Amy Thompson
Joint issues are becoming increasingly common in dogs of all ages, affecting their quality of life and mobility. Luckily, using some of the best herbs for arthritis in dogs can help.
Many dog owners are searching for natural remedies to help alleviate their pets' discomfort.
These natural remedies can offer significant support for your dog's joint health while promoting overall wellness. By incorporating herbs into your dog's routine, you can help maintain their mobility and comfort as they age or support recovery from joint injuries.
The 10 Best Herbs For Joint Support
The herbs below may help enhance bone and joint health, and can be a valuable part of a holistic joint health strategy for your dog.
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb known for its ability to help manage stress and cortisol, and support a healthy inflammatory response. It works synergistically with other herbs to reduce muscle fatigue, regulate adrenal glands, and support the immune system.
This makes it a versatile and powerful option for supporting your dog's joint health and overall well-being.
2. Eleuthero Root
Eleuthero root, an antioxidant, helps prevent lactic acid buildup when used daily. This is particularly beneficial for athletic dogs, as it helps manage inflammation in the joints, connective tissue, ligaments, and tendons.
Eleuthero root can also help blunt immune depletion from overactivity, making it a valuable addition to your dog's joint health regimen.
3. Amalaki
Amalaki is a nutritive and rejuvenating herb that is rich in vitamin C. It provides a range of antioxidants essential for supporting joint health and supporting a healthy inflammatory response.
Amalaki contains potent antioxidant enzymes like glutathione, peroxidase, and catalase, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), which promotes cell rejuvenation and repair while reducing damage caused by free radicals. Its high concentration of amino acids, trace minerals, and phytonutrients makes it effective in repairing connective tissue disorders and managing arthritis.
4. Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is known for its immune support properties, making it effective for managing osteoarthritis and joint debility. It's well-known for supporting a healthy inflammatory response.
Cat's claw is particularly useful for Lyme-triggered arthritis due to its high antioxidant activity, which helps protect the joints from further damage.
5. Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw is an analgesic herb that quickly supports joint health and mobility by helping maintain a healthy inflammatory response. It is high in magnesium, which is essential for metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
Devil’s claw is often referred to as the circulatory mineral due to its regulating effect on muscle contractions, making it a valuable herb for maintaining joint health.
6. Ginger
Ginger may support joint health by stopping the immune system’s production of leukotrienes. As a heating herb, it is best used in combination with cooling herbs for synergy.
Ginger combines well with turmeric, devil’s claw, and boswellia to enhance its joint health benefits.
7. Solomon’s Seal
Solomon’s seal is known in Chinese medicine for its ability to moisten dryness, support discomfort, and address various types of spasms. It is effective for bone spurs and arthritic joints and combines well with glucosamine, amalaki, and boswellia for supporting joint health.
Some research suggests that it can even rewrite the DNA of anything spinal-specific, making it a potent herb for joint health.
8. Comfrey Leaf
Comfrey leaf supports healthy connective tissue, ligaments, and tendons.
It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, silicon, selenium, protein, potassium, chromium, and calcium, making it an excellent herb for supporting joint health.
9. Boswellia
Boswellia is a herb with anti-inflammatory properties that has been used for thousands of years. It comes from the sap of the boswellia tree grown in India and is dried into a resin.
Boswellia can support healthy connective tissues and help maintain a normal inflammatory response, making it a valuable herb for maintaining joint health.
10. Poria Mushrooms
Poria mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are known for enhancing the immune response. They can also help support a healthy inflammatory response and aid in maintaining joint mobility.
Look for Poria Mushroom supplements specifically formulated for dogs, and follow the dosage instructions provided. Typically, the dosage is based on your dog's weight, so adjust accordingly to ensure optimal benefits.
How To Choose Herbs For Your Dog’s Joints
Selecting the right herbal remedies for your dog's joints can be a daunting task. It's important to choose herbs that nourish, supply, and fortify your dog’s musculoskeletal system. Several blends available on the market contain some of these herbs, and you can use this list as a guide to find a complete supplement.
Consulting a holistic veterinarian or herbalist can help you create a custom supplement tailored to your dog's specific needs. Remember that your dog's requirements will change with healing, age, and activity levels.
Herb Dosage For Dogs
Many of the herbs above are often sold for human use. When using herbs sold for human use, it's essential to adjust the recommended dose for your dog’s body weight.
Typically, the recommended dose for a 150 lb human should be scaled down according to your dog's weight.
For example, if your dog weighs 50 lbs, you would give them one-third of the human dosage.
Lifestyle Changes To Support Joint Health In Dogs
Exercise
A sedentary lifestyle is responsible for joint issues in over 70% of cases. Ensure your dog gets regular exercise to maintain joint health and avoid the weekend warrior syndrome, where sporadic, intense activity can lead to injuries and inflammation.
Arthritic dogs may have to take it a bit easier in terms of exercise, but they still need to get outside and be active.
Nutrition
Feeding your dog a balanced diet with whole food nutrition is crucial for joint health. Avoid processed foods that create heat or an inflammatory response due to synthetic and genetically modified ingredients. Incorporate joint supplements into your dog's daily diet to support their musculoskeletal system.
Age And Weight
As your dog ages, their activity levels decrease, necessitating adjustments in their calorie intake to prevent weight gain and additional joint stress. Maintain a moderate exercise routine to preserve muscle mass and joint flexibility, but avoid activities that may cause further joint damage.
Toxins
Limit your dog’s exposure to toxins such as genetically modified foods, heavy metals, and lawn chemicals. Opt for natural remedies and detox supplements to cleanse your dog’s system from these harmful substances.
By following these joint-protective measures and incorporating herbs into your dog's routine, you can provide a higher quality of life for your dog without side effects.
FAQ
What herbs are good for dogs with arthritis? Herbs such as ashwagandha, eleuthero root, amalaki, and ginger are known for their arthritis support benefits and can support joint function and a healthy inflammatory response without the side effects of some drugs with pain-relieving properties.
What is the best natural pain support for dogs? Ginger is one of the best natural supports for joint discomfort in dogs, as it supports a natural inflammatory response, which may make it a valuable addition to pain management strategies for arthritis and other joint issues.
What is Chinese medicine for arthritis in dogs? Chinese medicine for arthritis in dogs often includes herbal remedies such as Solomon’s seal and boswellia, which help support the immune system and maintain healthy joint function, providing a holistic approach to managing chronic pain and osteoarthritis symptoms.
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