How Devil’s Claw Works For Your Pet?
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD)
OA in canines
Osteoarthritis associated with degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a common problem in all dogs, but particularly in large dogs who are susceptible to hip dysplasia (a genetic disorder of dogs controlled by 5 gene pairs). Even without a genetic predisposition in patients to arthritis, many dogs will develop joint disease for the same reasons that we as human beings do so. Often patients are overweight, and the micro-traumas associated from carrying this extra weight takes its toll as the patient ages. One important aspect of the treatment of patients with arthritis is to reduce or maintain an ideal body weight. Most dogs in the United States are overweight due to dietary habits or from lack of exercise. It is clear from longevity studies in animals that lean body weight is associated with improved overall health and increased resistance to disease, including arthritis and cancer.
Prevention of DJD:
The methods of prevention of arthritis are based upon the principles of exercise and dietary measures useful in maintaining health in all dogs. Of these components, antioxidants and membrane stabilizers are most important. In many cases of DJD with arthritis, recent studies have suggested that glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate may help reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, assisting in the healing process. While these products are available through health-food stores or a pharmaceutical medication through your veterinarian.
Bromelain/Curcumin:
Bromelain is an extract of pineapple stems which has the property of decreasing circulating immune complexes. As such, there is no Western medicine which is its equal. Since many of the complications and the direct initiation of the immune damage may be caused by the elevated immune complexes in some forms of DJD, bromelain may be an important key in helping to control the progression of DJD. Curcumin (the yellow pigment of turmeric plants) is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Bromelain and curcumin have a synergistic effect whereby they assist the absorption of each other from the gastrointestinal tract, increasing their potency. As such, they should be given together. Many health food stores carry combinations of bromelain and curcumin. For dogs with DJD, give 400-500 mg of bromelain with 500-400 mg of curcumin twice a day. Numerous scientific reports support turmeric as a safe and effective anti-inflammatory remedy for arthritic dogs and other mammals.
How Devil’s Claw Works for Your Pet?
The active components of devil’s claw may support the metabolism in ligaments, tendons and joints. The result may be a positive effect on the overall joint mobility and movement. It is increasingly being used as a supplement during treatment of inflammatory chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis. To date, scientists have been unable to work out why the long-known healing properties of devil’s claw can supplement many treatments. It is well-known, however, that undiluted devil’s claw root extract has a soothing and refreshing effect. Devil’s Claw in Reviact™ Advanced Joint support provides nutritional support during treatment of inflammatory diseases of the animal’s entire musculoskeletal system. It can also be used as a supplement when your pet suffers from, among others, osteoarthritis, joint pain, kidney and liver weakness.
Multiple studies suggest that devil’s claw tuber may help alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis, primarily through the iridoid glycoside constituents it contains. Devil’s claw has become very popular in recent years and appears in numerous arthritis relief formulas for dogs and other animals. However, despite its popularity, I have heard many mixed reviews from veterinary practitioners and dog owners telling me that sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. The reasons behind this controversy may be related to how the herb is harvested. The tubers of this bizarre looking little African plant must be selectively harvested from mature plants that are at least four years old, and the harvest must be done during a very specific stage of the plant’s growth cycle. The most sustainable practice is to harvest only one to a few of the tubers that extend from the plant’s base, leaving enough to assure the plant’s survival and the re-growth of new tubers. Unfortunately, increased demand for this herb has led to the premature harvest of too many tubers, and in many areas, we are seeing declining populations of the plant.
Because tubers from immature plants lack sufficient concentrations of active iridoid glycoside constituents, much of the devil’s claw sold on the North American market is functionally useless. With that said, there are sustainable sources for those who seek it out; aside from its bitter flavor, properly harvested devil’s claw is an excellent joint pain remedy.
Turmeric
Numerous scientific reports support turmeric as a safe and effective anti-inflammatory remedy for arthritic dogs. Feeding this bright yellow kitchen spice can be as simple as sprinkling a few pinches on Fido’s food, but the best results come from turmeric preparations that have been scientifically manipulated to contain unnaturally high concentrations of the herb’s active curcuminoid constituents. Human studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving capabilities of turmeric extract containing at least 20% curcuminoids are comparable to those of the NSAID drug ibuprofen. And when bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, is fed concurrently with turmeric, the results can be even more impressive. Bromelain is itself a powerful anti-inflammatory, and when combined with turmeric in Reviact ™ Advanced joint Support it also helps with digestion and transports turmeric’s curcuminoids into the bloodstream.
