Quick answers
Some natural ways to help reduce inflammation in dogs include:
- Providing an anti-inflammatory diet – Avoid processed foods and focus on proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich fruits/veggies
- Using supplements – Fish oil, turmeric, and boswellia may help reduce inflammatory cytokines
- Trying acupuncture – Can stimulate anti-inflammatory effects
- Providing gentle exercise – Low-impact activities to help reduce inflammatory compounds
- Using topical solutions – Applying cold compresses or aloe vera gel to affected areas
What causes inflammation in dogs?
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to irritation, injury, or infection. It’s a protective mechanism but can become problematic if excessive or chronic. Causes of inflammation in dogs include:
- Infection – Bacterial, viral, fungal
- Immune-mediated disease – Allergies, autoimmune disease
- Traumatic injury – Wounds, sprains, broken bones
- Cancer – Tumor growth can induce inflammation
- Toxins – From bug bites, drugs, air pollutants
- Diet – Highly processed, high sugar, unhealthy fats
These triggers can activate inflammatory pathways involving compounds like cytokines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. This results in redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function in affected areas. Chronic inflammation can cause significant damage.
Anti-inflammatory diet
One of the top ways to combat inflammation naturally is through diet. Food not only provides nutrients but also contains many biologically active compounds that can influence inflammatory pathways. Key dietary tips include:
- Avoid processed foods – Packaged and fast foods tend to be high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and chemical additives. These can promote inflammation.
- Focus on quality proteins – Lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant proteins help repair tissues and supply anti-inflammatory amino acids like arginine.
- Include healthy fats – Omega-3s from fish, olive oil, nuts/seeds have anti-inflammatory effects. Avoid trans and saturated fats.
- Choose complex carbs – Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supply antioxidants and phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation.
- Avoid allergenic foods – If your dog has food allergies, eliminating trigger foods like beef, dairy, wheat can help.
- Stay hydrated – Dehydration can exacerbate inflammatory responses. Provide fresh water constantly.
Some specific anti-inflammatory food options include:
| Category | Foods |
|---|---|
| Protein | Salmon, turkey, eggs, lentils, peas |
| Fruits | Blueberries, pineapple, papaya, mango |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, kale, mushrooms, sweet potato |
| Grains | Oats, quinoa, brown rice |
| Healthy Fats | Olive oil, avocado, nuts |
Feeding an anti-inflammatory diet full of whole, unprocessed foods can go a long way in controlling inflammation naturally.
Anti-inflammatory supplements
In addition to diet, certain supplements can also help reduce inflammatory compounds and pathways in the body. Some to consider include:
Fish oil
Fish oil is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. They inhibit inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. Look for a quality fish oil derived from wild-caught fish like salmon or sardines. Give around 50-100mg combined EPA/DHA per pound of body weight daily.
Turmeric
The active component of turmeric is curcumin. It’s a powerful antioxidant and has been found in studies to reduce inflammatory markers like TNF-a, IL-6, and CRP. Look for a dog-specific turmeric supplement, and give according to label instructions based on your dog’s weight.
Boswellia
Boswellia serrata is an Ayurvedic herb with anti-inflammatory effects. The active compounds (AKBA, incensole acetate) inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes like 5-LOX and decrease cytokine production. Give boswellia per label instructions. Look for a formulation standardized to contain at least 10% AKBA.
Bromelain
This enzyme mixture derived from pineapples has been shown to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation naturally. It has effects on pathways involving bradykinin and COX-2. Typical dosage is around 25-50mg twice daily for small dogs, 50-100mg twice daily for large dogs.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables. It can inhibit the release and synthesis of inflammatory compounds like histamine and prostaglandins. Give around 15-25mg twice daily for small dogs, 25-50mg twice daily for large dogs.
Always consult your vet before giving any new supplement, especially in dogs with health conditions. Monitor for any adverse effects.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that may help reduce inflammation. Fine needles are inserted in specific body points to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This is thought to boost blood flow, release natural painkillers, and induce anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Acupuncture can be used alone or along with conventional treatments. Sessions are typically 30-60 minutes weekly or biweekly. Make sure to use a certified veterinary acupuncturist.
Some studies have found acupuncture can reduce inflammation markers like TNF-a, IL-6, CRP as well as improve pain and mobility in arthritic dogs. More research is still needed, but it may be a beneficial complementary approach for inflammatory conditions. As always, discuss with your vet first.
Massage
Therapeutic massage can also help ease inflammation in dogs. Kneading and rubbing the muscles improves circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, and promotes relaxation. This helps flush inflammatory compounds from tissues and enhances recovery. Target areas that seem especially tense or painful. Always start gently and stop if your dog seems uncomfortable. Professional canine massage therapists are available in many areas.
Massage may be helpful for dogs with musculoskeletal inflammation from conditions like osteoarthritis or injuries. Some studies find it can reduce limb swelling and lameness as well as inflammatory markers like TNF-a. Ask your vet if massage could benefit your dog’s condition.
