It is estimated that one in five adult dogs in the U.S. have degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis (1). 

That statistic alone draws the importance of dog joint health to the front of our minds. 

Luckily, there are some cutting-edge nutrients that have been proven to be effective in relieving pain and inflammation associated with canine arthritis and joint disease.

Here are the top 4 solutions to help your dog with arthritis:    

1. Phytocannabinoids (CBD)

Phytocannabinoids are plant-based compounds originating from the cannabis plant that act on the endocannabinoid receptors found naturally in the body (2). 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the major non-psychoactive component of cannabis and the common target of research as a dietary supplement. Research into the use of CBD for arthritis in dogs is lacking when compared to human research, but preliminary results are promising. In mice with arthritis, treatment with oral CBD effectively blocked progression of arthritis (3). 

A Cornell University study investigating the pharmacokinetics and effectiveness of CBD in dogs with arthritis showed that those receiving CBD twice daily experienced significant increases in comfort and activity levels with no harmful side effects (4). 

Another recent study conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with large dogs with diagnosed osteoarthritis and found that those treated with CBD experienced remarkable improvements in quality of life scores (5). 

2. Natural Eggshell Membrane

Natural eggshell membrane (NEM) has also become a popular supplement for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. 

NEM is a completely natural source of collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and calcium, all of which are essential components of cartilage and the joint, making them key players for treating osteoarthritis in dogs (6). 

Oral NEM was effective in reducing multiple aspects of arthritis in rats, including inflammation, cartilage damage, and bone resorption (7). 

In dogs specifically, research has shown positive outcomes for the use of NEM, including decreased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as Interleukin-2 (8). 

3. Curcumin

You have likely heard of Curcumin, the primary component of turmeric. This powerful anti-inflammatory is a chemical compound derived from the Curcuma longa plant. 

When administered to dogs, the genes involved in the inflammatory response as it relates to connective tissue function were decreased by day 20 of treatment, suggesting that curcumin may be a complementary anti-inflammatory treatment for dogs (9).   

4. Boswellia

Last, but certainly not least, Boswellia serrata extract has been shown to reduce inflammation when given orally to rats with arthritis. Rats also showed a decrease in arthritis scoring (10). 

In 24 dogs given oral Boswellia there was a significant reduction of the severity of the clinical signs of arthritis. This included intermittent lameness, local pain, inflammation and stiff gait after 6 weeks (11). 

Summary

Overall, there are many different options when it comes to canine arthritis treatment. The good news is that there are now many natural dietary solutions outside of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which typically have negative long-term side effects.  

While it is always important to ask your veterinarian before changing your dog’s pain management strategy or giving your dog any new supplement, these four ingredients are worth a conversation! As research is done, the support for their use will only continue to grow. 

Support your pooch’s joints today with Canine Cush, the only 100% natural, highly effective joint supplement that your dog will ever require.

Read More:

1. https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/managing-canine-arthritis.html
2. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/the-endocannabinoid-system-and-phytocannabinoids/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC16904/
4. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full?fbclid=IwAR1S16ZSa-DktbvZ1wHFczaD_JV8Eg8mjQqtlNJi8Z0t0xpBGskl2J364no
5. https://ovidsp-dc2-ovid-com.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/ovid-a/ovidweb.cgi?WebLinkFrameset=1&S=GMEBFPHKBKEBJDKJJPAKKFHGFOANAA00&returnUrl=ovidweb.cgi%3f%26Full%2bText%3dL%257cS.sh.22.23%257c0%257c00006396-202009000-00024%26S%3dGMEBFPHKBKEBJDKJJPAKKFHGFOANAA00&fromjumpstart=0&directlink=https%3a%2f%2fovidsp.dc2.ovid.com%2fovftpdfs%2fFPEBJPHGKFKJBK00%2ffs047%2fovft%2flive%2fgv024%2f00006396%2f00006396-202009000-00024.pdf&filename=A+randomized%2c+double-blind%2c+placebo-controlled+study+of+daily+cannabidiol+for+the+treatment+of+canine+osteoarthritis+pain.&pdf_key=FPEBJPHGKFKJBK00&pdf_index=/fs047/ovft/live/gv024/00006396/00006396-202009000-00024
6. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-you-asked/can-we-use-eggshells-treat-osteoarthritis
7. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14397595.2016.1259729  
8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023319301157?casa_token=QKYUj2PB4hUAAAAA:lKa8olLbuz54At_AvHjBotUh0fxPCaisUeROkbB7attGwBUsC5by38btxPAozjRm6vz1NY3oQ0Q
9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016524271200102X?casa_token=Q2lSQTCtDL0AAAAA:Ld4-0HIV8G13ksQfOoqmbgVGDPuSLm3Pb7wQLYkAcABYYQ-3xOhcsstZcqztzyJXVAd29I9ImdY
10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711314000750?casa_token=GA7RlrJj5zMAAAAA:JTU1dkgoysL2qEU62Ge0KCijn1e9IRHoTZQi8Qzl9gUiRjtXlO1VDiMNZ5cbEhjVsqy18_KEPYc
11. https://sat.gstsvs.ch/fileadmin/media/pdf/archive/2004/02/SAT146020071.pdf