Inflammation

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a reaction of the immune system to harmful influences such as foreign substances, tissue damage or pathogens. The blood vessels dilate so that the affected area is supplied with more blood. The lymphatic system and surrounding connective tissue are also involved. Inflammation can manifest itself through the following signs:

• Redness
• overheating
• swelling
• pain
• Restricted function of the affected tissue or organ

In principle, inflammation can occur in any part of the body. It can affect the skin and be superficial, but can also occur in internal organs. Inflammation has different effects depending on the region affected. This is why there are different classifications:

• Acute inflammations: These occur suddenly and usually only last a few days or weeks. They often heal on their own or with suitable treatment.
• Chronic inflammations: They last longer than six weeks and can lead to permanent damage or illness. They require long-term treatment and monitoring.
• Localized inflammation: They are confined to a specific area of the body, for example a wound or joint.
• Generalized inflammations: They affect the entire body or several organs at the same time, for example in the case of an infection or an autoimmune disease.
• Exudative inflammation: They are accompanied by the secretion of fluid, which may consist of proteinaceous fluid, blood or pus, depending on the type.
• Productive inflammations: They lead to the formation of new tissue, for example when a wound heals or a scar forms.

If your dog has contracted an inflammation, it is best to consult a vet. They will be able to localize the cause and give you further information about the type of inflammation.

Common inflammations in dogs

There are many possible causes of inflammation in dogs, for example injuries, allergies, parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungi or autoimmune diseases. Here are some examples of common inflammations in dogs:

Pododermatitis

Pododermatitis is an inflammation of the paw or between the toes in dogs. It can be triggered by various factors, for example by irritants such as road salt or grit, by mechanical stimuli such as excessively long claws or too much walking on hard surfaces, by parasites such as mites or fleas, by fungi such as yeast or by bacteria such as staphylococci.

The symptoms of pododermatitis are

• Redness and swelling of the paw or the spaces between the toes
• Itching and licking of the paw
• Crust formation and hair loss on the paw
• Pus formation and foul odor on the paw
• Lameness and pain when walking

The treatment of pododermatitis depends on the cause. The vet can take a sample from the paw and examine it under a microscope to identify the pathogen. They can then prescribe suitable treatment, for example with antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics or anti-inflammatory agents. You should also clean and dry your dog's paw regularly to prevent further infection. You can also put a protective cap or bandage over the paw to protect it from further irritation.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the dog's skin. It can have various causes, for example

• Allergic dermatitis: this is caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to certain substances, for example pollen, house dust mites, food or flea saliva. Symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, hair loss and crust formation on various parts of the body, especially on the head, ears, stomach and paws.
• Atopic dermatitis: This is a form of allergic dermatitis that is genetically determined and usually occurs at a young age. The symptoms are similar to those of allergic dermatitis, but can also become chronic and lead to skin changes such as thickening, pigmentation or infections.
• Contact dermatitis: This is caused by direct contact with an irritant, for example plants, chemicals or metals. Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching and blistering at the site of contact.
• Environmental dermatitis: This is triggered by external factors such as heat, cold, moisture or sun. Symptoms include dryness, scaling, cracking or burning of the skin.
• Parasitic dermatitis: This is caused by parasites such as fleas, mites or ticks. Symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, hair loss and crusting at the bite sites.
• Bacterial dermatitis: This is caused by bacteria such as staphylococci or streptococci. Symptoms include pus formation, foul odor and fever.
• Fungal dermatitis: This is caused by fungi such as yeast or ringworm. Symptoms include scaling, hair loss and discoloration of the skin.

The treatment of dermatitis depends on the cause. The vet can take a skin sample and analyze it in the laboratory to determine the pathogen. They can then prescribe suitable treatment, for example with antihistamines, corticosteroids, antibiotics, antifungals or antiparasitics. You should also regularly care for and protect your dog's skin, for example with moisturizers, sunscreens or insect repellents.

