients respond within one to two weeks. Rather than dosing continuously, DLPA can be given for one week per month to maintain results. Do not combine DLPA with MAOI drugs like Anipryl, used to treat Cushing’s Disease and canine cognitive dysfunction, or amitraz, an ingredient in tick collars.

Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring polyanionic, polysaccharide consisting of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and beta-glucoronic acid, is a constituent of joint fluid. It acts as a protective structure stabilizer and shock absorber. Use a product labeled for pet use, such as ActiPet Hyaluronic Acid for Dogs, which contains 20 mg per tablet, or adjust a human product for your dog’s weight.

Cetyl myristoleate or cis-9-cetyl myristoleate is a fatty acid derivative discovered in 1972. It has been shown to help with several health conditions, including chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and is usually taken as a supplement but can be applied externally. Popular products for dogs include Cetyl M from Response Products (which contains Cetyl myristoleate, marine-source glucosamine HCl, garlic, bromelain, and ginger root) and Myristin Hip and Joint Formula from EHP Products, Inc., (which contains Cetyl myristoleate, glucosamine sulfate, MSM, bromelain, curcumin, vitamin C, manganese citrate, lipase, and lecithin).

Eating the Right Fats Will Help Arthritis

Polyunsaturated vegetable oils like soy and corn oil contain linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that is essential in the diet. Note, though, that too much can trigger inflammation, especially if the ratio of omega-6 to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil is too high. Never add vegetable oils to a commercial diet, and add only the amount needed to a homemade diet.

Coconut oil, which has become a popular pet supplement, contains saturated fats. No one has tested its effect on dogs in clinical trials, but reports published on Internet forums and Dr. Bruce Fife’s book Coconut Therapy for Pets (Picadilly Books, 2014) document how adding coconut oil to food has helped overweight dogs and dogs with arthritis grow leaner, stronger, and more lively. The recommended dose is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily, but start with less, as too much too fast can produce diarrhea. Inactive dogs should receive less in order to avoid weight gain, as each teaspoon of oil adds 40 calories. (See “How Coconut Oil Benefits Your Dog’s Health,” October 2005, and “Updated Alternative Treatments and Supplements,” November 2013, for more information.)

Fish Oils for Arthritic Dogs

Salmon and other fish oils are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation, in contrast to the omega-6 fatty acids in polyunsaturated vegetable oils. Fish oils contain EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which block inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. They are converted by the body into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins.

Omega-3 supplements with 300 mg combined EPA and DHA are widely prescribed for dogs. Give up to 1 gelcap per 10 pounds of body weight daily, or if using a product containing 500 mg EPA/DHA, give 1 gelcap per 15-20 pounds of body weight daily. Adjust liquid fish oil dosages to 300 mg combined EPA/DHA per 10 pounds of body weight. Higher doses can interfere with platelets and increase bleeding as well as increase rather than reduce inflammation.

Unless they are fermented products, refrigerate liquid fish oils to prevent rancidity.

One ounce of canned sardines, jack mackerel, or pink salmon with bones provides about 300 mg combined EPA and DHA. Krill oil and whole fish contain EPA and DHA that may provide similar benefits in smaller doses.

As Mary Straus explains, “You must supplement with vitamin E whenever you are giving PUFAs such as fish oils, otherwise the body will be depleted of this vitamin. Give up to 3 to 7 IUs per pound of body weight daily, with small dogs getting more per pound than large dogs. You can also give equivalent amounts less often. For example, a dog weighing 100 pounds might get as much as 400 IUs daily, while a 10-pound dog could be given 200 IUs every three or four days.”

Gelatin and Collagen for Dogs

Gelatin, a protein made from animal products, is familiar as a fruit-flavored dessert, but by itself, gelatin soothes the digestive tract and helps improve the assimilation of nutrients. Gelatin contains collagen, one of the materials that make up bone and cartilage, and Type II collagen supplements are derived from cartilage.

