When researching whether or not to employ arthritis supplements for dogs, ensure you firstly consider your pets diet. If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis then he needs to be getting basic amounts of magnesium as well as calcium and vitamin D to support his joint/bone integrity.

Arthritis supplements for dogs include of course glucosamine and chondroitin. They also can include herbal and vitamin based preparations to assist and support in treating your dogs arthritis.

Commercial dog food tends to have these supplements added as part of the manufacturing process. However, if you feed your dog a home made diet  which includes raw meat and bones then adding magnesium and vitamin D in the form of fish oils is recommended.

If you don’t give your dog bones then you need to supplement with calcium at around 1,000 mg for every pound of food. You can grind eggshells and produce 1,000 mg of calcium per half teaspoon, or buy one of the many available brands at your local pet store – certainly more expensive.

Other Arthritis Supplements For Dogs

• Boswellia – A research study conducted in 2004 found this herb to be very effective in treating arthritis in dogs.

• Quercetin – A bioflavonoid that could be more effective if given in combination with Bromelain, an enzyme derived from paw paw. Make sure that the Bromelain is not given with meals as it is absorbed better on an empty stomach.

• Curcumin – A herbal also known as Turmeric. Dosages vary depending on whether your dog is small, medium or large. A quarter teaspoon daily for small, half teaspoon for medium and a level teaspoon for large breeds.

• Always test these arthritis supplements for dogs by introducing them in small amounts to rule out any reactions that your dog may have. If your dog is already on aspirin or Rimadyl consult your vet before giving Turmeric as it can interract with other drugs as well as irritate existing stomach ulcers.

• SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)  Give this supplement along with a vitamin B complex supplement for real effectiveness. Not to be given with meals, rather a few hours either side of a feed.

The above suggestions are just a few of many natural and inexpensive ways to manage your dogs arthritic condition. If your pets arthritis is in the early stages then they may only need these supplements to bring about a real improvement in their mobility and pain levels.

On the other hand if your dog has been severely affected by arthritis then you need to speak with your vet and perhaps have a prescription for NSAIDs to augment your natural arthritis supplements for dogs.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 17th, 2012 at 12:50 am and is filed under Pain Relief. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.