I would like to thank all who have provided information to be placed in the newsletter. The only way we are able to have the newsletter we all desire is through sharing. Please keep your brags, photos, and club related information coming. Please feel free to share any suggestions you might have with me at Fitchpatrick@Earthlink.net

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

CONFORMATION

May 12, 2020

Suggested Best Practices for the Well-Being of Dog Sport Participants The AKC supports each club’s informed decision to reschedule, postpone, or cancel their respective events, as well as supporting clubs ready to hold events in locations that are open and permit gatherings. As events resume across the country, people need to feel safe while enjoying their dog activities. The AKC urges clubs to take appropriate precautions for the benefit of their participants. Events need to be held in a manner that emphasizes the safety of participants and event officials over efficiency. The following is a list of suggested best practices that may be helpful when planning or attending an event. Event locations, facilities, and dates will differ. With a situation that is continually evolving, it is up to the clubs to determine the guidelines that best fit their event. In order to inform participants, specific guidelines established by the club/cluster should be published in the premium, show catalog, club website, and posted on signage/flyers at their event. General Practices 1. Clubs, officials, and participants are required to follow state, local, and facility guidelines that apply to the area and site where the event is held. 2. Practice social distancing consistent with guidelines in effect at the time of the event. Avoid congregating to the extent possible. 3. Consider wearing masks when in close proximity to others. Clubs should provide masks if desired for officials, judges, and volunteers. 4. Consider wearing disposable or washable gloves. 5. Wash hands as frequently as possible. Have disinfecting spray at bathroom facilities for people to spray door handles (or anything else they touch). Consider hiring bathroom attendants to maintain maximum cleanliness. 6. If you utilize portable toilets, please ask for a handwashing station(s) to be delivered as well. 7. Avoid shaking hands, hugging, or other physical contacts. 8. Avoid touching dogs that are not your responsibility. 9. Avoid common use of pens/pencils – bring your own. 10. Disinfect surfaces in common use areas as often as possible (tables, chairs, doorknobs, etc.) Clubs and facilities may consider not providing chairs. Conformation May 12, 2020 11. Meals - Avoid or stagger group lunches/dinners if possible. Hospitality areas should avoid community items such as salt and pepper shakers, condiments, creamers, etc. Participants should consider bringing their own lunch/drinks. 12. Vendors should follow retail guidelines for the area. 13. Parking – Park with sufficient distance between vehicles if possible. If there is a parking fee, ask exhibitors to bring exact change. 14. Indoor show sites should work with facilities to have as many entrance/exits points open as possible. Hand sanitizer should be available at every entrance to the site and at multiple locations within the site. 15. Parking/unloading staff should wear masks and sanitize their hands following the assistance of each individual. Event Practices 1. Opening Date – In order to provide clubs flexibility during times of uncertainty, clubs may specify a date in the premium when entries will start to be accepted. The “opening date” should be selected to allow time for mailed entries. 2. Site Set-up - The size and layout of a site will determine the opportunities available to clubs. • Separate the rings if possible, otherwise set-up buffers within rings along adjoining sides to provide separation. • If individual rings are not possible, avoid placing gates, stewards, and judges’ tables next to those in neighboring rings. • Consider two gates per ring, one for dogs entering and one for dogs exiting. • Stewards should be responsible for finding the dog in the catalog if the exhibitor does not know the armband number and for handing out armbands. Stewards should not hand their catalog to exhibitors for review. Stewards should sanitize their hands frequently and consider wearing a face mask and gloves. • For outdoor shows consider marking off areas near the rings for exhibitors to set-up personal pop-up tents. This can also be done for areas near the buildings holding indoor events. • Create a ready ring area outside the show ring for exhibitors showing the breed being judged. • Clubs should consider not providing chairs. Private chairs should not be placed in higher traffic areas. 3. Scheduling – With the efforts to make shows safer, the event may take longer. Modified scheduling may assist with congestion and provide a better experience for exhibitors. If using a superintendent, work with them to create a schedule that assists with the situation. • Consider published judging segments shorter than one hour. • If possible, schedule groups to start following the completion of the respective breeds. This allows exhibitors the option to leave for the day. • As per AKC rules, Groups and Best in Show are optional for the group and all-breed shows • Some shows may consider implementing entry limits. 4. Exhibitors • Prepare to be self-sufficient: bring sanitizer, bring a generator for electricity, bring personal use masks. • Know the armband numbers for your entries before going to the ring. • Do not congregate at the ring or ring gate. • While showing your dog, maintain social distances with other exhibitors. 5. Grooming • Recommend grooming beside the exhibitor’s vehicle including the use of pop-up tents should weather conditions warrant. • Design the layout of grooming areas and spaces to comply with the social distancing guidelines in place at the time. Marking off individual grooming spaces is encouraged. • Prohibit the use of forced air dryers in indoor grooming areas. 6. Judging is where the ability to socially distance becomes challenging. Taking care to protect the parties will require a concerted effort between the judge, steward, and exhibitors. • Judges should consider wearing face masks if otherwise not required. • All classes should be called in the catalog order to provide order and efficiency. • Judges must practice ring awareness, be conscious of spacing, and take appropriate measures to avoid crowding of exhibitors. • Judges are to have the exhibitor display the oral exam and may personally examine the mouth ONLY if absolutely necessary. By the nature of the procedure, judges must conduct thumb exams. • Judges should sanitize hands after examining each entry. Re-examining of dogs should be minimized. • Judges are encouraged to personally pull ribbons for placements. Coupled with frequent hand sanitizing, this will help mitigate contact exposure. • Equipment used to measure and/or weigh dogs must be sanitized before and after each use. • Clubs should consider providing boxed lunches for judges and volunteers. 7. Photographers should consider using a process where a photo of the judge is added to the photo of the dog. • Consider taking photos of each judge in the morning as though they were standing for an award photo. • Take win photos without judges. • Digitally insert the judge with the wins to finalize the photo. • Consider not using trophy presenters. Temporary Changes to Help Clubs 1. Event Application Late Fees – Event application late fees are waived through the end of October. This provides clubs more flexibility in planning or rescheduling their events. 2. For events canceled in 2020, AKC will apply Event Application fees to the club’s next event of the same type. 3. Assignment Conflicts for Conformation Judges – The 30 days/200-mile conflict distance policy for assignments has been suspended for shows held in 2020. 4. The same day exhibiting restriction for judges assigned only NOHS Groups and/or NOHS BIS has been waived for shows held in 2020. This will provide clubs greater flexibility and more options in the panel assignments. 5. Juniors that have turned 18 on or after March 1 may compete until Oct 31. Participants are expected to follow state, local government, facility, and event guidelines. Clubs should be prepared to enforce the guidelines that apply to their event. The conformation field reps will assist as always in an advisory capacity. These Suggested Best Practices may be periodically updated. Please check the AKC conformation website (www.akc.org/sports/conformation/) for the most up-to-date version. CDC - How to Protect Yourself and Others: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html For questions or additional suggestions, please contact the Club Development Department at clubdevelopment@akc.org. Stay Safe – Enjoy Your Dogs

