Boswellia for Dogs?

Dogs can experience arthritis and the dog joint inflammation just as their human owners do. Prescription pain medications and anti-inflammatories are not good solutions for every dog. Boswellia is a natural alternative that can help manage a dog joint health pain and inflammation without the side effects of many prescription medications.

Understanding Boswellia
Boswellia is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine that has been used for centuries to ease inflammation caused by chronic conditions such as arthritis, respiratory issues, allergies and cardiovascular disease. Also known as frankincense, boswellia is a tree resin from the Boswellia sacra tree, which grows mainly in northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Boswellia for Dogs
Boswellia has been used for thousands of years to treat disease in people, but has only recently become marketed as a joint care supplement for dogs. More conventional prescription anti-inflammatory medications, when used long term, can cause liver and kidney damage in dogs. Boswellia can be used more safely for long periods of time, as the supplement does not seem to have any harmful side effects. In one study in Germany, boswellia reduced symptoms of arthritis in 71 percent of the dogs in the study.

Boswellia Dosage for Dogs
Consult with a veterinarian before beginning any supplement. The dosage for boswellia will depend on a dog's weight, but other factors may influence the daily amount or number of times the supplement should be given. Some packaged boswellia supplements are available for dogs, and may list the recommended dosage on the bottle. Consult with your dog's regular veterinarian or a holistic veterinarian before starting the boswellia.