What to do if you suspect your dog may be in pain
The first thing to do is to consult with a medical professional and discuss a pain trial.
As dogs can show pain in a number of ways from the obvious of limping to nibbling an area on their body, all the way to more subtle signs such as a bunny hop (commonly mistaken as being "normal") or even fur changes.
Natural Support or Pain Trial
It is a misconception that a dog should have either natural support & alternative therapies OR a pain trial. The truth is that a multi-model approach is seen as the most effective method. The main thing is recognising the need to help your dog to manage any pain, and understanding that dogs can show they are in pain in numerous ways, including such subtle ways that they can be missed or misunderstood. Always consult a vet yearly to help identify any health changes early as not all are visible to the untrained eye.
What options are there naturally?
Natural remedies can compliment traditional medications for dogs, but it's essential to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatments. They can provide guidance on how natural remedies might interact with your dog's medication and ensure your pet's safety. Here are some natural remedies that may help dogs on medication:
1. Dietary Supplements: Certain supplements can support your dog's health. Common ones include, glucosamine and chondroitin (for joint health), and probiotics (to support gut health).
2. Herbal Remedies: Some herbs can be beneficial for dogs, such as chamomile (calming), ginger (for nausea), and turmeric (anti-inflammatory). Always consult with your vet before giving herbs, as some can interact with medications.
3. CBD Oil: Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is sometimes used to manage pain, anxiety, and seizures in dogs. However, its use should be discussed with your vet, as the quality and safety of CBD products can vary and they must sign off its safety for use with any medication being taken
4. Aromatherapy: Certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, can have calming effects on dogs when used in a diffuser or diluted and applied topically. Ensure that the oils are pet-safe, and consult with a veterinarian for guidance.
5. Acupuncture: This alternative therapy may help with pain management and other health issues. A trained veterinary acupuncturist should perform acupuncture on your dog.
6. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy exercises, such as stretching and massage, can complement medication for dogs with mobility issues or injuries.
7. Environmental Enrichment: Providing mental and physical stimulation can be therapeutic. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve your dog's overall well-being.
8. Homeopathic Remedies: Some homeopathic treatments are believed to help dogs with specific conditions. However, their efficacy is debated in the veterinary community, so consult with your vet and consider their advice.
9. Hydrotherapy: This involves exercises in a pool or underwater treadmill and can be helpful for dogs with joint issues or recovering from surgery.
10. Canine massage, also known as dog massage or doggy massage, is a form of therapeutic touch that involves manipulating the muscles and soft tissues of a dog's body to promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall well-being. Just like humans can benefit from massage therapy, dogs can also experience various physical and psychological benefits from massage when it is performed by a trained and experienced practitioner.
Remember that natural remedies are not a replacement for prescribed medications when necessary. They can often be used in conjunction with medication to enhance your dog's overall well-being.
Always seek professional veterinary advice before starting any new treatments or supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your dog's specific condition. Additionally, monitor your dog closely for any adverse reactions when introducing new remedies or supplements.
How to naturally support your dogs gut health whilst taking medication.
Medications for dogs can sometimes impact their gut health unfortunately, but there are ways to support your dogs gut which we share in this blog:
Here are common side effects (of course these will vary dog to dog, and medication to medication, but you should always discuss potential side effects with your dog before agreeing to use medications, so that you are fully informed)
Gastrointestinal Upset: Many medications, especially antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal issues.
Decreased Appetite: Some medications may cause a temporary loss of appetite in dogs, affecting their overall nutritional intake.
Constipation: Conversely, certain medications can lead to constipation by affecting the digestive process or reducing bowel movements.
Changes in Stool Consistency: Medications may alter the consistency of your dog's stool, making it softer or harder than usual.
Reduced Nutrient Absorption: In some cases, medications might interfere with the absorption of nutrients, potentially affecting your dog's overall health.
Behaviour changes: It's crucial to monitor your dog for any changes in behaviour, appetite, or bowel habits while they're on medication. If you notice any concerning signs, consult your veterinarian for guidance on how to manage and support your dog's gut health during this period
How to support a dog's gut on medication
Always consult your vet before making significant changes to your dog's diet or introducing supplements, as they can provide tailored advice based on your dog's specific health needs and the medication involved.
To support a dog's gut health while on medication, consider the following:
Probiotics: Incorporate a high-quality probiotic supplement into your dog's diet to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Such as saccharomyces boulardii, found here.
Digestive Enzymes: These can aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. At present there is no supplement version available in the UK, though when it is available we would recommend using Dr Mercola Digestive Enzymes, found here. Alternatively, whole food sources are:
Papaya
Flaxseed
Kelp
Chicory root
Pumpkin
Raw honey/Bee pollen
Raw dairy products
Kefir
Coconut water
Raw pancreas
Hydration: Ensure your dog stays well-hydrated, as proper hydration supports overall health, including digestive function.
Diet: The raw diet includes approximately 60-70% moisture (this is much more than water, it contains myoglobin and is packed with vitamins & minerals).
Bone broth: This a great way to add extra hydration as well as more gut support readily available brands such as Alexander's natural, karnlea, anco or alternatively making your own (How to make it can be found here)
Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your dog's behaviour, stool consistency, and overall well-being. Report any concerns or changes to your veterinarian promptly.
Dietary Supplements: Certain supplements can support your dog's health. Common ones include, glucosamine and chondroitin (for joint health), and probiotics (to support gut health). Always discuss supplements with your vet to ensure there are no interactions
Herbal Remedies: Some herbs can be beneficial for dogs, such as chamomile (calming), ginger (for nausea), and turmeric (anti-inflammatory). Always consult with your vet before giving herbs, as some can interact with medications.
CBD Oil: Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is sometimes used to manage pain, anxiety, and seizures in dogs. However, its use should be discussed with your vet, as the quality and safety of CBD products can vary.
Aromatherapy: Certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, can have calming effects on dogs when used correctly. It is vital to only use high quality products, and to use them safely and effectively, we therefore recommend using Caroline Ingraham products and her book for guidance
Acupuncture: This alternative therapy may help with pain management and other health issues. A trained veterinary acupuncturist should perform acupuncture on your dog.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy exercises, such as stretching and massage, can complement medication for dogs with mobility issues or injuries. We recommend using a qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist for this.
Environmental Enrichment: Providing mental and physical stimulation can be therapeutic. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and regular exercise (safely completed within medical guidelines) can help reduce anxiety and improve your dog's overall well-being.
Homoeopathic Remedies: Some homoeopathic treatments are believed to help dogs with specific conditions. However, their efficacy is debated in the veterinary community, so consult with your vet and consider their advice.
Hydrotherapy: This involves exercises in a pool or underwater treadmill and can be helpful for dogs with joint issues or recovering from surgery. Always use a qualified Canine Hydrotherapy Specialist.
Canine massage: also known as dog massage or doggy massage, is a form of therapeutic touch that involves manipulating the muscles and soft tissues of a dog's body to promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall well-being. Just like humans, dogs can also experience various physical and psychological benefits from massage when it is performed by a trained and experienced practitioner. Check out this blog from Yaz at Yorkshire Pooches about what to look for when looking for a therapist The Value of Paper
Remember that natural remedies are not a replacement for prescribed medications when necessary. They can often be used in conjunction with medication to enhance your dog's overall well-being. Always seek professional veterinary advice before starting any new treatments or supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your dog's specific condition. Additionally, monitor your dog closely for any adverse reactions when introducing new remedies or supplements.