Nobody likes to see their dog in pain. If your dog is struggling with pain related to illness, injury, or just getting old, you can help.
We take a look at how to tell your dog is in pain and what may be causing it.
The best pain relief for dogs could be medication recommended by your vet, or a natural solution to your dog’s pain.
Signs Your Dog is in Pain
While your dog can’t tell you when he is hurting you will still be able to tell from his behavior. You can learn to recognize when your dog is in pain because they will change their behavior when they are suffering.
Look for signs like limping, excessive grooming, licking or panting, restlessness, barking or howling, and a change in personality. Take a look at our article on How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain for more information.
Causes of Your Dog’s Pain
If you suspect your dog is in pain but don’t know why then you should take him to the vet immediately. Don’t try to diagnose the cause yourself. Your vet will find out why your dog is in pain and recommend the right treatment.
They could recommend a range of treatments like supplements, NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), aspirin, opioids, steroids, or holistic alternatives.
There are many causes of pain in dogs from injuries and infections, to illnesses and ageing. Once your vet has diagnosed your dog’s problem you can discuss the right treatment.
Pain Medication for Dogs
It is important to always seek advice from your vet before administering any kind of medication to your dog. Some pain meds for dogs can cause side effects and may best be avoided if there are other options for managing your dog’s main.
For example, NSAIDs can cause the following problems in some dogs:
- Digestive problems like gastritis or peptic ulcers.
- Liver damage.
- Kidney damage.
- Chronic dry eye or blindness
- Joint damage leading to arthritis.
Do not under any circumstances give your dog any medication meant for humans.
Natural Pain Relief for Dogs
Seeking alternative medication for dogs is a good way to help manage and relieve their pain. There are some herbs that can help manage pain and inflammation in dogs.
Comfrey.
Comfrey can help to speed up cell reproduction and relieve pain. This natural comfrey salve can be used to treat dogs suffering from cracked paws, rough skin, itchiness, fungal infections, hair loss, pain and joint and mobility issues.
Turmeric.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory supplement that can help relieve your dog’s aches and pains. These turmeric chews can reduce pain and inflammation, relieve rheumatoid arthritis and hip dysplasia pain, and act as a post antibiotic medicine treatment for your dog.
Ginger.
Ginger can help with nausea and stomach pain and it is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure to only give it to your dog in small amounts though. You can add some ginger into your dog’s food or try some specially formulated treats.
Supplements for Dog Pain
Supplements are another way to help relieve your dog’s pain. Here are a few to look out for.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
These can help to reduce swelling and help cartilage repair. This hip and joint supplement has glucosamine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties and chondroitin for growth and maintenance of cartilage and connective tissues. It helps promote healthy joints, improves mobility, and eases discomfort from hip dysplasia and painful arthritis.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM Is a potent antioxidant, cell rejuvenator, and joint healer for dogs. It is an organic sulfur containing compound that can significantly reduce pain from arthritis, back pain, headaches, injuries, and autoimmune diseases. You will usually find it in hip and joint supplements for dogs along with turmeric and chondroitin.
Omega 3
Fish oil is good for joint health and can help to reduce inflammation. These chewable Omega 3 dog treats are good for your dog’s bones, joints, and brain health.
Ease Your Dog’s Aches
There are other things you can do to help manage your dog’s aches and pains. These are particularly helpful if you have an ageing dog to help ease the general aches that come with getting older.
As they age dogs can develop joint problems, hip problems, and arthritis. These are preventative steps you can take to help ease your dog into his senior years.
A healthy diet
Feed your dog a healthy diet that helps fight inflammation and reduce pain. Natural foods like sweet potato, pumpkin, blueberries, celery, and coconut oil are good for your dog’s health.
Exercise
Excess weight puts extra pressure on your dog’s joints and aggravate pain. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and regular play. This is particularly important to keep up as your dog slows down with age. The walks may be shorter and the play sessions not as energetic, but you should keep it up.
Massages
Massaging your dog is a great way to help to ease their aches and pains. Our article on How to Massage Your Dog can give you plenty of advice on how to get started.
Comfortable bedding
Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to rest and sleep. If your dog is starting to have mobility issues and has trouble getting up and down, make sure you have the right bed for them.
Grooming
Keeping your dog groomed is another thing you can do to make your dog comfortable. Long nails and matted hair can lead to wounds, infection and pain for your dog. So keep up with the regular grooming sessions and get rid of that matted fur.
Take Your Dog’s Pain Away
Dogs feel pain from time to time due to different things. We hate to see them limping, licking the affected area, or even feeling weak. But we can always find ways to help them.
Do what you can to keep your dog comfortable and manage their pain with these tips. Whether it’s pain medication or natural remedies like comfrey and turmeric. Make sure your dog is also receiving a healthy diet and enough exercise.