Extensive research in the early 20th century showed gelatin to be an important inflammation fighter, and its benefits are being rediscovered. In “Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease” (Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, October 2000), Dr. Roland Moskowitz published a literature review on collagen hydrolysate in the treatment of arthritis in humans, concluding, “Clinical studies suggest that the ingestion of 10 grams PCH [pharmaceutical grade collagen hydrolysate] daily reduces pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, and blood concentration of hydroxyproline is increased.”

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study of the effectiveness of collagen peptide (linked amino acids) on osteoarthritis published in the March 2015 Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture concluded, “The study demonstrated that collagen peptides are potential therapeutic agents as nutritional supplements for the management of osteoarthritis and maintenance of joint health.”

The Weston A. Price Foundation (westonaprice.org), which advocates traditional diets for humans and pets, promotes the use of bone broth, which is rich in collagen, as a daily digestive aid.

The recipe couldn’t be simpler: just fill a stock or crock pot with bones (chicken, beef, lamb, etc.), cover them with water, add 2 tablespoons cider vinegar and wait for an hour to increase the broth’s mineral content, then cover and cook on low heat for 12, 24, or 36 hours. Strain or remove the bones and store the broth in glass jars. Bone broth thickens when refrigerated and can be added to any dog’s dinner for improved digestion, nutrient assimilation, and joint health. Add approximately 1 heaping tablespoon per 20 pounds of body weight per day.

Alternatively, mix a powdered gelatin or collagen hydrolysate with water before adding it to food. Start with 1 teaspoon for a 50-pound dog and gradually increase to 2 or 3 teaspoons. Adjust for smaller or larger dogs. Look for products made from grass-fed animals.

Digestive and Systemic Oral Enzymes for Dogs

Pancreatin, bromelain, papain, amylase, protease, lipase, and other enzymes are familiar digestive aids. They can be added to your dog’s dinner to improve the assimilation of nutrients.

Clinical trials and anecdotal reports support the use of digestive enzymes with food, digestive enzymes without food between meals, and enteric-coated enzymes between meals for the treatment of arthritis.

Prozyme Enzyme Supplement, manufactured by Lambert Kay, contains lactose, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger, and pineapple stem and fruit. Begin with a small quantity and gradually increase to the recommended dose of 1/4 teaspoon for every cup of food given. Double the dose for dogs age 8 and older.

NZymes Anti-Oxidant Treats for Pets, manufactured by Nzymes.com, contain dried ground soybean sprouts, heat-stabilized rice bran, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, selenium yeast, defatted liver natural beef flavor. stearic acid, cellulose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Give one treat daily per 50 pounds of body weight.

Systemic oral enzyme therapy uses digestive enzymes but encases them in an enteric coating, which prevents the tablets from breaking down in the stomach. Instead, they release their contents in the small intestine, allowing the enzymes to circulate in the blood to all parts of the body, including inflamed joints.

Wobenzym contains pancreatin, bromelain, papain, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and rutin. Flavenzym, Medizym, and Medizym Fido have similar formulas. Because enzymes have a blood-thinning effect, they should not be given between meals to dogs with bleeding disorders and should be used with caution in combination with blood-thinning medications or immediately before surgery. (See “Alternative Treatment and Supplement Recommendations,” WDJ October 2013, for more information about these products.)

All of the products mentioned here are sold online and in pet supply stores.

In the next issue, we’ll look at traditional and modern plant-based treatments that use medicinal herbs and essential oils to help your best friend enjoy an active life despite arthritis.

CJ Puotinen is the author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and other books. She and her husband live in Montana with a 13-year-old Labrador Retriever and a 12-year-old Cairn Terrier.

The post Identifying Arthritis in Dogs appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Cold therapy reduces inflammation, decreases pain, and reduces swelling, and is used for acute injuries, chronic arthritis, or inflammation. Apply no longer than 20 minutes; you don’t want to freeze the skin. You can use cold packs up to five times per day. Use a thin cloth between the cold pack and skin.

