Arthritis
Natural Remedies

Arthritis - Editor's Choice

| Modified on May 08, 2025
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Dog Arthritis Natural Remedies

As dogs age, many experience arthritis, leading to pain and reduced mobility. This condition is more common in larger breeds due to the extra strain their weight puts on their joints. Early signs include difficulty standing after rest and a noticeable change in movement.

While there's no cure for arthritis, a combination of lifestyle changes and natural remedies can significantly enhance your dog's quality of life. Here, we explore the best natural treatments for canine arthritis.

Comprehensive Care for Canine Arthritis

The ASPCA highlights that while arthritis is incurable, effective pain management is achievable. A holistic approach, combining conventional and natural treatments, is often recommended. This includes nutritional supplements, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and weight management.

Top Natural Remedies for Arthritis in Dogs

The most effective treatment plans for canine arthritis combine traditional veterinary care with scientifically backed natural remedies, providing a comprehensive approach to your pet's health. Studies have shown that nutritional supplements are among the most effective means of combating arthritis in dogs. Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, fish oil, vitamin E, and vitamin C, along with various herbs, have been found to alleviate arthritis-related pain, decrease inflammation, and enhance your dog's mobility.

1. Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses has emerged as a popular natural remedy for dog arthritis, especially noted for its popularity on Earth Clinic. This type of molasses is rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are believed to play a role in maintaining joint health.

  • Mineral-Rich Content: Blackstrap molasses is a concentrated byproduct of the sugar refining process, containing a high level of beneficial minerals.
  • Joint Health Support: The minerals in blackstrap molasses, particularly magnesium, are known for their role in bone and joint health. Magnesium can help in maintaining joint flexibility and reducing inflammation.
  • Natural Sweetness: Its natural sweetness can make it an appealing addition to your dog’s diet, especially for pets that might be picky about supplements.

How to Use Blackstrap Molasses for Canine Arthritis

  • Dosage: Start with a small amount, like a teaspoon, mixed into your dog's food, and observe how your pet responds.
  • Gradual Introduction: Increase slowly, ensuring it agrees with your dog’s digestive system.
  • Quality Matters: Choose organic, unsulphured blackstrap molasses to ensure your pet gets a pure product without additives.

Cautions and Considerations

  • Sugar Content: While it is a natural product, blackstrap molasses does contain sugar. It should be used in moderation, especially for dogs with diabetes or weight issues.
  • High Iron Warning: Blackstrap molasses is rich in iron. Excessive or prolonged use can lead to health issues, such as kidney problems. It's recommended to use it intermittently rather than continuously.
  • Veterinary Advice: Always consult your veterinarian before adding any new supplement to your dog’s diet, especially if your pet has existing health conditions.

2. DMSO

DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) is a compound commonly used in veterinary medicine, particularly for horses. It has gained attention for its potential benefits in treating arthritis and joint pain in dogs. DMSO is known for reducing inflammation and relieving pain, making it a candidate for treating dog arthritis symptoms.

A Remarkable Story from an Earth Clinic Reader

Sam from North County San Diego shared an inspiring story on Earth Clinic about her16-year-old toy poodle, who suffered from severe joint pain and immobility. After conventional treatments seemed to offer little hope, Sam turned to DMSO as a last resort. They used a gel formulation of DMSO mixed with aloe, applying it to the dog's affected limbs with a cotton ball.

Within 90 minutes of applying DMSO to the dog's left front leg, it relaxed back into its natural position. After applying it down the dog's spine the next day, the other legs, previously frozen and stiff, also returned to her normal state. Over the following days, the poodle gradually regained the strength to stand and walk.

3. Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase, a natural enzyme, is gaining recognition for its effectiveness in managing arthritis in pets. It functions by breaking down proteins that contribute to inflammation and pain. This action can help alleviate arthritis symptoms, improving pet mobility and comfort.

User Experience from Canada

Lorraine from Canada shared her positive experience with Serrapeptase on Earth Clinic. She has found it exceptionally effective for her elderly, arthritic cats and dogs. According to Lorraine, serrapeptase works best when administered on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. Her consistent success with this supplement highlights its potential as a natural and effective treatment for pet arthritis.

4. Alfalfa

Alfalfa, a perennial herb, is renowned for its potential benefits in managing dog arthritis. Rich in essential nutrients, it is believed to support joint health and provide natural lubrication to aging joints.

A Testimonial from Austin, Texas

Lanehausen from Austin, Texas, shared an impactful story on Earth Clinic about the use of alfalfa for dogs with arthritis. Lanehausen recounted an encounter with Alan & Louise Shepard (the astronaut and his wife), who had a small aging Chihuahua suffering from severe arthritis. Lanehausen suggested using alfalfa tablets, a remedy passed down from their father, to help with the dog's joint issues. After incorporating crunched-up alfalfa tablets into their dog's food, the Shepards observed a remarkable improvement. The dog, previously struggling with mobility, was rejuvenated and able to walk much better. They expressed their gratitude in a letter, confirming the effectiveness of this natural remedy.