Exercise
Certain exercises can help encourage anti-inflammatory effects in the body and improve joint health. However, the wrong types of exercise can worsen inflammation, especially in senior dogs or those with mobility issues. Discuss an appropriate exercise plan with your vet. Recommended activities include:
- Low-impact exercise – Leash walks, swimming, short hikes avoid additional strain on sore joints.
- Range of motion stretches – Gentle movements to increase flexibility and range of motion.
- Strengthening exercises – Building muscle protects joints from inflammation-inducing damage.
- Hydrotherapy – Water exercises take pressure off joints while improving strength and mobility.
- Balance training – Improves proprioception to prevent falls and injuries.
Aim for multiple short (10-20 minute) exercise sessions throughout the day rather than one long period of activity. Providing good exercise helps manage a healthy weight and keeps joints mobile. But take care not to overdo it in dogs with mobility issues or inflammatory conditions.
Topical treatments
For localized inflammation, topical treatments applied right to the skin can be helpful. Options to discuss with your vet include:
Cold therapy
Applying cold packs or compresses to inflamed regions can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. Use wrapped ice packs, gel packs from the freezer, or even bags of frozen vegetables. Apply for 10-15 minutes at a time, multiple times per day. Cold therapy may help dogs with acute soft tissue injuries, skin inflammation, or post-operative swelling.
Warm therapy
Alternating warm and cold therapy can also be beneficial. Warmth helps improve circulation to carry away inflammatory compounds. Use warm (not hot) water bottles, heating pads on low settings, or warm wet towels. Apply warm compresses for 10-15 minutes, then follow with cold. Repeat cycles as needed.
Aloe vera
The gel from aloe vera plants has anti-inflammatory properties. It contains compounds like polysaccharides and salicylates that may inhibit pain and swelling pathways. Gently rub pure aloe gel into inflamed skin areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily. Aloe may soothe inflammatory skin conditions like allergic dermatitis.
Topical NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory gels and creams containing ingredients like diclofenac or ibuprofen can be absorbed through the skin to reduce swelling and pain. Always follow veterinary dosing guidelines. Do not apply topical NSAIDs over large areas or open wounds.
Essential oils
Some essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and tea tree have anti-inflammatory effects. Dilute in a carrier oil and apply to local areas of skin inflammation. Use caution, as some essential oils can be toxic to pets if ingested or misapplied.
Alternative medicine approaches
Some other alternative medicine modalities thought to help reduce inflammation include:
Chiropractic
Spinal manipulation and mobilization may help relieve muscle tension and improve nervous system signaling to reduce pain and inflammation. Ensure you see a licensed veterinary chiropractor.
TENS therapy
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses mild electric currents to stimulate nerves and muscles for pain relief. Self-administered TENS units for dogs are available. Follow specific treatment guidelines to avoid burns.
Laser therapy
Low-level laser light applied to areas of pain and inflammation can have anti-inflammatory effects and encourage tissue healing. Treatment is typically administered in short sessions by veterinary professionals.
Hydrotherapy
Water exercise involves swimming and walking against currents or jets. The warmth and gentle resistance can help improve joint mobility and muscle strength to support joints. It may also flush inflammatory compounds from tissues. Sessions may be given by canine rehab facilities.
Always consult your vet before beginning alternative therapies. Stop if any discomfort develops. More research is still needed on the efficacy of these options for reducing inflammation long-term.
Anti-inflammatory medications
While this article focuses on natural approaches, prescription medications can sometimes be necessary to get severe inflammation under control. Common options include:
- NSAIDs – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like carprofen, meloxicam to reduce pain, swelling, fever
- Corticosteroids – Powerful anti-inflammatory effects but more side effects
- Immunosuppressants – For immune-mediated conditions like allergies or autoimmune disease
- Joint injections – Directly into joints to treat conditions like arthritis
Work with your vet to determine if prescription anti-inflammatory medications are needed, especially for chronic or severe cases of inflammation. Use the lowest effective dose. Seek veterinary advice before combining with any natural supplements.
When to seek veterinary help
Contact your vet promptly if your dog shows any of the following signs:
- Sudden or severe swelling, heat, pain, lameness
- Inappetence, lethargy, depression
- Fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea
- Hives, rash, itching
- Joint redness, fluid accumulation
- Breathing issues, coughing
- Neurological symptoms (weakness, stumbling, seizures)
These could indicate an urgent inflammatory condition requiring prompt treatment. Don’t try to manage serious inflammation at home without professional guidance. Follow vet recommendations to help get your dog’s inflammation under control.
Conclusion
Inflammation is a complex immune response that can contribute to many canine health issues. While conventional medications are sometimes necessary, there are also many natural ways to help manage inflammation in dogs. Strategies like an anti-inflammatory diet, targeted supplements, gentle exercise, topical solutions, and alternative medicine approaches can make a real difference. Work closely with your vet to develop an integrative plan to reduce your dog’s inflammation and improve their comfort and wellbeing. Consistency and patience are key – it can take time to notice positive effects. But implementing natural anti-inflammatory techniques can be very rewarding for both you and your dog.