To make your own cold packs, take a Ziploc bag and add 2/3 cup water and 1/3 cup of isopropyl alcohol. Seal bag, place in a second bag, and put in freezer. This will turn to slush, which will easily conform to your dog’s body. Alternatively, wet a towel and put in freezer to freeze. Take it out, place it in a plastic bag, and wrap it around an affected limb.

When to apply cold packs:

✓ Swollen or inflamed joints. (Move your hands over your dog and feel the temperature of the skin. You will be able to feel heat over areas that are inflamed.)

✓ Muscle spasms.

HEAT PACKS

Heat creates vasodilation and increases nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues, which aids in the repair process. Heat helps the muscles relax, is considered soothing, and can improve range of motion. Apply for 15 to 20 minutes.

To make your own heat packs, soak a small towel in hot water and then place it in a plastic bag. Lay a thin cloth or towel over the dog, and apply the warm pack. Alternatively, wet a towel and heat briefly in a microwave (the time will vary depending on the power of your microwave). After making sure that no spot in the towel is too hot, put a thin cloth on the affected area on the dog and apply the towel over the cloth.

When to use heat packs:

✓ After any swelling has subsided, use heat for stiffness.

✓ Use before stretching limbs or going for a walk. This aids with tissue elongation, helping to improve your dog’s gait and range of motion.

HOT AND COLD TOGETHER

Applying a hot or warm pack for 15 minutes and then placing a cold pack for 15 minutes stimulates a flushing action. Warmth causes vasodilation, bringing more blood to the site. Then the cold causes vasoconstriction, sending the blood away, taking with it toxins and creating a flushing effect.

The post The Difference Between Cold Pack And Hot Pack For Arthritic Dogs appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

• Get a definitive diagnosis.
• Use diet and exercise to take extra weight off your dog.
• Maintain exercise but change long walks to more frequent, shorter walks.
• Consider nutrition. Foods that help with arthritis are papaya, alfalfa, celery, and ginger.
• Raising water and food bowls can reduce strain in the neck or back of an arthritic dog; some arthritic dogs may not eat or drink as much as they should without this sort of accommodation. Note, however, that raised bowls are contraindicated for dogs who are prone to bloat. Ask your veterinarian whether your dog is at risk for bloat.
• Put carpet runners on hardwood floors. Try to prevent your dog from slipping, as this creates unwanted stress on the entire body.
• Provide a soft, supportive bed.
• Keep nails trimmed. If nails are too long they can change the gait on the dog, causing skeletal changes and arthritis in the foot/toes.
• Use a ramp where needed (for helping your dog get in and out of the car, on to your bed or sofa, etc.). This will reduce strain on his knees and hips.
• If your dog is having trouble getting up or walking on his own, check out slings, rear-end harnesses, wheelchairs, or carts to help keep him moving.
• Consider physical, laser, and massage therapy, acu-puncture, and supplements. All or a combination of these will improve the quality of your arthritic dog’s life.

DON’T:

• Self-diagnose.
• Force an exercise regimen that your dog is not comfortable with.
• Try any stretching of limbs without being properly trained.
• Discontinue exercise. A certain amount of exercise remains important for your arthritic dog; it is necessary to help maintain muscle strength and mobility.
• Ignore your dog’s extra weight. Your dog will feel so much better after taking that extra burden off sore joints.
• Ignore sliding or falling. Don’t underestimate how damaging continual sliding and falling can be on the arthritic dog’s body.
• Give any medication without veterinary approval.

The post Your Dog Has Just Been Diagnosed With Osteoarthritis – Now What? appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

There are many wonderful complementary treatments for dogs with Osteoarthritis (OA). None will cure or heal the arthritic joint, but a combination of treatments can very well restore vitality and decrease discomfort, making a happy walk in the park a reality once again.

• Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, and avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) can all work to slow joint degeneration. The combination of these over several months can improve function and decrease pain. Can also be used as preventive.
• Turmeric and curcumin together are a potent anti-inflammatory. See “Spice It Up!” WDJ December 2014 for more about what type to buy and how much to give.
• Adequan is a synthetic, injectable medication, available by veterinary prescription only. It’s thought to help increase the viscosity of the synovial fluid, which acts as the lubricant in a joint. It may be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. One school of thought is that the earlier Adequan is administered, the better it will modulate the arthritic progression.
• Hydrotherapy is ideal for arthritic dogs. The buoyancy of the water takes weight off the joints, allowing movement without pain and building strength in muscles that otherwise may become atrophied.
• Acupuncture is widely accepted by conventional veterinary practitioners, as it is highly effective at reducing pain and the heat that goes along with inflammation. Many dogs relax and fall asleep during treatment and there can be a noticeable improvement in function.
• Laser therapy can penetrate deeply, down to a cellular level, depending on the type of laser used. At its most powerful, it exponentially increases circulation and works to repair damaged tissue. It is a highly effective pain and inflammation reducer.
• Practiced under the supervision of a veterinarian and/or physical therapist at canine rehabilitation facilities, strength-building, balance, and conditioning exercises are the ultimate in helping your arthritic friend.
• Conventional veterinary treatments include NSAIDS and steroids. These can be highly effective, but given in high doses or for long periods of time, they can cause serious side effects. Consider these as “heavy artillery” and reserve their use for severe cases and when none of the gentler therapies can relieve your dog’s pain. Also, make sure you and your veterinarian follow through with regular blood tests, to monitor whether the drugs are compromising your dog’s liver function.
• Don’t forget massage therapy! It can provide relief and improves the healing of soft tissues that are irritated or inflamed, breaks up scar tissue that may form around arthritic joints, relieves stiffness, and promotes better flexibility and range of motion.

The post Manage Your Dog’s Osteoarthritis Through Complementary Therapies appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Remember: the products mentioned here are only the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous companies making innovative assistive products; what we’re hoping to do here is to get you thinking about some of the possibilities!

No Slip Solutions

My husband and I purchased our home, in large part, to suit our dogs. What could be better than a one-level home with hard wood floors and no stairs to navigate? The single-level layout worked well as our dogs aged, but in their senior eyes, the hardwood floors have become a skating rink.

I dreaded the thought of buying carpet runners. They’d need a rug pad so they wouldn’t slip; they’d have to be vacuumed regularly; carpet is a breeding ground for fleas (especially here in the hot, humid south); and often, runners come with a dreadful chemical smell that takes a while to dissipate.

I was thrilled when I discovered a relatively inexpensive product called CarpetSaver, a lightweight, cotton blend, foam-backed terry runner that’s machine washable. I ordered a remnant roll and was able to cut the fabric easily with household scissors to varying lengths. Although this product will never make the cover of House Beautiful and is only available in four basic colors, I’ve been pleased with the quality, durability, and wash-ability of the product, along with the ease with which my elderly Bouvier, Jolie, now navigates through the house without missing a beat. I’ve gotten a return on my investment many times over! Suggested retail price is $20 and up; remnants and overstock sometimes available.

In some areas of our house, I’ve put down yoga mats for improved traction. They’re easy to keep clean; just pick up and shake out or vacuum. I recently learned that yoga matting is available in bulk rolls. A trainer friend lined the cargo area of her Honda Element with roll matting, making her English Mastiff very happy. The matting offers a great, grippy surface to walk on, but I’ve also found that guest dogs in our home gravitate to the mats as a comfy place to nap. Although I purchased Jolie’s yoga mats at a discount store for about $10 each, I recently found a 24″ x 104″ x ¼” roll of matting online for $125.

Front Limb Care

The signature product of DogLeggs Therapeutic & Rehabilitative Products is their Standard Adjustable DogLeggs. This product offers coverage, padding, and protection for elbow joints, and is regularly used to treat and prevent elbow hygromas – fluid-filled swellings at the point of one or both elbows, which can arise as the result of trauma or even from a dog lying for long periods of time on hard surfaces. In that case, over time, the point of the elbow bone traumatizes the soft tissue, causing inflammation and leading to the formation of a fluid-filled sac. 