  • Dosage: The suggested dosage ranges from 500 to 1500 mg tablets mixed into the dog’s food.
  • Benefits: Alfalfa is believed to provide natural joint lubrication and improve mobility in dogs with arthritis.
  • Nutrient-Rich: It is packed with vitamins and minerals beneficial for overall health.

Considerations When Using Alfalfa

Consultation with a Veterinarian: It's important to talk to a vet before introducing alfalfa into your dog's diet, especially if they have existing health conditions or are on medication.
Quality of Supplement: Ensure you are using high-quality alfalfa supplements to avoid any additives or contaminants.
Monitor for Allergic Reactions: While rare, some dogs may be allergic to alfalfa. Keep an eye out for any adverse reactions when introducing this supplement.

5. Glucosamine

Glucosamine, a crucial nutrient for canine arthritis, works by providing protective benefits beyond merely reducing symptoms. Classified as a glycosaminoglycan, glucosamine aids in rebuilding depleted cartilage and replenishing joint fluid, crucial for dogs suffering from arthritis. Research indicates the effectiveness of starting with higher doses of glucosamine to gauge your dog's response, followed by gradual dose adjustment. Widely available as a dietary supplement, glucosamine for dogs can be found at pet supply stores or obtained through your veterinarian. This approach ensures your dog receives the right support for joint health and arthritis management.

6. Chondroitin

Chondroitin, closely related to glucosamine, is pivotal in restoring the natural functioning of your dog's joints. This supplement plays a key role in rebuilding the cushioning within joints commonly affected by arthritis, while also providing lubrication to minimize friction and alleviate pain. Similar to glucosamine, it's advisable to start with a higher dosage of chondroitin to observe your pet's response, then adjust the dose accordingly. Chondroitin supplements designed specifically for pets are generally easy to find, ensuring your dog receives targeted support for joint health and comfort.

7. Fish Oil

Fish oil, rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, is a crucial supplement for dogs with arthritis. The most beneficial components of fish oil are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties. These elements help reduce joint inflammation and alleviate pain by lubricating the joints. When selecting a fish oil supplement, opt for salmon or high EPA content products, as these are particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids. The recommended daily dosage is up to 300 mg per 10 pounds of your dog's body weight. It's important to note that many fish oil supplements require refrigeration to preserve their effectiveness.

8. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is essential for dogs, especially when taking fish oil supplements. Fish oil consumption can deplete a dog's natural vitamin E levels, making it important to supplement this nutrient. Vitamin E also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial in treating canine arthritis. The recommended dosage of vitamin E varies depending on the dog's size: 100 IU for small dogs, 200 IU for medium-sized dogs, and 400 IU for large dogs.

9. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is vital in the management of arthritis in dogs. It plays a key role in reducing inflammation and aids in properly functioning nerve signals, which is important for pain management. When choosing a vitamin C supplement, opt for calcium or sodium ascorbate forms, as they are gentler on your dog's stomach. The daily dosage guide for adult dogs is as follows:

  • Small dogs: 500mg - 1,000mg
  • Medium to large dogs: 1,000mg - 2,000mg
  • Giant dogs: 2,000mg - 4,000mg

Begin with the lowest recommended dose and gradually increase it, ideally once or twice a year. If your dog experiences loose stools, this may indicate that the dosage is too high. In such cases, slightly reduce and gradually increase the dose over time.

10. Herbal Tonic

Lizardhaven, from Desert Hot Springs, California, shared a valuable post on Earth Clinic detailing an herbal tea remedy used for pets with various health issues, particularly those sent home after unsuccessful cancer treatments or those too old for treatment. The focus of this remedy has been to enhance the quality of life and potentially extend the lifespan of these pets.

Herbal Tea Composition:

  • Ingredients: The tea is made from powdered neem, graviola, chapparal, and andrographis. The ratio used is two parts each of neem, graviola, and chapparal, to one part andrographis.
  • Preparation: The ingredients are brewed into a strong tea.

Effects and Efficacy:

  • General Improvement: Pets consuming this tea reportedly felt better within a few days.
  • Arthritis and Joint Issues: The tea consistently improved conditions like arthritis and other joint problems.
  • Aging Symptoms: Symptoms related to pet aging also seemed to improve significantly.
  • Use as an Arthritis Remedy: Due to its effectiveness, many have started using this tonic specifically as a remedy for arthritis in pets.

