I often talk about inflammation, whether in my lectures, on social media, or in conversations with dog owners. It's a word that comes up all the time. Inflammation is at the heart of so many health issues in our dogs: joint pain, itching, digestive issues, fatigue, stiffness, chronic illnesses…
Since this word is part of the lives of many dog owners, I thought it would be a good time to clarify things. Because if you really want to help your dog live a long, healthy life with a good quality of life, you need to understand what's happening in their body.
What is inflammation?
Inflammation, in itself, isn’t bad. It's a normal bodily reaction, a bit like an alarm system that goes off when something is wrong: an infection, an injury, an overload. The body reacts to defend and protect itself.
The problem arises when this reaction persists and becomes chronic. That's when it starts to cause harm. It's insidious, it creeps in quietly, and we end up thinking of what isn't normal as normal.
How to recognize inflammation in your dog?
Often, we don't immediately think of inflammation when our dog's behaviour changes or certain symptoms appear. For example, a dog that scratches constantly, has dirty or smelly ears; these are possible signs. The same is true if he frequently has gas, loose stools, or digestive issues.
Have you noticed that they are stiff when they get up or after a nap? That they seem more tired, have less energy than before, or get recurring infections? Skin issues, a dull coat, or unusual hair loss are also signs.
In short, if your dog seems "off" physically or in its behaviour, its body may be sending you a message.
What should you do if your dog shows signs of inflammation?
First, look at your dog's diet. Ultra-processed foods, like some kibble, often contain low-quality ingredients, too many carbohydrates, and additives that can perpetuate inflammation. Feeding a fresher, more natural diet, even if it's just partially, can make a big difference. You don't need to feed 100% raw. Just adding a few raw meals a week, or incorporating fresh ingredients into their bowl, is already a step in the right direction. I actually have training to help you; click here to learn more: Optimize your dog's health.
Next, some natural supplements can really help with inflammation.
Turmeric, for example, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which is why I created Curcuplex.
Green Lipped Mussel are also an excellent source of omega fatty acids and compounds that help joints and reduce inflammation.
And Omega 3 - Seal oil, which I particularly like, provides high-quality omega-3s that support the entire system. All these supplements can be found on this website.
Finally, pay attention. Observe your dog daily and ask yourself questions when you notice a change. Your dog communicates a lot, even if he doesn't speak. And often, it's the little details that tell you something is wrong.
The good news is that you can take action. And you don't need to change everything at once. What I suggest is taking it one step at a time, with simple but powerful choices.
If you have any questions or would like guidance on your dog's diet, I'm here to help with my consultation service . Don't hesitate to contact me!
Karine Simard, agronomist, M.Sc.
Dog parent x 3
