You may have already spoken to your vet about the medications to alleviate pain and slow down the progression, but there are also many home remedies for dogs with arthritis that can help too. In this article, we’ll explore some natural solutions that can help your furry friend find some relief.

Warm Compresses and Massage

Applying warm compresses or giving your dog a gentle massage can help soothe their aching joints. Warm compresses can help increase circulation and reduce inflammation, while massage can help relieve tension and stiffness. You can make a warm compress by soaking a towel in warm water, wringing it out, and applying it to your dog’s sore joints for a few minutes, or use a hot water bottle covered by a towel that is soft enough to place against your pet’s body.

Here is a great video to get you started with massaging your dog by Dr Marc Smith DVM:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There are three types of Omega 3s: including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). Dogs specifically need EPA and DHA to decrease inflammation due to arthritis, most potently found in fish oil. You can give your dog fish oil supplements or whole fish (anchovies, salmon, sardines), but the dosage needs to be quite high for it to be effective in reducing inflammation. The recommended dose is is 75-100 mg/ kg.

Turmeric / Golden Paste

Turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and inflammation in dogs with arthritis. Turmeric is most bio-available when combined with black pepper and oil however, so rather than simply sprinkling turmeric powder to your dog’s food, you’ll want to give him Turmeric Paste (aka Golden Paste). It’s really easy to make — find the recipe here — or purchase a ready-made one here.

Read more about this amazing supplement in my article Unleash the Benefits of Golden Paste for Your Dog.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been shown to help alleviate pain and inflammation in dogs with arthritis. While it may not be for everyone, some pet owners have found that acupuncture can help their dogs find relief from their arthritis symptoms. If there isn’t an animal acupuncture professional near you, you can try learning the basics on your own; Atlantic Pets has a free guide to get you started here.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a great treatment option for dogs with arthritis. This type of therapy involves having your dog exercise in a heated pool or underwater treadmill. The warm water can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and provide buoyancy to support your dog’s weight and reduce stress on their joints. Hydrotherapy can also help improve your dog’s range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength. Additionally, the low-impact nature of hydrotherapy can make it a safe exercise option for dogs with arthritis who may have difficulty with traditional land-based exercises.

Laser and Light Therapy

This type of therapy involves using low-level laser light to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and reduce inflammation. Laser therapy can help alleviate pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and promote tissue regeneration. It’s a non-invasive, painless treatment option that can be performed by a veterinarian or trained therapist. Laser therapy sessions typically last between 10-30 minutes and are usually scheduled in a series of treatments.

Similar to laser therapy is light therapy, such as that offered by the Lumasoothe, a small hand held machine that you can use on your dog daily. The pulsating LED light helps to stimulate circulation to the area and promote healing.

Conclusion

Watching your dog suffer from arthritis can be difficult, especially when they are slipping and falling, and slowing down from the pain. We’ve covered some of the most popular things that fellow dog owners have turned to for their pets with arthritis, including laser and light therapy, hydrotherapy, and turmeric paste. As you can see, there’s lots you can try! What have you tried on your dog with success? Let us know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: The above post contains affiliate links to products that have been deemed helpful by myself or others in the dog parenting community. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases resulting from these links, to help me support this blog.