“We don’t deserve dogs” is a very commonly used phrase these days. We are coming across this phrase on instagram, facebook, pinterest and many other social portals. One thing we all believe is that, the world would have been a better place if everyone had that ability to love as unconditionally as a dog. The animals are agreeable to everything, they do not ask any questions and pass criticism.
But sometimes nature is cruel and such good beings get the same conditions as we humans do. Their short life can become painful. You might be thinking about what we are actually gonna discuss. We are going to discuss osteoarthritis in dogs and how it can be managed with Ayurveda to make your lovable pets last years enjoyable instead of painful.
Introduction
Osteoarthritis, which is considered as the degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a progressive worsening of joint conditions followed by inflammation and pain. The condition is caused by deteriorating cartilage. In a normal healthy joint, cartilages act as a cushion which allows the joint to move in its full range of motion. In osteoarthritis, the joint cartilage is worn off due to wear and tear under stress, injury, growing age, repetitive stress and disease.
Any joint in the body can get affected by the developing osteoarthritis but most often affected are limbs and lower spine. In this article we will discuss all the details and also how to prevent its onset at an early stage.
Signs And Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis In Dogs
Osteoarthritis is a condition that can not be easily diagnosed in the early stages. Most dogs have a tendency to hide their pain until it gets really worse. That is why if you are a Dog owner then you must observe the changes in your pets walking style, sitting and standing style. If anything suspicious you notice especially the middle aged and senior dogs then medical action is important to be taken. Following are some signs and symptoms you can observe:
- Lethargy
- Stiffness in joints makes it difficult to get up and get down. Jumping is also not supported.
- Limping (action of walking with difficulty)
- Reluctance to play and run
- Irritability and change in behaviour
- Pain when joint is touched or patted
- Difficulty to posture while passing urges that is urinate or defecate.
- Muscle loss over spine and legs.
At Risk Factors
- Giant dog breeds like German shepherds, labradors, retrievers, golden retrievers and many other breeds.
- Obesity
- Particular to age like middle aged and senior dogs are mostly affected.
- Repetitive stress training like fly ball, diving or athletic activities.
- Injuries to major joint and ligaments
- Joint infections like in lyme disease
- Lack of nutrition or improper nutrition.
- Genetical
- Prior diagnosis of hip and elbow dysplasia.
If your dog is having arthritis or is in it’s middle age or senior years then as a responsible parent you should visit the veterinarian often with your dog to check the conditions of joints. Moreover, one must ensure that the dog maintains a healthy weight, healthy diet and active lifestyle to ensure the osteoarthritis at the corner of the room.
Treatment Of Osteoarthritis In Dogs
The doctor will suggest a diet plan along with some specific lifestyle changes just as humans are guided. In addition, protective joint supplements are really effective in these cases. When the onset of Arthritis is observed then mostly the treatment starts with pain management. For pain management some specific NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are given which reduce the pain and can have side effects if used regularly for a very long time. Moreover, regular blood tests are also done to rule out any specific infection like lyme disease, which may affect joints.
Ayurvedic Point Of View For Dog Arthritis
As in humans, every living thing has the presence of five elements in the body that are space, water, fire, earth and wind along with tridosha that are vata, pitta and kapha. Due to excessive exercising or due to increasing age there is an imbalance of vata in the body leading to degenerative osteoarthritis in humans or in animals.
Aggravation of vata can also be due to disturbed digestion resulting in ama production (endotoxins production) thus causing vata vitiation once again which can be due to overweight, non active behaviour or feeding with improper or really heavy diets. So, even in dogs arthritis is due to vata vitiation and hence causing symptoms like pain and inflammation in joints along with difficulty walking, sitting and playing.
But with Ayurvedic herbs such things can be avoided and give really beautiful results. Even if the dog is having arthritis, with ayurvedic herbs or formulations the condition and symptoms or situation can be very well tackled.
Ayurvedic formulations which contain guggul as their ingredient works amazingly in balancing the vata dosha along with some formulations which have turmeric as its ingredients. Many other herbs work for this condition really well in humans and in animals too.
Herbal Formulations By Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a renowned Ayurvedic company which deals with the manufacturing and preparation of herbal formulations. These formulations are prepared using potent herbs and their extracts which are really effective in managing many conditions including arthritis in dogs.
The formulations or products prepared by Planet Ayurveda do not contain any kind of adulterants, dyes, additives, fillers etc. These medications are really potent in supporting the recovery of the body from this condition and hence giving positive noticeable results. The medication or formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for the management of arthritis in dogs are as follows:
- Yograj Guggul
- Joint Aid Plus
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Ashwagandha Capsule
Products Description
1. Yograj Guggul
Yograj guggul is a classical formulation that is prepared with various potent herbs. As it’s name suggests it contains guggul (Commiphora mukul), pippali (Piper longum), ajwain (Carum copticum), vidang (Embelia ribes) and others which are having marvellous effect in balancing vata dosha. Yograj guggul works very efficiently in relieving pain and inflammation of joints in dogs.
It also helps in relieving symptoms like muscle twitching and spasms. Moreover, it also helps in relieving symptoms related to digestion like indigestion, bloating, constipation and has a soothing effect on nerves as well. It strengthens the joints and slows the process of degeneration. The formulation is also known for its rejuvenating effects.
Dosage: Three tablets twice daily with meals.
2. Joint Aid Plus
Joint aid plus is the best herbal combination that contains herbs like Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and many other herbs. All these herbs help in reduction of the inflammation and management of painful conditions of bones. These capsules are also very beneficial in purifying the blood and also helps in strengthening the bones as well as muscles.in addition, the capsules work really well in cartilage strengthening and the herbs have their effect on vata dosha as well.
This formulation also helps in vitiation of vata dosha and aids smooth movement of joints. All over the joint aid plus capsules gives a great result in supporting the joint and provides flexible movement.
Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with meals.
3. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswelli acurcumin is a combination which is prepared using two potent herbs: shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and curcumin (Curcuma longa). The capsules are prepared using standardised extract of both herbs. These two herbs work best as an agent to reduce the inflammation and also have their effect on pain.
As the inflammation subsides, the pain sensation reduces and results in smooth movement of joints. In addition, it also relieves the symptoms related to digestion. The presence of curcumin makes it a very good antibacterial agent like in lyme disease and all over formulation has great effect on vata dosha as well.
Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with meals.
4. Ashwagandha Capsules
Ashwagandha capsules are manufactured using the standardised extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) only. Ashwagandha also helps in improving the body’s ability to maintain the physical effort of the body thus decreasing the weakness and strengthening muscles in this condition.
The herb is really beneficial for managing fatigue, weakness in muscles, body pain and strengthens all over the body. The capsules help in building stamina, enhance your resistance to stress and promote general well being. The ashwagandha is boon to humans as well as dogs.
Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with meals.
Conclusion
Everyone loves our dogs but it’s our responsibility to take care of them when they need it most. When our dog is diagnosed with one such condition we are supposed to give them the love and affection they deserve along with the care which is most important in this case.
With Planet Ayurveda products or formulations the situation can be easy to tackle and the suffering of your dog can be reduced. They can become extremely active once again and you will be happy to see them playing and throwing balls around with their growing age. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com