Joint Health
Joint Health in dogs and cats treatment options with recommended supplements and herbal remedies have been provided by certified Master Herbalist Philip Reich and certified Canine Nutritionist Maria Reich. Philip and Maria specialize in herbalism and nutrition for animals with concerns like joint health. Everyone here at The Pet Health and Nutrition Center truly cares and wants to help your pet get better, so give our suggestions a try because we are confident you will be pleased with the results.
l. Holistic Natural Protocol Goal
The goal of our natural protocol differs in large part from that of your veterinarian. We share your vet's goal in trying to reduce inflammation and increase the comfort of your dog or cat, though in a safer, more natural way. However, we also strongly believe in providing your animal with the nutrition necessary to maintain or increase joint cartilage and other tissue in the body. In doing this our goal is to not only make your dog or cat more comfortable, but also to rebuild cartilage along with tendons, ligaments and muscle that work together to maintain the strength and stability of your animal's joints.
ll. Holistic Natural Arthritis Protocol
Core Recommendations
Our "Core Recommendations" form the backbone of our Natural Joint Health Protocol. They consist of the supplement recommendations we feel are the most important to provide to your animal companion for this health concern. They are displayed individually at the bottom of this page along with other helpful products from which you may make additional selections. Pet foods can be purchased at your finer, local pet stores. If you desire more individualized attention please feel free to use our Consultation Form to provide detailed information about your dog or cat so we can better help you.
Core Recommendation #1 - Daily Multi Plus
Our Daily Multi Plus is formulated with organic, whole foods that are extremely important to an animal's nutritional needs but are often missing from the majority of canine and feline diets. This special formula provides the enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, glandulars, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients that are so beneficial to the body's daily maintenance and repair needs for healthy aging. In this formula you will find the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants recommended by the veterinarian community for this condition - only in an organic, whole food form!
Core Recommendation #2 - Elk Velvet Antler
Elk velvet antler is an all-natural, whole food joint supplement that contains all of the most researched joint nutrients in one supplement. Glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, collagen, hyaluronic acid plus vitamins and minerals are all found in their natural form. Elk velvet antler is far superior to other manufactured joint supplements because the nutrients are very bioavailable to the body and easily utilized by joint tissue.
In addition, elk velvet antler contains IGF growth factors that help promote the healing of tissue. These growth factors can have an amazing effect on older or debilitated animals as they can be very rejuvenating while promoting an increase in lean muscle mass and joint cartilage growth. We have had great success with this product and it is highly recommended.
Core Recommendation #3 - Pain Relief Formula
This effective formula is made with USDA organic herbs and organic vegetable glycerin and is quick and easy to provide to your dog (this formula is for dogs only). It has been formulated by a certified Master Herbalist using time-honored herbs that will help to reduce pain and inflammation safely without the side-effects associated with NSAIDs and other medications.
Highly Recommended
Whole Food Nutrition
With a serious condition like Arthritis, in which the body needs the highest value nutrition possible to repair damaged tissue and balance the inflammatory process, we highly recommend a raw food diet. Raw food is how carnivores, like canines and felines, have evolved to eat and they do best on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. This is, unfortunately, the opposite of how most pets are fed since the majority of commercial diets are low protein with 50% or more carbohydrates.
In addition, kibble diets are harder for an animal to digest and this is the last thing your pet needs at this point. Since lean muscle can be lost as part of the aging process, without the right nutrition that is easily digested, absorbed and metabolized your animal will have a more difficult time getting better. If a raw food diet is not your cup of tea, the next best thing would be a cooked, whole food diet. There are now many quality premixes to choose from to which you can add your own raw or cooked meat. For more information read our articles How to Feed Your Dog or How to Feed Your Cat that can be found in our Education section.
Systemic enzymes are a favorite natural remedy of ours because of their wide range of health benefits. In the case of arthritis this special blend of enzymes help break down plasma proteins and cellular debris at the site of injury into smaller fragments. This greatly facilitates their passage through the lymphatic system, resulting in more rapid resolution of swelling, with the consequent relief of pain and discomfort in the bones and joints affected.
Omega 3's are anti-inflammatory as opposed to inflammatory omega 6's and 9's found in grains and factory farmed meat (used in most pet food). Chia seed oil is the best plant-based source of the essential omega 3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) while fish oil is a good source of EPA & DHA omega 3 fatty acids. However, it is important to choose your supplement wisely. Chia seed oil is cold-pressed from sustainable, organic chia seeds so it is our favorite source of omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil can be contaminated because of our oceans, but is a favorite for some looking for a good source of EPA and DHA. Because of potential toxicity of fish oil you should purchase a well known and highly respected brand. Nordic Naturals produces the finest fish oil in its natural triglyceride form, which studies have shown is the preferred form of fish oil.
Biopreparation Microalgae Formula
This special blend of four unique algae was developed by a Russian Scientist, Dr. Michael Kiriac after decades of research. It is grown in controlled hydroponic conditions so it is the purest microalgae supplement on the planet. Its thousand of nutrients are so bioavailable they do not have to be digested, they easily pass through the digestive tract and feed cells on a cellular level. BioPreparation can cross the blood brain barrier to feed the brain, support the hypothalamus to help balance the entire endocrine system and even cross the blood retinal barrier to nurture the eyes. We have had outstanding success with this product so it is highly recommended. Start with the F2 Core and we can consider moving to the F3 Forte in the future.
Don't Forget Weight Control and Exercise!
Excess weight puts extra strain on already deteriorating joints and can cause an increase in discomfort, a reduction in activity and acceleration in the disease process. Gentle exercise will benefit the arthritic animal by helping with: weight maintenance, maintaining muscular integrity around the joint, stabilizing the joint and improving and maintaining overall conditioning.
Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats with Arthritis