We are working behind the scenes putting together our February 6 & 7, 2021 Winter Specialty Shows in conjunction with the Conyers KC at the Cherokee Rose Cluster. As usual, it will be held at the Atlanta Expo Center South on Jonesboro Rd.

We will be holding on Saturday the following:

Veteran Sweepstakes & Puppy Sweepstakes: Judge* Mrs. Pat Mixon (Tudorose US) *tentative pending formal acceptance

Regular Classes with NOHS: Judge Cesar Cortes (Londoncor UK)

We will also have a ringside silent auction, snacks, exhibitor bags and a Saturday evening social at the host hotel, Drury Inn

Sunday's activities:

Junior Showmanship

Beginner Puppy Competition

Regular Classes with NOHS

We do not have a judge confirmed for Sunday as yet.

We hope you mark your calendars and make plans to attend our Specialty weekend!

NATURAL DOG ARTHRITIS TREATMENTS

By

Mary Straus

-

Published: February 8, 2007Updated: January 3, 2020, Whole Dog Journal


1. Start your dog on glucosamine-type supplements at the first sign of arthritis, or even before.

2. Keep your dog lean to reduce wear and tear on her joints, and encourage moderate exercise that doesn’t make lameness worse.

3. Use an anti-inflammatory diet and natural supplements to control arthritis pain before resorting to drugs.

4. Maintain a health journal for your dog to record which treatments you try, at what dosages, and how well they work for your dog.

Osteoarthritis is the number one cause of chronic pain in dogs, affecting one in five adult dogs, with the incidence more than doubling in dogs seven years and older. It is a degenerative disease that causes pain, loss of mobility, and a decreased quality of life. Dogs can develop other types of arthritis too: rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylitis, or spondylosis. Signs of arthritis in dogs include stiffness when getting up or lying down, limping, slowing down on walks, pain after exercise, or reluctance to jump or climb steps. It’s important to recognize the signs of arthritis in dogs and begin treatment early, to slow the progression and help preserve your dog’s quality of life. Find a complete list of dog arthritis symptoms and risk factors by reading “Identifying Arthritis in Dogs,” by CJ Puotinen.

So, your dog has just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Now what? To start things off, here are the do’s and don’t’s.

How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs

DO:

• Get a definitive diagnosis.
• Use diet and exercise to take extra weight off your dog. Want a complete list of anti-inflammatory foods? Just make sure you’re not feeding your dog anything that's potentially toxic, like large amounts of garlic or onions.
• Maintain exercise but change long walks to more frequent, shorter walks.
• Consider nutrition. The best dog foods for arthritis are papaya, alfalfa, celery, and ginger.
• Raising water and food bowls can reduce strain in the neck or back of an arthritic dog; some arthritic dogs may not eat or drink as much as they should without this sort of accommodation. Note, however, that raised bowls are contraindicated for dogs who are prone to bloat. Ask your veterinarian whether your dog is at risk for bloat.
• Put carpet runners on hardwood floors. Try to prevent your dog from slipping, as this creates unwanted stress on the entire body.
• Provide a soft, supportive bed.
• Keep nails trimmed. If nails are too long they can change the gait on the dog, causing skeletal changes and arthritis in the foot/toes.
• Use a ramp where needed (for helping your dog get in and out of the car, on to your bed or sofa, etc.). This will reduce strain on his knees and hips.
• If your dog is having trouble getting up or walking on his own, check out slings, rear-end harnesses, wheelchairs, or carts to help keep him moving.
• Consider physical, laser, and massage therapy, acupuncture, and dog arthritis supplements. All or a combination of these will improve the quality of your arthritic dog’s life.

