A dog resting on top of the sofa.

Natural pain relief for dogs can help relieve them if we cannot immediately go to the veterinary clinic. Just like how we need to go to a professional when toothache or dental emergencies strike,  our dogs can also experience pain like us. However, they cannot voice it out. As owners, we need to become observant of our pets’ behaviors. Sudden changes in their behaviors may signify they are having health issues. Let’s discuss their oral health in particular. It is necessary for a professional veterinarian to address their dental problems. And just like humans, natural pain relief is also available for our pets.

 

Common Pain in Dogs

As mentioned in the introduction earlier, our pet dogs can also experience pain. The pain can either be acute or chronic. Pain and inflammation are partners-in-crime when causing trouble to our dogs. Here are the potential causes of a dog’s pain.

  • Bone or joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Sprains/strains
  • Back problems
  • Dental disease
  • Ear, skin, and urinary tract infections
  • Severe stomach issues
  • Cancer
  • Surgeries

dental proceduresThese causes may only be a few of the pain sources. Dental disease, in particular, has various kinds and will require different dental procedures to address the issue. Even dogs can experience dental problems as humans do.

Many dog owners will not be happy to see a dog in pain. For this reason, giving your dog some pain relievers can help. Before we proceed to that part, let me give you the symptoms that can help you determine that your dog needs help.

 

Symptoms that a Dog is in Pain

Since our dogs cannot speak, it would be best to understand them through their behavioral aspects. Here are the signs that your dog might be suffering and in pain.

  • Vocalizing – whining, whimpering, howling, or groaning
  • Changes in daily habits – loss of appetite, frequent sleeping
  • Self-mutilation – licking, biting, or scratching a particular part of their body
  • Activity level – restless, movement reluctance, movement difficulties
  • Facial expression – grimaces, flattened ears, excessive panting
  • Grooming – fur lacks natural shine, or the hair stands up in various parts
  • Self-protection – protects a body part, doesn’t put body weight on a limb, hides
  • Aggressive – growls, bites, act out of character
  • Posture – hunched, lays sideward

If your dog shows any of these behaviors, it would be best to consult your veterinarian before things worsen. There are treatments that can even cause discomfort, such as eye irrigation and use of collar for an eye injury treatment.  Moreover, pain can even occur at night. In this case, it would not be easy to contact your vet. You may try applying the following pain relievers. Other remedies apply during the morning.

 

Natural Pain Relievers for Dogs

A dog’s pain is indeed heartbreaking to the eyes of their human. Nobody wants to see their pets in pain. Fortunately, there are natural remedies that you can give your dog to alleviate their pain.

1 Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture offers natural pain relief for dogs.Alternative therapies can alleviate pain and discomfort. A trained veterinarian can use this to manage the health condition of the pets. Moreover, several pet owners can see the benefits associated with this treatment.

The treatment will also involve the use of needles on specific pressure points. On the positive side, it can address painful conditions, such as arthritis. It can even support dogs with diseases like epilepsy and liver dysfunction.

2 Cold Therapy Laser

This treatment option is effective in promoting healing. It also helps reduce pain and inflammation. Class IV cold therapy laser is the rising treatment option in managing chronic joint conditions. Additionally, several veterinary hospitals are already utilizing cold lasers.

3 Warm and Cold Compress

We all know how warm and cold compress work as pain relief. Initially, the owner can apply cold compress to relieve pain and inflammation for the first three days. Afterward, a hot compress can follow to ease the chronic discomfort.

4 Joint Supplements

These supplements contain various ingredients with pain-relieving properties. One of these is Boswellia serrata, which can increase cartilage production. Additionally, some of the ingredients inside the natural supplements are also available in dog foods.

Unfortunately, some dogs are not fond of taking them. In this case, some dog owners include it in their dog’s food. However, it would be best to always consult the veterinarian before giving any of these supplements to your pet.

5 Massage Therapy

Who wouldn’t want relaxing massage therapy? Even our dogs would love to experience it. This treatment helps soothe a dogs’ sore muscles. It often works together with alternative therapies and chiropractic techniques.

Chiropractic care involves spinal manipulations. In effect, the motion and function of your dog can improve. However, please consult your vet about it beforehand. Your dog’s safety should also be a priority before jumping to any alternative treatments. A holistic veterinarian can offer these to you if applicable.

 

CBD Oil

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is one of the trending products encircling around the internet. The questions running through are: Is it safe to give my dog CBD oil? Is it best for my pup? Well, the answers would better come from a professional. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help control seizures.

Side Effects:

  • dry mouth
  • lowered blood pressure
  • drowsiness

The use of CBD oil on dogs has no scientific data yet. Although anecdotal evidence may be present, the potential side effects are still not in full description. For this reason, always check with your vet first before you give your dog any of these remedies.

 

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

When we feel discomfort, perhaps from a dental issue, we have available NSAIDs to address it. Although NSAIDs are commonly used, they are not suitable for everyone. It is still necessary to consult a dental expert (click here) before taking these medications.

In terms of relieving discomfort, these medications can also apply to our pets. For example, it can relieve your pet from discomfort due to arthritis or from a dog’s orthopedic surgery. Older dogs are often at high risk of developing arthritis and other joint problems.

Generally speaking, the benefits our dogs can gain from these remedies can be either long-term or short-term. It would be best to search and ask professionals what’s best for the dog’s overall health. In effect, we will not be worried it’s unsafe for them.

 

References:

Natural Pain Relief for Dogs, Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, LVT, November 19, 2020, https://www.thesprucepets.com/natural-pain-relief-for-dogs-5086090

How to Tell If a Dog Is in Pain and What You Can Do to Help, Aja Senestraro, DVM, November 07, 2019, https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_managing_pain_in_dogs