Introduction

Generally recognized as safe for use in food by the FDA, beta caryophyllene may be safer than most FDA-approved medications for chronic pain.

According to the American Kennel Club, one in five dogs in America suffers from osteoarthritis and the associated chronic pain. It’s about the same in people. Large breeds are particularly susceptible to the disease, but active breeds and older dogs of all sizes can be affected.  It’s important to know all the options available to give your best friend their best life.

Common Treatments for Chronic Pain in Dogs

Since osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is caused by the deterioration of soft tissue that provides a cushion between joints, glucosamine with chondroitin sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids are often prescribed by veterinarians to sustain healthy soft tissue. Despite regulatory restrictions prohibiting supplement makers from making therapeutic claims; the absence of FDA-approved dietary supplements for dogs; and a lack of clinical data from animal trials, decades of common knowledge and historic “field use” in humans and pets trumps regulatory permission to use these valuable health solutions.

For relief in dogs with pain symptoms – like panting, lethargy, limping or trouble moving – veterinarians often prescribe the same medications given to people, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as carprofen, steroids and even opioids. Since chronic pain can be lifelong, all these medications have the known potential to cause conditions such as gastro-intestinal distress, bleeding, kidney and liver disease and congestive heart failure.

Alternative Pain Management Strategies for Dogs

Progressive veterinarians now recommend multi-modal pain management for dogs whenever possible. This consists of diet and behavioral modification – less strenuous exercise, avoiding stairs – and the use of dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to reduce or eliminate the need for invasive medications. An increasing number of holistic veterinarians use acupuncture, therapeutic massage and a range of plant-based supplements to either eliminate or delay the need for more potent medications. None of these are FDA-approved for treating dogs with chronic pain but they are widely known to improve the quality of pets’ lives.

The Role of the FDA in Ensuring Safety

The FDA plays a valuable role in setting standards that protect people, pets and a wide range of animals. But they must not only evaluate millions of pages of clinical data each year, but ­inspect manufacturing facilities; conduct random product tests to ensure safety, purity and compliance; inspect thousands of imported food and medical products for conformance to US standards; and review applications for new drugs and medical devices; cosmetic products, foods and more.

Just 18,000 FDA employees monitor nearly 20,000 FDA-approved drugs, 6,000 medical devices and 270,000 FDA-registered facilities.  They also investigate hundreds of thousands of consumer reports into potentially dangerous, contaminated or non-compliant food, cosmetic, and over-the-counter healthcare products for people and animals. They supervise product introductions and recalls and publish hundreds of consumer advisories to facilitate public safety.

Tips for Choosing Quality Products

The agency is so overburdened, consumers must be increasingly responsible for making thoughtful choices. Here are some things you can do:

1. Be sure makers have conducted lab and field trials to determine suggested use and its effectiveness. Some may even have conducted very rigorous and well-controlled clinical trials.
2. Read customer reviews to see if their stories resonate. Although makers cannot make therapeutic claims, laws protecting free speech allow customers to freely and openly discuss their experiences.
3. Be sure manufacturers publish lab tests. Test data may not reveal trade secrets, but should show that products are free from foreign matter, heavy metals, microbes and bacteria, pesticides and solvents or other potentially dangerous material.
4. Does the maker have solid, credible partners? Do they work with certified manufacturing and lab facilities? Do they have research and clinical partnerships that validate current products and guide future product roadmaps?
5. In short, buy quality products from quality companies.

Don’t be afraid to try pet supplements made with materials the FDA generally regards as safe (GRAS). To obtain this status, leaders in the food and beverage industries submit literally reams of test data for the plants and plant-derived materials they use for products we eat and drink every day. If ingredients with GRAS status are used, you’ve probably eaten them hundreds of times, albeit in different combinations and concentrations than a dietary supplement.

Supporting Your Dog Through Chronic Pain

Your pets deserve nothing but the best as they age. Consider adding dietary supplements that can help with chronic pain to dramatically improve their quality of life. One such option is Nápreva, a natural health product made from organic plant compounds known as terpenes. Nápreva offers fast-acting relief without the side effects of traditional medications. Trusted by some veterinarians and backed by third-party lab testing for safety and purity, it’s a thoughtful addition to your dog’s wellness routine. Learn more about how Nápreva can support your dog’s health. Shop online or contact us to learn more about our range of products.