Does your dog have swelling and is in pain?
Watching your dog in pain can be heartbreaking. No one wants to see their furry friend in such distress. Dogs are wired to hide their pain–something they’ve evolved to do so that they don’t seem weak.
Dogs only start showing signs of pain when things have gotten extremely unbearable.
So, what can you give a dog for pain and swelling?
In this article, we’ll share some safe, effective, and natural remedies to help your furry friend feel better.
Here Are 5 Signs That Your Dog Is In Pain
Since dogs like to hide their pain, you’ll have to keep a close eye on some signs your dog is in pain. These include the following:
1. Aggressive and Antisocial Behavior
Has your dog been acting unlike himself lately?
If your dog has stopped running to the door to greet your guests, started avoiding eye contact, or has been showing signs of aggression, he might be in pain, especially if he’s normally a loving and sociable dog.
2. Changes in Sleeping and Drinking Habits
When in pain, dogs sleep more than they ever did before.
For some, it’s difficult to move without pain and discomfort. Dogs lose their appetite when in pain and start to lose weight. In some cases, they also stop drinking water.
Most owners describe them as inactive and sad-looking.
3. Excessive Grooming
If your dog has been excessively grooming a particular area or has been licking his paws, he may be trying to comfort and soothe himself. When dogs have a wound, their first instinct is to lick it clean.
Now, if they’re hiring on the inside, they groom the area that hurts.
4. Heavy Breathing or Panting
Changes in your dog’s breathing pattern are something to keep an eye on.
Panting is normal in the summer or when your dog is exercising. However, heavy panting shouldn’t go unnoticed. What’s more, is that shallow breathing too may be a sign of chest pain.
5. Mobility Issues
Has your dog been less active than he was before?
Limping and stiffness are two of the most obvious signs of pain. They’re usually caused due to injury, arthritis, or soft paws. If your dog has been having issues going up and down the stairs or doesn’t get excited to go on his walks like before, he’s probably in pain.
So, what can you do about it?
Here’s the Solution: What Can You Give a Dog for Pain and Swelling?
In this section of the article, we’ll go through some natural and effective ways that will help reduce pain and swelling.
Take a look.
1. CBD Oil
Cannabidiol or CBD helps relieve pain and swelling naturally. It works by reducing inflammation and doesn’t have any intoxicating side effects. You can add some CBD oil to your dog’s food or apply it to the affected area.
CBD oil has become increasingly popular for canines who suffer from chronic swelling, pain, and mobility issues. It’s excellent for dogs with arthritis.
For the best results, you should go for natural, organic, and lab-tested CBD oil. Many CBD oils on the market are of low quality. You should go for something like Relievet’s CBD oil for dogs.
2. Heating Pads
Heating pads and a hot compress works like a charm when it comes to reducing pain and swelling. They help improve blood circulation, increasing the flow of oxygen to the affected areas.
This triggers the natural responses of your dog’s body.
The heat releases endorphins, and the improved blood circulation helps reduce the pain and swelling.
3. Light Exercise
Low-impact exercise can help reduce pain and swelling in dogs. Most experts recommend hydrotherapy–or swimming in a warm water pool. It helps dogs with arthritis cope with the pain and swelling and helps reduce weight.
A study shows that a single session of hydrotherapy can help increase the stride length and range of motion for dogs with elbow dysplasia.
4. Physical Therapy
If your dog is in pain due to joint and mobility issues, you can try physical therapy to improve his quality of life. Physical therapy is successful in the long term and helps improve the range of motion.
5. Essential Oil Massage
A massage, in itself, helps improve blood circulation, reducing pain and inflammation. You can use some essential oils that have pain-relief properties while giving your dog a massage.
There’s a catch, though.
While some essential oils are safe for your dog. These include chamomile, cinnamon, rosemary, clove, eucalyptus, and more. Others may not be. So, check it with your vet before massaging your dog with it.
Conventional Medicine and Pain Relief for Dogs
If your dog is in a lot of pain, you might have to take the conventional route. In this case, you can try the following medicine:
- Meloxicam
- Deracoxib
- Carprofen
- Firocoxib
The downside is that these drugs might have unpleasant side effects.
All in All: What Can You Give a Dog for Pain and Swelling?
Did we go through everything you needed to know about pain relief in dogs?
Our fur babies don’t tell us they’re in pain until it’s too severe. Watching a once active and lively dog in pain is heartbreaking. Thankfully, there are several safe, effective, and 100% natural home remedies you can try.
Out of all the remedies we’ve mentioned, CBD oil is by far the most effective.
But, it’s important to choose a high-quality CBD oil–or, it doesn’t work as well. You should go for organic, natural, and lab-tested CBD oil for the best results. Relievet’s CBD oil for dogs is an excellent pick.
Do you have any questions or concerns? Leave them in the comments!