A guide for keeping your pets happy and mobile
Due to aging changes, arthritis, or injury, our pets can experience mobility issues, sometimes involving inability to sleep or eliminate normally. Fortunately there are many tools to help with pain, stiffness, strength and other challenges. Multimodal therapy is the best approach, meaning using a variety of supplements, exercises, therapies and medications. We can help to create a program that suits your pet and their special needs.
Below is a description of non-medical strategies, as well as a link to an excellent article by Dr. Wendy Brooks that reviews conventional prescription therapies.
Joint Supplements
Glucosamine/chondroitin, sometimes with MSM. These can take several weeks to show improvement, with many brands tailored to different species.
Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids act as nutritional anti-inflammatories, benefitting inflamed joints as well as the skin and other tissues in the body. As this oil is rich, watch for digestive upset such as diarrhea, and be sure to choose a quality product from your veterinarian or pet store.
Green Lipped Mussel
This nutrient has good research supporting its use for arthritis, reducing pain and inflammation. It is often found in combination with Glucosamine products.
Antioxidants
Green tea, CoQ-10, Vitamins E and C, and many other compounds provide nutritional anti-inflammatory actions. There are many brands of combination products for pets.
CBD
Research shows hemp-derived products, certified low in THC, have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects. Products made for pets are available, and it is important to look for third part testing and dosage recommendations. Please ask us for help with your pet!
Herbal products
there are plant-based anti-inflammatories, some with pain relieving properties, in preparations made for over the counter use for pets. Be aware that some herbs do no interact well with prescription medications. We can prescribe Western and Traditional Chinese herbal preparations tailored to your pet’s needs.
Other modalities
Exercise is a very important part of pain management. Improving circulation, mobility, strength and agility are just a few goals, not to mention having fun doing it! We can help to evaluate what your pet needs,as well as discuss referral for rehabilitation or water therapy.
Acupuncture, chiropractic and cold laser are therapies that help with pain and arthritis management, as well as recovery from injury and surgery. These are therapies we offer at Browns Point Veterinary Clinic. Massage, electromagnetic therapy and other physical therapies can also be helpful.