Inflammation of the gums

Inflammation of the gums in dogs is an inflammation of the mucous membranes around the teeth caused by bacteria. Around 80 % of all dogs suffer from gingivitis at least once in their lives. Dog owners often don't even notice it - sometimes not even the four-legged friend itself.

The symptoms of gingivitis are

• Redness and swelling of the gums
• Bleeding when chewing or brushing teeth
• bad breath
• Tartar formation
• Loosening or loss of teeth
• Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat
• Pain when eating or playing

he treatment for gum inflammation is a professional dental cleaning at the vet. This involves removing tartar from the teeth and cleaning bacteria from the gums. The vet may also prescribe antibiotic therapy to prevent further infection. You should also improve your dog's dental care, for example with special toothbrushes, toothpastes or chews.

Why are natural anti-inflammatories useful for dogs?

If your dog is suffering from inflammation, you can give him medication prescribed by the vet. Although these medications can relieve pain and reduce inflammation, they often have undesirable side effects. For example, they can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, put a strain on the liver or kidneys or weaken the immune system. They can also lead to addiction if used long-term.

Natural anti-inflammatory agents for dogs are a good alternative or supplement to medication because they usually have fewer side effects and are gentle on the body. Natural anti-inflammatory remedies for dogs can consist of plants, oils or foods that can be used either internally or externally. They often not only have an anti-inflammatory effect, but also have pain-relieving, antibacterial or immune-boosting properties.

What natural anti-inflammatory remedies are there for dogs?

There are many natural anti-inflammatory remedies for dogs that you can choose depending on the type and location of the inflammation. Here are nine of them:

Ginger

Ginger is a root that has many health benefits. It contains pungent substances such as gingerol and shogaol, which have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Ginger can help with various types of inflammation, for example joint inflammation, gastrointestinal inflammation or respiratory inflammation. You can mix ginger fresh or as a powder into your dog's food, make a tea from it or make a paste from it and apply it to the inflamed area. The dosage of ginger for dogs should not exceed 1 gram per day, but you should discuss the exact amount with a vet.

Devil's claw

Devil's claw is a plant that grows mainly in Africa. It contains bitter substances such as harpagoside, which have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Devil's claw is particularly suitable for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis or other joint diseases. You can give your dog devil's claw as a powder or capsule in their food. The effect of devil's claw only sets in after a few weeks, so you should use it long-term. The dosage of devil's claw for dogs should not exceed 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, but you should discuss the exact amount with a vet.

Stinging nettle

Nettle is an herb that is often considered a weed but has many health benefits. It contains flavonoids, minerals and vitamins that have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Nettle can help with various types of inflammation, for example skin inflammation, bladder inflammation or kidney inflammation. Nettle also stimulates the kidneys to excrete more metabolic waste products from the body. You can mix nettle fresh or dried into your dog's food or make a tea from it. The dosage of nettle for dogs should not exceed 5 grams per day, but you should discuss the exact amount with a vet.

Compresses

Compresses are a simple and effective way to relieve inflammation. You can apply cold or warm compresses to the inflamed area, depending on what feels better for your dog. Cold compresses have a decongestant and pain-relieving effect, while warm compresses promote blood circulation and healing. You can use water, ice or aloe vera gel for the compresses. You should apply the compresses several times a day for around 15 minutes.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is an oil extracted from the coconut. It contains lauric acid, which has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Coconut oil can help with various types of inflammation, for example skin inflammation, ear infections or gum inflammation. You can apply coconut oil externally to the inflamed area or mix small amounts into your dog's food. The dosage of coconut oil for dogs should be no more than 1 teaspoon per 5 kilograms of body weight per day, but you should discuss the exact amount with a vet.

Fish oil

Fish oil is an oil extracted from fatty fish such as salmon or mackerel. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Fish oil can be particularly helpful for dogs that suffer from joint inflammation. You can give your dog fish oil as a capsule or in liquid form in their food. The dosage of fish oil for dogs should not exceed 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, but you should discuss the exact amount with a vet.