Standard Adjustable DogLeggs can also be used to help with a variety of other conditions, including elbow arthritis, decubital ulcers, pressure sores, and calluses, and a full length model for more coverage is available as well.

Consumers can measure their dogs themselves and order this product direct from the company; however, company spokesman John-Henry Gross believes that the best results are achieved when the client works with her dog’s veterinarian to measure and order the leggings. It’s also important to involve your veterinarian to be sure that what you’re looking at on your dog is a hygroma. Suggested retail: $108 (standard); $128 (full).

Hind-End Support

In our March issue, we talked about full body harnesses. In some cases, such as when a dog requires only hind-end assistance (i.e., post surgery), a full body harness might not be necessary. For those times, the Walkabout Back Harness (as seen on the facing page) is a great option. It’s made of a neoprene fabric with polypropylene webbing straps. It’s sturdy; has long, substantial handle straps (to save our backs!); and fits both male and female dogs.

To put the harness on, lay it flat on the floor and put the dog’s hind legs through two holes; the harness then wraps up over the dog’s back, closing with Velcro and buckles. I’ve had the chance to see the harness in action while being used to get a large dog (post-surgery, with two fractured hips) up and outside to eliminate, and it worked very well. While homemade works in some situations, I’ve seen firsthand that a product like this beats the old towel-under-the-belly, hands down. Suggested retail: $35 – $78.

Also in March, we mentioned one canine wheelchair, suggested by a veterinarian who specializes in canine rehab, as an example of the canine wheelchair-type products available. There are a number of other canine wheelchair makers, and each has products with unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. If your dog would benefit from a mobility cart, check out the offerings from the following companies to see what might work best for your dog, situation, and budget:

Doggon’ Wheels
888-7-DOGGON; doggon.com

Eddie’s Wheels
(888) 211-2700; eddieswheels.com

K9 Carts
(800) 578-6960; K9-carts.com

Healing Heat

Heat can offer our pets’ aching joints relief from pain, especially in cold, damp weather. The HipHug is a 100 percent cotton, rice-filled pad that you can heat in the microwave. What’s unique about the HipHug is that its cute bone shape is actually utilitarian: the way the pad is cut, it envelops and shapes to the dog’s hips and lower back nicely. The rice creates moist heat, easing joint pain and relaxing muscles.

As someone who spent this past winter getting up early to heat a pad to warm 14-year-old Jolie’s back and knees before her morning walk, I can attest that heat used properly can make a big difference in loosening up painful joints. Suggested retail: $13 – $25.
 
DogLeggs offers a similar product, the Buddy Bag, for hot or cold therapy.

How to Introduce New Equipment

Trainer and behaviorist Jean Donaldson posted a short video on YouTube of her Chow Chow, Buffy, gleefully accepting and wearing a stifle brace. In December 2010, then nine-year-old Buffy was diagnosed with a CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) tear. Donaldson chose to manage the injury conservatively, rather than subject Buffy to surgery, and opted for a stifle (knee) brace from OrthoPets. The brace helps prevent re-injury while the dog builds scar tissue and muscle around the injured knee.

In the video, Buffy was pretty happy to have Jean put on her brace. Donaldson spent time desensitizing Buffy to the brace before asking her to wear it. In fact, she first prepared Buffy for the casting procedure performed by Buffy’s veterinarian Anne Reed, DVM, which was required for fabrication of the brace. Dr. Reed was so impressed with Buffy’s cooperation during the casting that she asked Donaldson to write up a protocol for her to share with other brace clients. Donaldson graciously agreed to share it with us as well (see below).