DON’T:

• Self-diagnose your dog with arthritis.
• Force an exercise regimen that your dog is not comfortable with.
• Try any stretching of limbs without being properly trained.
• Discontinue exercise. A certain amount of exercise remains important for your arthritic dog; it is necessary to help maintain muscle strength and mobility.
• Ignore your dog’s extra weight. Your dog will feel so much better after taking that extra burden off sore joints.
• Ignore sliding or falling. Don’t underestimate how damaging continual sliding and falling can be on the arthritic dog’s body.
• Give any medication without veterinary approval.

When my dog, Piglet, was diagnosed with severe dysplasia in both elbows at a year old, I was told that, even with the surgery we did, she would develop arthritis in those joints. I gave her a daily glucosamine supplement but knew of no other way to help her. By the time she was six, she was on daily NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Rimadyl and Etogesic) to relieve the pain that otherwise caused her to limp. At the time, I thought I’d be lucky if she made it past the age of 10 before becoming too lame to walk.

It was then that I learned about the benefits of a natural diet, and began researching dog supplements that I could use to improve her condition. I switched her onto a raw, grain-free diet just after she turned 7, and within a few months, she no longer needed any drugs for pain.

As time went on and her joints continued to deteriorate, I tried more and more supplements and natural therapies, rotating between those that seemed to help, and replacing those that didn’t seem to make a difference. I was able to keep her off drugs until she was almost 12, then began adding them to her nutraceutical “cocktail.” The net result? At age 15, her elbows are visibly deformed and vets cringe when they see her x-rays, but she still enjoys one- to two-hour walks every day. She no longer runs but jogs along at a comfortable pace. I let her decide how far and how fast we go so that I don’t risk pushing her beyond her limits, but occasionally I have to convince her it’s time to head for home when we’re miles away and she still wants to keep going. Following are the arthritis treatments that have helped my dog, and others like her.

Homemade Dog Food for Arthritis in Dogs Treatment

What do you give a dog for arthritis? Certain foods may increase inflammation and aggravate arthritis in dogs. Some people have found that eliminating grains from the diet improves their dogs’ symptoms, sometimes to the point that no other treatment is needed. In addition, plants from the nightshade family, including potatoes (not sweet potatoes), tomatoes, peppers (all kinds), and eggplant are known to aggravate arthritis.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to avoid these foods unless you feed your dog a homemade diet, where you control all the ingredients. The vast majority of dry foods contain grains and those that do not often contain potatoes instead. There are a few brands that use only sweet potatoes or tapioca that would be worth trying for a dog with arthritis, to see if your dog improves. Canned foods usually have fewer carbohydrates than dry foods, so that might be another option to try, especially for smaller dogs where the higher cost of canned food is not such an obstacle.

Certain foods may help with arthritis in dogs: celery, ginger, alfalfa, tropical fruits such as mango and papaya, and cartilage are all good to add to the diet of a dog with arthritis. Remember that vegetables must be either cooked or pureed in a food processor, juicer, or blender to increase digestabilty by dogs, and fruits are more easily digestible when overripe.

A few people have reported that organic apple cider vinegar (with the “mother,” a stringy sediment comprised of enzymes) has provided some benefit when added to food or water. Be sure your dog is still willing to drink water with the vinegar added if you try it, or provide a separate, plain water source.

Proper Weight and Exercise for an Arthritic Dog

It’s extremely important when dealing with a dog who has arthritis to keep him as lean as possible. Extra weight puts added stress on the joints and makes it harder for your dog to get proper exercise. If necessary, get an inexpensive postal scale and weigh your dog’s food to help you control his intake.

Carbohydrates supply the same number of calories as proteins do, but offer less nutritional value to dogs. A low-carb, high-protein diet is better for a dog with arthritis than one that is high in carbs, which is more likely to lead to weight gain. Keep fat at moderate levels, to avoid weight gain from a high-fat diet and excess hunger from a diet that is too low in fat.

If your dog needs to go on a diet to lose weight, remember to reduce portions gradually, so the body doesn’t go into “starvation mode,” making it harder to lose weight.

Moderate, low-impact exercise, such as walking or swimming, is important for dogs with arthritis, as regular exercise will help maintain flexibility and well-developed muscles help to stabilize the joints. It’s important to prevent your dog from exercising to the point where he is sorer afterward. Swimming is an excellent exercise for dogs with arthritis, as it is non-weight-bearing, so your dog can exercise vigorously without damaging his joints. If your dog is unused to exercising, start slowly and work up only gradually, as he begins to lose weight and develop better muscle tone. Several short walks may be easier on him than one long one.

