Natural Arthritis Solutions for Your Pet

As pet owners, it’s difficult to see our beloved pets age. But, as time goes on, our furry friends start to show those same common signs of aging (like greying fur or moving slower) just like us humans do.

A common issue our pets face as they grow older is joint pain. Just as in people, arthritis develops when the cartilage between joints wears away from frequent use or injury.

Unfortunately, arthritis can be painful and often changes our once playful pets. The good news is that there are many ways to help manage and prevent arthritis naturally to restore your pet’s health.

Read on to learn about someof the common natural remedies for joint pain that can help your pet overcome arthritis and enjoy every moment of their silver years!

Does Your Dog or Cat Have Arthritis?

While your trusted veterinarian can also tell you if your pet has arthritis, some pets start to develop issues during their annual visits. By keeping a good eye on your pet’s behavior, you can spot the signs of arthritis early and slow their joint damage.

So, how can you tell if your dog or cat is developing a joint issue?

Changes in your pet’s habits and movements are usually clear giveaways. You may have noticed that your pet seems to be slowing down and is not as energetic as before. Or, perhaps they no longer jump on or off their favorite furniture or show no interest in chasing after a ball in the backyard. In more severe cases, your pet may limb, moan, or even yelp when moving.

Other symptoms of arthritis are less clear. Your pet may start to sleep more than they used to, gain weight, lose muscle mass, act depressed, or eat less. When in doubt, speak to your veterinarian to start a healthy, holistic plan to get them back in motion.

3 Natural Ways to Help Ease Your Pet’s Arthritis

The conventional treatments for arthritis include medication, weight management, physical therapy, exercise, and surgery to remove bone spurs near arthritic joints. A holistic approach offers your pet a well-rounded and natural solution to their care.

Here are three natural solutions for help your pet manage arthritis:

1. Acupuncture
   Acupuncture is well-known for easing pain in humans, and it works just as well for dogs, cats, horses, and other animals. Acupuncture helps reduce arthritis symptoms by stimulating the nervous system and quieting pain signals. Blood flow increases to all areas, including the joints, which helps to reduce inflammation and heal any damaged tissue. Acupuncture also releases endorphins (natural pain killers) which soothe pain and relax our pets.
2. Anti-inflammatory diet
   When it comes to joint pain, eating the right foods can make all the difference. Help your pet stay pain-free by avoiding highly inflammatory pet foods and any foods that make arthritis pain worse. Then, support their joints with anti-inflammatory pet food and healthy treats. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial when reducing inflammation and improving joint function. You can use krill, sardine, and flaxseed oils in your pet’s food to enhance the omega-3 content and provide nourishing joint support.
3. Chinese herbal medicine
   Along with the arthritis remedies above, Chinese herbal medicine is an effective and safe solution for your pet’s joint pain. While some herbs have pain-relieving properties (like Ligusticum or Corydalis), others help fight arthritic inflammation and heal damage to the joints (like Turmeric and Boswellia).

   (Note: Arthritis and joint pain can be symptoms of a more complex medical condition. Because of this, and the fact that pets vary widely in size and constitution, only give your pets herbal medicine or other supplements after consulting with a holistic veterinarian.)

Top Chinese Herbal Formulas for Pet Arthritis and Joint Pain

• Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
  Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang is the go-to formula for senior pets or pets with arthritis that gets worse in cold or damp weather. It helps to stimulate your pet’s yang energy to relieve pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
• Si Miao Wan
  Si Miao Wan can help pets with lower leg weakness, numbness, low back pain, and hip dysplasia. While it helps to reduce pain and swelling in the joints, it also supports normal joint and muscle function to improve your pet’s mobility. This formula also helps manage Cushing’s Disease in pets (specifically overweight dogs).
• Reishi 415 Mushroom Powder
  Reishi is a medicinal mushroom with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties. It helps to boost longevity while also relaxing the mind. In conjunction with a pain-relieving herbal medicine, Reishi 415 can help to calm your pet, improve their sleep, and reduce the inflammation affecting the joints.

Ease Your Pet’s Arthritis Naturally

If you’ve noticed your pet seems to move slower than usual, or they have been diagnosed with arthritis, don’t fret. Joint pain is a common condition that affects most pets by the time they reach ten years old!

But, that doesn’t mean they are destined to live in pain. There are plenty of ways you can help them live their healthiest life. Fight back against the damaging effects of arthritis with holistic, natural solutions like acupuncture, anti-inflammatory foods, and Chinese herbal medicine.

With a well-rounded approach to your pet’s joint health, you’ll soon see that familiar pep in their step again. Shop now for natural Chinese herbal remedies for your pet’s best health.