How to Choose a Natural Anti-Inflammatory for Dogs

When “man’s best friend” is in pain, it’s a tough thing to deal with. But if your furry buddy is limping around or hesitating to jump on the couch to cuddle with you, then those are just a couple of signs that you need to take action to help them feel better.

One of the first treatments for joint pain or any general inflammation that your dog might be experiencing is NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But while doggy ibuprofen is effective, it comes with some risks that you and your vet have to weigh before deciding whether it’s worth it to give your pup some relief.

Specifically, NSAIDs for dogs can cause general side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and decreased activity levels. Usually, these side effects disappear once your pup gets used to the dosage.

However, long-term use of NSAIDs can potentially result in:

• Reduced kidney function or sudden onset kidney failure
• Liver damage
• Ulcers or perforations (holes) in the stomach and intestines

The likelihood of these symptoms occurring, both minor and serious, increases with higher dosages of NSAIDs. For this reason, your veterinarian will prescribe the lowest dose that they believe will help your dog. However, in some cases, especially in dogs with advanced joint issues or inflammation, a higher dose of the drug is necessary.

Due to the potential risk of negative side effects with NSAID use, it’s understandable that pet owners and veterinarians would want to explore alternatives to help treat inflammation in dogs. Joint supplements with natural ingredients like Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) are a popular option, alongside different foods and herbs.

In this article, we explore the benefits of looking into a natural anti-inflammatory for dogs, as well as how to choose the best anti-inflammatory option for your pup.

What Is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory for Dogs?

While conventional medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed to manage inflammation, many pet owners seek natural alternatives to avoid potential side effects. One such natural remedy gaining popularity is Methylsulfonylmethane, commonly known as MSM.

Understanding MSM

MSM is a naturally occurring compound found in plants, animals, and humans. It is a sulfur-containing compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. MSM is commonly used as a natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory for dogs to promote joint health and reduce inflammation.

Benefits of MSM for Dogs

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: MSM helps to reduce inflammation in dogs by inhibiting the production of certain inflammatory molecules and increasing antioxidant levels. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other inflammatory conditions.
2. Pain relief: By reducing inflammation, MSM can also help alleviate pain associated with joint and muscle issues. This can improve a dog's mobility and overall quality of life, especially in older dogs or those with chronic conditions.
3. Improved joint health: MSM is often used in combination with other joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, like in TRI-ACTA. Together, these compounds can help maintain healthy cartilage, support joint function, and slow the progression of degenerative joint diseases.
4. Support for healthy skin and coat: Sulfur, a key component of MSM, is essential for the production of collagen and keratin. These proteins are important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails. Regular supplementation with MSM can contribute to a shinier coat and healthier skin in dogs.
5. Detoxification: MSM can aid in detoxifying the body by enhancing the activity of certain enzymes involved in the detoxification process. This can help remove harmful toxins and support overall health.

There are several other natural anti-inflammatory supplements for dogs that can help manage inflammation. These alternatives are often used to complement conventional treatments as they are not often effective enough on their own. Some notable options include:

• Turmeric (Curcumin)
• Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
• CBD Oil (Cannabidiol)
• Boswellia Serrata
• Green-Lipped Mussel
• Devil’s Claw

These complementary ingredients, which are often incorporated into joint supplements, treats, and food, are discussed in more detail later on in this article.

What Causes Inflammation in Dogs?

Inflammation in dogs can be triggered by a variety of factors, ranging from injuries and infections to chronic diseases and environmental irritants. Understanding the underlying causes of inflammation can help in managing and preventing it. Here are some common causes of inflammation in dogs:

1. Infections

• Bacterial infections: Bacteria can invade various parts of the body, including the skin, ears, and internal organs, leading to inflammation.
• Viral infections: Viruses can cause systemic inflammation as the immune system responds to fight off the infection.
• Fungal infections: Fungal infections, particularly in the skin and respiratory system, can cause significant inflammation.

2. Injuries

• Trauma: Physical injuries such as cuts, bruises, sprains, and fractures often result in localized inflammation as the body responds to repair the damage.
• Surgery: Post-surgical inflammation is a common response to the tissue damage caused during the procedure.

