It is hard to watch your beloved canine companion suffer. However, your dog will inevitably have to deal with aches and pains as they grow older. They may also need pain relief support if they have gotten injured or recently had surgery. While dogs can be stoic creatures who do not complain when they are hurt, pain management can greatly improve their quality of life.
Signs That Your Dog is in Pain
Dogs just keep on keeping on. Even though they feel pain just as intensely as we do, they can hide their pain and act as if everything is fine. By the time your dog shows obvious signs of pain, their condition may have progressed significantly. This is why you should be vigilant and look out for any subtle changes in your dog’s behavior, mood, and mobility. Get your dog checked out by a veterinarian if there are any of the below signs of distress.
Some physical signs of pain in a dog may include dilated pupils, panting, limping, trembling or shaking, twitching muscles, and a sagging head. Your pet may also experience a change of behavior due to their heightened stress. This can include excessive licking, aggression, restlessness, vocalizations (like whining or crying), and hiding or avoiding contact. If your dog has joint pain or is injured, you may notice that they are walking slower, having trouble lying down or getting up, and are reluctant to climb stairs or jump.
Here are some things that you can do to help your dog when they are experiencing aches and pains.
Pain Medication
Pain relief medication can be effective but you must never give your dog nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) drugs meant for humans. Human-grade over-the-counter pain medications can be dangerous and fatal for dogs. While there are many NSAIDs and pain relief drugs that are fine for dogs, some are more suitable for animals than others. Only give your dog pain medication that is prescribed by your veterinarian. If your dog has diarrhea, vomiting, or blood in their stools or urine after consuming human medication, take them to a vet immediately.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy and gentle exercise are one of the best pain relievers for your dog, particularly if they suffer from osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia. Physical therapy techniques that are beneficial to your dog include acupuncture and body massage. Be sure to select an experienced practitioner who specializes in dogs. Low-impact exercises such as swimming are also very beneficial for dogs to keep their joints and muscles functioning. Start with short swim sessions and support your dog with a canine life vest if necessary.
Hot and Cold Packs
If your dog has an acute injury, an ice pack can reduce bleeding, swelling, inflammation, and pain. If your dog has osteoarthritis, joint pain, or muscle aches, heat packs increase blood flow to the area and alleviate soreness and stiffness. Do not use heat packs on an open wound. Regardless of whether you use an ice or heat pack, be sure to wrap it in an old t-shirt or a towel to prevent your dog from getting scalded or burnt by the cold. Limit each application to ten minutes.
Supplements
Certain supplements can help with conditions such as osteoarthritis or joint injuries. Chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) have been proven to prevent and manage degenerative joint conditions for both humans and canines. Regular supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can further reduce inflammation and relief joint pain. You can administer these supplements to your dog in the form of chewable treats or capsules, or purchase high-end dog food designed for older dogs formulated with these supplements.
CBD Oil
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help your dog to recover from injuries, surgeries, and muscle and joint aches. CBD has also been proven to reduce both acute and chronic pain by interrupting the pain signals in the brain and nervous system. If your dog is undergoing cancer treatment, CBD can further assist by reducing nausea and increasing appetite. The most effective method for dogs to take CBD is oral consumption. You can now get bacon-flavored CBD for dogs—guaranteed to be welcomed by your best friend.
Weight and Diet Management
This is more of a preventative measure than a treatment option but ensuring that your dog stays lean is crucial for avoiding hip dysplasia and joint pain. If your dog is currently overweight but mobile enough to undertake gentle exercise, getting them to shed some excess pounds will reduce a considerable amount of pain and pressure on their legs, back, and joints. Avoid feeding them greasy and salty table food. Try to provide a healthy diet of quality lean protein, good fats, and vegetables.
You may not be able to control your dog getting older or getting injured but you can contribute by managing their pain. By providing pain relief support, you can significantly improve the quality of life experienced by your canine companion. Be sure to consult a vet once your dog shows the first sign of distress to nip any problems in the bud. With tender, loving care, you can help your dog live a better and happier life.