Natural Pain Relief For Dogs
No one wants to see their dog in pain, but it can be hard to know what you can do to give your dog pain relief. While we recommend taking your dog to the vet if they are showing any signs of pain, that may not always be possible. That’s why it’s best for you to know what is the best way to treat your dog when they are in pain.
Signs Your Dog Is In Pain
Our dogs can’t speak to tell us if or where they are in pain. That’s why it’s important to know what signs you need to look for to know if your dog is in good health or not.
Here are a few behaviors your dog may exhibit when they are experiencing pain:
- Increased physical exhaustion, such as stopping frequently on walks or limping
- Decreased pace or speed in exercise or play
- Sleeping more often and for longer periods
- Hesitation to or having trouble jumping, such as over an easy obstacle or into a car
- Vocalization/crying out/whimpering
- Licking or biting the same spot excessively
- Groaning noises or heavy panting
- Less affectionate behavior or hiding from people and other dogs
- Aggression when touched in certain areas
If your dog is showing any of these behaviors, call your dog’s vet immediately. A trained professional will be able to diagnose the source of your dog’s pain and prescribe the best way to treat it.
What Are Some Natural Pain Relievers For Dogs?
If your dog is in pain, your vet will be able to recommend the best pain reliever for your dog, medicated or natural. Any of our solutions below should be done with the express permission of your vet, as they will know the full scope of potential risks or benefits for your dog.
One of the best natural pain relievers for dogs is CBD oil, which is a popular health supplement in the natural wellness world. The oil has its origins in cannabis, though it doesn’t make the user high. Instead, it affects the mammalian endocannabinoid system to reduce swelling, inflammation, and other pain responses.
CBD oil is highly effective with no serious side effects for dogs. There have been no reported cases of fatal overdose or severe side effects caused by CBD oil. Make sure that your dog is not on any other medication before taking it, as CBD oil could cause a serious reaction or make your dog’s medication ineffective.
However, it is important to make sure you get a high quality tincture. CBD oil is unregulated, so it can be hard to tell if the CBD oil you are looking to buy will be effective and safe for your dog. Look for brands that are made from organic hemp extracted with supercritical CO2, and fully tested for potency and purity in a third-party laboratory, extracted with supercritical CO2, and fully tested for potency and purity in a third-party laboratory.
If possible, use a CBD oil brand recommended to you by your veterinarian.
However, CBD oil is not available everywhere. So what other options for natural pain relief for dogs are there?
Believe it or not, but your dog can have acupuncture!
Acupuncture is great for dogs who suffer from chronic pain, such as from arthritis. Make sure you go to a certified veterinary acupuncturist, who will use needles to naturally release endorphins into your dog’s system.
You can also look into feeding your dog herbs that are known for treating various symptoms related to pain. As with any natural remedy, make sure that your dog is nor allergic to any of the herbs, and observe carefully to make sure that your dog is not having an adverse reaction.
Can You Give Dogs Ibuprofen?
No. We’ve talked before about whether you can give your dog human painkillers, but we can reiterate it now.
Human painkillers are extremely dangerous for dogs and should never be administered without the express directions and recommendations of your vet, especially ibuprofen. There is no safe dosage for dogs. If your dog ingests any amount of Advil or other brand name ibuprofen pain killer, call poison control immediately.
For any pain relief remedy, we recommend contacting your vet for the best instructions for how to best help your dog.
