DMSO for Dogs and Cats: Natural Arthritis Relief and More
DON’T use this they said… .I was taught to NEVER use DMSO as it is some ‘unproven’ and ‘quackish’ remedy.
Turns out this is not exactly true, and I have found to it be exceptionallyhelpful with my pets, and myself!
In the vein of Natural Remedies that can go a LONG way in helping decrease the pain and inflammation of arthritis, you should consider trying our Dog and Cat supplements. BOTH have ingredients to naturally help pain and inflammation. They are here:
Support Your Pet’s Joint Health Today – Shop Our Top-Rated Joint Care Supplements joint care
Dr. Jones’ Hemp-Infused Joint Care Chews for Dogs
DMSO for Dogs and Cats: Natural Arthritis Relief and More
What Is DMSO Anyway?
DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is derived from Pine trees as a byproduct of the paper manufacturing industry and was first isolated in the mid-1800s by a Russian chemist. It is also naturally found in garlic as one of the root’s 70+ sulfur compounds.
What is DMSO used for?
DMSO is an exceptionally versatile therapy. For starters, it’s one of the few compounds that can be administered orally, topically, and through injection of both the vein and the muscle. The results of thousands of studies attesting to its health-promoting properties strongly support the view that DMSO is a truly significant therapeutic anti-inflammatory and that holds promise in managing a wide range of debilitating conditions.
Arthritis
With its ability to penetrate tissues, DMSO shows value in reducing pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and possibly even gout.
Strains and sprains
DMSO provides rapid elimination of pain and increased mobility when used topically. It passes through the skin’s oily membranes and reduces swelling and inflammation almost immediately.
P.S. If you are looking for a Complete supplement to start helping your arthritic dog or cat, start here:
Support Your Pet’s Joint Health Today – Shop Our Top-Rated Joint Care Supplements joint care
Dr. Jones’ Hemp-Infused Joint Care Chews for Dogs
Drug extravasation injury
Extravasation refers to the escape of a drug into the extravascular space (soft tissue), either by leakage from a vessel or by direct infiltration. When chemotherapy drugs leak into surrounding tissues (extravasate), the effects can be severely damaging. Many studies have shown that DMSO application has significantly improved extravasation tissue injury in affected patients.
Herpes
DMSO has been used to enhance penetration of alpha-interferon ointment in the treatment of herpes.It may be beneficial for our cats with the Cat Flu caused by a herpes virus.
- Wound Healing – DMSO can accelerate wound healing by increasing blood flow and promoting the repair of damaged tissue.
- Reduction of Bladder Inflammation – For cats with cystitis and dogs with similar bladder issues, the anti-inflammatory effects of DMSO can bring welcome relief. Apply it topically to the bottom of your cats abdomen over top of the bladder.
- Assisting with Eye Conditions – In certain cases, DMSO can help in the management of some eye conditions, working as a delivery agent for other medications.
How to use DMSO
1. Get the Right Stuff. Don’t skimp on quality. Purchase pharmaceutical-grade DMSO from a reputable source. It should be at least 99% pure and not have any added fragrances or other ingredients.
2: Get some gloves, or wash your hands well afterwords. It does absorb through your skin, and as I have some arthritis, I don’t worry too much if I absorb some when I apply it topically to my pets.
3: Application. I drop it directly onto the skin over top of a an inflamed joint- Tula had a painful knee, so I first applied topical CBD, then the DMSO as it carries the CBD into the joint. For myself personally I used this for my regular injuries (bike crashes, soccer, etc… .) I’ll put on topical CBD then apply the DMSO. For wound care, change dressings regularly, applying the DMSO and then a clean dressing afterward.
4. Doses: 1ml/10lbs of body weight 3 times/day. Drop it directly over top of the affected joint.
P.S. I have been regularly using DMSO for both myself, and my dog Tula- it has been veryhelpful for Holistic Pain Relief.
I love your Ultimate Feline powder! So do my 3 rescued kitties, they get it every day!
I wish you were in practice next door to me, though– My Gandalf needs you.
He has developed some kind of (The lab says apparently non-cancerous) growth on his back and down one side following surgery to remove a similar very soft detached growth, which has now grown back very hard.
I don’t know what to do to help him get rid of it. I am afraid to take him to another Vet because I do not want him to be put down, nor be given chemo.
Visually, it kind of resembles a big mast cell tumor, except that it has actually burst through his skin in a few places. It does not seem to be inhibiting his movements at all, but still it should not be there.. And is directly over the site of the previous surgery.
