As dogs get older, they often experience pain associated with arthritis or other age-related diseases.
It’s hard to see your dog suffer.
You want to help your pup feel like his or her old self again.
Most age-related diseases are not curable, but the pain is manageable.
Traditional veterinarians may recommend prescription medications.
However, prescription medications often come with harmful side effects.
Veterinarians practicing Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) may recommend alternative options to strong pharmaceuticals, such as Eastern and Western herbs or supplements.
For example, many veterinarians recommend yucca for dog pain.
Yucca contains steroidal saponins, which can provide safe and effective relief from joint pain and inflammation.
In this context, “steroidal” refers to natural phytosterols, which are different from synthetic corticosteroid drugs.
In combination with other natural substances, yucca can help alleviate dog joint pain associated with arthritis.
What Is Yucca?
Yucca is a succulent, cactus-like plant belonging to the lily family according to most botanists.
The plant is native to desert climates such as dry areas in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Yucca is most commonly used to help bad odors in dog urine and feces due to its chemical breakdown of urea.
In studies, yucca inhibited anhydrous ammonia, the compound responsible for a microbial enzyme called urease, which causes bad smells.
However, excess urea and extremely bad smelling stools are often the result of a poor quality diet.
Feeding your pup a well-balanced diet, such as PET | TAO Holistic canned dog food, is best for your pet’s overall health.
The properties making yucca beneficial in breaking down urea, also give it the ability to promote circulation through damaged tissue.
Increased circulation allows the body to absorb more tissue-repairing nutrients.
Why Is Yucca Beneficial for Alleviating Dog Pain?
Yucca has many beneficial qualities.
Yucca contains high quantities of vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, protein, and B vitamins.
The most therapeutic compounds in yucca are saponins.
Saponins are plant glycosides with foaming properties.
These properties aid digestion by helping intestinal walls absorb minerals and vitamins
Additionally, naturopaths and TCVM veterinarians notice the saponins in yucca effect on alleviating symptoms of inflammation and pain due to arthritis in dogs.
Does Yucca Have Side Effects?
The FDA and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) classifies yucca as “Generally Regarded as Safe” (GRAS) for use in animal feeds and supplements.
Yucca, a category two herb, is most beneficial in small quantities, such as those included in supplements.
Too much yucca can slow down nutrient absorption, irritating a dog’s digestive system.
How to Use Yucca with Other Herbs and Compounds
Yucca’s benefits are best when combined with other compounds since yucca’s saponin aids assimilation.
For example, a supplement including Boswellia, Cornus, and Meadowsweet would most effectively help your pup.
Seeking an all natural supplement to alleviate pain in your dog?
Learn more about PET | TAO’s Drive Out Pain Supplement.