Natural Anti-Inflammatories for Dogs

When your dog shows signs of arthritis, there are a number of natural anti-inflammatory supplements that you can try before resorting to medications. Herbal remedies for canine arthritis are plentiful as well; below is a list of herbs known to help dogs deal with the pain of arthritis.

First and foremost is fish oil, a source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which reduce inflammation and provide other benefits to the body. Be sure to use fish body oil, such as salmon oil or EPA oil, not liver oil, which is high in vitamins A and D and lower in omega-3 fatty acids. (Also, liver oil would be dangerous at the high doses needed to fight inflammation).

Most fish oil gel caps contain 300 mg combined EPA and DHA, and you can give your dog as much as 1 of these gel caps per 10 lbs of body weight daily. If using a more concentrated product, containing 500 mg EPA/DHA, give 1 gelcap per 15-20 lbs of body weight daily. If using liquid fish oil, adjust the dosage so that you are giving up to 300 mg combined EPA/DHA per 10 lbs of body weight. Be sure to keep the product refrigerated so that it doesn’t become rancid.

You must supplement with vitamin E as well whenever you are giving oils, as otherwise the body will be depleted of this vitamin. Give around 100 IU to a small dog, 200 IU to a medium-sized dog, or 400 IU to a large dog daily or every other day. Vitamin E in high doses also has some anti-inflammatory effects.

High doses of vitamin C may help with arthritis. It’s best to use one of the ascorbate forms, such as calcium ascorbate or sodium ascorbate, rather than ascorbic acid, which is harder on the stomach and may be irritating to arthritis. Look for one that contains flavonoids as well, which also helps to reduce inflammation. If desired, you can give vitamin C to bowel tolerance, which means increasing the amount every few days until your dog develops loose stools, then backing off to the next lower dosage.

Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It works best if given separately from meals (at least one hour before or two hours after). Its effectiveness may be increased when it is combined with quercetin, a flavonoid. There are many combination products available, or you can give each separately.

SAM-e (s-adenosylmethionine), a supplement that is used to support the liver, can also reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation caused by arthritis. It works best when given apart from food, and when combined with a B-complex vitamin.

Other arthritis supplements for dogs that have worked include MSM, Duralactin (this product is derived from milk, so creates digestive discomfort in some dogs), and Wobenzyme. There are also some newer herbal blends being marketed as replacements for NSAIDs, including Kaprex from Metagenics and Zyflamend from New Chapter, but I have not heard much feedback on them. Some people have also reported success using the homeopathic treatments Traumeel and Zeel by Heel Biotherapeutics.

Herbal Remedies for Arthritis in Dogs

Humans have used herbs for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. We take herbal remedies in the form of teas, tinctures, capsules, poultices, rinses, and oils. Certain herbs reduce inflammation and are particularly helpful to arthritic dogs and people alike. Some of the best ones to use for arthritis are boswellia, yucca root, turmeric (and its extract, curcumin), and hawthorn. Nettle leaf, licorice, and meadowsweet can also be used.

Note that willow bark is another herb often used for arthritis. It is a relative of aspirin that may be easier on the stomach, but should still not be combined with other NSAIDs.

While it is true that some of these herbs may cause some adverse reactions in some dogs and people, all of the ones listed below are easily found and considered quite safe for dogs. To see the complete list of herbs you can use on your dog for arthritis, see “Herbal Remedies for Your Dog's Arthritis Pain,” by CJ Puotinen. Here are our top 10 herbs for arthritis treatment:

1. Arnica (Arnica montana)

A small alpine plant with yellow blossoms. The flower heads, made into tea, tincture, or massage oil, are anti-inflammatory and relieve the pain of bruises, sprains, arthritis, and inflammation. Arnica is used externally.

2. Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

A large tree native to India is a potent anti-inflammatory that effectively shrinks inflamed tissue by improving circulation and increasing synovial fluid viscosity. Boswellia may help alleviate pain and improve range of motion within a week of daily use and may slow the progression of cartilage damage. A bitter herb, boswellia is usually taken in capsules.

3. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

2016’s official Herb of the Year (see “Cayenne for Canines,” WDJ May 2016). Its active ingredient, capsaicin, makes cayenne a contact rubefacient, which means that it increases circulation to sore joints and painful areas when applied topically. Capsaicin also acts as a nerve block, reducing pain. Cayenne is an important stimulant or catalyst herb that can be added in small amounts to blends, improving their effectiveness, or added to food or given in capsules.

Cayenne is a member of the nightshade family, and while most dogs appear not to be adversely affected by nightshades, some may be sensitive. If cayenne seems to worsen your dog’s arthritis symptoms, try avoiding not only cayenne but its nightshade cousins tomato, potato, eggplant, paprika, and other peppers, tobacco, and the medicinal herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).

4. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

The most significant plant source of the cell-growth stimulator allantoin, which speeds the healing of wounds and even broken bones (comfrey’s common name is “knit bone”).

This tonic, anti-inflammatory herb is no longer recommended for internal use because its pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) may cause liver toxicity, but comfrey tea can be safely applied as a rinse or poultice to inflamed joints or sore spines. Alcohol-based comfrey tincture can be applied to sore joints, injuries, muscle strains, and other painful areas.

5. Devil’s Claw Root (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Native to South Africa, has anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates the lymph system, and is a detoxifying herb for the entire body. Devil’s claw is usually taken in capsules. Unfortunately, overharvesting and adulteration have made much of the devil’s claw sold in the U.S. of little value. To give devil’s claw products a fair trial, look for sustainable sources. This herb contains COX-2 enzyme inhibitors.

6. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

A familiar spice in cooking and baking is stimulating, warming, and anti-inflammatory. Ginger helps improve circulation and digestion, and it is often added to blends as a catalyst or stimulant herb.

7. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce joint pain and other arthritis symptoms while improving digestion and respiratory function. In small amounts, licorice root has no adverse side effects, but in large quantities or with daily use it can contribute to hypertension, edema, and hormone imbalances. Products labeled “deglycyrrhizinated licorice” or “DGL” have had the problematic substance removed, though some of the herb’s benefits are removed along with it.

8. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

A perennial herb with anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, rubefacient, and analgesic actions. Its leaves, root, rhizomes, and flowers contain volatile oils whose compounds may be oxidized into salicylic acid, which, when metabolized in the gut, act like an herbal aspirin. In fact, the name aspirin is derived from Spiraea, meadowsweet’s old botanical name. This product should not be combined with NSAIDs.

9. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Contains more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds, including six different COX‑2 inhibitors. By itself, curcumin – the component in turmeric most often cited for its healthful effects – is a multifaceted anti-inflammatory that can reduce arthritis symptoms. In human studies, turmeric extracts containing at least 20 percent curcuminoids are comparable in their effects to the drug ibuprofen. Combining turmeric with bromelain (the pineapple enzyme) provides even more impressive results.

10. Yucca (Yucca schidigera, Yucca spp.)

Contains saponins, soap-like chemicals that reduce pain, joint swelling, and stiffness. Yucca is a popular ingredient in animal feeds because it reduces unpleasant odors in urine and feces. It should not be used in large doses for extended periods because it can irritate the stomach lining and cause vomiting.

For best results, use products recommended for dogs, follow label directions, and instead of giving it every day, consider a two-day break from yucca every week and a week-long break every one or two months. Whole Dog Journal did a full analysis on the benefits of feeding yucca to arthritic dogs; read “Yucca Root for Canine Arthritis Pain,” (June 2004) by Gregory Tilford.

WDJ’s Favorite Commercial Herbal Remedies for Dogs

I usually rotate between various herbs and herbal blends. I’ve had the best results using liquid tinctures or glycerites when available, such as Animal's Apawthecary's Alfalfa/Yucca blend and Azmira Yucca Intensive.

Other folks have had success using Dog Gone Pain, also known as DGP. WDJ contributor Jan Skadberg conducted a detailed study on DGP in 2006 with the cooperation of manufacturer American Biosciences; read her analysis, “Dog Gone Pain: A Safe Arthritis Pain Relief Product for Dogs,” (May 2006).

Aromatherapy for Dogs with Arthritis

Medicinally useful plants can be distilled into essential oils for natural pain relief for arthritic dogs. Essential oils come from the leaves, stems, flowers, roots, seeds or bark of aromatic plants and are distilled with steam. The process separates the essential oil from the water it’s bonded to, which is also used therapeutically and is known as a hydrosol.

The therapeutic properties of essential oil or hydrosol do not come from its scent, but rather from the constituent chemicals making up that oil. Essential oils are thought to contain anti-bacterial monoterpene alcohols or phenylpropanes, stimulating mono-terpene hydrocarbons, calming esters or aldehydes, irritating phenols, stimulating ketones, anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene alcohols, antiallergenic sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and expectorant oxides. It is important to educate yourself thoroughly on using a therapeutic oil before trying it on your dog and to find the highest quality herbs and oils.

Here are the ways you can administer essential oils to your dog safely and effectively:

1. Send them into the air with an electric nebulizing diffuser (available from aromatherapy supply companies).

2. Add a few drops to a small spray bottle of water and spritz it around the room, being careful to avoid wood or plastic surfaces and your dog’s face.

3. Place a drop on your dog’s collar, scarf, or bedding.

4. Place two drops on your hand; then rub your palms together and gently run your hands through your dog’s coat.

5. Add 15 to 20 drops of essential oil to eight ounces (1 cup) of unscented natural shampoo, or add one drop to shampoo as you bathe your dog.

6. Add two to five drops essential oil to a gallon of rinse water, shaking well before applying (avoid your dog’s eyes).

For an in-depth look at using aromatherapy to treat canine arthritis, read “Aromatherapy for Your Dog's Arthritis Treatment”.

