Glucosamine and Chondroitin

There is more than one form of glucosamine, so it is important to speak with your vet about which is appropriate for your dog. Some studies have shown that glucosamine can be helpful in the growth of cartilage cells and thus can work for dogs that are in pain due to joint conditions. 

Chondroitin works by preventing cells that can destroy cartilage.

It often works synchronously with glucosamine, and the combination works best to prevent joint injury. They have also been shown to be helpful in conditions where an injury has already occurred.

Herbal Medications

Connecting with a veterinarian who is trained in TCVM (traditional Chinese veterinary medicine) and able to prescribe herbal medications can be very beneficial for painful conditions.

TCVM herbal medications can be tailored to specific conditions and provide a more customized treatment for your dog.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)

PEMF therapy is another treatment prescribed by a veterinarian, often recommended to clients to use at home for continued pain management.

This technology uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate the release of nitric oxide, a natural anti-inflammatory molecule within the body.

Rehabilitation Therapy

Rehabilitation exercises can help ease chronic pain in dogs by encouraging the use of joints and muscle groups.

Depending on your pet’s condition, your vet may recommend exercises to encourage range of motion, decrease inflammation, and help with pain control.

Weight Management

Weight management is very important to many painful conditions in dogs, especially those suffering from arthritis or orthopedic injuries.

When dogs are at an appropriate weight, their bones and joints don’t have to work harder for the same outcome. 

Your vet can help come up with a plan to make sure your dog is safely losing weight by consuming an appropriate number of calories and engaging in productive exercise.

Alternative Veterinary Therapies

There are also a few alternative veterinary therapies to consider.

Acupuncture

You may be familiar with acupuncture for people, but it can also help dogs that are in pain.

Acupuncture involves using tiny needles to stimulate the nervous system. This can decrease inflammation, promote the release of endorphins, increase circulation to areas of concern, and encourage relaxation and decreased stress. 

To get the best results, be sure to bring your dog to a licensed veterinarian trained in veterinary acupuncture.

These vets have undergone significant additional training and are well-versed in the conditions that acupuncture is helpful for, the best treatment combination, how to avoid or decrease negative effects, and how to approach dogs that may be sensitive to needles. 

Treatments are usually very relaxing for dogs. Initially they are usually given frequently, but as your dog becomes more comfortable, the positive effects of the treatment may last longer.

Laser Therapy

Therapeutic lasers work to release endorphins, increase blood flow, decrease inflammation, and relax muscles by releasing specific therapeutic wavelengths.

Veterinarians use various types of therapeutic lasers to treat joint discomfort, tendon and ligament injuries, and wounds, among other conditions.

Rehabilitation Therapy

When seeking rehabilitation therapy for your dog, find a veterinarian or veterinary nurse/technician who has been trained in this area.

Rehabilitation uses a combination of equipment and exercise to improve and maintain your dog’s range of motion, decrease pain and inflammation, encourage muscle strength, and improve stability.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy can be part of your dog’s rehab program and may even involve the use of a pool or underwater treadmill.

This can be effective for dogs that are having difficulty exercising regularly due to painful conditions, as the water is a non-weight-bearing exercise. 

It can help improve range of motion, strengthen muscles, and increase endurance.

At times, hydrotherapy is also used to help dogs with weight management. Some dogs need to lose weight to decrease their pain level but are in too much discomfort to exercise appropriately.

Hydrotherapy can help these dogs lose weight and improve their pain level simultaneously.

Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy

VSMT is similar in theory to a human visiting a chiropractor, and it can be used for a wide variety of conditions, including dog back pain.

VSMT works on the nervous system to improve joint mobility and encourage appropriate muscle tension. 

The treatment is directed toward motion units, which involve the vertebrae and other joints throughout the body.

Pain can result from motion units or joints/vertebrae that do not have appropriate mobility. This reduced mobility can place pressure on nerves, increase muscle tension, or cause instability. 

VSMT helps restore appropriate motion in a very gentle way, and it can eventually lead to decreased pain and more appropriate mobility.