The treatment of pain in dogs depends on the source others are due to injury, surgery, or chronic diseases like arthritis and cancer. When treating the pain at home, be careful not to hurt or irritate the dog. As a dog owner, you should pay attention to the body language and other signs to notice if he is in pain.

Using Heat

Vet doctors recommend heat therapy for injuries that have lasted for more than 48 hours. Heat therapy works by increasing blood flow to the injured part, thus faster healing. Heat is used to ease pain caused by injuries or arthritis. It also decreases the stiffness of the bones and stops spasms of the muscle tissues Before exercise, heat therapy can be used to loosen joints and muscles.

With vet instructions, in some cases, heat can be used to prevent wound infections. You can apply the heat by bathing your dog in warm water, using a heating pad wrapped in a towel, using a hot water bottle wrapped in a soft cloth, and applying a warm wet compress. Remember to be careful with the dog’s skin to avoid burns. Always apply the heat for 10minutes and allow the dog to rest.

Using Ice

Ice is used to relieve pain in humans as well as dogs. For dogs, ice therapy is only recommended if the pain is a result of inflammation. It should not be used for pain in sensitive areas or muscles. The cooling effect of the ice eases the pain from the swelling of the tissues.

Do not place the ice directly onto the dog’s skin to avoid damage or irritation. Apply the ice using frozen food wrapped in a clean towel, using ice cubes wrapped in a towel, or by applying a cool wet compress. The ice should be applied for 10 minutes and allowing rest for at least 20 minutes between sessions.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

This should be done in the last stages of recovery from an injury. Physical therapy is one of the best ways of relieving pain after an injury. It includes swimming, running on a treadmill, muscle stimulation, and exercises.

Walking your dog is also a form of pain relief. Physical rehabilitation not only reduces pain but promotes recovery from injuries, surgery, old-age diseases, and obesity. Your vet can customize a rehabilitation plan which can be done at home regularly.

Supplements

On top of the prescription pain medication, you can use natural supplements to reduce pain. The dosage for the supplements can be daily for a long period because they have fewer side effects. Make sure you consult with your doctor on which supplements to buy and the dosage.

Fatty acids found in fish oil are useful for painful joints and promote support. Start with a low dose to avoid gastrointestinal upsets and increase the dose with time. Adequan is given to dogs and cats to reduce pain caused by arthritis. Glucosamine dosage depends on the source. Some are due to injury or surgery, while others are because of chronic diseases like arthritis and cancer.…