Turmeric is also a peripheral vasodilator that helps warm the body and increase circulation to joints where added blood and lymph is needed for the regeneration of healthy tissue. But that’s not all. Turmeric stimulates and protects the liver, so while it’s reducing painful inflammation, it’s also helping with the process of eliminating waste that’s contributing to the problem Step aside, NSAID!
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD)
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome is a condition related to the aging of a dog’s brain, which ultimately leads to changes in awareness, deficits in learning and memory, and decreased responsiveness to stimuli. Although the initial symptoms of the disorder are mild, they gradually worsen over time, which is referred to as “cognitive decline.”
In fact, clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome are found in nearly one in three dogs over the age of 11, and by the age of 16, nearly all dogs display at least one sign. Here’s everything you need to know about dog dementia, from the symptoms, causes and life expectancy to treatment and prevention.
Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome require lifelong therapy and support. However, you can make a world of difference when it comes to improving your dog’s cognitive functions. For example, although it will not “cure” your dog, maintaining a healthy and stimulating environment will help slow the progression of cognitive decline. This typically involves imposing a daily routine of exercise, play and training (re-training).
Making your home more accessible and safer for your senior dog can also help:
Potty pads near doors give your pup a place to go if she can’t make it until you come home or wake up. In addition, medication and behavioral therapy can be used to help keep your dog comfortable and active. Your veterinarian may also suggest employing a special, balanced diet to improve your dog’s cognitive function in terms of memory, learning ability, etc. Night lights can help your senior dog navigate in the dark.
This diet is also typically supplemented with antioxidants, vitamin E and C, selenium, flavonoids, beta carotene, carotenoids, omega-3-6-9, and carnitine—all considered excellent for improving a dog’s cognitive functions.
MSM
Helps Promote Healthy Joints for Dogs
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring, organic sulfur-containing compound that supports joint health. MSM is a key component of most glycosaminoglycans and cartilage as well as other connective tissue. Animal studies have shown that sulfur from oral supplementation of MSM is incorporated into body proteins and may also help maintain a healthy skin and coat.
It can be particularly beneficial for acute muscle injuries and some forms of arthritis as it strengthens connective tissue and helps to increase the permeability of the joint and muscle membranes allowing the release of excess fluid. This can result in a relief of swelling as well as drainage of inflammatory toxins. However, many dogs are sensitive or intolerant to sulphur compounds which can then result in fatigue, shortness of breath, congestion, immune issues, or skin problems. In addition, the long-term use of MSM depletes calcium levels which then exacerbates joint problems. All these symptoms can occur shortly after taking the supplement or appear more slowly over time. No matter how your dog responds, dose on the side of caution and limit the use of MSM to thirty days unless obvious benefit is demonstrated beyond that time.
What Is Quercetin for Dogs?
Quercetin is scientifically proven to reduce your dog’s histamine response, providing much-needed relief from allergies and inflammation. Quercetin belongs to a class of water-soluble plant pigments called flavonoids. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that acts as an antihistamine for dogs and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been referred to as a natural “Benadryl.” During an allergic reaction, the body releases histamine. Histamine is an organic compound responsible for the inflammatory and itch response of the immune system. Quercetin turns off the histamine response that causes the inflammation.
Canine allergies are the result of an aggressive response of the immune system’s mast cells. Mast cells are specialized immune cells in the dog’s body that react to a protein that it sees as an invader by releasing histamine when specific allergens. The itchy and inflamed skin conditions characteristic of most allergic reactions in canines are caused by histamine, which has an irritating and inflammatory effect on the tissues that it meets. If the cells in the sinuses and eyes are affected by the irritant, the symptoms of a runny nose and sneezing are activated.
Quercetin relieves excessive scratching and itching, redness in paws and other symptoms related to seasonal allergies; helps reduce histamine response with mast cell tumors; and has been shown to have anti-cancer effects.
Many dog lovers are aware of the great value Devil’s Claw has as an anti-inflammatory agent, in osteoarthritis. But it’s uses go beyond this to include all types of muscle pain, and some forms of digestive upset. It helps your dog feel better without NSAIDs. It works, and it’s safe. Some drug contraindications apply – cardiac medication and anti-arrythmics in particular, but also anticoagulants; check with your vet if your dog is on any of these.
Medical researchers have found that devil’s claw root can reduce inflammation and reduce pain. Devil’s claw is also an effective therapy for degenerative musculoskeletal conditions (disorders of locomotive system). It is also used as a pain reliever (analgesic), sedative, and diuretic.