Pain Relief For Dogs - What's Best?

Have you every considered the availability of pain relief options in dogs?

Which pain relief approach would be most effective? Allopathic drugs? Natural treatments? Or a combination of both forms according to each individual case?

As with other dog owners, it is sure that you are conscious about giving your dog the best and most effective treatment for pain relief. You will naturally want to avoid any side effects and take the stress and discomfort away from your beloved pet.

You would most probably select to use a more natural approach rather than chemical pain killers.

Therefore, you may be surprised to discover that pets can now enjoy similar treatments that are available for humans.

It is vital that you discuss the options with your vet in order to find the best treatment for your dog. Your vet will be fully aware of your dog's medical history and will be able to advise you on the right treatment for each individual case.

However, do not be afraid to ask about a combination of pet medicine and physical pain relief therapy, as this can be the most beneficial treatment for your dog's recovery.

Conventional Pain Management

Using Allopathic or traditional school medicine will terminate discomfort by disrupting and eliminating the pain that your dog is experiencing.

Using this system can eliminate distressing pain almost immediately. This will assist the body in functioning correctly, which includes your dog being able to eat and drink, urinate or pass faeces. The healing processes will begin to take charge and your dog's aches and pains will fade and disappear in time.

The correct dosage of medication will be carefully prescribed and adjusted by your vet, as well as the period of time that your dog needs to take the medication. This will help to avoid severe side effects or fatal intoxication.

A selection of drugs that are well known and often used for dogs are NSAID (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) such as Meloxicam (Metacam, Loxicom) or the widely discussed Carprofen (Rimadyl, Caprodyl), Tramadol, Zubrin, etc. These drugs are generally simple to administer to pets.

Aspirin for dogs, which is salicylic acid and NSAID, may be used as a pain reliever for dogs for a short term solution. However, there can be severe side effects if aspirin is given to dogs with bleeding disorders or blood-clotting diseases.

Alternative Pain Management

Complimentary treatments such as alternatives, drug-free or more natural treatments are effective ways of killing pain.

You may have heard about acupuncture for dogs. This is an extremely effective and relaxing treatment, when it is carried out by a professional. Acupuncture is now a recognized form of treatment, which is why more pet insurance companies will now cover it.

Acupressure and massage are also well established forms of treatment that are becoming more popular with pet owners. Once this form of treatment has been shown to you, it will be possible for you to continue this treatment on your dog in the comfort of your own home, which you will both find relaxing and enjoyable.

Hydrotherapy or controlled swimming is extremely useful and a gentle form of improving muscle tone and posture.

Dogs can greatly benefit if they are overweight and have cardiovascular problems. Dogs that suffer from diabetes become better quickly due to an increased level of activity without overusing the joints.

Herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular for dogs. They make great alternatives to chemical drugs; however, they are not always harmless.

Herbs can at times cause mild to severe side effects, or if they are given in combination with other drugs, can considerably alter the effectiveness.

It is of great importance that you think before delivering any form of herbal treatment. Just because it works in humans does not necessarily mean that it will work for dogs. There may be herbal treatments that cause your dog severe or fatal side effects.

It is absolutely necessary to discuss the option with your vet before delivering any form of treatment for your canine friend to ensure that it is safe.

Dr.med.vet Ellen Schmidt, MRCVS is the editor of http://www.pet-health-pro.com the comprehensive guide to pet health. More information about dog acupuncture can be found at http://www.pet-health-pro.com/dog-acupuncture.html - Copyright: You may freely redistribute this article, provided the whole text, the active links and this copyright notice remain intact.