3. Allergies

• Environmental allergies: Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mould can cause allergic reactions, leading to inflammation, particularly in the skin and respiratory system.
• Food allergies: Certain foods can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs, resulting in gastrointestinal inflammation or skin issues.
• Flea allergies: Flea bites can cause an allergic reaction known as flea allergy dermatitis, which is caused by the flea injecting antigens from their salivary glands when they feed. These antigens lead to severe itching and inflammation in dogs that are allergic to them.

4. Chronic Diseases

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases cause chronic inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus and autoimmune hemolytic anemia cause the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues, leading to widespread inflammation.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This condition involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, causing digestive issues and discomfort.

5. Obesity and Poor Diet

• Weight gain: Excess weight can put additional strain on a dog's joints, leading to chronic inflammation and conditions like arthritis.
• Poor diet: Diets lacking essential nutrients, including water, protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, affecting the dog's overall health. AAFCO, The Association of American Feed Controls, provides great advice for selecting the right pet food for your dog.

7. Environmental Factors

• Toxins and chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, pollutants, and toxins can cause inflammation as the body tries to neutralize and eliminate harmful substances.
• Irritants: Contact with irritants like certain plants, household cleaners, and grooming products can lead to skin inflammation.

Conventional Anti-Inflammatory Treatment for Dogs

Inflammation in dogs can cause discomfort and pain, and managing it effectively is crucial for maintaining their quality of life. Conventional treatments like NSAIDs and joint supplements are often used to reduce inflammation and alleviate associated symptoms. The table below outlines some common conventional anti-inflammatory treatments for dogs:

Synthetic vs Natural Anti-Inflammatory for Dogs

There’s a long-held debate regarding anti-inflammatory supplements for dogs and whether natural or synthetic is better. In general, people tend to shy away from the term synthetic, because it draws up thoughts of being artificial or fake, and giving your dog something that’s not real doesn’t sound appealing in the slightest. Plus, the discourse around natural automatically equaling better for pretty much every product in existence doesn’t help matters.

In the case of anti-inflammatory supplements for dogs, the most commonly used ingredient, MSM, is derived from natural sources. Here’s a breakdown of how the process of creating MSM for dogs works:

• When phytoplankton (a super tiny sea creature) dies, they release a natural chemical called dimethylsulfide (DMS) as they decompose. DMS reacts to oxygen and sunlight, forming MSM and other sulphates. If left, MSM is absorbed into clouds and dispersed in rain.
• Commercial MSM, the one used in supplements, is alsonaturally occurring.A catalytic reaction (sudden change) is used on a component called dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), which is often a by-product of wood pulping. The knowledge that DMSO comes from wood pulp might turn some people off—but don’t worry, MSM created wood pulp DMSO is completely safe, medical grade, and natural.

But the question still remains, why don’t we just get MSM from phytoplankton? Well, as it turns out, phytoplankton are an essential creature in our ocean ecosystems. When you look at an aquatic food web, they are at the top—small fish eat them, which are then eaten by bigger fish, which are then eaten by things like sharks, whales, and more. So suddenly culling these tiny critters in favour of making MSM would have devastating effects on our oceans that we don’t want.

Plus, it’s pretty much impossible to ensure that you’re getting the same concentration of MSM if you’re trying to harvest it through the phytoplankton death process described above. Think about it this way: you can grow two identical plants in a greenhouse under the exact same conditions, using the exact same soil, and somehow get two different results. But when you use a commercial process, you can measure and be sure that the ingredients are the same every single time.

Benefits of Natural Pain Relief and Anti-inflammatory for Dogs

Natural anti-inflammatory supplements for dogs offer several benefits that can make them an appealing option for managing inflammation and pain in dogs. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Fewer side effects: Natural remedies typically have fewer and milder side effects compared to synthetic drugs. This makes them safer for long-term use.
2. Overall health improvement: Many natural anti-inflammatories also provide additional health benefits. For example, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil support skin, coat, and heart health, while turmeric has antioxidant properties.
3. Holistic approach: Natural treatments often take a holistic approach, supporting overall wellness and potentially addressing multiple health issues simultaneously.
4. Reduced risk of organ damage: Synthetic drugs, especially NSAIDs and steroids, can cause liver and kidney damage with prolonged use. Natural remedies are generally gentler on the organs.
5. Availability and cost: Natural supplements can be more accessible and often less expensive than prescription medications.
6. Improved quality of life: By reducing inflammation and pain with fewer side effects, natural anti-inflammatories can help improve a dog's mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life.
7. Suitable for long-term use: Many natural anti-inflammatories are safe for long-term use, making them a good option for managing chronic conditions like arthritis.
8. Environmental and ethical considerations: Natural remedies are often derived from sustainable sources and can be more environmentally friendly. Additionally, they are less likely to involve animal testing compared to some synthetic drugs.

