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There are many ways to help a dog in pain, but some are safer than others. Many pain relief remedies for humans could be toxic to dogs.
Some pain relief treatments made for dogs can be dangerous in large doses or when used long-term.
Below mentioned dog pain relief home remedies are all-natural and safe for long-term use with most pets.
You should consult a veterinarian before trying to treat your dog at home. It's important to fully understand the cause of the pain before treatment.
Your vet will also assist you in considering the pain relief options available, and which will be best for your pet.
Never give your pet medications intended for humans before consulting your veterinarian. Some human medications are safe, but others can have fatal side effects. When given too much, they will be toxic.
If given over a long period of time, they can do damage to a dog's vital organs.
5 Natural Dog Pain Relief Home Remedies
1. Turmeric
Do not use cooking-grade turmeric. You must buy only healthy food store-grade turmeric, like this organic one from SPICE TRAIN ($11.99).
It can easily be found in most whole foods or natural food stores as well. Or, you can get it as dog chews like this from Amazing Nutritionals ($21.97), made specifically for pets, but it's more expensive.
Turmeric provides many benefits for dogs. It contains a compound called curcumin, which is its essential “active ingredient”. There have been thousands of studies done on its benefits.
One study found that curcumin worked better than ibuprofen at reducing pain from arthritis. Another study found it to help treat ailments from diabetes to cardiovascular disease and even Alzheimer's.
Most studies done on canines have focused on the effects of turmeric on dogs with arthritis and other diseases caused by inflammation.
Recipe for dog pain remedy using turmeric
One of the best ways to use this dog pain home remedy is to make “Golden Paste“.
This recipe was invented by Doug English, an Australian veterinarian. To make this paste, blend the following ingredients together:
- 1/2 cup organic turmeric powder
- 1-1.5 cups filtered water
- 2-3 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup organic cold-pressed coconut oil
In a saucepan, bring the turmeric and water to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until thick paste forms. You may need to add extra water as it boils to get the right consistency.
Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool until it is warm to the touch. Add the freshly ground pepper and oil.
Stir very well to mix the oil in thoroughly, and allow the paste to cool completely.
Add 1/4 of a teaspoon to your dog's food 2 times per day. If you have a large dog, build up to feeding 1/2 tsp 2x per day with meals.
If your dog still seems to be in pain, you can increase the dosage up to 1 tsp. 2-3 times per day.
2. Ginger Root
Ginger root can provide certain benefits to dogs, and it's available to purchase in most grocery stores or health food stores. You can also buy it online in organic powder form, like this from Naturevibe Botanicals ($8.91).
If you bought whole ginger root, to use it as a home remedy for pain in dogs, remove the skin and chop the root into fine pieces. The daily recommended serving size is:
- 1/4 teaspoon for miniature/small breeds
- 1/2 teaspoon for dogs weighing 10-35 pounds
- 3/4 teaspoon for dogs weighing more than 35 pounds
It can be added to your dog's daily meals, but the flavor and aroma are very strong. You may need to start with a smaller quantity until your pet gets used to it.
You could also mix the ginger root with homemade dog food or canned food to mask the smell and flavor.
There have been numerous studies done on the benefits of ginger root for muscle pain and the pain associated with arthritis.
Note: Ginger root was also shown to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. For this reason, you should not give ginger root to dogs with diabetes or heart disease.
3. Cannabidiol (CBD)
More commonly known as CBD, this supplement is growing in popularity among pet owners.
It is quickly becoming known as one of the best natural dog pain relief home remedies.
Many studies have shown that CBD can be used to treat a number of ailments in pets, including chronic pain and pain associated with inflammation (arthritis).
There are numerous ways to use CBD for dogs: depending on where you live, you can buy CBD dog treats, supplements, topical creams, tinctures, and more.
The right CBD product for your pooch will depend on the type of pain they are suffering from.
Many veterinarians are beginning to recommend CBD for their patients, too.
If you have questions about this treatment option, always consult your vet first.
If your veterinarian is not willing to discuss the topic, as it is still a controversial remedy (especially in some U.S. states), seek the advice of a holistic veterinarian.
4. Alfalfa
If you'd like to use alfalfa as a dog pain relief remedy, you need to use the supplement form that does not include seeds, like this organic powder from Frontier ($11.82). You get this alfalfa powder and sprinkle over a dog's meal, or buy the supplement in capsule form.
When using capsules, dose your pet according to the instructions on the packaging. If you choose to use the powder form, use 1 teaspoon of powder for every 25 pounds of body weight per day. Alfalfa is often genetically modified, so choose organic option only.
5. Cayenne
Most people know cayenne pepper for the kick that it gives to spicy food dishes, but it also offers many health benefits to dogs. Cayenne can be used to reduce pain in dogs, but you should not use it with dogs that have digestive sensitivities.
You can purchase this supplement in gel or powder capsule form. You can also try sprinkling a very small pinch of the powdered herb over your dog's food.
READ NEXT: The Guide On Pain Management for Dogs
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