Managing pain in dogs is tricky.
It is difficult to know their symptoms to overcome what ails them.
You know what it is, I don’t doubt it.
Let’s try to understand together the possible causes of these pains and how to relieve them in the most natural way possible.
In the end, he will thank you and you too will be relieved.
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How to know if a dog is in pain?
The first thing to do when your dog complains is to take him to the vet or have a checkup on your own.
For example, if he seems to have pain in a paw, start by examining his fingers, his nails and then continue to palpate up to his shoulder.
Note if you feel resistance or a tight muscle.
Apply pressure in the area until you reach the painful area and localize the pain.
How do dogs express pain?
Sometimes the signs are so subtle that the pain goes unnoticed.
Your dog may not want to move, may show difficulty walking, jumping, or just getting up from his basket.
He may have tremors, decreased appetite, drink less, appears depressed, or pant abnormally.
Signs of pain in dogs
Your dog may have different symptoms that should alert you such as:
- a limp
- pain on palpation of a specific area of his body
- an accelerated heartbeat
- high breathing rate
- intensive licking
- vocalizations in acute pain
- a change of attitude (aggressiveness or fear)
- a sad and depressed face
Causes of pain in dogs
Many causes can be involved but some are dominant:
– Osteoarthritis in dogs is usually caused by wear and tear on the joints, loss of cartilage causing inflammation and pain.
– A back injury like spondylosis (degeneration of the vertebrae), pinching off a disc or a nerve are also common causes.
– Chronic allergies with inflamed skin can cause both irritation and pain.
– Cancer affecting bones, skin, and organs has specific signs and pain is one of them.
– Dental problems like an abscess can be very painful.
How to relieve joint pain in dogs?
If your dog suffers from a chronic condition, it is worthwhile to use safe natural remedies even before starting regular allopathic treatment.
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The essentials for relieving osteoarthritis in dogs:
– Glucosamine: 100mg for 10lbs
– MSM: 100mg for 10lbs
– Chondroitin: 50mg for 10lbs
– Essential fatty acids: 1000mg for 10lbs
These are daily doses.
You will find these four substances combined in all specific supplements to help your dog better cope with osteoarthritis and chronic pain.
Regarding essential fatty acids, just add flaxseed oil (#ad) or salmon oil (#ad) to his diet at the rate of one tablespoon for 40lbs of weight.
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Arnica for dogs
Arnica is used to treat traumatic pain, back pain like spondylosis.
Homeopathic remedies are very effective as pain relievers and have no side effects.
Arnica 30C (#ad) is the best homeopathic treatment for dogs.
Just administer 3 to 5 granules three to four times a day whatever the weight and whatever the origin of the acute pain.
Arnica is also available in gel for skin application (#ad) to relieve both joints and possible injuries.
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Valerian root for dogs
Valerian is the most effective herb for sudden aches and allergies.
Valerian root tincture (#ad) is radical for relieving muscle spasms caused by pinching of the spinal disc or soothing a chronic allergy while calming the dog.
The recommended dosage is 0.1ml per 10lbs of weight twice a day.
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Aspirin for dogs in moderation
Aspirin is safe for dogs but not for cats.
The dose not to be exceeded is 325mg per 40lbs (or one tablet) twice a day.
Administer a quarter tablet for a 10lbs dog.
If you notice any side effects such as diarrhea or vomiting, stop treatment.
Do not use aspirin if your dog has liver or kidney problems or if he is taking other medications prescribed by a veterinarian.
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How to perform acupressure on dogs
Acupressure is the most overlooked alternative to pain control while it is the most effective.
An essential point to remember to relieve pain in dogs:
– exert sustained pressure between the tendon and the shin bone of your dog’s hind leg (pinching on both sides)
– hold this pressure for 30-60 seconds.
He will say thank you.
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Osteoarthritis dog massage
There are three effective massage techniques for dogs:
– effleurage: its role is to heat the muscles by a light touch all along the spine and the paws.
The gesture to adopt is a deep and slow caress from the neck to the tail.
– kneading: it is a question of striking small blows with the edge of the hands while following the vertebrae to soothe the pain
– thumb pressure: apply circular movements with the thumb exerting moderate pressure all along the spine vertebral
There is also a pet massager (#ad) which can be of great service if your doggy is in pain.
Dog pain supplements
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Dog anti-inflammatory
If your dog suffers from osteoarthritis pain, it may be beneficial to administer a multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure an optimal immune system and soothe his pain.
I recommend Canine Plus Multivitamin for dogs (#ad) which brings 25 nutrients, omega 3, 6, magnesium, zinc, potassium…
If your dog is showing signs of weakness or aging, he will only be able to benefit from a full course of vitamins for a few weeks.
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Dog allergy relief
If your dog has an allergy and is scratching frantically, consider a course of Virbac Allerderm (#ad) two to three times a year.
It is a natural product, a mixture of omega 3 and 6 via associated fish oil, evening primrose oil, and sunflower oil with vitamin E.
The first improvements are visible in a week to ten days, your pet is scratching less and his coat grows back quickly.
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Natural cortisone for dogs
Black currant has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help your dog.
Its action is both anti-arthritis and anti-allergic.
Blackcurrant is well known for its cortisone-like action (even for humans) without any side effects.
It can also be given over long periods without any danger.
Choose a black currant oil (#ad) and administer 1 drop per 2lbs of the dog’s weight once a day.
You can thus treat osteoarthritis, hives, hay fever, liver diseases, asthma, bronchitis, gastritis…
Pain killer for dog
Treating pain in dogs naturally is not easy.
It is already not easy to understand the cause without being able to communicate with him but you can still provide solutions to relieve him.
The major problems of our friends are often due to aging or allergy.
You now have a small arsenal to help your little companion when he is in pain.
Read more:
Dog osteoarthritis natural treatment
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