Flax Oil, Keeping Your Dog Limber

Linseed Oil Good for Your Dog’s Joints

Oil from flaxseed, commonly known as linseed oil, is incredibly healthy for both humans and animals. It is a great dietary supplement, but it also has some healing properties. It will keep your pet healthy overall, but an also improve joint function by strengthening tendons and easing pains. It was traditionally a cure for human arthritis, but has now become a method for helping arthritic dogs.The truth is that the medical potential of linseed oil is still being explored. What people do know comes from folk lore and the fact that flax oil has omega 3 fatty acids. These are readily converted into EPA and DHA by the body. These compounds are found in fish oil and are responsible for its health properties. Flaxseed oil also contains lignans and various vitamins and other essential fatty acids.

Flax Oil | Anti-Inflammatory

Linseed oil has long been suspected of having anti-inflammatory properties, which goes a long way to relieve pain. Anyone familiar with arthritis will recognize that common drugs like ibuprofen are often prescribed to deal with painful joint swelling. This is in response to irritation and possibly damage to the cartilage. Over the counter drugs have the potential to irritate the stomach and even cause ulcers.

Flax oil is no more dangerous than ibuprofen, and does not thin the mucous lining of the stomach. As a natural substance, it is beneficial and healthful in countless ways. It is alternative medicine for anyone or anything that has tried conventional medicine and finds it bothersome to the system. Wholesome substitutes might can easily be the better solution, and they can be used for years without side effects.

Flaxseed oil may or may not improve joint mobility in your animal. With any organic remedy there is a baseline of uncertainty, because the chemistry of an animal’s body might not be the problem. The real cause might be over exertion or old age. The condition may have advanced beyond the curative powers of a dietary supplement. The biggest plus is while this therapy is not effective in all patients, it does not cause any harm. It is just vegetable oil.

A dose of flax oil for dogs almost always comes in a caplet. While it could be cooked into a biscuit or some other meal, there is a difference between medicinal and food grade linseed. It is in the way the two are processed, with clinical grade having a concentration of the desired properties. Regular linseed oil has the potential to become rancid if exposed to air an not kept cool. The capsule variety has partially jelled and is covered with an airtight film. It looks like any jell pill.

Linseed Capsules for Canines

If a dog is experienced at taking pills, it will swallow it without much fuss. Otherwise, it can be put in the mouth with some water or soft food. A veterinarian is experienced at inducing animals to take pills and will show the owner how to do it. With a little experience and some positive encouragement for the dog the daily schedule will begin to work like a clock.

If a dose is missed, it is not an emergency, but regular consumption is key to treatment. If an animal goes too long without its treatment it might begin to suffer again. This would be the inflammation symptom. The nutritional advantages would be eroded by missing pills. Omega 3 fatty acids have many benefits, including the fact they boost the immune system in both humans and animals. This substance can fight illness and diseases, both of which can contribute to pain.

The final decision will be a discussion between the owner and veterinarian. There are plenty of treatments, and flaxseed oil is one of many. That said, it is an effective and organic and possibly cheaper solution. An animal in old age will benefit from this therapy even if it cannot completely get rid of joint pain.