What can you give your dog for pain?
Dogs are naturally cheerful while some are cuddly and sweet.
Although they do not have the ability to complain whenever they feel something wrong with their bodies, changes in their behaviors can be a pet owner’s sign that is why it is important to be observant and to know what to give them in times of pain.
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What are the causes of dog pain?
There are various factors that could affect dog pain.
It could simply be an injury, or could be a sign of an underlying cause like infection or a more serious disease.
It is important to seek medical advice to be able to identify which of the abovementioned causes pain.
What Can You Give Your Dog For Pain: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
While the cause is yet to be identified, easing your dog’s pain even temporarily could be a big help.
Here are some of the pain remedies to ease your dog’s suffering.
Both humans and animals use NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Since they are not steroids, they are so far the safest pain-relieving medicine that comes handy.
However, there are different sets of NSAIDs for dogs such as meloxicam (Metacam ), deracoxib (Deramaxx), carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl) and firocoxib (Previcox).
Although they have the common generic names as those of human medicine, precaution should be taken as their strength varies.
What are the side effects of NSAIDs for dogs?
Pet owners must also be knowledgeable on the possible side effects of NSAIDs to your dogs.
Liver damage, kidney toxicity, digestive problems such as peptic ulcer, chronic dry eye or worse blindness and joint breakdown are just some of the possible health problems that may arise.
Arthritis Caused Pain
For dog pains caused by arthritis which is a chronic inflammatory condition, strategizing their food intake can be helpful.
Pain due to joint inflammation may be reduced through the intake of supplements such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which is an omega-3 fatty acid.
For dogs undergoing surgery, the veterinarian will prescribe the right medicine to relieve the pain.
The most important thing is to follow their prescriptions and to ask questions especially when you are bringing your pet home where no immediate medical attention is available.
What Not To Give Your Dogs for pain
On the other hand, never ever give the your dogs Naproxen which is found in Aleve, Acetaminophen, found in Tylenol and many decongestants and Ibuprofen, found in Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin for they are capable of putting your pets at serious risk.
Natural pain relief for dogs
Aside from synthetic and over the counter medicines, there are natural remedies such as herbal plants for immediate relief of your dog pain. Some of them can even be found on your backyard.
Cayenne
Cayenne (Capsicum spp) has capsaicin that increases the circulation to your dogs’ connective joints and tissues. It activates your pet’s own anti-inflammatory function and is proven effective to block pain.
A pinch of powdered cayenne mixed with your dog’s food may help relieve their pain.
Turmeric
Turmeric or Curcuma Longa is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It has become known worldwide to be filled with general health condition benefits.
The Western countries treat turmeric as one of the most effective arthritis and pain buster.
Powdered turmeric can be given directly to your dogs by mixing it on their meals or you may use fat and black pepper for better absorption.
Horsetail
The Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) works deeper as its bioactive silicon content targets healing the bones, joints, connective tissue injuries and trauma caused by surgery.
Bioactive silicon is responsible for the formation of skin, cartilage, connective tissues, and bones. Just ¼ teaspoon per 20lbs of body weight daily helps your dog recover from pain faster.
Comfrey
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is rich in allantoin, its main healing component that boosts cell reproduction.
It is also rich in pain relieving and anti-inflammatory component such as the rosmarinic acid.
Adding 1 teaspoon of dried comfrey for every pound of food given to your dog speeds up their recovery and sets your dog free from the silent pain suffering.