Understanding the Ingredients:

  • Neem: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
  • Graviola: Often used for its anti-cancer properties and ability to relieve pain.
  • Chapparal: Recognized for its antioxidant and potential anti-cancer effects.
  • Andrographis: A herb known for boosting immune system response and reducing inflammation.

11. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is increasingly recognized for its benefits in supporting joint health in pets, particularly those suffering from arthritis or joint issues. This naturally occurring substance plays a vital role in maintaining joint lubrication and cushioning, essential for animal mobility and comfort.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Pets

  • Joint Lubrication: HA helps maintain the synovial fluid that lubricates joints, essential for reducing friction and easing movement.
  • Supports Cartilage Health: It aids in maintaining the health of cartilage, which acts as a cushion between bones in a joint.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Hyaluronic acid can help reduce joint inflammation, alleviating pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.

Administration of Hyaluronic Acid

  • Oral Supplements: HA is available in oral supplement form, which can be added to a pet's diet.
  • Injections: In some cases, veterinarians may recommend HA injections directly into the joint, especially for more severe cases.
  • Combined Treatments: Often used in conjunction with other joint-support supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for enhanced effects.

12. Yucca Extract

Yucca extract, derived from the root of the Yucca plant, is gaining attention in pet health, particularly for its potential benefits in managing arthritis and joint pain in animals.

Benefits of Yucca Extract for Pets

  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Yucca is known for its natural anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce pain and swelling in pets suffering from arthritis or other joint issues.
  • Pain Relief: It has compounds believed to provide pain relief, making it a valuable supplement for pets experiencing discomfort due to joint problems.
  • Supports Overall Health: Yucca extract is also rich in nutrients that can contribute to the general well-being of pets.

For more advice and insights on treating arthritis in dogs, please continue reading below for additional suggestions from our readers.

Related Links:

Natural Remedies for Joint Pain in Dogs
Top Natural Back Pain Remedies for Holistic Relief


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

DMSO

Posted by Sam (North County San Diego) on 10/05/2023
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

DMSO on 16+ poodle

11 months ago my 16 yo toy poodle became very weak and she had trouble holding up her body. She cried lightly in my ear. She was in too much pain. The vet wanted to run many tests on her and X-rays but felt she would most likely be put down. I took pain medication for her but she wasn't well enough to take it. Her left front leg curled up and froze in that position. Then each of her three other legs stuck out like branches and froze. I held her up over the grass so she could go and held her 24/7. At this point I thought I had nothing to lose and went to the Horse Supply and Feed Store and picked up the only DMSO they had. It was mixed with aloe and was a gel. I dabbed her left front leg with the DMSO gel on a cotton ball. Within 90 minutes the leg fell back into a natural position. I continued to hold her and waited until the next day to dab the DMSO with a cotton ball down the length of her spine from neck to tail. Within a few hours all three legs that were frozen like tree branches fell back to their natural position. It took a few more days for her to hold up her body and a few more days to be able to walk up the grassy hill.

I had just moved into this condo complex and I didn't know anyone. The neighbors watched this whole thing play out. My downstairs neighbor saw my dog walking around and asked how on earth she is still with us. I told him I used DMSO. He is a chemist and very familiar with it and asked astonishingly, “SOLVENT? You used solvent on your dog?! ” I told him I did and it worked. Had I known how amazing it really was I would have used it sooner. Now I dab her hip joints, shoulders, neck or legs when needed. It felt like the miracle my pooch and I had prayed for. It's used on horses. I have no idea what for I just know it is remarkable.


Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Maggie's Dad (Cedar Rapids, Ia) on 03/08/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

After reading the blackstrap molasses reviews I figured I would give it a try on my 12 yo Golden Retriever. She has arthritis in her hips and is on an anti-inflammatory. Over the past few weeks she has been declining to the point where she needed help to get up off the floor and could not do a short set of steps to get in and out. Was thinking we were getting near the end with her so I tried the molasses. She has been on it for 6 days and she is doing amazing! Still a little slow to get up, but gets up on her own with no problems. I am amazed. I started out giving her 1 Tbls twice a day on a piece of bread but after a couple of days I backed off to 1 tsp twice a day and she is still doing very well. Thank you to all who posted on here before me, if it had not been for the posts I would have been making a very hard decision now instead. Hope my review helps others!


Coconut Oil

Posted by Roger (Tampa, Fl) on 05/12/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I know its 4:30am but you woudn't believe this. I gave Sadie the coconut oil last night at 11 pm n this morning after I got her off the bed she walked out the door and peed and pooped on her own. She went from almost a non walking stage to doing it on her own and seemed happy. Got tail wags and she ate all her food this morning. 😊.

This is a miracle. I was carrying her out and back inside. Wow.

The drug vet gave me, deramaxx didn't do anything for her arthritis. In fact, it seemed to have made her worse.

I posted this because I didn't see too many coconut oil posts for 2016.