I hope Vet Medicine wakes up someday.. Sorry for all of our sakes that they haven’t done it yet!
God Bless you and yours, Dr. Jones..
Thank You for helping the Animals.
Thank you for your valuable comments and support. We would greatly appreciate it if we could feature your comment as a testimonial on our website.
Now, this article might help:
SIGNS
Signs for you to watch for include a firm lump that grows and won’t go away. Most common Mast Cell Tumors are abnormal skin growths. They are typically red and raised from the skin. They can spread to regional lymph nodes, and in some cases to other organs. Mast cell tumors can be present where ever Mast Cells exist in the body (i.e. the spleen, liver, lungs etc.) They are similarly graded as with Lymphomas (Grade 1 – local growing, to Grade 5 – where the tumor cells have spread throughout the body).
CAUSES
Certain breeds have a predisposition for Mast Cell Tumors: Boxers, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier. Also at higher than average risk are the Shar-Pei, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Schnauzer, and Cocker Spaniel. The exact cause of cancer is unknown, but environment also plays a big role with exposure to smog, herbicides, and insecticides being contributing factors. Vaccines have been implicated, along with Food – preservatives and other chemical additives may also cause cancer.
SOLUTIONS.
A VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING. Your vet will perform blood tests, X-rays, and a needle aspirate of the lump to confirm Mast Cell Tumor.
CUT IT OUT. For Mast Cell Tumors on the skin, surgery is the treatment of choice. If it is a low grade (i.e. Grade 1), then you can look at alternate remedies and monitor the mass.
ANTIOXIDIZE. Antioxidants have been shown to slow the growth and spread of some types of cancer. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium are the most effective. Vitamin C dose: dogs 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily; cats, 250 mg twice daily. Vitamin E dose: dogs and cats 100 IU per 10 lbs body weight twice daily. Selenium dose: dogs and cats, 25 ug per 10 lbs twice daily.
FLAVONOIDS. The most important one for Mast Cell Tumors is Quercetin – it helps deal with the symptoms of mast cell degranulation and histamine release. The dose of Quercetin: 30 mg per 10 lbs daily. You can also purchase a mixed bioflavonoid product that contains polyphenols, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate), which is the specific flavonoid isolated from green tea. The dose for a 10 lb dog or cat is 250 mg daily.
FATTY ACIDS ARE ESSENTIAL. Omega 3 fatty acids are great anti-inflammatories and have been shown to prevent the spread of cancer. Ground flax or flax oil is the best source for dogs: the dose is 1 tsp of ground flax per cup of dog food, or 1000 mg of flax oil per 10 lbs of body weight daily. For cats, the liquid form is the only option, and they should receive 500 mg twice daily of flax or fish oil, or a supplement such as EFA Caps purchased from your veterinarian.
NEOPLASENE. A new topical alternate remedy for skin cancer. It is derived from bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). Neoplasene contains active ingredients of bloodroot called benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, with the primary one being sanguinarine. Bloodroot has been a Native American remedy for skin cancers. It can be applied topically for skin tumors, although it will initially be painful.
VITAMIN A. This has cytotoxic effects (cancer-cell killing) at high doses. The dose is 400 IU per lb of body weight daily.
ARGININE. This amino acid appears to enhance immune function and may inhibit the growth of some tumors. The dose is 250 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
GLUTAMINE. This amino acid may be helpful in inhibiting tumor growth as well as in dealing with some of the adverse effects of chemotherapy. The dose is 500 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
MUSHROOMS. Certain mushrooms have immune-stimulating and anti-tumor activity. Some of these include Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake. The dose is 25 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
CURCUMIN. This is part of the spice Turmeric. It may inhibit the growth as well as spread of tumors. It has also been shown to decrease the side effects of chemotherapy. The dose is 250 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
DRINK YOUR JUICE. A number of veterinarians have had great success using a juice found in health food stores. Noni Juice is made from the Morinda plant of the South Sea Islands. The dose is 1/2 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight given twice daily.
HERBAL:
The most important herbs are ones that will help your pet’s organs rid themselves of waste products, via the liver, kidneys and lymphatics. Essiac and Hoxsey Formulas do this.
Tonic Herbal Support
1 part Red Clover, 1 part Dandelion, 1 part Garlic, 1 part Astragalus. Dose: 1 ml per 10 lbs twice daily.
GREEN TEA (CAMELLIA). Stimulates the immune system and inhibits tumor growth: standardized green tree extract is dosed at 50 mg per 40 lbs of body weight daily.
