How To Know If Your Dog is in Pain and what to do
When you have a dog in pain you will go to any length to ease her misery however the side effects of steroids or prescription drugs may worry you and delay your decision on pain relief for your dog which makes your dog suffer longer from her stiff joints, muscle aches and neurological issues… and even worse, you may feel guilty that you’re not doing enough because you don’t know how to help your dog feel better.
How you Know If Your Dog in Pain
Acute and Chronic are 2 main types of pain. It’s important to distinguish between these two.
Dog in pain Acute Signs are:
- Limping
- Reluctance to move
- Growling, especially when touched in the belly or wound
- Lethargy and
- An abrupt decrease in appetite
- Freequently licking at a particular area
Dog in pain Chronic Signs Are:
- Reluctance to go up or down the stairs.
- After lying down difficulty in standing
- low energy level
We recommend a vet visit for a safer side if your dog in pain.
Can I Do Anything before Vet visit?
Restrict any activity. Keep them comfortably on a pet bed or blanket until you can give them professional attention. If there is bleeding from the wound, wrap it gently with bandage material or a clean cloth. If there is a specific area of inflammation, consider cooling the area using a gel ice pack wrapped in a light towel and gently apply it on the affected area. If your pet does not allow it, we recommend that you do not chase it, as you do not want to bother them any more.
Do not give any over-the-counter painkillers intended for human use. This can be dangerous to your pet’s health and potentially delay your pet receiving some effective veterinary painkillers.
Pain Medications For Dogs
Pain relievers for dogs are usually NSAIDs, gabapentin, or others. We can also recommend supplements if appropriate. Complementary treatments such as cold laser or acupuncture may also be recommended.
Stick to the pain medication regimen
A common mistake is to stop the pain medication too soon because pet owners believe that their pets are feeling better and they no longer need the medication. Unfortunately, this can delay actual treatment and potentially contribute to recurrence or set-back. In addition, chronic pain over a long period of time is a concern that it may increase cortisol levels (a stress hormone) which may have an effect on other body systems, including the immune system.
Home Remedies for Dog in pain
Magic Herb That Can Stop Chronic Inflammation: Turmeric
Turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory herb, helps your dog as a remedy and pain reliever for chronic health conditions such as arthritis, liver disease, allergies and bacterial infections.
Curcumin, a pain reliever, is the bioactive compound in turmeric that gives it a bright orange color. The benefits of turmeric for your dog in pain include:
- Antioxidants – Turmeric can slow down your dog’s aging process and help fight free radical damage from chemicals, pesticides, pollution, processed foods and toxins.
- Antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal – Turmeric can help heal your dog’s bacterial infections, viruses, gastrointestinal issues, sores, wounds and rashes.
Note: Turmeric is known as a “warming” spice and should not be given to dogs that are naturally hot or pant excessively. Check with your vet before giving turmeric to your dog to ensure that it will not interfere with your dog’s medications or health conditions.
Recipe for Turmeric Paste to Help Your Dog in Pain
· Heat up a mixture of 1/2 cup turmeric
powder, 2 cups water, 1/4 cup coconut oil and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper to
make a thick paste.
· You can refrigerate your turmeric
paste in a sealed glass container and keep for 1 month.
• Dosage for turmeric should not exceed 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of your dog’s weight and not exceed 1 teaspoon for dogs over 100 pounds.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon and black pepper to your turmeric paste to cut down on the odor.
Note: Turmeric is best absorbed by your dog in pain when combined with coconut oil. Always use high quality turmeric powder or fresh turmeric for the best results to help reduce your dog’s inflammation.
Now you’ve read about the 1 magic herb that can stop your dog’s inflammation and reduce her chronic pain. I hope you will use turmeric as a safe way to help your dog have a better quality of life.
Share this article with your friends and family so they can have the information they need to help their dog who suffers from aches and pains.