Dog Supplementation: The Best Natural Anti-Inflammatory for Dogs

We already know that an all natural anti-inflammatory for dogs is preferable to NSAIDs, but which ones are the best options? Here, we will discuss various natural options, highlighting MSM combined with glucosamine and chondroitin as the best option due to its positive effects on joint health and inflammation.

MSM Combined with Glucosamine and Chondroitin (TRI-ACTA and TRI-ACTA H.A.)

MSM is a sulfur-containing compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When combined with glucosamine and chondroitin, MSM becomes a powerful supplement for joint health. This is why TRI-ACTA uses these ingredients, as they have complementary benefits when used together:

• MSM: Reduces inflammation, supports cartilage repair, and enhances the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Glucosamine: Helps rebuild cartilage and maintain joint health.
• Chondroitin: Protects cartilage and promotes elasticity in the joints.

This combination is highly effective for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint-related issues. It helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and support overall joint function. Aside from TRI-ACTA, there is also TRI-ACTA H.A., which has the same ingredients except for one: Hyaluronic Acid. The addition of Hyaluronic Acid further helps with joint lubrication, giving that extra boost that dogs with chronic joint conditions need to increase their mobility and enable pain-free movement.

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Other Natural Anti-Inflammatories

There are other natural anti-inflammatories available on the market, but many of these are used in conjunction with the trifecta of joint supplement ingredients (MSM, Glucosamine, Chondroitin) to provide a bit of additional benefit. In some cases, products containing one or more of the natural ingredients listed below may claim that they will have similar benefits to proper joint supplements, but there is a myriad of scientific research supporting the effects of MSM, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin through repeated studies. The big takeaway being that while the below might have some positive effect, it’s usually not enough by itself to make a significant difference.

With that being said, some of the other natural anti-inflammatories you might come across are outlined in the table below:

Best Practices in Administering Natural Anti-inflammatory for Dogs

Administering natural anti-inflammatory supplements to dogs can be straightforward, but choosing the right formulation can enhance efficacy and compliance. Various formulations are available, each with its advantages and challenges. Here, we will discuss different supplement formulations and highlight why powder formulations are often the best option.

Best Practices for Administering Powder Supplements

• Mixing with food: Ensure the powder is thoroughly mixed with wet food or moistened dry food to prevent the dog from noticing it.
• Correct dosage: Use the provided scoop or a precise measuring tool to ensure the correct dosage is administered.
• Monitor for reactions: Observe the dog for any adverse reactions when starting a new supplement and consult with a veterinarian if any issues arise.
• Consistency: Administer the supplement consistently, as directed by the veterinarian, to maintain its effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right anti-inflammatory treatment for your dog is crucial for managing their pain and improving their quality of life. While NSAIDs and other synthetic medications are effective, they come with potential risks and side effects, particularly with long-term use. This has led many pet owners and veterinarians to explore natural alternatives.

Natural anti-inflammatories such as MSM, especially when combined with glucosamine and chondroitin, offer a powerful and safer option for supporting joint health and reducing inflammation. These natural supplements can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support overall wellness without the severe side effects associated with synthetic drugs.

In addition to MSM, other natural options like turmeric, fish oil, CBD oil, and green-lipped mussel can complement your dog’s health regimen, providing holistic benefits that extend beyond inflammation control. By understanding the various causes of inflammation and choosing the best natural supplements, you can help ensure your dog remains active, healthy, and happy.

When administering an all natural anti-inflammatory for dogs, powders are often the best choice due to their versatility, ease of administration, and precise dosing capabilities. Always consult with a veterinarian to tailor the best treatment plan for your dog's specific needs, ensuring the chosen supplements are safe and effective. By combining the right natural remedies with proper veterinary care, you can help your furry friend lead a more comfortable and pain-free life.

Start your dog’s journey to a pain-free life with TRI-ACTA. Purchase TRI-ACTA online or learn where to buy at a store near you.

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