Other Natural Arthritis Relief Therapies for Dogs

Dogs with arthritis often respond to acupuncture and chiropractic treatments. Massage therapy can also be very beneficial and is something you can learn to do yourself at home. Read “Pain Relieving Massage Therapy for Dogs,” by Paulette Jolliffe (CMT, CCMT) to learn about the ways massage therapy helps arthritic dogs. Hydrotherapy, which uses warm pools or underwater treadmills to remove weight on a dog’s joints (allowing for exercise), is becoming increasingly popular and can be very helpful, particularly for dogs recovering from surgery or injury. “The Benefits of Hydrotherapy for Your Dog”, by CJ Puotinen, offers more information about this potential arthritis treatment for dogs.

If acupuncture helps your dog, you may want to consider gold bead implants, which are a form of permanent acupuncture. Many dogs respond to chiropractic treatments, which can be especially beneficial if your dog tends to become “misaligned” due to favoring one limb.

Warmth can help reduce arthritis pain. Applying a heat pack creates vasodilation and increases nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues, which aids in the repair process of a dog’s joints. Heat helps the muscles relax, will soothe your dog, and can improve your dog’s range of motion. Apply a hot pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time at times when your dog is stiff or after any swelling has gone down. Use hot packs before going on walks to loosen your dog’s gait and help him move.

Equally helpful are cold packs, which you should use on your dog when his joints are so inflamed you can feel heat radiating from them, or when if he suffers from arthritic muscle spasms. Cold packs decrease swelling and inflammation and numb the pain from arthritis. For instructions on making your own cold or hot packs.

Thick, orthopedic beds that insulate your dog from the cold floor or ground as well as cushioning the joints provide a lot of comfort. Whole Dog Journal reviewed “The Best Orthopedic Dog Beds”, in March 2016. You’d be surprised at what a difference a good, supportive dog bed can make when dealing with arthritis. If you are considering a heated dog bed, just be sure the cords cannot be chewed. To check out other devices designed to help disabled dogs, “Orthopedic Equipment for Dogs Designed for Increased Mobility and Extra Support”, is a good place to get started.

One more alternative treatment for arthritis in dogs is electric shock wave therapy (ESWT), which still remains a largely experimental medical treatment but has been shown to relieve the symptoms of a large group of canine conditions. The shock waves appear to relieve pain and stimulate healing within the injured joint tissue, although the mechanism for these effects is unclear. Researchers believe that ESWT stimulates the body’s own resources to speed healing, including increasing vascularization (blood supply) to the area being treated. Note that shock waves do not slow the progression of osteoarthritis in dogs, but rather reduce the pain that comes with it.

Arthritis Medications for Dogs

The most common method of treating canine arthritis is the use of nutraceutical supplements called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), also known as mucopolysaccharides. These include glucosamine (both the sulfate and the HCl forms) and chondroitin sulfate, from sources such as chitin (the shells of shellfish), green-lipped mussel (perna canaliculus), and cartilage. Also included in this category are the injectable forms sold under the brand names Adequan in the U.S. and Cartrophen (pentosan polysulfate) elsewhere.

“Using Glucosamine to Prevent Canine Osteoarthritis” by Lori Long offers a detailed analysis of GAGs and their relationship with arthritis. Although GAGs are usually the go-to treatment for arthritis in dogs, it is important to fully understand how these supplements work, and how to properly administer them to dogs.

GAGs are important because they actually protect the joint rather than just reduce symptoms, by helping to rebuild cartilage and restore synovial (joint) fluid. GAGs may also have some preventative effect on arthritis, though this is speculative.

Oral GAG products may be most effective if given separate from meals, though it’s fine to give them with food if needed. Always start with high doses so that you will be able to tell whether or not your dog responds. If you see improvement, you can then reduce the dosage to see if the improvement can be maintained at a lower dose.

If you don’t see any change within three to four weeks, try another supplement. Different dogs respond differently to the various supplements.

Brands that have worked for dogs I know include Arthroplex from Thorne Veterinary, Syn-Flex from Synflex America, Synovi-G3 from DVM Pharmaceuticals, Flexile-Plus from B-Naturals, and K-9 Glucosamine from Liquid-Health. You can also use products made for people that contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and green-lipped mussel. The use of manganese in the supplement may help with absorption.

Injectable GAGs may help even more than the oral forms and may work even when oral supplements do not. It’s very important to start with the full “loading” dose, following the instructions in the package insert, before tapering off the frequency to the least that is needed to maintain improvement (often one injection per month). You should continue to use the oral supplements as well.

It is interesting to note that the label instructions for Adequan say that it must be injected IM (intramuscularly), while Cartrophen is injected sub-q (subcutaneously, which is less painful and easier to do at home). Many vets believe that Adequan works just as well when injected sub-q as IM, and I have heard reports from people who have used this method effectively.

A related product is called hyaluronic acid. It has been used with horses for many years, and more recently with dogs. In the past, it had to be injected into the joint under anesthesia in order to be effective, but newer oral forms have been developed that also work. You can use products made for dogs, horses, or humans, such as Synthovial 7 and Hyaflex (made by Hyalogic), Trixsyn from Cogent Solutions, and K-9 Liquid Health Glucosamine & HA.