After the casting, Donaldson prepared Buffy for the brace itself. Here’s how, in her words: “Show brace, then big pay-off (chicken). Touch leg with brace, then big pay-off. Hold brace against leg, then big pay-off. Add duration, paying off throughout. Add duration, pay off at end. Put brace on briefly, paying throughout. Put brace on, pay with intervals between installments. Put brace on, short walkies. Longer walkies.” She says it took only a few days for Buffy to willingly accept the brace but admits that the training she did for the casting likely sped up the process.

Buffy was rested for about eight weeks, then exposed to a gradual increase in length of walks and activity level, given supplements, and kept lean. Donaldson reports, “Buffy wears the brace for any activity where she might attempt a ‘sudden sprint.’  OrthoPets’ recommendation is for a dog to wear it for a maximum of eight hours a day.  Buffy’s not a bouncing-off-the-walls kind of dog, so indoors she doesn’t wear it.” The plan is to gradually reduce the time Buffy wears the brace. See the video, “I’m Too Sexy for My Brace,” at tinyurl.com/buffybrace.

Lisa Rodier shares her home in Georgia with her husband and senior Bouvier, Jolie.

The post Orthopedic Equipment for Dogs that Increase Joint Support and Overall Mobility appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

As someone who has shared her life recently with two large breed, geriatric dogs, I can attest firsthand that having a little bit of help can make all the difference in the world. Axel, our 85 lb. Bouvier, in particular, needed assistance toward the end of his life with getting up from lying down, being lightly supported during toileting, and occasionally steadied while walking. We used a few of the products listed below and found that they helped him maintain a good quality of life, mobility, and independence while lessening the physical strain on us.

I asked two veterinarians who specialize in canine rehabilitation to share some of their top picks for canine assistive/rehabilitative equipment. Laurie McCauley, DVM, CCRT, is founder and medical director of TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation in Grayslake, Illinois, and is considered one of the pioneers in the field of veterinary rehabilitation. Evelyn Orenbuch, DVM, CAVCA, CCRT, recently opened Georgia Veterinary Rehabilitation, Fitness and Pain Management in Marietta, Georgia, and has focused on veterinary rehab medicine since 2003. (Full disclosure: I have worked with Dr. Orenbuch in my capacity as a marketing consultant during the launch of her new clinic.)

Orthopedic Dog Harnesses

My favorite tool (and that of both veterinarians) is RuffWear’s Web Master™ Harness, described as a supportive, multi-use harness. Originally designed for dogs with active lifestyles (e.g., hiking, search and rescue), the harness has gained a big following with pet people looking for a way to give their dogs assistance in getting up and moving around, whether it be post-surgery or due to a degenerative or other medical condition. The harness features a well-placed, large handle, and is sturdy, machine-washable, and great for helping a dog up, or providing a steadying hand. The only downside is that the dog is required to lift a front paw to get into the harness. Suggested retail price: $50.

Offering more support is the Help ‘Em Up Harness from Blue Dog Designs. Both vets and I also give this product four paws up. The Help ‘Em Up is a complete shoulder and hip harness system, featuring two comfortable, rubber handles, one at the front and one at the back. The harness is well made, machine washable, and the front support is detachable from the back. To put the harness on, you don’t need to lift any of the dog’s limbs; I was even able to put it on my Bouvier, Axel, when he was lying down. Suggested retail price: $90 to $110.

Both the Web Master and Help ‘Em Up are comfortable enough for the dog to wear throughout the day in the house.

Orthopedic Foot Wear for Dogs

For dogs who have difficulty navigating slippery floors, Dr. McCauley likes Show Foot™ Anti-Slip Spray by Bio-Groom. Show Foot can be sprayed directly on the bottom of the dog’s feet (pads), or, if the dog is sensitive to the spray sound, can be sprayed on a cotton ball and dabbed on. The spray makes the feet feel tacky so they are less likely to slide on indoor slick surfaces.

Having hardwood floors in our house, I tried this product with Axel and found some success. It did leave some smudges where he walked, but they were easily wiped up. Priced at about $10.

