As more people find relief with alternative medicines, it seems they are now doing the same for their pets with remedies like Krill oil for dogs with Arthritis. Krill, a crustacean similar to shrimp, produces an oil that is extracted for nutritional benefits. Its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids and its antioxidant content make it a great nutritional supplement for people, but dogs can benefit too!
The antioxidant in Krill oil, astaxanthin, can help protect your dog’s eyes, brain and central nervous system. While this supplement is similar to fish oil, it is worth noting that some research shows it can be up to 10 times as effective in certain areas.
Supplements for Dogs With Arthritis Makes Perfect Sense
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When using Krill oil for dogs with arthritis, there are a few precautions one should take:
- Krill oil should not be used with aspirin without consulting a veterinarian! Aspirin, commonly given to dogs with a misconception of safety, is more likely to cause side effects with dogs than humans. If your dog is in pain, you may reach for the baby aspirin without much hesitation. Even though most dogs do not react to aspirin badly, you should certainly consult your vet before trying this. If you notice your dog is in pain, but you are unable to visit a veterinarian right away, a visit to your local pet store can likely point you in the right direction. Other over the counter supplements may have less side effects than aspirin, and work with Krill oil so that you can begin treating the root of the problem. For example, glucosamine and Krill oil have both been shown to help with arthritic pain. This is a much better long term solution than to continue the risk of aspirin.
- If your dog has a shellfish allergy, he should not consume Krill oil.
- Krill oil should not be consumed with NSAIDs or other anti–inflammatory drugs without first consulting a veterinarian.
Why should we use Krill oil for dogs with arthritis?
Omega-3 fatty acids are often added to dog food, but in very small amounts. To truly benefit from these fatty acids, a supplement is almost always needed. Research has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation with arthritis and skin allergies. In dogs with autoimmune disorders, these fatty acids also reduce the body’s autoimmune response. It is sometimes difficult, however, to find good sources of Omega-3, since quality can be greatly affected by environmental factors of the fish. For example, farm raised Salmon does not contain the same quality of Omega-3 due to its captive environment.
Krill are at the bottom of the ocean’s food chain, often consumed by whales and other ocean predators. Because of where they lie on the food chain, they are not as susceptible to pollution and other water contaminants. These factors make Krill an excellent source of fatty acids, since there is less concern for mercury content and pollution, and the oil contains additional antioxidants not seen with ordinary fish oil.
Recent research has shown that after a month and a half of using a quality Omega-3 supplement like Krill oil, dogs could already get off of their beds easier and play a little easier than before. After three months of usage, most dogs showed an improved ability to walk. This is especially helpful for large dogs, or those with small legs, as the weight they carry can greatly affect their arthritis symptoms. Dogs of all sizes can benefit, however.
In fact, using Krill oil for dogs with arthritis could provide your pet with the added benefits listed below:
- Healthier immune system: This can be helpful with dogs who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, as their joints and immune system are both often affected.
- Beautiful coat: Krill oil’s high Omega-3 fatty acid content ensure that your pet’s skin remains healthy. The best part of this benefit is that you are actually helping your pet’s coat from the inside out, not just using an artificial spray to make his coat appear healthy.
- Reduced allergy responses: While it won’t cure allergies, Krill oil will certainly reduce the inflammation brought on by irritants. Particularly for dogs with short legs, Krill oil can help reduce the reaction brought on by the many environmental irritants your dog is so much closer to than you are! When you walk your dog, he is simply inches to a few feet away from all of the allergens and irritants that we react to, even though we are about five feet away from them! Because of this, he is more susceptible to reactions.
- Cleaner bill of health: Omega-3 fatty acids can prevent cardiac issues, clotting and high blood pressure. They have also been shown to slow down cancer growths, though it’s worth noting that Omega-6 fatty acids actually can stimulate tumours. Krill oil can also help level your dog’s cholesterol almost 10 times more efficiently than basic fish oil!
Treatment for Dogs with Arthritis is Entirely Possible
Overall, a healthy treatment for arthritis should include Krill oil or a high quality Omega-3 fatty acid. Using fish oil for canine arthritis really makes perfect sense. As humans, we don’t often expect to get every nutrient we need out of our food alone. We add supplements, consume health drinks and teas, and have a wide array of alternative medicine options not available to dogs. Krill oil for dogs with arthritis is a great step in the right direction, to make sure you supplement your pet’s food with the extra care he deserves.