Is your Bulldog prone to inflammations? This problem is common among Bulldogs due to their notorious sensitivities and susceptibility to allergies. With that, Bulldog owners are looking for the answer to this question: what is a natural anti inflammatory for dogs?
In this post, I will discuss this problem and provide suggestions on how you can manage your dog’s inflammatory responses. Just take note that these are based on my personal experience as a Bulldog owner. It’s still best to talk to your pet’s veterinarian.
What triggers inflammatory responses in Bulldogs?
All dogs, not just Bulldogs, have inflammatory responses. This can be triggered by a wide variety of causes, which can be internal or external. The following are some of the most common culprits to watch out for:
- Autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks your Bulldog’s healthy tissues. This requires proper veterinary care since autoimmune disorders can be progressive if not treated right away.
- Untreated infections. A neglected infection will jack up your Bulldog’s inflammatory response. This can lead to a massive case of inflammation together with other symptoms. If not addressed right away, such infection could put your pet’s life at risk.
- Food allergies. Bulldogs are quite notorious for food allergies. This sensitivity will make them prone to inflammation. It usually manifests on the skin together with vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
- Bacterial overgrowth. Overgrowth of bacteria in your dog’s body can lead to recurring inflammations. This can occur on the skin, intestines, and just about any part where the bacteria may thrive.
- Genetics. A Bulldog can inherit its parent canines’ inflammatory predispositions. If one of the parents has a history of chronic inflammation, the pup will likely have the same health problem.
- Irritant exposure. Another possible reason for your Bulldog’s inflammation is external irritants. It could be pollens, dust, toxic substances, cleaning agents, and more. It’s important to avoid such triggers to calm your Bulldog’s inflammatory response.
What is a natural anti-inflammatory for dogs?
There are many over-the-counter and prescription-based medications that could aid your Bulldog’s inflammation. However, some of it also come with adverse side effects, especially if your doggo has a history of sensitivities to various drugs.
In this case, your best bet is natural alternatives. The following are some of the tried and tested options among Bulldog owners:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is dubbed as a ‘superfood’ due to its powerful medicinal benefits. It has proven its prowess in Ayurveda as well as reducing inflammation among canines.
Turmeric is a good source of antioxidants that remove free radicals from your Bulldog’s system. By expelling such waste matter, your Bulldog’s body will function better. This means fewer infections and inflammations.
Just remember that turmeric should be given in proper doses. Too much can lead to blood-thinning and stomach upset. I suggest calling your Bulldog’s vet for proper dose advice.
In general, turmeric should be given in 15 mg dose for every pound of your Bulldog’s body weight. Basically, it’s an eighth of a teaspoon for every 10 lbs. of doggo weight.
Depending on your Bulldog’s health, it may need less or more turmeric. You can also look for turmeric supplements for pets with pre-formulated dosage. It’s usually available in capsule form.
2. Cinnamon
While cinnamon oil isn’t advisable for dogs, cinnamon power is safe in modest amounts.
Cinnamon is said to reduce irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, pain, and joint inflammation. It’s also packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidants to fight free radicals.
Some studies on human consumption of cinnamon indicate that this herb can slow down the degradation of joint tissue. But for your Bulldog to enjoy this, you must pay close attention to the cinnamon dose.
On average, veterinarians will recommend a quarter teaspoon for a 50-pound canine. You can start with a smaller amount to see if your dog will have adverse reactions to cinnamon.
Lastly, cinnamon should only be used as a temporary supplementation. You can add small amounts to your dog’s food daily for an entire week. Once your Bulldog’s inflammation has subsided, you can stop using cinnamon.
3. Boswellia serrata
This is a tree wherein the resin is harvested for medicinal purposes. Over the years, experts found proof that this herb can actually help inhibit the production of a type of leukotriene. This substance regulates the immune system’s inflammatory response.
While the use of this herb in dogs still begs for more studies, it’s already showing promising results. If used with the right dosage, your Bulldog will benefit from this natural anti-inflammatory alternative.
Another great thing about Boswellia serrata is that there are no known adverse side effects on its use. However, the dosage is variable and will vary across dog health, size, and other factors.
Nevertheless, typical treatments with Boswellia serrata use 300 mg doses for a 50-pound canine. This can be lower or higher based on what the veterinarian will recommend.
4. Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a plant also known as Medicago sativa. It boasts an excellent protein profile, not to mention the other nutrients it provides.
Moreover, alfalfa aids a dog’s digestion, urinary health, and skeletal system. It also showed potential in reducing a dog’s inflammatory response.
Alfalfa has a long list of nutrients to boast. Some of it includes Vitamins A, B-Complex, E, and K. It’s also a good source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. Your Bulldog will also get a dose of amino acids, digestive enzymes, saponins, antioxidants, and a lot more!
I’ve seen many dog food and treat products incorporating alfalfa on their ingredients. You can also find canine supplements with this herb if you want to give it to your Bulldog.
5. Horsetail
Another anti-inflammatory herb you can give your Bulldog is horsetail. It’s a perennial herb that contains lots of silica and is a widely used treatment for inflammation and other maladies.
For the most part, horsetail is known to treat urinary tract infections in canines. This is possible due to the diuretic effect of the herb, which helps ease excess water accumulation.
