Eliminate Canine Arthritis with Natural Alternatives

Holistic treatments that really work

Alternative pet medicine has gone mainstream. Explore some of the most common natural remedies for treating all stages of canine arthritis.

As dogs age, they're susceptible to some debilitating ailments, the most common of which are arthritis and joint degeneration. For those who are hesitant to treat their pets with conventional medicines that may carry harmful side effects, there is a variety of holistic alternatives that can be used alone or in conjunction with traditional treatments.

Natural supplements are a great starting point for the holistic treatment of canine arthritis. Below are some of the most common types:

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) are renowned for lubricating and protecting stiff joints. Their anti-inflammatory properties can also help to reduce swelling. In addition to animal applications, glucosamine is also used by humans to reduce joint pain.
Omega 3 fatty acids, derived from flaxseed or fish oil, also help to reduce joint swelling and promote lubrication. As an added bonus, Omega 3 oils can result in a glossier, healthier-looking coat and can help overweight dogs shed excess pounds, which in turn relieves pressure on aching joints.
Enzymes and antioxidants also help reduce joint swelling, in addition to boosting your pet's immune system and improving circulation.
When administering supplements to your dog that are intended for humans, use this vet-recommended calculation: divide your dog's weight by 125, and then multiply that number by the recommended (human) dosage to determine what quantity your dog should receive.

In addition to supplements, there are a variety of other natural treatments and techniques that can help alleviate your dog's arthritis pain:

Canine acupuncture can be highly effective in reducing discomfort from hip dysplasia, joint stiffness, and damaged tendons. It can also help to improve circulation, promote the flow of oxygen, and release "feel-good" endorphins. Acupuncture is a cumulative treatment that works gradually over multiple sessions, so don't expect instant results after just one session.
Basic physical therapies, such as stretching, walks, and massage, can ease aching joints and promote lubrication. Hydrotherapy, which is physical therapy that takes place in water, can serve as an effective, low-impact remedy for canine arthritis.
Minor diet modifications can go a long way toward minimizing the impacts of canine arthritis. Certain substances found in regular dog food, such as wheat, corn, and soy, have been linked to increased swelling, pain, and weight gain. Choose an organic food that is free of these fillers.
When administered consistently, natural supplements and therapies can help to slow the progression of degenerative arthritis and improve the dog's quality of life. Be sure to check with a licensed veterinarian before treating your pet.

Be sure to visit our trusted friends Drs. Foster & Smith and Only Natural Pet to buy products mentioned here.

Effective Physical Aids for Arthritic Dogs

The signs of canine arthritis are relatively easy to spot-difficulty rising from a seated or lying position, a noticeable limp or change in gait, slowness or reluctance to engage in physical activities, and difficulty squatting, jumping, or climbing. The real difficulty begins after the diagnosis, when the pet owner is tasked with doing whatever they can to improve their dog's quality of life and preserve his dignity.

One of the most effective ways you can reduce the impact of arthritis on your dog's life is to invest in one or more physical aids to help preserve his mobility. You'll find a wide array of these aids on the market, designed to benefit dogs with all different types and stages of canine arthritis. Below, we've compiled a list of some of the most common solutions:

Orthopedic dog beds: Your ailing pooch will rest easier on an insulated, supportive surface. Orthopedic dog beds are designed with special therapeutic, egg-carton-shaped foam that reduces joint strain and evenly supports the animal's pressure points. You'll find a wide variety of styles, sizes, and price points.
Raised dog feeders: Stooping down to reach a food or water bowl can be difficult for a dog suffering from arthritis. Elevated bowl holders make it easier for your pet to get the nutrition and hydration they need. Place several around the house to prevent your dog from having to travel too far to eat or drink.
Pet lifts: If your dog is too heavy to carry, a pet lift can facilitate transport. Ideal for conveying your dog into cars or up steps, they're durable, easy to use, and cause no discomfort to the animal.
Pet ramps: For arthritic dogs, jumping up onto a bed, into a car, or in and out of a swimming pool can be incredibly painful. Durable pet ramps and pet steps open up a whole new world of possibility for your ailing pet. A wide variety of pet ramps are available-be sure to choose one that's designed to accommodate your dog's weight and size.
Dog Harnesses: Many dogs suffering from canine arthritis find traditional collars extremely uncomfortable. Ergonomic dog harnesses provide a more comfortable alternative, making it easier for your ailing pet to enjoy the walks and fresh air he needs.
Dog Sweaters: They're not just fashionable-they're functional, too! Anyone who's suffered from arthritis knows the cold weather can exacerbate joint pain. Keep your dog warm on chilly days by bundling him in a specially designed sweater or jacket.
Life Preservers: Dogs love to swim, but when they're saddled with joint pain, staying afloat can be a challenge. Invest in a canine life preserver that will allow your pooch to enjoy the water without requiring painful movements.
Non-slip Rugs & Treads: Arthritic dogs often have trouble staying steady on their feet when traversing slippery surfaces, such as waxed hardwood or tile. Make it easier for them to get around the house by strategically placing rugs on non-carpeted floors.
These easy, economical physical aids can help your arthritic dog lead a more fulfilling, happy life by increasing his mobility and reducing his pain.

