Moose’s New Supplement

You might have noticed that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about… worrying about… and researching things that could help my Moose deal with the discomfort of hip dysplasia. Ideally, I was looking for a supplement that included glucosamine and chondroitin and other good stuff like omega-3 fatty acids, natural pain relievers, and vitamins and minerals that promote joint health. I haven’t found a supplement that does it all yet, but I have found one that I’m very pleased with. How I found Moose’s new supplement: I was browsing PetSmart.com, looking at the different products they had that included … Continue reading

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is divided into stages in order to help people understand how the disease might unfold in a loved one. However, not everyone experiences the same symptoms at the same rate! On average, a person with Alzheimer’s disease passes away within four to six years of diagnosis. Some people live on for as long as twenty more years after a diagnosis. In general, Alzheimer’s disease is divided into mild, moderate, and severe stages. Experts have developed a more detailed list, even including pre-Alzheimer’s mental states: Stage 1: No impairment. A person experiences no memory problems that are evident to … Continue reading

Natural Painkillers for Dogs

Yesterday, I was looking at the different painkillers that are available for dogs. I feel bad because my dog Moose is obviously experiencing discomfort from his hip dysplasia — and all the other things I’ve done don’t seem to be helping enough. Then I got to wondering: if natural painkillers work in humans, do they work in dogs, too? Maybe there are some non-medical things I can do to ease Moose’s discomfort. Because the prescription painkillers for dogs seem to all run the risk of liver issues when used for a long time. I’d rather not trade one problem (Moose’s … Continue reading

Capsaicin

The compound that makes red peppers so very hot is also an amazingly effective pain reliever. Capsaicin was first identified in the 1800s — a Hungarian doctor in 1878 noticed that the compound could irritate the mucus membranes and promote the secretion of digestive juices. But this compound has the power to do more than just make your mouth and lips burn when you eat spicy foods. Studies have shown again and again that capsaicin cream can block pain neurotransmitters in nerve fibers. Capsaicin can be useful in relieving pain from shingles, arthritis, back pain, and more! The American Association … Continue reading