Pain relief for dogs: a complete guide

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Although animals cannot express pain through words, they are certainly able to perceive it and suffer its consequences, just like humans. As human friends, we should train ourselves to promptly recognize when a dog is in pain, so we can help them immediately.

Uncontrolled pain in animals, in fact, can cause significant consequences on their quality of life and can easily develop into a chronic condition.

The pain in dogs

Even for our four-legged friend, as for us, there are various forms of pain.

Il physiological pain, characterized by a rapid onset and a transient nature. It functions as an alarm signal, serving a protective role to prevent or minimize potential tissue damage. Animals, perceiving the sensation of pain, adopt behavioral responses to limit the spread of the pathological process. This type of pain is generally associated with mild or absent tissue trauma.

The inflammatory pain o acute, on the contrary, is associated with significant tissue damage and an inflammatory process. Even in this case, the pain initially serves a protective purpose, aimed at limiting the extent of the damage, encouraging immobility, and promoting wound healing. This form of acute pain is considered adaptive.

In cases where acute pain is not properly addressed, it can develop into a more intense and difficult-to-manage form of pain. This progression leads to chronic pain that loses its spatial-temporal correlation with the initial event. Under these circumstances, alterations in nerve activity can occur both at the central and peripheral levels, generating hyperalgesia (increased response to painful stimuli) and allodynia (reduction of the pain threshold).ù

How to recognize pain in a dog?

When it comes to pain in dogs, only the veterinarian can give you correct and immediate answers, but pay attention to these 5 signs, which could indicate that the dog is in pain.

Behavior Changes

If the dog suddenly becomes withdrawn, gloomy, or irritable or aggressive, it could be a sign of physical discomfort.

Contact avoidance

If the dog avoids being touched on certain parts of its body and even shows aggression if you try to touch it in specific areas, it might be in pain.

Loss of Appetite

A decrease in appetite can be an indicator of pain. Some dogs may refuse food due to feeling unwell.

Changes in posture and movement

Limping, hesitating when walking or sitting, showing difficulty in climbing stairs or getting up can be signs of pain. Pay attention to any signs of stiffness or restrictions in your dog's movements.

Facial expressions and vocalizations

When dogs experience pain, they may show tense or contracted facial expressions, ears pulled back, and muscle stiffness. They might also make unusual vocalizations, such as whines, moans, or growls, especially when touched or moving.

What anti-inflammatory can be given to the dog?

Here are some of the most common options for anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications that the veterinarian might prescribe:

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): they reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They are used in cases of joint problems such as osteoarthritis or post-surgical pain. Some NSAIDs can be toxic if not administered correctly. Never use human ones without veterinary supervision.
OpioidsThey relieve moderate to severe pain that dogs may experience in cases of acute pain, post-operative conditions, or chronic diseases. They can cause sedation and should be used with caution and under veterinary supervision.
Corticosteroids: reduce inflammation and pain in inflammatory and allergic conditions. They may have long-term side effects and should be used with caution.
Adjuvant analgesics: they relieve neuropathic or chronic pain.
Physical therapies: physiotherapy and massages, which improve mobility and reduce pain. They must be performed by qualified professionals.
Topical medications: such as anti-inflammatory creams or gels, which relieve pain locally.
Natural pain relievers and supplements: they can be used more safely because they are not medications.

Unless they are natural painkillers or natural anti-inflammatory drugs, the use of pain relief medication for dogs must always be managed and prescribed by a veterinarian, because self-administering medication to your dog can be risky. The dosage and type of medication depend on the specific conditions of your pet. However, there are different categories of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs that may be prescribed in certain situations.

Which anti-inflammatory for a limping dog?

Talking about natural options, the CBD can be a valid natural anti-inflammatory for a limping dog, helping to improve mobility and reduce pain. One study on dogs affected by osteoarthritis indeed shows that the use of CBD oil contributes satisfactorily to pain management and the improvement of the health condition of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.

A dosage of 2 mg/kg every 12 hours was integrated into a multimodal pharmacological approach, also including an anti-inflammatory drug, gabapentin, and amitriptyline, to address pain associated with osteoarthritis. The combination of CBD with other drugs appears not only to improve the effectiveness in providing pain relief but also to allow a reduction in the dosages of the other drugs used. This element minimizes the severity of potential side effects and suggests the synergistic role of CBD in enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment. The study also emphasizes that the co-administration of CBD demonstrated high tolerability in all treated animals.

What can I give my dog to relieve the pain?

To help a dog naturally relieve pain, natural painkillers for dogs can be used. Among the safest and most effective natural painkillers are CBD, hemp oil, fish oil, rich in EPA and DHA fatty acids, arnica montana, boswellia, devil's claw, turmeric, pineapple, and papaya.

CBD
A completely natural anti-inflammatory for dogs, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. CBD can interact with the dog's endocannabinoid system to help reduce pain and inflammation. If the dog is taking medication, it is important to consult the veterinarian before using CBD to ensure proper administration and dosage.

Hemp Oil
Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can support joint health and help reduce pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Make sure to use a high-quality hemp oil suitable for dogs.

Fish Oil (EPA and DHA)
A source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These nutrients have been shown to have positive effects on reducing inflammation and joint pain. Supplementing fish oil in the dog's diet can contribute to the health of its joints.

Arnica Montana
A plant known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used in the form of gel or ointment for local applications on the dog's painful areas. However, it is important to use it with caution and in accordance with the veterinarian's instructions.

Boswellia
A plant whose extract contains boswellic acids known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellia-based supplements can be useful in supporting mobility and reducing inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

Devil's Claw
A plant with anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to relieve joint pain. Devil's claw supplements can be included in the dog's diet under veterinary supervision.

Turmeric
Contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding turmeric to the dog's diet can help reduce inflammation and joint pain.

Pineapple
Contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. It can be administered as part of the dog's diet to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Papaya
contains enzymes such as papain, which may have anti-inflammatory effects and help with the drainage of interstitial fluids. Incorporating papaya into the dog's diet can be beneficial for its joint health.

Sun and heat
Sun and local heat can be of great benefit to the joints and consequently help reduce joint pain.

Dosage of natural painkillers in dogs

Ensuring the correct dosage of natural painkillers is crucial to preserving your dog's well-being. Each natural painkiller requires a specific dosage, closely related to the dog's weight and condition.

CBD is an over-the-counter pain reliever for dogs, but it is important to start with a low dosage and monitor the effects of CBD on the dog after administration. Remember to consult the veterinarian if your dog is undergoing drug therapy.

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