Natural Pain Relief For Dogs in Pain

Dogs feel pain just as humans do. As pet owners, we definitely do not want our dogs to suffer any discomfort. However, dogs are incredibly good at hiding their pain and as they can’t speak, we need to recognize the signs and symptoms of pain so that we can get them the help they need. 

Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash

How to tell if a dog is in pain?

A dog’s pain can manifest in physical symptoms, mobility issues as well as behavioral changes. As the signs may be very subtle and hard to spot, you will need to be alert to notice it. If you suspect that your dog is in pain, it’s best that you bring him to the vet. 

Physical symptoms include:

• Shaking / trembling
• Heavy panting / altered breathing
• Tight / twitching muscles
• Arching their back
• Holding their head below their shoulders

Mobility issues are common in dogs who have an injury or trying to cope with arthritis. Common signs that your dog’s mobility is affected include:

• Limping
• Reluctance to jump
• Reluctance to use stairs
• Finding it hard to lie down or get up
• Refusing to walk or walking slower

Behavioral signs that your dog might be in great discomfort include:

• Signs of agitation
• Antisocial or aggressive behavior
• Loss of appetite
• Sleeping more
• Excessive vocalization 
• Excessive grooming
• Not wanting to be touched
• Restlessness

What causes pain in dogs? 

Pain in dogs can be acute or chronic. Acute pain is caused by an illness or injury. Chronic pain is longer and caused by medical conditions that cannot be immediately solved. In fact, anything that damages your pet’s cells or causes inflammation can cause pain in dogs. 

Common reasons of pain in dogs include:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Dental disease
• Back problems
• Damage to bones or joints
• Sprains
• Soft tissue injury
• Ear infections
• Skin infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Stomach upset
• Surgeries

Natural pain relief for dogs

Don’t panic if you suspect your dog is in pain. In addition to visiting the vet, there are also natural pain relief methods for dogs that you can try. Do consult with your vet before starting.

Glucosamine 

Glucosamine is a natural compound that can help with pain relief in dogs for conditions such as arthritis. It helps to synthesize the building blocks of cartilage and protects from connective tissue breakdown. Glucosamine is often recommended by veterinarians.

Glucosamine can be found in supplement form as well in treats, chews, and powders that can be added into your dog’s diet and will definitely help in helping your dog cope with arthritis pain. 

Hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil is a product derived from the marijuana plant. As is it non-psychoactive, it won’t cause your dog to get high. Hemp seed oil works to reduce pain symptoms and stress levels although it does not deal with the root cause of the pain. Hemp oil is available in cream form, supplements as well as dog treats. 

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin which can help to reduce inflammation in both humans and dogs. It can also help to reduce free radicals in your pet’s body. 

Turmeric is often used to help dogs with arthritis, but you should check with your vet before giving it to your dog to determine the proper dosage to avoid digestive tract upset. 

Essential Fatty Acids

Fatty acids such as Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids can help with inflammation. You can look for supplements that are formulated to support overall dog health or advance formulas that can help ease chronic inflammation symptoms. Do check with your vet before you start on this natural pain relief for dogs. 

Massage

Massaging will provide some temporary pain relief for your dog. While this natural pain relief for dogs does not deal with the underlying problem, your dog will feel a little better. You can also bring your dog to a chiropractor for a deep tissue massage. 

Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help ease inflammation, thus, help dogs cope with pain. It is beneficial for dogs that have medical conditions that affect mobility. If you want to try this, ask your vet for a recommendation  for a physical therapy specialist who is experienced in your pet’s condition. 

Conclusion 

If you think that your dog is showing signs of pain, head to the vet as soon as possible. Your pet is depending on you to help get to the underlying cause of the pain. Be sure to record the signs of pain that you’re observing so that you can relay it to your vet. Also, do not hesitate to get a second opinion or explore other treatment options that might be work for your dog.