Be sure to visit our trusted friends Drs. Foster & Smith and Only Natural Pet to buy products mentioned here.

Foods To Avoid

Everyone knows there are some foods that a dog should never eat. You don’t give a dog chocolate and you never let them dig in your trash. But, there are actually quite a few foods that can cause severe reactions, illness and even death if your dog eats them.

Some of those foods will be unsavoury to a dog – a natural protection against poisonous foods. However, some dogs either don’t have this instinct or don’t care, and in the case of some foods (like chocolate), they’ll try all the harder to get them.

The No Eat List

So, with all those processed foods and table scraps floating around your home, here is a list of foods you should never let your dog eat, no matter what:

Onions and Garlic – Releases sulfoxides and disulfides that can cause anemia as well as blood damage. Cats are even more at risk of this, but the risk is strong in both.

Baby Food – Can contain both garlic and onion powder, causing the same results.

Bones – Bones of any kind can chip or be swallowed, leading to obstructions, lacerations and intestinal blockage.

Cat Food – This is richer and fattier than most dog foods and has too much protein for a healthy dog to digest.

Chocolate and Caffeine – Caffeine, Theobromine, and Theophylline are all toxic to dogs, and can cause heart or nervous failure in large amounts.

Citrus Oil Extracts – Induces vomiting

Fat Trimmings – Causes pancreatitis

Grapes or Raisins – A toxin that has not yet be fully identified that can cause kidney damage has been associated with grapes and raisins.


Liver – Too much liver causes Vitamin A toxicity, weakening bones and muscles.

Hops – Causes increased heart rate, panting, fever, and seizures. Can even cause death.

Vitamin Supplements with Iron – Iron poisoning can damage organs throughout the body.

Macademia Nuts – Affects the digestive system, the muscles, and the nervous system.

Molds – Causes diarrhea and vomiting and can cause organ damage.

Mushrooms – Some mushrooms are toxic, causing system failure, shock, and death in severe cases.

Raw Eggs – The Avidin Enzyme in raw eggs can reduce Biotin absorption and lead to hair and skin problems. There is also the risk of Salmonella.Potato, Rhubarb and Tomato Leaves – There are oxalates in these plants that cause numerous digestive problems and can result in urinary problems.

Peaches and Plums – They can choke on the pits.

Persimmons – Seeds cause intestinal blockage and enteritis.

Raw Fish – Results in Thiamine deficiency. This will cause a loss of appetite and seizures and can even lead to death if it is fed to them regularly.

Salt – Causes dehydration and electrolyte imbalances which can impair the nervous system.

Yeast – Causes swelling and pain in the stomach, with the potential for rupture.

Xylitol – Causes liver failure

Alcohol – Even small amounts can cause organ damage and lead to possible coma or death.

The list above is only a list of those foods that have been found to cause direct, immediate damage to a dog’s organs. There is also a very real risk if you feed your dog excessive amounts of table scraps or if you over feed them in general.

As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to make sure your dog is well fed, but only with foods they need. Remember, they are happy to have whatever you feed them. Rich, potentially damaging fatty foods from your table can be just as bad in the long run as any of the above foods.

Professional Dog Grooming Tips

Keep your dog looking his best with our effective grooming strategies

No dog is too old or too young to begin a regular grooming regimen. Make your companion shine with these insider pet care tips.