DLPA for Canine Arthritis

Eventually, no matter what you do, your dog may require treatment for chronic pain. There is one more nutraceutical that can help with this: dl-phenylalanine (DLPA), an amino acid that is used to treat both depression and chronic pain.

The most common dosage range for dogs is 1 to 5 mg/lb (3 to 10 mg/kg) of body weight, but I have seen dosage recommendations as high as 5 to 10 mg per pound (2 to 5 mg/kg), two or three times a day. In humans, very high doses may cause numbness, tingling, and other signs of nerve damage, so be on the watch for any signs that your dog may be experiencing these if using such high doses. It takes time for DLPA to begin to work, so it must be used continuously rather than just as needed. Often, however, you needn’t continue to give DLPA daily once it has taken effect; sometimes it can be given as little as one week per month to retain results. It is safe to combine DLPA with all other arthritis drugs, but do not combine DLPA with MAOI drugs such as Anipryl (selegiline, l-deprenyl), used in the treatment of Cushing’s Disease and canine cognitive dysfunction, or amitraz (found in tick collars).

I use Thorne Veterinary’s Arthroplex, which includes DLPA because it makes it easy to give the proper dosage for a small- or medium-sized dog, but you can use human DLPA supplements for larger dogs. They are available in 375 mg and 500 mg capsules.

Kay Jennings, who lives with three dogs in Bristol, England, has a young German Shepherd Dog who began limping as a puppy and was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia. “I’ve kept my lad active and pain-free using just DLPA plus Syn-Flex, and my arthritic Border Collie too,” she says. “It’s so effective that they can both take it just every other week and its residual effect keeps them covered for the other week.”

Jennings also has a working sheepdog who required higher doses initially. “My Polly had to start at 1,000 mg a day (she weighs 45 lbs). I was about to write it off with her at 500 mg a day, assuming she was one of those for whom it doesn’t work. I found a starting dose of any less than 1,000 mg made no difference to her even after a couple of weeks. Once we hit the right dose it worked within three days, and after a few weeks, I could reduce to a lower level (500 mg a day) that still provided relief. After several months at this level, I was able to reduce her further, to 250 mg/day, and even put her on the week-on-week-off schedule that has worked for my other dogs.

“I have to say, I’ve found DLPA to be remarkably effective: Polly is now 14, and doing better than she has for some time. Kiri, my Border Collie, has recently (at the age of 11!) started doing a bit of obedience again, and Ziggy, the GSD, is still totally sound and very active when his vet was convinced he’d need NSAIDs for his entire life just to be able to get about.”

Painkillers for Arthritis Pain in Dogs

Several over-the-counter painkillers are safe for dogs to use, as well as some prescription medications. NSAIDs and the synthetic opioid, Tramadol, are just two of the options available to dogs who suffer from arthritis pain, and they are discussed below. For a complete overview of painkillers prescribed to dogs with arthritis, read the 2017 article “Prescription Drugs for Dogs' Arthritis Pain“.

NSAIDs for Dogs

There is much controversy about the use of NSAIDs, such as Rimadyl (carprofen), Etogesic (etodolac), Deramaxx (deracoxib), Metacam (meloxicam), and aspirin. This is due to their potential for harmful side effects, which include not only gastric ulceration but also liver and kidney failure, leading to death in some cases, sometimes after only one or two doses.

While there is no doubt that these drugs can be dangerous, they do have their place in maintaining the quality of life when nothing else works. Inflammation creates a vicious cycle, breaking down cartilage and causing pain that restricts activity, which leads to weight gain and muscle loss, further restricting your dog’s ability to exercise and enjoy his life. Natural anti-inflammatories can do a great deal to help, but in the end, they are not as powerful as drugs.

There are precautions you can take to make the use of NSAIDs safer, though you cannot eliminate their risk. First, it’s always a good idea to have blood work done before starting any NSAID, and every few months thereafter when using them regularly, to check for underlying liver or kidney disorders that would contraindicate their use.

Second, you should always give NSAIDs with food, never on an empty stomach, to help prevent the gastric ulceration that is a very common side effect. Third, never combine NSAIDs with each other, or with prednisone, which greatly increases the chance of ulcers and other dangerous side effects.

Fourth, discontinue immediately and contact your vet at the first sign of any problem, which may include lethargy, lack of appetite, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes), increased drinking and urination, or any behavioral changes such as aggression, circling, or ataxia (loss of balance or coordination).

Last, be very cautious when switching from one NSAID to another. If possible, wait at least a week in between, particularly if switching from one of the non-COX selective products, such as aspirin, to one of the newer, COX-2 selective drugs, such as Deramaxx.

Anecdotal reports indicate that Rimadyl and Deramaxx appear more likely to cause serious problems when first started than other NSAIDs. Be particularly watchful if you use either of these drugs or ask your vet for another option.

