Most dogs experience some kind of bone or joint injury throughout their lives, whether it’s a sprain, fracture, torn cruciate ligament, luxating patellar or hip/elbow dysplasia. Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis are also quite common.
An injury results in inflammation causing swelling, redness, heat and pain. Inflammation isn’t pleasant but it is a necessary and normal part of the healing process. However, it is important to recognise that inflammation shouldn’t be left for extended periods of time (many weeks, months or longer) because with chronic inflammation comes yet more problems; antibodies can start to attack the joint lining and cause the joint disease they are supposed to protect against!
Minor sprains and strains simply require rest to repair whilst more serious injuries will need intervention and possible surgery. The likelihood is that whatever injury your dog has he will be prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s).
NSAIDs can be an attractive option for paw parents because they stop your dog from feeling pain and soreness. They work by blocking the effects of specific enzymes which play a key role in making prostaglandins. This is not a natural response that the body would have when dealing with pain or inflammation. Side effects from NSAIDs can be restricted blood flow, liver or kidney problems and compromised digestive function. They have also been linked to the breakdown of cartilage, thereby accelerating osteoarthritis!
Diet & nutrition
It is critical to keep your dogs digestive system as healthy as possible. An unhealthy gut can cause inflammation throughout the body and contribute to joint problems. Arthritis type symptoms can be one of the common signs of Leaky Gut Syndrome which causes many health disorders and early onset of joint disease can be one of them.
Feed you dog a healthy nutritious diet consisting of a varied range of proteins, cruciferous vegetables, good fats and foods that are high in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Feed fresh bones (non splintering) as they contain natural chondroitin and glucosamine which help to keep bones and joints strong. Feeding a healthy diet will keep your dogs microbiome balanced and reduce the chances of Leaky Gut Syndrome or other digestive disorders which cause excess inflammation in the body.
Proflax Bone & Joint contains 75% cold pressed culinary grade flaxseed oil and a 25% blend of 7 active herbal tinctures which help to naturally reduce inflammation and swelling, the main culprit when it comes to bone and joint conditions. This formula contains masses of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols that slow the breakdown of cartilage and aid bone health and density.
This amazing herbal blend consists of Dandelion, with its high levels of calcium and vitamin K to keep bones strong, Ginger for tissue repair and pain relief, Turmeric & Boswellia - a duo combination that have been clinically proven to help support all osteo type conditions, Withania for natural pain relief, Gotu Kola to improve the health of cartilage, ligaments & circulatory system and Liquorice root to regulate adrenal function and help keep the immune system healthy. All in all, this is a pretty amazing blend!
We appreciate that bone, joint and ligament injuries can be painful and may require long periods of recovery. Proflax Bone & Joint works quickly to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, strengthen bones and support ligaments and blood vessels throughout recovery. It can also be used periodically to keep your dogs whole musculoskeletal system healthy. Simply adjust the amount you feed accordingly.