Next to providing food, water, and shelter, keeping your dog well-groomed is one of the most important things you can do to ensure his health and happiness. We consulted with some of the industry's top dog grooming experts to get their insider tips for easy, effective canine care:

Be sure to brush your pet's coat each and every day. Not only will this keep his fur looking neat, it will also help to remove soil, prevent matting and tangling, and distribute beneficial natural oils throughout the animal's coat. No dog is too young to benefit from proper grooming, so begin the regular brushing process as early as possible. Conversely, an older dog can always be introduced to the pleasures of coat brushing, although he may need some time to get used to the sensation if he has never been groomed before. Set a regular time and process for brushing sessions so your dog will grow accustomed to the routine.
Nail trimming is another essential grooming activity. As a general rule, your dog's nails should be clipped at least once a month. Your local pet store will have several varieties on hand for different breed sizes. When cutting your dog's nails for the first time, proceed slowly and offer treats and praise at regular intervals throughout the process. Avoid clipping nails too short, which can cause undue pain. In addition to the regular nails, you may also need to trim your dog's "dewclaw." If he has a dewclaw (not all breeds do), it can be found above the paw on the inside of each front leg.
To prevent potentially harmful ear infections, it's important to keep your dog's ears clean. At least twice a month, look inside your dog's ears to ensure that the interior skin is pale pink in color. If you see any red, black, or brown skin, or if you detect an unpleasant odor, your dog may have an ear infection and should see a veterinarian right away. If everything looks good, you can proceed with cleaning the opening with a moist cotton ball. Avoid going too far into the ear canal. For dogs with mites, an over-the-counter ear mite medication can be applied.
Regular teeth cleanings should be performed at least twice a week to prevent the risk of cavities and canine gingivitis. Use toothpaste that's specially formulated for dogs and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If your dog has problems with plaque build-up or chronic bad breath, he may need to receive professional, vet-administered cleanings or tooth scalings periodically.

Puppy Housetraining Tips

Achieve best results with our results-oriented techniques

Teach your new pet the house rules with our tips for housetraining methods, feeding schedules, and motivators

When you bring a new puppy into the home, one of the first things you'll need to do is start the housetraining process. It's critical that you begin training early to prevent bad habits from forming. The first decision you'll need to make is which type of training method to use.

Paper Training
For small, indoor puppies, paper training is a popular solution. With this method, you'll place layers of newspaper in a corner (with cardboard or another protective material beneath). Encourage the puppy to eliminate on the paper, and then remove the soiled layer after each use.

Crate Training
Crate training is another popular method for housetraining. Purchase a crate that's just big enough for him to stand and turn around, and put a comfortable bed inside. Place your pup inside the crate and watch him closely-when he begins to pace in circles and sniff the corners of the crate, that's a cue that he needs to head outside.

Always take your pet outside after every meal, and before you return him to his crate. Over time, he'll come to associate elimination as a post-meal and pre-sleep behavior. Like humans, pups thrive on routine. Gradually, as your pet gains more bladder control, you can begin to extend the length of time he's confined to his crate.

Patience is key - never try to rush your pup into going to the bathroom. Don't engage in any play or other activities during these sessions-the goal is for him to associate these outings with relieving himself. Housetraining doesn't happen overnight; you shouldn't expect your puppy to achieve full housebroken status until he's approximately six months old.

Outdoor Training
If you live in a mild climate and there are no potential hazards to your dog, you might consider keeping him in a small, contained area out of doors. If using this method, you'll need to provide a sheltered area and plenty of food and water. The pup should be free to relieve himself on grass, dirt, gravel, or concrete. Don't line the shelter with carpet, wood, tile, or any other indoor flooring materials, or this will lead him to believe it's okay to eliminate on these materials inside your home.

No matter what housetraining method you choose, keep the following in mind:

Refrain from scolding your pup for mistakes
Always praise your pet each time he relieves himself in the designated area
Stick to a regular feeding and watering schedule and always follow up a meal with a bathroom trip
Never allow your puppy to relieve himself outside of his designated toilet spot
Don't allow your pup to roam the house freely without constant supervision

How to Choose the Right Organic Dog Food

Become an educated natural dog food consumer

Help your pet reap the benefits of natural dog food by knowing what to look for when evaluating different organic options.