There is also a drug you can give to help reduce the chance of gastric ulcers, called Cytotec (misoprostol). This is a human drug that can also be used for dogs. It helps to mitigate the effects of COX inhibition that are responsible for damage to the intestinal lining by NSAIDs.

Another prescription medication that can be helpful is sucralfate, which is used to heal ulcers. Sucralfate interferes with the absorption of all medications, so it must be given at least two hours before or after you give other meds. Herbs such as slippery elm and marshmallow may also help to protect the stomach and intestines, though they’ve never been tested specifically with NSAIDs. One product that contains both is Phytomucil for Animals Apawthecary.

Tramadol for Dogs

When drugs are needed, ask your vet about using tramadol (Ultram), a synthetic opioid that provides arthritis relief for dogs without sedation or addiction, and is safer than NSAIDs. Tramadol can be used in place of NSAIDs, though it is mostly for pain and has limited anti-inflammatory effect. It can also be combined with NSAIDs to increase pain control or lower the dosage needed, or pulsed periodically to give the body a break from taking NSAIDs.

Tramadol can be given continuously or used on an as-needed basis. It is less likely to create dependence than narcotics, but you should still wean off slowly rather than discontinuing abruptly if used long-term. Tramadol can cause constipation; if this is a problem, you can give your dog a stool softener to help. I’ve found that the price of tramadol varies significantly; Costco has the best prices I’ve seen (non-members can order prescriptions from Costco and they will ship for $2).

Gunner is an 11-year-old Rottweiler belonging to Sheila Jones of Highland, Michigan. He was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia at age two, and originally put on Deramaxx as needed, but was later switched to fish oil and yucca, which helped until a couple of years ago when he became lame and needed something more to control his pain.

“I started him on tramadol at a low dose, but have worked up over time to 150 mg twice per day, and I add yucca root extract in liquid form when he needs an additional boost,” Jones says. “He also gets 2,000 mg of vitamin C twice per day.”

Jones is pleased with how well tramadol has worked for Gunner. “He is a little slow getting up in the mornings, but overall I believe he is doing very well. I am in contact with the owners of three of his littermates, and he seems to be doing the best of them. He still plays with our younger Rottie, and with his indestructible ball regularly. On days that he overdoes it, I give him a little extra tramadol.”

Note: Dogs should not take Ultracet, a combination of tramadol and acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can be dangerous for dogs.

Other Painkillers Used on Dogs

There are a few other medications that can be used for dogs’ chronic pain, when NSAIDs can’t be used, to decrease the dosage needed, or when more relief is needed. Most antidepressants, such as Elavil (amitriptyline) and Prozac (fluoxetine), offer some arthritis pain relief to dogs. Be careful about combining these drugs with Tramadol. See “Understanding Behavior-Altering Drugs,” for more information.

Amantadine is an analgesic for dogs that offers little in the way of pain control itself but helps potentiate (increase the effectiveness of) other drugs used to control pain. Amantadine for dogs is inexpensive and can be used concurrently with Tramadol, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, gabapentin, and opioids. Neurontin (gapabentin) is an anti-convulsant medication also used to treat chronic pain. It can be combined with other medications but is expensive.

When pain cannot be controlled in any other way, narcotics may be used. Hydrocodone can be combined with NSAIDs for greater relief. Vicodin (a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen) is sometimes used, though acetaminophen can cause liver failure in some dogs, and should not be combined with NSAIDs due to the danger of toxicity from acetaminophen. Codeine can also be used, though it’s not as effective. Oxycodone or a fentanyl (Duragesic) patch can be used, but these are heavy narcotics and are best used only for short periods, though even that may make a big difference. All narcotics are addictive, so they should never be used every day.

Lastly, there is some possibility that doxycycline may be helpful. This may be due to the fact that joint infection is common with arthritis, or because it has some anti-inflammatory effect of its own.

A Bright Future for Dog Arthritis Treatment

There is an endless number of supplements and therapies that claim to help with arthritis, but the ones noted here are those that, in my experience, have the best records of success. It’s important to keep trying different combinations to find what works for your dog, as each dog is an individual, and what works for one may be different from what works for another.

At age 15, Piglet is on a grain-free raw diet. I also give her Arthroplex (which includes glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, DLPA, boswellia, bromelain, and vitamin C), high dose fish oil, turmeric, SAM-e, and vitamin E daily. I alternate between giving her herbal Senior Blend and Alfalfa/Yucca blend (both from Animal’s Apawthecary). I give her Metacam, and one dose of tramadol daily to help with walks. She is also on sertraline (Zoloft) for anxiety, which may help with pain as well.

This combination of natural arthritis treatment and conventional treatment has kept my dog, Piglet, going for years longer than I thought she would – longer even than I dared hope. She is staring at me now, reminding me that it’s time for her walk, still the highlight of her day, and something she insists upon, even when it is pouring down rain. I am delighted to oblige.

Mary Straus does research on canine health and nutrition topics as an avocation. She is the owner of DogAware.com and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with Piglet, her 15-year-old Chinese Shar-Pei.

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