As a dog advances in age, health issues arise. As a young pup, the immune system is strong enough to fight off minor illnesses but as they get on in age, problems like inflammation are a struggle to cope with.
Inflammation is caused by external factors that invade the body’s ability to fight it off such as injuries like a fracture, bug bites, or chemical foreign agents. It leads to extended periods of physical distress and discomfort.
One of the most efficient ways to treat inflammation is using CBD products mainly topicals. Companies such as Pet Releaf offer products like canna pet CBD oils and joint chews to effectively manage this problem.
Identifying the symptoms is the first step to understanding their problem, given below are the main characteristics of inflammation.
Heat/Redness: It is noticeable on the skin’s surface but can also happen internally if the inner tissues are inflamed. Increased blood flow to the affected areas causes heat and redness.
Swelling: Caused by fluid accumulation
Pain: Pain is caused when chemicals are released in response to inflammation.
Causes of Inflammation
Apart from inflammation caused by injuries or bug bites, here’s a list of the potential causes.
Parasites: When a foreign body, such as parasites, enters the body, inflammation is formed. These gnarly microorganisms feed on a host’s body. Heartworms are the worst kind of parasite and are something to be very careful of. They can be treated properly with a good vet.
Genetics: Genetics can be the cause for some disadvantages your dog faces, i.e., poor immunity, hip dysplasia, and a tendency for cancer are a few of them. To reduce the impact of poor genetics, holistic remedies, medications, and lifestyle changes can help ease the signs of inflammation.
Obesity: Obesity can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol. Obesity puts stress on your dog increasing inflammation. It can be treated by changing food choices and exercising them more.
Allergies: Inflammation can go off the charts if you’ve been feeding them food that doesn’t agree with them. They could be sensitive to meats or grains. Make sure that the food they consume, isn’t what’s causing the inflammation otherwise a dietary change is needed ASAP!
Environmental factors: Dust, pollen, mold, artificial fragrances are all irritants that can be contributing factors to their inflammation. To alleviate their symptoms, simply reduce or stop them from being exposed to these substances.
Reducing Inflammation
Diet changes: Switch to food that is not heavily processed, products that have natural and organic ingredients. High-quality foods are a must, ones that have a high carbohydrate to protein ratio. Try cutting out grains and check the outcomes.
Supplements: Choose herbal and nutritional supplements, ones that contain:
- Turmeric: helps inflammation
- Curcumin: antioxidant
- Glucosamine: best for inflamed joints
- Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids: good for cardiovascular health and immunity
- CBD: good for joint pains and reduces stress caused by inflammation
- Ginger
- Blueberries
- Alfalfa
- Mongo
- Coconut
- Celery
- Papaya
Physical therapy: Physical therapy’s goal is to reduce pain while enhancing the quality of life by increasing mobility and function. There’s therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and hydroptherapy. Find an expert in the field that specializes in treating dogs.
To conclude, there is no need to worry, it is possible to give your dog the comfort and happiness they deserve. If your dog is on any medications consult a vet with regards to changing their diet and adding new supplements.