These days, it seems every type of food has an organic alternative - and not just for human consumption. For green-minded pet owners, organic dog food has become a preferred choice. Organic dog food will cost a little more than traditional commercial varieties, but the investment in your pet's health, longevity, and quality of life is well worth the end result. Veterinarians and dog experts have touted its many benefits that help ensure the health and well-being of man's best friend:

Decreased allergies and skin irritation
Heightened energy levels
Stabilized body weight and reduced obesity levels
Improved digestive health
Stronger immunity to illness
Increased life expectancy
With the wide array of choices on the pet food market, how can you determine which is right for you? Below, we've compiled some tips for choosing the right type of organic sustenance for your dog:

Be aware of your dog's preferences and choose a food that suits them. If you know that he dislikes vegetables, for example, try a meat-based organic food.
Keep your pet's individual nutritional requirements and any pre-existing health conditions in mind when choosing a food.
Learn how to read and understand dog food labels. Beware of varieties that list such filler ingredients as wheat, cornmeal, and potentially toxic by-products. Organic dog food should contain no artificial preservatives or synthetic ingredients.
Include plenty of protein. Dogs need high levels of daily protein to ensure good health and optimum energy levels. Choose organic meats, fish, chicken, lamb, and poultry that list a meat meal as the primary ingredient (i.e. "chicken meal"). Steer clear of any meat that contains harmful by-products.
When choosing organic dog food, check for the presence of beneficial fats, such as chicken fat, sunflower oil, flax oil, and canola oil. Any food that lists Omega three and Omega six fats is most likely of a high quality. Steer clear of dog foods whose labels list vague fats, such as poultry fat, vegetable oil, and animal fat.
Ground veggies and grains will provide more health benefits to your dog than whole versions. Avoid dog foods that contain excess grains, wheat, or other fillers.
As always, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before switching your dog to a new diet. They'll be able to help you plan a nutritionally sound menu that will also delight your dog's taste buds.

Be sure to visit our trusted friends Drs. Foster & Smith and Only Natural Pet to buy products mentioned here.

8 Smart Tips for Selecting Dog Feeders and Waterers

Create a hygienic, ergonomic feeding environment for your dog

Not all dog food and water bowls are created equal. Explore the benefits of choosing the right ones, and then review our smart shopping tips before you buy.

A well-designed feeder and waterer are essential tools for any dog owner. Before you plop down that old plastic Tupperware bowl for your pet's next meal, you might want to consider upgrading to an improved feeding container. Veterinarians and dog experts have touted the benefits of giving your animal's meal presentation some extra attention:

Investing in a high-quality food and water bowl helps to promote better hygiene and cleanliness in your dog's feeding area. An easy-to-clean surface helps to prevent the build-up of germs and bacteria.
By using an elevated feeder and waterer, you'll eliminate the need for your dog to stoop down to eat and drink, helping to prevent back and neck pain. This is especially important for dogs suffering from canine arthritis or other mobility-impacting maladies. Raised food and water bowls encourage injured or immobile dogs to eat and drink more than they normally would, helping to promote proper nutrition levels.
Elevated feeders also help to promote healthier digestion, as it's much easier for a dog to swallow without taking in excess air. When the food and water bowl are placed on the floor, it's more likely that the dog will gulp during mealtime, which can lead to bloating and other gastric problems.
Messes are reduced with elevated feeders and waterers, since dogs don't have to lift their heads for proper swallowing.
When hunting around for the perfect dog feeder and waterer, keep the following shopping tips in mind:

If your schedule requires you to be away from the house for long periods of time, you might consider opting for an electronic dog feeder. These will automatically fill your dog's food bowl at pre-set intervals. Food is kept in an attached storage container to ensure freshness.
Be sure to choose a bowl that's big enough to accommodate at least one full meal's worth of food. The water should always be larger than the food bowl, as dogs need a large amount to ensure proper hydration. The size of your feeder and waterer should be relative to the size of your dog. For floppy-eared dogs, opt for a bowl with an inner rim to keep his ears from dangling in the food or water.
If you keep your dog's food and water bowls outdoors or in the garage and you live in a cold climate, you might want to consider using heated feeders. These will keep the food at a more palatable temperature and will prevent the water from freezing.
The best material for dog feeders and waterers is stainless steel. Not only is steel handsome and durable, it's also extremely easy to sanitize, preventing the build-up of germs and bacteria.
If you have a problem with frequent tip-overs, choose a weighted bowl with a non-skid rubber base.
To help ensure that food and water don't get mixed together, opt for two separate bowls rather than a one-piece partitioned bowl.
If you have more than one dog, purchase a separate set of bowls for each animal. Pets that share bowls are more liable to compete for more food or water, making it difficult to determine how much sustenance each is actually receiving.
To make sure your dog will always have a food and water bowl at their disposal, invest in two sets so you'll have a back-up when it's time to wash.