Thanks to everyone to making these posts and keeping this web site available. I had almost given up on Sadie. She is 10 and a lab/put mixed and was diagnosed with arthritis in her right shoulder and neck. This morning is the happiest I have seen her in the last three days. From now own she will be getting a tablespoon of coconut oil morning and night.


Ester C

Posted by Me (Nj) on 01/26/2014
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I give my golden retriever, age 11.5 Ester C of 1000mg per day.

Two years ago, he could scarcely walk or get up due to awful stiffness of the hind quarters. I was so worried I'd lose him! And he was suffering.

The vet's x-rays showed, to his joyful surprise, zero arthritis in hips and no hip dysplasia. His wife, the other vet in their family practice, prescribed pills for my dog. I tried a 2 week sample. I didn't see much improvement, and he would need regular screening to ensure the pills weren't causing serious organ problems (a possible side effect of these pills). Not only that, but boy, were they expensive! It would have cost $300 per month to purchase those pills.

I wished for an answer, and shortly I received it. My neighbor, who owns 5 gorgeously healthy, huge labrador retrievers, and whose daughter is a veterinary technician, said he'd share his "secret" with me.

Ester C. Yes indeed, Ester C, my friends, that was THE answer! Apparently it even helps if your dog DOES have hip dysplasia. It doesn't cure the dysplasia, but it somehow relieves their pain so they can walk again! I googled it up and down to be sure it was safe and I was providing my faithful friend the right dosage.

My Findings:

1) Apparently you must use ONLY Ester C, not regular vitamin C (it can cause stomach upset). Give the Ester C with their meal, not on an empty stomach.

2) You should load them up in increments, building them up to the proper dose, don't give the maximum dose from the start. After you've built them up to the maximum dose they can tolerate without stomach upset and suitable for their size/weight, you soon see the results. Then you can lower them to a maintenance dose: For my golden retriever, I began with 500mg per day divided into his two meals morning and evening (250mg morning 250mg evening) for several days. I then slowly increased him to 1000 per day, (500mg AM and 500mg PM). I then upped him to 2000mg (1,000mg AM 1,000mg PM).

I saw results in a couple of weeks. I lowered his dose to 1000mg and I have maintained him on 1 capsule of time-release Ester C per day in his breakfast meal for 2 years.

My boyfriend saw the difference, my sister saw the difference and I see the difference. He gets up off the floor NO PROBLEM. Now, mind you, he is 11.5 years old. He is better now than he was at age 8!

He can walk 2.5 miles again like we used to do! I never thought he'd be able to ever do that again!

And guess how much this wonderful treatment costs me? Less than $10. a month! I buy a bottle of 1000mg time-release Ester C, 60 capsules, for about $10. Can you believe it? I can buy the 90 capsules for about $15. That's a 3 month supply, folks.

I guess we're not supposed to name companies here, but it comes in an orange box and an orange bottle. I buy it at Walmart and also at my supermarket Shoprite. I'm sure any decent Ester C will do.

It is for humans, not special for dogs.

I love it and am so thankful for what it has done for my dog!

I hope this post is useful to other dogs out there. I did a lot of research before I used Ester C on my dog. So of course I advise you to research what is right for your dog.

Good luck


Dehumidifier

Posted by Amy (Kane, Pa) on 11/12/2011
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Anyway, I wanted to post this as an idea for others. I had a cat who was 18 years old who effectively cured his own arthritis. He was a very smart little fellow, and he had terrible arthritis that had caused such spots on his hip that were so hot to touch, and he'd limp around in pain. The glucosamine did help some, but nothing worked until we purchased a dehumidifier for our basement. This little tuxedo cat sat next to this dehumidifier day and night, for about a month or more. At the time, I thought he was doing it because of the heat. Low and behold, about a month after doing this, his arthritis was healed, his weight had dropped dramatically, and he was pouncing around like a little kitten. No more hot joints.

I have arthritis, and have thought about trying it, but I don't have the time to sit next to that thing all day. Ahhh the life of a cat... My best friend Snapper has gone to his reward... And may have found a cure of arthritis for some... Hope this helps.


Alfalfa

Posted by Lanehausen (Austin, Texas) on 10/10/2011
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I was friends with Alan & Louise Shepard (the astronaut & wife) through a close friend at work in 1996 or so. On a trip to Wimberley, Tx, to visit thier daughter and husband (my friend), they brought a small aging mixed chihuahua with arthritis so bad he could hardly get around. I shared with them, my dad's teachings of giving aging dogs alfalfa tabs crunched up in thier food to help give the joints natural lubrication. In the following weeks I received a letter from Alan & Louise thanking me so much for the tip as their dog was rejuvenated and walking like he had not done in years. Try it, it works. 500- 1500 mg tabs in the food will do it.