NSAID or Natural? Joint Protection for Old Dogs

Both NSAIDs and natural supplements for dog arthritis are effective, yet only one provides joint protection over the duration of your dog's life. All-natural joint supplements for canine arthritis have been proven to be effective without the severe side-effects that prescribed drugs can inflict.

Old dogs with arthritis in their joints have two basic approaches to managing the pain and discomfort: NSAID or natural. With degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, it can be treated with either option. However, if you dog suffers from inflammatory arthritis, a vet will need to prescribe antibiotics. It is always a good idea to get an initial assessment of your dog's arthritis so that it can be treated most effectively. Joint pain, as a result of canine osteoarthritis, can manifest itself in several symptoms. The most common symptoms are soreness, lethargy, limping, stiffness and disinterest in getting up to go for a walk.

Once your dog has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, the vet may prescribe an NSAID. NSAID is short for "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug." These drugs act as both painkillers and anti-inflammatories. They cannot be combined with Tylenol, ibuprofen or corticosteroids. While they are effective, they come with strict and regular dosing instructions and can have mild and fatal side effects. Common mild side effects include diarrhea, vomiting and refusing to eat. Fatal side effects include developing a toxic liver and kidney as well as gastrointestinal problems. It is important to keep you dog hydrated while they are taking these medications. The risks of taking NSAIDs requires that you get regular blood tests done on your dog, so that you vet can check the toxicity levels of your dog's kidneys and liver.

While NSAIDs provide immediate relief from pain, dog arthritis is a long-term condition that is managed more than it is treated. This means that NSAIDs can only ever be a short-term solution.

Many owners are now turning to natural alternatives such as glucosamine, chondroitin and fish oil. Natural joint alternatives for your dog provide a cheaper, long-term management plan for your dog's joint pain. They have few side-effects and can be taken safely in conjunction with NSAIDs. They come in different forms, from oils to powder to pills.

The best alternative supplements will include a combination of naturally occurring glucosamine with marine extract to help rebuild cartilage and re-hydrate the synovial fluids between the joints. They should also include ingredients that stimulate appetite, give your dog energy and are easy on the stomach. It's necessary to monitor your dog's activity levels once they begin a supplement so that when they feel better they won't over-do it before they're back in shape.

Alongside a joint supplement are other alternative remedies such as massage, acupuncture and hydrotherapy. A healthy, anti-oxidant rich diet and easy, regular exercise is a good start towards managing joint pain. Another simple way to ease your dog's pain is to provide them with softer bedding to relieve the stress on their joints.

As always, the most important thing is to do what is right and healthy for your dog. Each dog is individual in how he or she responds to different types of treatments. Watch your dog, chart their mobility and find what works for them.