How to Help Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs Naturally

By :Becki Baumgartner, Certified Master Herbalist 0 comments

If your dog suffers from degenerative myelopathy and you're looking for natural ways to help at home, you're in the right place!

What is Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs?

Degenerative myelopathy in dogs is a debilitating, slow-progressing condition most common in middle-aged and older dogs.

It's a neurological condition in which the spinal cord's nerves gradually lose their ability to transmit impulses. Degeneration starts in the thoracic spine and works its way down the spine.

Researchers aren't sure of the exact cause of degenerative myelopathy, but think it's due to a gene alteration.

What are the Signs of Degenerative Myelopathy?

Dogs with degenerative myelopathy display several tell-tale signs.

Some of the most common signs are:

Swaying of the rear end when walking when your pet is walking
Difficulties rising to a stand from lying down
Scraping nails when walking
Any exaggerated movement when walking
Hind paws turn under when walking (walking on knuckles)
Tripping and stumbling when walking
Rear legs crossing when walking
Loss of balance

How to Help Degenerative Myelopathy at Home

Unfortunately, science has not yet found a cure for degenerative myelopathy in dogs.

However, there are many things you can do to help your dog feel better, become more mobile, and have a better quality of life.

Learn More About Dog Arthritis

Arthritis usually accompanies degenerative myelopathy, and anything you can do to help your dog's arthritis will help overall.

You can get a copy of our ebook, Dog Arthritis 101: Make Your Dog Feel Better for free in our store.

Revamp Your Dog's Diet

Try cooking for your dog or feeding high-quality dog food.

Home-cooked diets and wet food help keep your pet from gaining too much weight.

In turn, weighing less means less stress on your dog's bones and joints.

You can quickly and easily learn to cook at home for your dog on the PET | TAO Recipe page.

PET | TAO Chill and Blaze are our vet's top choices for dogs suffering from degenerative myelopathy.

Please look to see which recipe is most synergistic with your dog. You'll find descriptions of dog subtle energy types for each, so choose the one that most matches your dog.

Ease Your Dog's Discomfort Naturally

In their clinics, our vets recommend PET | TAO Comfort for dogs with degenerative myelopathy.

Comfort is a blend of Eastern herbs and Western supplements to help your dog feel more comfortable. It works like an all-natural NSAID to help your dog feel better.

Provide Joint Support

Degenerative myelopathy stresses all of your dog's joints, so anything you can do to support your dog's joints is a plus.

In their clinics, our vets recommend PET | TAO Harmonize Joint.

PET | TAO Harmonize Joint is a blend of Eastern herbs and Western supplements which work together to lubricate and restore your dog's joints.

Feed Your Dog Kidney

I know it sounds odd, but it helps! Kidney treats help with arthritis, which usually accompanies degenerative myelopathy.

According to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, the kidneys control the bones and joints, and also support arthritic challenges.

Feeding kidney works in a "like treats like" manner and strengthens and tonifies the entire meridian.

As an added benefit, feeding your dog kidney helps with hearing loss, urinary incontinence, kidney failure, and other kidney and bladder health challenges.

Just add kidney to your dog's daily meal, or supplement with freeze-dried raw kidney treats.

Try Acupuncture or Electro-Acupuncture

Acupuncture works the same in dogs as it does in humans.

There are acupuncture points along your dog's spine which contain many vascular and nerve beds.

The veterinarian will place small acupuncture needles at specific points. Inserting the needles causes more blood flow to the area and encourages your dog's body to heal itself. In addition, acupuncture stimulates endorphin release and helps wake up your dog's nerves.

With electro-acupuncture, the veterinarian connects the acupuncture needles to the electro-acupuncture machine. Then, a therapeutic electric wave passes through the needles to stimulate the acupuncture points.

Because both forms of acupuncture stimulate the release of endorphins, both will help your dog feel better.

Try TCVM Herbs

Chinese medicine offers many exceptional herbal solutions for dogs with degenerative myelopathy.

And, the formulas work exceptionally well when combined with food therapy with acupuncture to help dogs suffering from degenerative myelopathy.

Some good examples of TCVM herbal formulas for degenerative myelopathy are:

The above are just examples of some of the formulas available. You'll need the help of a TCVM-trained veterinarian to determine which formula will work best for your dog. Also, TCVM herbs require a veterinarian's authorization.