Which Helps With Joint Pain in Dogs

Whether injuries or degenerative joint diseases such as arthrosis; Problems with the joints cause pain and reduce the quality of life of the four-legged friend.

When a dog is standing on three legs after an acute injury, limping badly or whimpering incessantly, the pain is hard to miss. The challenge is to recognize chronic pain. These come insidiously and are much less obvious. They are often dismissed as normal signs of aging and misinterpreted. A trained eye is needed to recognize chronic pain because usually nothing more than small changes in behavior can be discovered. For this reason, owners should always keep an eye on their four-legged friends: Isn’t he finding peace? Is he retiring or less active than usual? It is possible that he no longer follows his owner everywhere because it is difficult and painful for him to stand up or climb stairs. Every jump into the trunk can become a major effort for pain patients. Maybe a dog suddenly screams when touched in certain places, constantly licks certain parts of the body, or reacts aggressively, although this was atypical behavior up to that point.

A dog feels pain just like us humans, but cannot say where and how much something hurts him. If a dog has injured a claw, this acute pain warns the animal: Something is wrong here! However, if untreated pain persists for a longer period, the pain-detecting system is repeatedly stimulated and develops what is known as a painful memory. Pain-detecting nerve cells are then more sensitive to stimuli. The reason is that the sustained stimulation repeatedly arouses them and makes them more sensitive. Your dog feels pain even though the original trigger no longer exists. Conclusion: To prevent the many negative effects that pain can have on the animal, painkillers must be administered.

Painkillers can only work optimally if they are administered according to the veterinarian’s therapy recommendations. It is especially up to the owner to think about the administration of the drug. Before prescribing a pain reliever, the vet will examine the dog closely and, if necessary, take a blood test. Regular check-ups with the veterinarian make sense, especially if the medication is administered over a long period. Because: Although painkillers are well tolerated even in long-term use, the occurrence of side effects cannot be ruled out.

Under no circumstances should owners change the prescribed dosages independently. And be careful: Animals have a different metabolism than humans – human preparations can therefore cause serious side effects that are harmful to their health!

If the owner has the feeling that his dog is still showing pain symptoms despite the therapy or that his behavior is changing, he should visit the vet more often.

This question is especially relevant in dogs that require ongoing therapy for chronic pain. One thing is certain: pain must be treated. Fortunately, this is also possible in the long term. The drugs should be effective, well-tolerated, and easy to administer at home. Veterinarians most commonly use preparations from the class of substances known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). By blocking certain enzymes, they not only reduce pain but also reduce tissue swelling, reduce fever and inhibit inflammatory processes.

The NSAIDs available on the market have been tested for their effectiveness and tolerability, even in long-term use, and can therefore be regarded as very safe. There are preparations whose dose can be reduced step by step over time under veterinary guidance and thus individually adapted to the needs of the patient. This can reduce possible side effects of the medication.

Of course, the animals should always be observed and regularly checked by the veterinarian.

The origin and sensation of pain is a very complex process that requires an equally multifaceted approach. The administration of painkillers is only the basis of pain therapy. Veterinarians are currently using the so-called multimodal treatment concept: they combine the administration of one or more painkillers with other measures. These include physical therapy, weight control, chondroprotective drugs, acupuncture, radiation therapy, and surgery.

This therapy mix aims ​​to get to the root of the different causes of pain to give the dog a better quality of life again. In osteoarthritis patients, the multimodal approach should help to improve general mobility and thus restore the animals’ joy of movement.

To increase the quality of life of pain patients, different therapeutic measures should be combined. Every animal owner can contribute:

• Weight reduction: Being overweight can promote premature joint wear and tear, which leads to inflammation and pain. Slow but steady weight loss, supervised by the vet, can make life easier for the dog.
• Cartilage protection: Natural supplementary feeds that contain cartilage protection substances such as green-lipped mussel extract can support joint function. They can strengthen the connective tissue structures of the joint (capsule, tendons, ligaments), promote cartilage regeneration, and alleviate inflammatory processes.
• Physiotherapy: Specially trained animal physiotherapists can use specific exercises to increase the mobility of pain patients and specifically strengthen their muscles. Talk to your vet about how much and what kind of exercise is good for your dog. Swimming is a good way to train animals with joint problems gently.
• Everyday aids and movement: Non-slip mats on smooth floors, well-padded dog beds, and entry ramps for the trunk help pain patients through everyday life and provide a little comfort.

Frequently Asked Question

What can I give my dog for joint pain?

The supply of special joint nutrients such as chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, or the natural ingredients of green-lipped mussels is useful to support the joints – especially dogs that are under heavy strain.

What home remedies can I give my dog for pain?

For pain, I recommend 2 grams of ginger per 10 kilos of dog weight. This can help your dog to be pain-free more quickly. Besides ginger, I swear by heat.

What helps against joint inflammation in dogs?

In the case of joint inflammation, the vet will give the dog anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication. In the case of severe inflammation, he rinses the affected joint with a sterile solution and can thus introduce anti-inflammatory agents directly into the joint.

What is anti-inflammatory for dogs?

Apple cider vinegar in particular has an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and detoxifying effect. Apple cider vinegar shows its analgesic and itching-relieving effect, especially in small wounds. It also helps with insect bites or minor burns. Mind you, always as a support for veterinary treatment.

What is good for bones and joints in dogs?

Nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain healthy joints and mobility, and calcium helps support strong bones. The essential fatty acids omega 6 and omega 3 have also been proven to support healthy cartilage.

Should a dog with osteoarthritis walk a lot?

Regular exercise is very important for dogs with osteoarthritis. However, care must be taken not to overstrain the joints. The movements should be fluid and even.

Can I buy painkillers for dogs in the pharmacy?

Some painkillers are also available from your pharmacy without a prescription. Over-the-counter pain relievers for dogs are mostly herbal or homeopathic medicines such as Arnica, coconut oil, and Traumeel.

Which globules are for joint pain in dogs?

Rhus Toxicodendron (poison sumac) – This is the first remedy for problems with the musculoskeletal system, acute or chronic joint inflammation, after overload, or sore muscles. Typical is the relief of pain after running in.