Published: May 2021 | Updated: April 2023
You may be surprised to discover that gut health affects every part of your dog’s body. And, that includes inflammation in the joints!
If you think about when you don’t feel well, is it honestly only your stomach that hurts? Or, does your body begin to ache and exhaustion begins to set in?
Fortunately, most of the time it’s only temporary, but when our dog’s gut (or our gut) is out of balance, these problems can become chronic.
What is the Gut Microbiome?
The gut microbiome is a group of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other tiny things) found in the digestive tracts of all organisms on the planet. The bacteria in your dog's microbiome are important for digestion and nutrient absorption from the food he eats.
If your dog's gut bacteria are out of control (dysbiosis), he or she can develop digestive problems like inflamed, achy joints. Bacteria in the gut have an effect on many facets of your dog's overall wellbeing, not just digestion.
In addition to joint pain, gut bacteria have been shown to play a key role in the development of arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and depression and anxiety in humans and dogs.
Leaky Gut in Dogs is Connected to Joint Inflammation
Low-grade chronic inflammation is often the underlying cause of most illnesses and ailments.
This inflammatory state can be triggered by a number of factors. Almost all of them include a permeable gut lining that has become brittle and riddled with holes.
This occurs as chemicals and artificial, indigestible food particles rip holes in the lining of the intestines (i.e. leaky gut). Toxins leak into the bloodstream until the gut is destroyed. Naturally, the immune system goes into overdrive to protect the body from these invaders. It sends a signal to the body to start inflammation all over the place, as this is how the body kills intruders.
Most of the time inflammation is beneficial, but it becomes a problem when it is continuous.
Leaky gut syndrome in dogs is now a worldwide epidemic affecting both pets and humans, thanks to our culture of processed and genetically-modified foods. And, our reliance on pharmaceutical drugs definitely doesn’t help the situation.
Toxic contaminants in our air and water play a role as well. Depending on biology and lifestyle, every system of the body may be affected.
Since the joints are filled with protein-rich fluid and in continuous use, they are particularly fragile. Other internal organs may suffer silently, so you may not notice the damage in yourself or in your dog until the symptoms become severe.
Of course dog joint pain is also attributed to age. Years of wear and tear can cause joint pain and arthritis (inflammation). But, if you notice a chronically warm part of your dog's body, or if the occasional limp becomes continuous, it's probably not just wear and tear.
Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers designed to support joint health for dogs can temporarily alleviate the symptoms. However, they will, in the end (and this is critical), exacerbate chronic inflammation.
Common, over-the-counter joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can be beneficial but it’s difficult to find a product your dog’s body can absorb well.
And, more than likely, a portion of the arthritis is possibly autoimmune-mediated, making gut healing a viable treatment option not only for a healthy digestive tract but for overall well-being.
Probiotics Can Support Dog Gut Health
Probiotics can help your dog’s gut health get back on track. S. boulardii is one of the most beneficial bacteria that can be added to your dog’s diet on a daily basis. S. boulardii aids in restoring the body to homeostasis (biological balance) by adding good yeast and bacteria while removing toxins through defecation.
If your dog is taking antibiotics, S. boulardii is also one of the probiotic yeast types that remains effective. It’s strong enough to continue balancing your dog’s gut even under the most stressful conditions.
What Helps Dog Joint Health?
Instead of turning to NSAIDs or other prescription medications, you can heal the body naturally. Unlike over-the-counter or prescription medications, natural supplements get to the root of the problem. Most medications just cover up the problem, similar to how a band-aid covers up a scratch. You can’t see it, but it’s still there.
Products like Canine Cush that contain highly bioavailable, natural ingredients are recommended by holistic veterinarians.
Canine Cush is a supplement made in the United States that contains phytocannabinoids, hemp oil, eggshell membrane, boswellia, and curcumin, among other high-quality ingredients.
If you “Google” the words “natural joint health supplements for dogs,” you will likely find these supplements offered in various places individually.
Canine Cush has combined all of the ingredients into one supplement, not only to relieve the stress of a handful of supplements to remember, but to provide your dog with all of the ingredients he needs to relieve pain while promoting overall health.
What To Do Next:
- Examine the amount of synthetic additives in your dog's diet rather than resorting to medications. Then consider getting rid of them (always talk to your veterinarian).
- Feed a diet rich in natural antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids made up of fresh whole foods. This aids in the removal of harmful free radicals generated by inflammation as well as the reduction of the inflammatory process.
- Toxins in your dog's environment should be assessed and removed. Avoid giving your dog prescription medications or pesticides.
- You should also add a natural joint supplement for dogs to help manage the pain while restoring the body’s balance. And, natural probiotics for dogs to provide an immune system boost through the addition of good bacteria and yeast to the intestinal tract.