You know as well as I do that our four-legged friends are not just pets, but part of the pack, right? It's tough when you see your old boy or girl showing those age-related signs. It can be heartbreaking to watch.
But hold your tissues! Because we've got some great news on natural pain relief for dogs. Tried-and-true tail-wagging news.
So, stick with us, because we're gonna take a stroll through some amazing natural remedies, and give you some tips on spotting when your pooch is in pain.
How to Know When Your Dog is in Pain
Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to be clued into the signs of discomfort or pain in our four-legged pals. Dogs, as chill as they can be, aren’t always great at showing us their struggles. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Limping or stiffness after rest or play. This is a clear indication of pain.
- Loss of interest in walks or favorite activities. Although this may indicate some other issues, often times a loss of interest or loss of motivation is actually because of pain they are experiencing.
- Lethargy or seeming "off" - you know your dog well enough to know when they aren't quite themselves!
- Whimpering, whining, or vocalizing (more than usual). We get it - some dogs are naturally more vocal than others. Use their baseline vocalizations as your barometer. If it is more than usual, something might be up.
- Taking longer to get up or sitting in unusual positions. One of the clues that helped us determine our 8 year old lab was in pain was her extended circling before she finally lay down.
- Changes in eating habits or bowel movements.
Every dog is different, so if something feels off, it’s always good to get it checked out with your vet.
Why Natural Pain Relief?
The idea of natural pain relief appeals to many of us because we want effective yet gentle solutions for our pets.
We all want our pets to feel a-MAZ-ing without any of the nasty side effects that can come with meds like NSAIDs. Sure, these drugs can be life-savers, but things like liver damage or tummy troubles? No thank you!
That's where natural remedies come in. They're like a gentle, soothing hug for your pet's pain, often working wonders alongside traditional treatments. Or, they can totally rock it on their own for less severe aches and pains.
Just a heads up though - before you go changing up your doggo's wellness routine, have a chat with your vet. Especially when you're thinking of adding in supplements - we don't want any unexpected surprises!
Natural Remedies Dogs (and Their Owners) Swear By
1. Turmeric
This magic yellow spice is more than just for tasty curries; it's packed with curcumin, a super-powered anti-inflammatory warrior. It's here to give joint pain the one-two punch and keep your pup's health in tip-top shape.
How to use, you ask? Easy peasy!
Just sprinkle a little turmeric (1/8 tsp for tiny furballs and 1/2 tsp for the big babies) into their meals. Add a dash of black pepper and a bit of healthy fat (Coconut oil works wonders) to supercharge absorption. Boom! Your dog’s meal just became a health bomb!
Or, if you can opt to try our Turmeric Dog Chews, packed with 400 mg of Turmeric per chew.
2. Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are like magic potions for reducing joint inflammation.
Wanna give it a shot? Here's the 411:
Scout around for top-notch fish oil that's specially whipped up for our furry pals.
Stick to the dosage instructions like a treasure map (too much might turn their tummies into a stormy sea).
And, oh snap, did we mention your doggo will look on-fleek and feel absolutely pawsome with a shiny coat? Now that's a fabulous bonus!
3. CBD Oil
CBD has taken the pet world by storm, and for good reason. It helps reduce inflammation, manage chronic pain, and even relieve anxiety. One of my friends raves about how their nervous rescue pup found sweet relief (and finally peaceful naps) with CBD.
Make sure you ppt for pet-specific CBD oil with no THC (important!).
Administer directly in their mouth or add to their food—your pup might even love the flavor.
4. Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Cue the superheroes of your dog's joint health! Picture this: an awesome little team, working their tails off to keep your furry friend's cartilage in top shape. Sounds cool, right? Well, that's exactly what these ingredients do, and they're usually found in joint supplements for dogs. If osteoarthritis is giving your pooch a hard time, these guys step it up a notch.
Research has shown mixed results for glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs, however. But there are plenty of anecdotal success stories that make them worth giving a shot.
Ready to get these superheroes on your team? Well, it's a walk in the park!
Simply sniff out those supplements specifically formulated for dogs. And remember, much like your dog loves consistency in their walk schedule, it's the same with these supplements. Be sure to give it to them daily for the tail-wagging results you both will love!
5. Massage Therapy
Dogs love a good belly rub, but massage therapy takes things to the next level. Gently massaging areas of tension can help reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and boost mood.
Take five minutes a day to pamper your pup—you’ll both love the bonding time!
6. Warm Compresses
Know what’s pure magic for mutt muscle misery or that pesky post-walk pain? A warm compress, my friends, that’s what! Just picture it -your four-legged buddy, loving every cozy-cuddle moment as you press a toasty towel to his grumpy joints on those frosty mornings. Bliss, right?
Here's the 411:
Heat that damp towel (but remember, we're going for warm, not sizzling) and give that aching spot a gentle rub for a few minutes. Voila! Your pupper's aches? All gone!
7. Acupuncture or Physical Therapy
You read that right! Yup, acupuncture for our furry friends, it's totally a thing! Imagine your furry buddy getting those tiny needles on pressure points, easing their pain and sparking healing. How cool is that?
And don't skip over physical therapy, another awesome option for turning your pup into an agile, muscle-stacked superhero!
Sure, it might sound a touch posh, but these super treatments are quickly becoming pupular (see what we did there?). Loads of dogs are seriously digging these pamper seshes that make them feel just like their favorite humans. So, ready to book your doggie's next spa day?
The Power of a Balanced Diet
The secret to having a happy, healthy, tail-wagging pup is right in their food bowl. Yup, you heard that right. It’s all about that balanced diet, friends! It's like a superpower for your furry friend.
Fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, antioxidants - these aren't just human health buzzwords, they're a pooch’s secret weapon against chronic pain. Feed 'em right and you'll be serving up natural pain relief with every chow time. Can’t find the time to whip up a canine culinary masterpiece? No problem! There are top-notch, high-quality dog foods out there filled with all the good stuff. Now your doggo can munch their way to a pain-free, pawsome life.
What NOT to Do
Not everything "natural" is safe for dogs. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Essential Oils: Some, like tea tree or eucalyptus, can be toxic to dogs.
- Human Medications: Even over-the-counter options like ibuprofen can be dangerous for your furry friend.
- Unverified Remedies: Always do your research and consult a professional before trying something new
No shortcuts—your dog’s health should always come first!
Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
Helping our dogs stay pain-free, happy, and energetic is one of the best gifts we can give them. Natural remedies like turmeric, fish oil, and even a warm compress can go a long way in improving their quality of life.
Thinking about diving into the world of natural pain relief for your four-legged bestie? Great! Here's a little advice: start small, have a little chat with your vet, and keep a close eye on your pup. Remember, every dog is as unique as their favorite chew toy, and the road to natural relief can be a bit of a fetch game—but oh boy, it's worth it!
Here’s to healthier, happier pups worldwide!
References
1) Bhathal A, Spryszak M, Louizos C, Frankel G. Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review. Open Vet J. 2017;7(1):36-49. doi: 10.4314/ovj.v7i1.6. Epub 2017 Feb 24. PMID: 28331832; PMCID: PMC5356289.
2) Baker-Meuten, A., Wendland, T., Shamir, S.K. et al. Evaluation of acupuncture for the treatment of pain associated with naturally-occurring osteoarthritis in dogs: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical trial. BMC Vet Res 16, 357 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-02567-1