Particularly for outdoor use, but great for any dog needing extra traction indoors or out, Dr. McCauley recommends Thera-Paw boots by Thera-Paw. These boots are made of a comfortable, breathable, lightweight, washable neoprene material. They are unique in that they have a front opening, so they’re great for dogs who don’t like to put their feet into boots. The boots use a Velcro closure, and have a natural flex point.

Although suitable for indoor use, these boots are especially good for dogs who need help outside or who chew their feet. The boots are sold individually, which is a nice option if your dog needs only two. Suggested retail: $22.

Mobility Devices for Dogs

For dogs who have limited hind end mobility and strength, Walkin’ Wheels offers a two-wheeled adjustable wheelchair that can be adapted as your dog’s needs change.

When a dog first requires a cart, he might be strong in the front end. But with time, or if he has a condition such as degenerative myelopathy, his front end can become weak, too. Dr. McCauley likes Walkin’ Wheels because the angle of the wheels, and therefore the cart’s balance point, can be changed to take the weight off of the dog’s front end, allowing longer ambulatory quality of life for him.

The company sells direct to consumers, and there are numerous instructional videos on fit and sizing on the company website. However, Dr. McCauley recommends that consumers work with their rehab veterinarian to get the correct fit. Walkin’ Wheels are priced from about $250 to $500.

For dogs who cannot put their full weight on their front limbs, but still have motor ability in their hind limbs, Dr. Orenbuch likes a four-wheeled cart, so that the dog can continue to engage his hind legs. A “quad cart” can give the dog support by transferring his weight to the wheels while allowing him to use his legs as much or as little as possible.

Putting a disabled dog into a cart does not have to signal the end, says Dr. Orenbuch. Depending on your pet’s condition, using a quad cart can actually speed the rehab process, allowing the dog to achieve greater mobility. She does not have a particular model that is a favorite. Talk with your dog’s rehab vet about whether your dog is a candidate for a quad cart.

Other Aids for Old or Injured Dogs

Dr. Orenbuch casts a vote for another Thera-Paw product, the Hind Limb Dorsi-Flex Assist. These light-weight custom braces provide support and stability for weak or dragging rear paws. Dr. Orenbuch likes them for dogs who have neurologic deficits such as degenerative myelopathy or disc disease, and whose rear toes knuckle, or turn under, as a result.

This product allows those dogs to walk nearly normally and have been used on dogs ranging from a 2-lb. Chihuahua to a 220-lb. Bull Mastiff. She cautions that they are not, carte blanche, for any dog with these conditions, and should be prescribed and fitted by your rehab veterinarian. They generally retail for $75 and up; this is typically a custom-ordered and custom-made product.

Many older dogs have chronically overused or injured their wrists, resulting in arthritis. For those dogs, or others who have wrist pain or have stretched the ligaments that stabilize the wrist, Dr. McCauley recommends Canine Icer Carpal Wraps. Many people don’t realize that sore wrists are a problem for their dogs. How can you tell? If your dog has his shoulder and elbow bent, when you bend his wrist downward, his toes should be able to touch his forearm. If this motion is uncomfortable, or if he tightens his muscles or pulls away, then Carpal Wraps can help.

Carpal support is also good for dogs whose wrist joints bend the “wrong way” when they’re standing. These dogs have hyperextension, and carpal support can help slow the progression of arthritis and the accompanying discomfort. Dr. McCauley likes the Carpal Wraps because they do not stop the dog from using the wrist (immobilization makes the joint weaker) but work by preventing the wrist from hyper-extending (which is what causes pain). She recommends dogs wear them on walks or when playing or running around. Suggested retail price: $21 (each).

Lisa Rodier is a frequent contributor to WDJ. She recently assisted in the launch of the Georgia Veterinary Rehabilitation, Fitness, and Pain Management facility. She shares her home with her husband and senior Bouvier, Jolie.

The post Orthopedic Equipment for Dogs Designed for Increased Mobility and Extra Support appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.