GINSENG. A popular immune stimulant, it also appears to speed up wound and abscess healing. The Ginseng dose is 30 mg per lb of the dried herb twice daily, or 1 drop per lb twice daily of the tincture.
ECHINACEA. This is an effective herb for stimulating the immune system. The dried herb dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs; the tincture dose is 1 drop per lb twice daily.
ASTRAGALUS. This traditional Chinese herb has been shown to stimulate certain cells important for the immune system. The dose is 600 mg per 10 lbs of the dried herb, or 1 drop per lb twice daily of the tincture.
ESSIAC TEA. Contains a combination of herbs that inhibit tumor growth and spreading.
GARLIC. Has antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties. It is best used in conjunction with other antioxidants. When given at high doses it can cause anemia in your pet, so it is best used under the supervision of your veterinarian. The dog dose is 1/4 clove per 10 lbs of body weight daily; the cat dose is 1/8 clove daily.
HOMEOPATHIC:
PHOSPHORUS. For bleeding tumors, especially growths on the skin that bleed. The typical dose and schedule is 6C once daily for 4 weeks and evaluate effectiveness.
THUJA. The first homeopathic remedy that many homeopaths advise for any type of canine or feline cancer. The dose is 30C given once-twice daily for at least 30 days.
STAY POSITIVE. Cancer can be cured and it may happen for your pet. By keeping a positive outlook and giving off good energy you are only helping your pet. I have lost a pet to cancer; I made a point of enjoying every moment we had together.
Thanks very much for this information. My dog has arthritis, and I have some DMSO 70%. Since it’s such a powerful carrier, do I need to be careful to thoroughly clean her skin and fur around the joint before applying this? If yes, should I shampoo it? Or clean it with alcohol? I’m excited to try this, thanks!
No need for shampoo, just clean it with water or wipes.
I have 99.9% DMSO – should I dilute to 70% before applying it to my cat for her cystitis or can I apply it undiluted?
Hi, DMSO can be used undiluted.
My mom has a stray cat with stomatitis, which the vets in this area want to remove all the teeth which costs well over a $1,000. I have my mom giving him silver and CBD in his food. He can only eat purée foods. He is not tame enough to apply anything directly in his mouth. Is it possible to give him DMSO in his food as well? If so, what would be the oral dosage for a cat?
Thank you. Really appreciate all the alternative options you provide!
Hi, DMSO can be given internally as well as topically, although it’s not clear how it would help with stomatitis.
Bless ?? You Dr. Jones, for all your efforts and support, for our furbabies ?? My 14 year old female MaltiPoo has about 12 moles or something, all other body ? She scratches them and they bleed. I don’t think they are regular moles, because they never get better, and fall off, after using castor oil, garlic drops, Thuji , etc. I been giving her homeopathic meds to build her immune system, but nothing is working. The vet says the aren’t cancerous and it would cost $1000’s to remove them and they would probably come back?. I keep a diaper and clothes on her, 24/7, to keep her from scratching. We are Both, very miserable, because I can’t Help Her ? I bought your CBD Drops and another product. The CBD, helps her relax and sleep better, but I Pray ??, You have the answer for her.?? I have thought about putting castor oil, then DMSO, but I’m not sure, since some of them, are bleeding from her scratching ? I can send you pictures, if I knew, how to get them to you. We Are Anxiously Waiting To Hear From You. May God Bless ?? You, For Your BIG Healing ???? Heart ?????? You Are Heaven Sent ?
Here are some helpful tips for your pet:
https://veterinarysecrets.com/?s=scratching
I gave my german shepherd who has arthritis and a tumor growing around her intestines DMSO and she is emitting the worst odor I have ever smelled. How long will this last and is this a good sign that the cancer might be going away?
I gave my 12 yr old German shepherd who has arthritis and a tumor growing around her intestines DMSO and now she is emitting the worst odor I have ever smelled. How long will this last and is this a good sign that the cancer might be going away?
I’m sorry to hear about your German Shepherd’s condition. While DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is sometimes used in veterinary medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can also cause a strong odor, which is often due to its solvent properties and how it interacts with the body.
The odor you’re noticing may be related to the DMSO itself, but it could also indicate that your dog is experiencing an adverse reaction or that the tumor is affecting her overall health. It’s not a definitive sign that the cancer is improving or worsening.
