Natural Occasional Discomfort Support for Dogs

This guide does not constitute medical advice. As with any changes in your pet’s diet, it’s best to consult your veterinarian first, especially if your pet is on medications.

They can’t tell us when they're hurting, but their behavior can give us clues. As pet parents, it's our responsibility to make sure they're okay. Fortunately, modern veterinary medicine, combined with holistic remedies, offers many solutions to help ease your dog’s discomfort.

How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain

While it’s obvious when your dog suffers from an acute injury like a sprain or broken bone, it may be harder to detect if they are in more subtle discomfort. Here are a few of the ways that dogs express their discomfort to us:

• Antisocial or aggressive behavior.
• Changes in eating, drinking, or sleeping habits.
• Being more vocal.
• Excessive grooming.
• Heavy panting or altered breathing.
• Mobility issues.
• Signs of agitation.
• Changes in their body and posture.
• Shaking or trembling.

How to Ease Discomfort in Dogs

There are various alternative health remedies that can bring relief to your dog. Before trying these treatments, always consult your veterinarian for professional advice.

1. Acupuncture.

Veterinary acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory substances. It helps relax muscles, increases blood flow, and supports overall healing. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment with no side effects, making it ideal for dogs on medication. Always seek a trained and certified acupuncturist. Ask your vet for a referral.

2. Cold Laser Therapy.

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to promote cell regeneration and improve blood circulation. This treatment is effective for joint issues, tendon or soft tissue injuries, and wound healing. Cold laser therapy is only available through veterinary clinics, so check with your vet for more information.

3. Joint Supplements.

PetMD recommends the following joint supplements for dogs. While a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best ways to prevent joint discomfort in dogs, sometimes achy joints are inevitable. Joint discomfort can be managed with supplements like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements help maintain healthy cartilage and support normal joint function. Omega 3s also support a healthy inflammatory response, offering a wide range of health benefits for your dog.

4. Massage Therapy.

Depending on the source of your dog’s discomfort, a massage therapist who is trained in canine massage might be able to offer some support. Studies have shown that touching your dog can lower their heart rate and blood pressure. While all dogs can benefit from massage, it is possible that massage therapy can have a therapeutic impact on your dog’s discomfort. It’s important to work with an experienced professional who’s been trained in canine massage. Ask your vet for a referral.

5. Chiropractic Care.

Chiropractic treatments aren’t just for people, now some chiropractors offer spinal adjustments for dogs. If your dog is having uncomfortable back issues, consider taking them to see a doggie chiropractor. Many veterinarians are recommending these kinds of treatments for their furry patients. And, if your dog is having mobility issues, the first stop should be your vet for an assessment. Ask them if they think that a chiropractor is a good next step for your dog’s care.

6. Turmeric.

One of the most popular herbs worldwide for possibly easing discomfort is turmeric root. A widely used staple in Indian cooking, studies have shown there to be many benefits of curcumin, one of the active components of turmeric. Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM and author of “From Needles to Natural: Learning Holistic Pet Healing”, says that turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals. According to Dr. Morgan, the suggested amount for dogs is “approximately 1/8 – ¼ of a teaspoon per day, for every 10 lb of body weight.” Too much turmeric can act as a blood thinner and upset the stomach, so it’s important to talk to your vet first.

7. Boswellia serrata.

According to PetMD, the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree has been used by humans for health reasons for a long time. Recent studies done in a laboratory have shown it to be helpful for uncomfortable conditions. How does it work? By inhibiting the production of a certain type of leukotriene, which adjusts the body’s immune response to inflammation. There are no known side effects from Boswellia serrata, and dogs can be given human supplements of this herb, as long as there isn’t anything else in them. The amount for a 50-pound dog is 300mg given by mouth twice daily for two weeks, then the dose is halved for maintenance.

8. Cinnamon.

Cinnamon may help health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and inflammation. While there isn’t enough peer-reviewed research on cinnamon to make statements about its ability to help with discomfort, there are a lot of anecdotal accounts, and small human studies have shown cinnamon to have anti-inflammatory properties that might prevent or slow down many health issues. For a 50-pound dog, use ¼ teaspoon of high-quality cinnamon powder added to food twice a day for two weeks to see results. However, if your dog is about to have surgery, make sure to stop using cinnamon two weeks before the procedure, because cinnamon is a blood thinner.

9. Hawthorn

Hawthorn can help dogs who suffer from joint discomfort, according to Dr. Morgan. How does this herb help with joints? Hawthorn can help ease joint discomfort because it supports the body’s collagen, which is an important part of your dog’s joints. Collagen is a building block of connective tissue. Another way Hawthorn can help your dog’s discomfort is by boosting their circulation. This helps the body get rid of toxins that build up in the joints. And, increasing circulation can help ease discomfort in general. As helpful as this herb can be, it’s inappropriate to give to dogs who are taking medicine for heart disease. This herb’s safety for dogs with severe liver, heart, or kidney disease has not been established, so if your dog is on medication, check with your vet before giving them Hawthorn.

CBD and Occasional Discomfort in Dogs

Have you tried CBD for your dog’s occasional discomfort? Pet parents all across America are turning to CBD for a variety of reasons. Over fifty percent of pet parents have purchased either a CBD supplement chew or CBD hemp oil for their pet.

If your dog’s joints get stiff after normal daily activity, CBD may be able to ease that stiffness. This is because CBD enhances bone and joint health in dogs and helps support healthy joint fluid viscosity. In addition, CBD may help support the structural integrity of joints and connective tissues by providing building blocks for synovial fluid (joint lubricant), cartilage, and connective tissues. You can use CBD to help proper function of your dog’s back while supporting healthy joints and flexibility. 

If your dog experiences occasional discomfort, Pet Releaf's Hip & Joint Releaf Oil may help. This product contains organic devil’s claw, a natural herb known for its soothing effects on joint discomfort. For picky eaters, consider trying CBD chews like Hip & Joint Releaf Edibites, which also contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin to promote joint health.

Easing your dog’s discomfort doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s through veterinary care, holistic remedies, or daily supplements, you have several options to improve your dog’s quality of life. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your pet.