A majority of painful dogs are greatly improved by diet change alone. The next step is to start glycosaminoglycan supplements, which fortify the cartilage in diseased joints and may help reduce pain. These supplements are available from veterinarians under names like Cosequin, Promotion, Osteocare and Glycoflex. Glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride alone may also be effective, and these are available at most heatlh food stores. Antioxidant vitamins will probably be helpful for this pathologic inflammation, and homeopathic treatment is sometimes effective, as well.
Many pet owners wonder about herbal treatments.
On the other hand, the Ayurvedic herbs boswellia and curcumin as well as certain Chinese herbal combinations may be fairly effective. If herbal treatment is attempted, consult a veterinarian experienced in Eastern herbal prescription systems. Finally, acupuncture is very effective at reducing pain from arthritis. These animals definitely benefit from occasional chiropractic adjustments. Arthritis is manageable by a variety of natural and conventional treatments.