If used topically, horsetail can help cure skin irritation among dogs. It can also reduce inflammation on the affected skin with very little risk of negative side effects.
Some vets will also recommend horsetail to delay cognitive disorders or to ease the symptoms of nervous system problems.
If you’re planning to give horsetail to your Bulldog, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. Dosage for this herb is variable, and some Bulldogs don’t react well to the herb.
6. CBD oil
Another natural anti-inflammatory you can give your Bulldog is CBD oil. It’s very popular in the pet industry, and thousands of dog owners have seen the benefits CBD oil has to offer.
Unlike the psychoactive THC, CBD or cannabidiol doesn’t provide the ‘high’ effect. Instead, it will help your Bulldog calm down. It’s the reason why CBD oil is used as an aid for canine anxiety.
Aside from its relaxing benefit, consumption of CBD oil is also observed to reduce the inflammatory response of canines. It’s an excellent alternative to pharmaceuticals since CBD oil has little to no side effects if used with the right dosage.
Moreover, studies have found that CBD oil can help in managing osteoarthritis in canines. It’s also shown potential in averting damage brought by severe inflammation.
Nowadays, you can find CBD oil formulated for pets. There are also pet treats infused with CBD oil to make it easier for dog owners to administer to their furbabies.
Still, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to know the safe dosage for your Bulldog. You may also want to check state laws regarding the use of CBD products on pets.
7. Acupressure
If you’re not yet confident to give your dog natural herbs, you can explore acupressure instead. This treatment involves applying gentle pressure on pressure points all over the canine’s body. Bulldogs and other breeds will benefit a lot from this non-invasive and drug-free procedure.
Each acupressure session lasts for around 15 to 30 minutes. For inflammation reduction, your Bulldog may need multiple sessions, depending on the advice of the vet. The benefits of acupressure are cumulative in a span of weeks, although your dog will already experience relief even on the first session.
The only downside to acupressure is its cost. Each session may cost you $45 to $65. It can be more expensive if you’re taking your dog to a premium clinic.
How to reduce your Bulldog’s risk of inflammation
Inflammation is a natural bodily response on every species. Still, there are many ways to reduce or manage it. Here are some of the things you can do to help reduce your Bulldog’s inflammatory response:
- Buy high-quality food. The easiest way to help reduce your Bulldog’s inflammation is by feeding it with high-quality food. Opt for natural ingredients without any artificial additives. You can also seek the advice of your dog’s veterinarian for food recommendations.
- Know your dog’s allergies. By knowing your Bulldog’s sensitivities, you’ll know what to avoid and what to do. Remember that allergies won’t go away on their own, nor will they become less intense through continued exposure to the allergen.
- Cut back on processed food. Processed food is packed with salts and a ton of preservatives. Limit this as much as possible. Also, consider switching your Bulldog to freeze-dried treats since it’s natural and doesn’t have any additional ingredients.
- Amp up on Omega fatty acids. For Bulldogs with inflammation-prone skin, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are a must. One of the best sources of these fatty acids is fish oil.
- Keep a healthy weight. Inflammation often occurs in Bulldogs with metabolic problems. And since this breed is prone to obesity, it’s important to focus on keeping them fit. Low-impact exercise and active playtime will provide ample physical stimulation for your dog.
- Regular vet visits. Scheduling routine vet checks for your dog will help arrest inflammations and other underlying health problems. Take note that vet visits aren’t just for emergencies. It should be a regular thing to keep your Bulldog in good shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can dogs stay on anti-inflammatories for long?
A: Anti-inflammatory drugs are safe only if used for short periods. It’s important to wean your Bulldog off these medications to avoid negative side effects. The good thing is that there are all-natural alternatives that you can try to provide relief to your pet.
Q: Do anti-inflammatory drugs make dogs sleepy?
A: Anti-inflammatory drugs won’t usually make a canine sleepy. Still, a few NSAIDs can trigger this reaction, but it’s not something to be worried about. What you need to watch out for is vomiting, diarrhea, and sudden appetite changes.
Q: What will happen if I give my dog too much anti-inflammatory?
A: Too much use of anti-inflammatory drugs among dogs can lead to internal bleeding, diarrhea, vomiting, and even death. It’s very important to communicate with your Bulldog’s veterinarian to assess the potential side effects. Also, avoid self-medicating your dog with human-grade NSAIDs as these aren’t dosed for animals.
Q: Can I give my dog ibuprofen?
A: While ibuprofen is an effective anti-inflammatory drug, you should never give it to your dog under any circumstance. Ibuprofen isn’t made for pets, and it can lead to bleeding if you administered it to them. Even a small dose is enough to be toxic to canines.
Q: What is the fastest way to reduce the inflammation on my dog’s body?
A: Inflammations can be treated immediately through medications. But if your dog has allergies or sensitivities to pharmaceuticals, you can opt for natural alternatives. There are many herbs like yucca, Boswellia, and turmeric, which can offer some relief.
Final words
What is a natural anti inflammatory for dogs? There are many herbs you can try to reduce your Bulldog’s inflammation naturally. Still, you should always consult your dog’s veterinarian before giving any of it. While natural, not all Bulldogs will react positively to such treatments.
What do you think of these natural inflammation remedies? Do you have something to add? Share it in the comment section below!
