As a pet owner, there’s nothing more heartbreaking than watching your furry friend suffer from inflammation.
Whether it’s due to an injury, infection, or an underlying health condition, inflammation can cause discomfort, and pain and even affect your dog’s overall quality of life.
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat inflammation in dogs and provide them with the relief they need.
From natural anti-inflammatories for dogs to medication, and cannabinoids, the options are endless.
But before we get started with how to treat inflammation in dogs, let’s first understand what inflammation is and how to tell if your dog is having one.
What Is Inflammation?
This is the body’s natural response to infection, injury, tissue damage, or any other foreign invaders that are not meant to be in the body.
It is a process where the immune system sends cells and chemicals to the affected area to fight off harmful pathogens and initiate tissue repair.
Symptoms of inflammation may include loss of function, redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Inflammation can be acute and last only a few days or chronic, lasting for weeks, months, or even years.
Tell-tale Signs Of Inflammation In Dogs
Inflammation in dogs can manifest in different ways depending on which part of their body is affected. You may notice redness, warmth, and swelling if it’s the skin. This can also appear as a rash.
When inflammation occurs in your dog’s ears, you may notice similar symptoms along with an unpleasant odor. Your dog may also be sensitive to touch in the affected areas, which can cause them to flinch.
Inflammation of the muscles and joints may not be easily visible until your dog starts to move, causing limping or difficulty standing up if the back is affected.
Pain from inflammation can make your dog lethargic, disinterested in playing, and lose appetite. Digestive tract inflammation can often cause vomiting and diarrhea, leading to loss of appetite.
If you notice any signs of inflammation in your dog, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Areas Most Commonly Affected By Inflammation In Dogs
Knowing the areas of your dog’s body that are most prone to inflammation can help you identify the problem and seek prompt medical attention.
This knowledge is especially vital since dog inflammation can manifest differently depending on the affected organ or tissue.
The suffix “-itis” denotes inflammation in medical terminology. Thus, diseases that end in “-itis” are characterized by inflammation in a particular organ or tissue.
For example, arthritis is inflammation in the joints, and dermatitis is a skin inflammation that can cause itchiness, redness, and irritation. Below are dog body parts frequently afflicted by inflammation:
Digestive tract
Inflammation of the digestive tract can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite in dogs. The condition can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus.
Signs of inflammation in this area may include abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. Look for changes in your dog’s behavior, such as lethargy or lack of interest in food, and seek veterinary attention promptly.
Skin and tissue
It can occur for various reasons, such as allergies, infections, and injuries. Look for signs of irritation or scratching, such as redness or scabs. Areas of inflammation may also feel warmer to the touch than surrounding tissue.
Joints
Inflammation of the joints can cause pain, stiffness, and lameness in dogs. The condition can occur due to various reasons, including injuries.
Your dog may experience difficulty moving, limping, or reluctance to perform certain activities. Swelling may also be evident around the affected joint.
How To Treat Inflammation In Dogs
Now that you know the signs of inflammation and commonly affected areas, let’s look at how you can manage it.
Natural anti-inflammatory
Did you know some natural substances can help reduce dog inflammation? These include remedies like turmeric, ginger, omega-3 fatty acids, coconut oil, and boswellia.
They have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate pain and inflammation in dogs.
As always, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new supplements or medications to your dog’s diet.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medications can also provide effective relief. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are a medication that disrupts the body’s inflammatory process.
However, it is important never to give your dog NSAIDs intended for human use, as this can lead to severe illness.
Consult your veterinarian about the best and safest anti-inflammatory medications for your dog. You may notice symptom relief in just a few hours with the right NSAID.
Steroids
Steroids are medications based on hormones that occur naturally in the body. They effectively reduce inflammation but can have side effects when taken orally, ranging from minor to severe.
As such, they should only be administered orally when necessary. A better approach is to use steroids topically, targeting inflammation specifically.
For example, steroids can be applied topically for inflammation in the ear or eye. This method is less likely to cause side effects and can be just as effective in treating inflammation.
Cannabinoiads
CBD, a type of cannabinoid, has been discovered to have potent anti-inflammatory properties in dogs.
A recent study showed reduced arthritis pain and improved mobility in dogs after just four weeks of taking CBD without any adverse side effects.
Moreover, CBD may also potentially alleviate pain and anxiety associated with inflammation in pets.
With CBD, dogs suffering from inflammation can enjoy a better quality of life without the harmful side effects of traditional medications.
Does Your Dog Suffer From Inflammation?
If you have read up to this point, you now know how to treat inflammation in dogs. Inflammation can cause discomfort and pain for our furry companions, but fortunately, there are many ways to treat it.
From anti-inflammatory medications to natural remedies like fish oil and turmeric, there are options to help reduce inflammation and improve your dog’s overall well-being.
With the proper treatment and care, inflammation doesn’t have to hold our canine companions back.
However, it’s important to always consult with your veterinarian before administering any treatments or supplements to your pet.
About Author: Lisa Wilson
Lisa is a writer and editor who loves to write on different topics. She has published many articles on different websites earlier. Her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, and online publications. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Website: https://www.doggieherbs.com/