When you’re in pain you have the ability to vocalize it in a way that others can understand. You also have the option to treat the pain yourself. As for your dog, however, communicating pain and getting the relief they need isn’t that simple. There may be times when your pup gives obvious signs like whimpering or limping, but sometimes, they could be suffering. Recognizing signs and taking steps to treat it can make a world of difference to your furry family member.
Things to Look Out for
Think your dog could be in pain? Here are some obvious and not so obvious signs:
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Excessive barking whining, whimpering or howling.
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Licking themselves or the area where a wound could be repeatedly
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Loss of appetite, drinking less and increased sleepingC
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Changed breathing patterns
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Eye squinting
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Extremely isolated or constantly needing affection
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Aggressiveness
- If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it is very possible that they have injured themselves, or suffer from some form of illness or disease that manifests through the pain. You want to be proactive in treating the problem.
How to Treat Pain in Dogs
If it turns out that your dog is in pain, the sooner you get the relief, the better they’ll feel. Below are some suggestions on how to do this:
- Check for injuries. The first thing you should do for your pet is checked their body for any injuries. Dogs are very mischievous animals who can find their way into anything. If they got into something sharp or dangerous, it could have wounded them. If you find a wound, you should patch your dog up (for smaller wounds), or head to the nearest animal hospital.
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Talk to the vet. It is imperative to try and rule out anything too serious about your dog’s health. There are certain conditions in dogs that have pain as a symptom including arthritis and cancer. A visit to the vet can help to determine if they are the cause. They can also prescribe conventional medication for your pet. NSAIDs and corticosteroids are commonly ordered to help treat the inflammation. In addition to vet visits, you should stay covered with pet insurance like Bivvy.
Consider the Natural Approach
Though medication prescribed by the vet can be effective in treating pain in dogs, there are side effects to consider. Natural dog pain relief, therefore, is a milder approach. There are several herbal supplements and steps you can take to help relieve the pain your pet is experiencing. Keep in mind, however, that natural remedies tend to take a bit longer to take effect.
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Feverfew – an anti-inflammatory which is great for arthritis and headaches. You can best give this to your dog by making a tea and adding a few drops of it to their food and/or water every day.
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Skullcap – this herb is great for treating nerve pain in dogs. Creating a tincture and place a few drops in their food or water daily.
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CBD hemp oil – CBD oil has both good antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that make it perfect for treating pain.
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Licorice – another great anti-inflammatory remedy that can aid the body’s natural process of producing corticosteroids to ease the pain. This solution is best for physical wounds or achy body parts. You can apply this oil topically to the affected areas.
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Cayenne – This herb has natural compounds that help to block pain and improve blood flow. You can purchase or make your own cream to apply topically to your pet. Be careful, however, you don’t want them to eat it. It’s pretty hot.
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Ginger – Ginger has antispasmodic properties that make it a great contender for fighting lower back and stomach pain. You can again use a cream to help treat your dog’s sore muscles.
Your dog means a lot to you and your family. If you notice that your pet has been in pain or acting especially strange, it is only natural for you to want to help. Start by evaluating the situation to determine the urgency of your dog’s pain. Next, schedule an appointment with the vet to rule out or get help with treating an illness. Follow the vet’s advice, and feed your dog with a nutritious, delicious diet to help their recovery. Last, you might look into natural alternatives for treating pain in dogs to help get your pooch back to their energetic, happy, usual selves.