The duration of the odor can vary, but it typically dissipates as the DMSO is metabolized and eliminated from the body, which usually takes a few hours to a couple of days. However, if the smell persists or if your dog shows any signs of distress, such as changes in appetite, behavior, or worsening of her condition,
My small terrier has a trachea that I am told is collapsing. His coughing early in the day sounds like an old man clearing his throat. Would something like DMSO be good for him?
We do have an article that can help:
What is a collapsed trachea?
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is an important structure, which connects the throat to the lungs. It serves the purpose of directing air into the respiratory tract.
The normal trachea is tubular. It maintains its shape because of a series of rings made of cartilage. These rings do not completely encircle the trachea. Instead, they go from the 2 o’clock to 10 o’clock positions. The remainder of the trachea is composed of a flexible membrane that joins the ends of the cartilage rings.
When the cartilage rings are flattened from the top to the bottom, the trachea is said to be collapsed. Rapid inhalation of air can cause the trachea to flatten and make it difficult for air to enter the lungs.
Why does it happen?
We do not completely understand how this condition develops. However, we know that these dogs have an abnormality in the chemical makeup of their tracheal rings. The rings lose their stiffness so they are not able to retain their circular shape. We also know that it occurs in certain breeds of dogs, notably Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers. Because of that, we suspect that there is a genetic factor involved.
What are the clinical signs?
The most common clinical sign is a chronic cough. It is often described as dry and harsh and can become quite pronounced. The term “goose honk” is often used to describe it. Coughing is often worse in the daytime and much less at night. The cough may also begin due to excitement, pressure on the trachea (from a leash), or from drinking water or eating.
How is a collapsed trachea diagnosed?
A dog of the breeds listed above with a chronic cough, especially a “goose honk,” should be suspected as having collapsed trachea. Many times, very light pressure placed on the trachea during the physical examination can raise a suspicion of collapsed trachea in a small dog with a persistent dry cough. While the information gained from the physical examination is helpful, other tests are needed to confirm this condition.
Radiographs (x-rays) of the chest can identify the trachea and its shape. However, a collapsed trachea changes its diameter during the respiratory cycle. It is usually collapsed during inhalation and normal during exhalation. Therefore, we attempt to make radiographs during both phases of respiration. This is easy in some dogs and rather difficult in others since dogs are not likely to understand the command, “Take a deep breath and hold it.”
Endoscopy is another way to visualize the trachea. An endoscope is a tube that is small enough to insert into the trachea; the operator can see through it and visualize the inside of the trachea. By watching the trachea during inspiration and expiration, abnormal collapsing can be seen. Unfortunately, tracheal endoscopes are expensive and not available at every veterinary hospital.
Isn’t coughing also a sign of heart failure?
Yes, it is. Many dogs with collapsed trachea will also have heart disease. Testing that occurs when diagnosing this disease should include chest radiographs (x-rays) so the heart can be evaluated. Treatment for heart disease is not indicated unless it can be demonstrated with some form of testing.
How is it treated?
Collapsed trachea can be treated medically or surgically. Some dogs respond well to brochodilators and various types of anti-inflammatory drugs. The trachea of these dogs is easily infected, so antibiotics are usually part of the treatment. If obesity is present, weight loss is often beneficial. Excitement and vigorous exercise are likely to cause a relapse, so they should be avoided as much as possible.
Some dogs respond well to the medical approach, and others do not. Because medical therapy only treats the symptoms and does not correct the problem, these dogs are always subject to recurrences of coughing and breathing difficulty.
If medical therapy is not successful, the dog should be evaluated for possible surgery. Radiographs and endoscopy are used to determine how much of the trachea is collapsed. If the only abnormal part is that segment between the throat and the point where the trachea enters the chest (the thoracic inlet), surgery may be curative. However, if the segment of the trachea that is within the chest cavity is abnormal, surgery is not likely to be helpful because that part is not accessible to the surgeon.
There are several surgical approaches that have been used. Each approach implants an artificial support device that is secured around or within the trachea. The purpose of the support device is to hold the tracheal rings in their normal, open position. Although some dogs have excellent results and are truly cured of the disease, the outcome is not uniformly successful.
Very curious about this! Our beagle has arthritis and gets librela monthly, but sometimes she’s a bit stiff in between. Thinking DMSO could help… However, she is also on pred and cyclosprine for SRMA (alternating every other day). Would the DMSO be a problem with librela, prednisone or modulis vet cyclosporine? Many thanks! 🙂
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) can interact with certain medications, so caution is required. It can enhance the absorption of other drugs, including prednisone, cyclosporine (Modulis Vet), and Librela, potentially increasing their effects. This could lead to unwanted side effects.