How to Help Your Senior Dog’s Pain Naturally

November is Senior Pet Month. Like humans, dogs getting on in years often experience pain due to a number of causes. However, unlike humans, dogs cannot accurately communicate the pain they’re feeling or the reason for the pain. In this post, we share signs that your dog is uncomfortable and natural pain support options to improve their quality of life.

Traditionally, pain in dogs — when it is determined to be an issue — has been treated through pharmaceuticals. There are natural alternatives that can also be effective in treating pain without the dangerous side effects often associated with medication. Read on for more information about the common causes of pain and inflammation in dogs, how to tell if your dog is in pain, and the natural remedies that can help.

Common Signs of Pain in Dogs

According to the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, some of the most common signs that your dog is in pain include:

• Decreased activity: If your normally playful and energetic dog is not as active as usual, they might be in pain.
• Not going up or down stairs: Dogs who formerly would take the stairs at a brisk pace but now either avoid them entirely or approach steps gingerly could be suffering from a condition such as osteoarthritis.
• Difficulty standing up after laying down: If it seems like your dog is moving slowly or stiffly after laying down, know that this can also be a sign of osteoarthritis or other conditions.
• Decreased appetite: While a number of conditions — both serious and not — can result in a loss of appetite, your dog may be avoiding eating due to mouth pain.
• Overgrooming or licking in a certain area: Licking can be an indication of a “hot spot” caused by allergies or insect bites. However, it can also be a result of pain.

Common Conditions Resulting in Pain

You should always have your vet diagnose the source of pain. They can diagnose the underlying cause and make healthy recommendations for pain support for your dog. There are several common conditions that can result in pain for your dog, such as:

Pancreatitis

This condition occurs when the pancreas, an organ near the stomach that helps to digest food and control blood sugar, becomes inflamed. Ingestion of fatty table foods such as bacon or salmon skin can help contribute to the development of pancreatitis. It can also be a side effect of prescribed medication that your dog is taking for other conditions. Symptoms include loss of appetite, isolation, a pain response when the belly is probed, low energy, and diarrhea.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Also known as IVDD, this condition occurs when one or more of the discs in the spine ruptures after physical activity. This is a degenerative condition that presents with stiffness in the head, neck, or back, a hunched back, pain response to touch, and dragging one or more legs when walking.

Osteoarthritis

Also known as arthritis or degenerative joint disease, this condition occurs when joint cartilage erodes — generally as a result of age — and causes bone-on-bone contact in the joint. Signs of osteoarthritis include:

• Difficulty moving
• Limping
• Lameness in front or hind legs
• Chewing or biting the area of pain

Bone Cancer

Many different types of cancer afflict dogs, but bone cancer is among the most painful. This condition is commonly experienced by dogs who have previously had broken bones or surgical implants to repair broken bones. It presents with lethargy, limping, weakness, a swollen upper or lower jaw, and difficulty opening the mouth.

Periodontal Disease

Also known as gum disease, this is a degenerative condition that results from untreated gingivitis in your dog’s mouth. The condition results in bone decay, tooth loosening, and loss of teeth. All of these are quite painful for your dog.

Solutions and Pain Support for Your Dog

There are several different natural remedies for the inflammation and pain experienced by dogs due to osteoarthritis, tooth problems, and other health issues. While you should always consult your vet if you believe your dog is in pain, there are a variety of natural solutions that can help reduce the pain associated with these conditions. We recommend the following ingredients.

Green-Lipped Mussel

Green-lipped mussel provides relief for a number of conditions, including joint pain from osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and other conditions. This natural supplement also reduces inflammation and stress caused by pain and discomfort and can help restore mobility. Green-lipped mussel is a species of mussel. It acts as a filter in the sea off the coast of New Zealand. It is high in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, enzymes, and the effective joint relief chemicals provided by glucosamine and chondroitin.

Roe Oil

Roe oil is a type of fish oil derived from the herring roe. This oil is also high in omega-3 fatty acids that assist with joint pain. Roe oil also relieves itchy skin and improves the health of your dog’s coat.

Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract

Broad-spectrum hemp extract is a THC-free compound derived from the hemp plant that provides benefits for your dog, including:

• Reducing anxiety
• Building your fur baby’s immune system
• Protecting your dog against new tumors
• Relieving nerve-related pain and inflammation

 It can also increase appetite and control nausea. This allows dogs who have lost their appetite as a result of pain to obtain the nourishment they need. 

Keep Your Pup Happy and Feeling Well With Natural Anti-Inflammatory Treatments and Pain Support for Dogs

Are you seeking a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals that can relieve your dog’s pain? Then give “Happy-Go-Puppy” CBD joint Chews from Okoa Pet a try. These soft chews contain the valuable joint protection provided by green-lipped mussel and Wild New Zealand Roe Oil. It also has the inflammation-fighting and calming properties of domestically-produced broad-spectrum hemp extract. The combination of these three all-natural ingredients serves to relieve discomfort, prevent degeneration of joints, and help provide pain support for your dog so they can live a happy and active life.