Natural pain relief for dogs can be an essential part of our dogs' health. In this article, we will discuss the common pain symptoms in dogs and the natural pain relief for dogs.
Dogs feel pain like humans, but our dogs can't speak and express their pain verbally, so we need to learn how to recognize the symptoms of pain in dogs.
Common pain Symptoms in dogs
Many behaviors, physical changes, and Mobility Issues can indicate that our dogs are in pain.
1- Physical Symptoms include
Tight or twitching muscle, Shaking or trembling, Arched back, Holding their head below their shoulders, or Panting.
2- Behavioral symptoms include
Not wanting to be touched, Restlessness, Aggression, Excessive licking, and Excessive vocalization.
3- Mobility Issues
Walking slower or refusing to walk, Limping, Reluctance to jump or use stairs, inability to get up or lie down.
So If you think your dog is showing any signs of pain, it's important to call a veterinarian.
Pain management for dog
Man-made drugs
If your dog is in need of pain medication, your veterinarian may describe certain drugs including:
1- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed drugs for pain and inflammation in dogs, especially in conditions like osteoarthritis and soft-tissue injuries
2- Opioid analgesic
Opioids are considered to be the most powerful analgesics available, They may also be used to treat acute pain from serious injuries.
3- Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are highly effective at decreasing inflammation in the body and can be used to relieve pain in some cases. Steroids also can suppress the immune system, so long-term use is not recommended for pain management alone.
Corticosteroids are more likely to be used on dogs with concurrent pain and immune-mediated diseases.
Natural pain relief for dogs
A lot of people prefer using natural pain relief for dogs because it is effective and much safer than man-made drugs.
There are two types of natural pain relief for dogs that can help to eliminate pain in dogs, herbal remedies and holistic therapies.
- Herbal Remedies
The first type of natural pain relief for dogs is herbal remedies, and as you start using herbal remedies we recommend introducing each remedy one by one if you add multiple therapies at the same time you won't know which one is providing benefits or causing a side effect.
1- Ginger (Zhinger Officinalis)
Ginger has a lot of benefits for the digestive system of dogs including relieving gas and nausea.
It can decrease arthritis pain by stopping the immune system from producing leukotrienes, which cause inflammation. Ginger can also increase circulation for older dogs who lack mobility.
Caution: avoid ginger before any surgery or if your dog uses anticoagulant drugs because Ginger can thin the blood.
It may also lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so talk to your veterinarian if your dog has any kind of heart condition or diabetes.
2- Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is one of the most common herbs used as natural pain relief for dogs. It is highly effective in relieving pain and also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It has many other positive effects for dogs such as reducing the risk of cancer due to its cancer-fighting properties.
Caution: Avoid using turmeric near light-colored clothing or carpeting because it will stain anything it touches bright yellow.
3- CBD OIL
One of the most common natural pain relief for dogs is CBD or cannabinoids, derived from the hemp plant.
CBD oil has many benefits for dogs, including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, helping to control seizures, and treating anxiety. You can find CBD in many forms like oil and creams.
Possible side effects of CBD in dogs include dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and drowsiness.
4- Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
It is a powerful African plant used as natural pain relief for dogs, it has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and body tonic effect, and it's often used to treat muscle pain, joint pain, spasms, and skin injuries.
Caution: don't use it for diabetic, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
5- Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)
It is also called frankincense, it's a resin extracted from tree bark used as natural pain relief for dogs, it contains phytochemicals that inhabit leukocytosis synthesis which causes inflammation.
It is effective against arthritis pain and inflammation and helps heal scars and other discoloration.
Boswellia is an ingredient in many herbal combination pain and anti-inflammatory remedies.
Side effects of Boswellia are uncommon and it includes gastrointestinal upset like mild diarrhea and flatulence.
6- Licorice ( glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice has medicinal properties like an anti-inflammatory effect due to an active ingredient called glycyrrhiza, which typically interacts with the adrenal glands and helps produce steroids.
Licorice can also raise blood pressure and cause water retention.
Caution: don't use licorice when dogs have high blood pressure or heart problems.
- Holistic therapies
Another part of natural pain relief for dogs is holistic therapies.
1) Heat therapies
Heat therapy is an effective and easy way to make your dog feel better. The application of heat is used to reduce stiffness and muscle, increase blood flow and relieve pain.
2) Cold therapy
The application of cold can help reduce swelling and inflammation in your dog. It relieves pain by decreasing damage to muscles immediately after surgery, injury, or heavy exercise.
In addition, cold therapy leads to faster healing and can decrease muscle spasms.
3) Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine used to treat dogs with arthritis and joint inflammation, Acupuncture works through the insertion of fine needles into the dog's body at a specific point.
That must be done by a certified veterinary acupuncturist.
Summary
We can use many herbal remedies to have safe and natural pain relief for dogs like: ginger, Turmeric, CBD oil, devil's claw , Boswellia, licorice, and holistic therapies like heat therapy, cold therapy,acupuncture.
Remember that every dog is different, so what heal one dog might be not effective in another one so It’s important for your dog to see their veterinarian to choose the appropriate pain reliever.
Read more about:
Blood in Dog Urine Home Remedies
You must be logged in to post a comment.