There is continued interest by pet owners to find natural, alternative remedies, especially when it comes to their pets dealing with pain. Herbs and other natural treatments are often safer and milder without side effects than traditional drugs or medications. It may take a little longer to see results as herbs can be slow to respond or act versus drugs. One of the herbs that is making a comeback is called boswellia serrata, a gum resin that comes from a tree that was discovered thousands of years ago.
It is commonly known as frankincense that dates back to ancient Egypt and India that offers anti-inflammatory benefits, builds the immune system and is used to treat wounds. Elephants have been seen eating the plant while ancient Ayurvedic healers realized it contributes to their longevity.
See Also –Ibuprofen for Pets
Boswellic acid reduces inflammation by neutralizing leukotrienes that become concentrated in the body and can create the inflammation. Boswellia works well for pets dealing with:
- Arthritis
- Bronchial asthma
- Cancer
- Colitis
Arthritic pets can enjoy a decrease in pain and swelling with an increased range of motion and endurance. Boswellic acid helps pets with cancer by reducing cerebral edema caused by brain tumors. It helps reduce the need for steroids that often have adverse side effects.
It is best to give your pet boswella with food that has some fat in it for maximum absorption, rather than on an empty stomach. Make sure that your pet is not taking other herbal preparations or extracts that often contain ethanol when giving boswella as this can produce toxicity at the cellular level. Some side effects of boswella acids can include nausea, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, however the reduction in pain and stiffness has been proven over and over again.
Boswellia Dosage for Dogs
Even though Boswellia is considered as a safe supplement, it is important to check with your veterinarian on specific dosage. Each dog is different and your veterinarian may know of a reason why Boswellia might not be right for your dog or may offer an alternative treatment. It is important to know if Boswellia might interfere with current medications that your dog is taking.
Oral Boswellia supplements can help suppress pain and the immobility that goes along with osteoarthritis. The benefits begin to be noticeable within approximately one week. Studies continue to show that Boswellia is effective as an anti-cancer herb and is non-toxic. The anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of this potent herb, not only builds the immune system, but works well for relieving pain in our beloved pets. Make sure you check with your veterinarian for proper dosage requirements and other recommendations.
Reviewed and approved by Dr. David L. Roberts, DVM
References: http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/herbal-pain-remedies.html#sthash.duLGqnT3.dpuf
Photo: Courtesy of David Hart via Flickr (CC by 2.0)
