Best Holistic Help for Arthritis in Winter
We all know winter is a tough time of year for those of us with arthritis (erosion of the cartilage between joints causing inflammation and pain), but it’s even tougher on our beloved four-legged friends. Without a medical explanation for why colder weather worsens the effects of arthritis, many of us are at a loss for what to do to help alleviate our pets’ pain.
We humans layer on the socks and sweaters for warmth and cushioning on our joints, and our dogs and cats could use that too! Adding an extra blanket to your pet’s bed can be a huge help in addition to sweaters and coats to keep warm outside. Other first steps to addressing arthritis include getting your pet moving despite the natural hesitation and initial discomfort, as well as managing their weight so they’re not putting extra stress on their joints. Unfortunately, bundling up, exercise, and weight loss can only help so much in the face of a brutal and painful season.
At Petwell Supply, we carry a wide selection of products to address both hip and joint support to promote wellness all year long as well as the immediate flares of arthritic aches and pains that come with the cold weather. From herbal remedies to veterinarian-formulated supplements, we’ve got what you need to get your arthritic dog (or cat!) get through winter and all year round.
If you haven't added fish oil to your pet’s food yet, that's a great first step. Grizzly Pet Products’ selection are all chock-full of Omega 3’s and 6’s to not only bring down inflammation for pain relief, but also help the retention of cartilage in the long term. Some dogs have even been able to go off NSAID pain relievers after adding fish oil to their daily diet! Available in Salmon, Pollock, and Krill-sourced formulas, we can help you determine which will benefit your pet best.
For long-term support and retention of cartilage in the joints, we carry a range of supplements from plant-based to animal sourced remedies, sold in tablets, powder, as well as treat form. Whether you’re looking for a product based in ancient herbalist tradition, a treatment formulated by modern veterinary science, or a combination of the two, we offer many different options for your furry friend. It's important to look for MSM (an immune boosting nutrient found naturally in many plants) in combination with Glucosamine (a shellfish derivative that aids cartilage retention and regeneration) in any remedy for arthritis. We also carry natural egg membrane-based Fidoplex to add a vegetarian source of collagen to any diet, as well as plant-based Herbsmith Soothe Joints for Dogs & Cats which relies on herbalist tradition to address inflammation and cartilage loss.
As always, our team is here to help you navigate your options both over the phone by appointment and in store. Schedule a free phone consult with us to determine which remedy will work best for your pet.
- Dayne Samuels