Uncomfortable joints is something we worry about in our older years, but for dogs, it can begin from any age, with 20% of adult dogs experiencing some form of joint discomfort. Once your dog reaches 7 years old, the chances rise to 65%!
Joint discomfort occurs when the cartilage breaks down. Without cartilage, the bones start to rub together, and there isn’t enough lubrication to prevent friction. It can be uncomfortable, and even stop your dog from wanting to play, walk, or get up to greet you when you get home.
So, you’ll be wanting to think about how you can help your dog…
The thought of our beloved pups in discomfort is heartbreaking, which is why we need to do all we can to help them. And, here at the PetLab Co., we want to give you the best advice possible so that you can keep your dog safe from harm!
We’ve put together a list of foods and ingredients that can work as a dog joint discomfort home solutions- ingredients you can give to your dog individually, or what you should be looking out for in any supplements you buy. Keep reading to find out the best, natural ways to support joint health for dogs…
Dog Joint Discomfort Home Remedy
Turmeric
The live ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, and it has been proven to help target joint’s discomfort! Curcumin is what gives turmeric that bright orange color – but there’s much more to it than that.
Curcumin can have inflammatory balancing properties that can target occasional discomfort.
You can add a pinch of turmeric to your dog’s diet by mixing it into wet food. Don’t add too much, as it could make the food hard to swallow. Otherwise, you can find turmeric in supplements to help support your dog’s joints.
Ginger
Ginger is from the same family as turmeric and has some similar characteristics, so is worth considering as a dog joint support. It can promote a balanced inflammatory response, which can help with joint-related discomfort. The active ingredient is known as gingerol – this is proven to support joint health due to its natural benefits.
Glucosamine
Naturally produced by the body, glucosamine is a combination of glucose (sugar) and glutamine (an amino acid). It’s a component in the building of cartilage between the joints, but as your furry friend gets older, their bodies produce it less and less which is why supplementing it could be really helpful for their joints.
Fish Oil
Fish oil has an array of benefits for your dog’s health, but it’s particularly good for joint pain! You see, fish oil is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which contain inflammatory balancing properties, and help promote mobility in the joints.
Some pet parents also use fish oil to help keep their pup’s skin and coat healthy and shiny, and fish oil can even promote a healthy immune system and a healthy heart! The most popular type of fish oil is salmon oil, due to its safe levels of vitamins.
Fish oil can be high in calories, so if you’re feeding it regularly to your pooch, make sure you lower their calories elsewhere to avoid weight gain. Weight gain can worsen joint-related discomfort, making your attempts to help redundant!
Green Lipped Mussel
Native from New Zealand, these mussels are known by this name because of their green-edged shells. If you haven’t heard of them, they’re a popular ingredient that pet parents look out for when looking after their pal’s joints!
They contain high levels of natural glucosamine and omega-3 which can have inflammatory balancing properties and are proven to target joint-related discomfort. Omega-3 fatty acids can be vital to maintaining joint structure.
Calcium Fructoborate
Otherwise known as CFB, calcium fructoborate is a naturally occurring mineral found in certain plants and fruits. Studies have proven that it can help with joint discomforts even after a short period of time, which can make a positive impact on your dog’s mobility!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a number of talents, the main one being its inflammatory balancing properties. It can help to lubricate joints while addressing the occasional stiffness felt by dogs who experience occasional joint discomfort.
An added bonus is that coconut oil is known to boost energy levels, which will give your dog the strength to get up and move about, which can help keep joints mobile, maintain muscle, and keep your dog from gaining weight. You can mix some coconut oil into your dog’s food – start with a small amount, in case they’re hesitant about the taste…
Sweet Potatoes
If you want to add something to your dog’s food bowl that contains inflammatory balancing properties, sweet potatoes work a treat! They’re high in beta-carotene which is effective in targeting irritated joints.
Sweet potatoes contain amino acids which can help build up muscle, and therefore aid movement. Amino acids can also increase antioxidant activity! What a wonderful vegetable!
Dog Joint Discomfort Home Solution
Dogs are susceptible to as many health problems as we are, but it’s our responsibility to make sure they are not in discomfort unnecessarily!
If you’re unsure whether your dog is dealing with some occasional joint challenges, you should see your veterinarian for checkups at least once a year. It’s the best way to know if your pup has a secret complication that you nor they might have noticed!
Sources
Author Price, A K and de Godoy, M R C and Harper, T A and Knap K E and Joslyn S and Pietrzkowski, Z and Cross, B K and Detweiler, K B and Swanson, K S “Effects of dietary calcium fructoborate supplementation on joint comfort and flexibility and serum inflammatory markers in dogs with osteoarthritis” National Library Of Medicine, Jul. 2017 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28727103/
