Herbal Pain Relief for Dogs

When it comes to dogs - man's best friend - one wants to ensure that the best pet care measures available are adopted. When dogs are ill or injured, you definitely want to put in every effort to help them recuperate. Just like us, there are synthetic drugs for pet dogs. However, due to the natural ingredients and relatively lesser side effects associated with herbs, most pet owners are eager to know about herbal pain relief for dogs. Although in severe cases one might need to take his pet to the veterinarian, certain pain can be cured by the following herbal remedies.

Herbal Pain Remedies for Dogs

Turmeric: Although some foods that human beings eat can't be fed to a dog, turmeric causes no harm to canines. In fact, turmeric has been found to be useful in treating joint pain in dogs. Sprinkle some turmeric powder on the food of your pet to provide him relief from pain.

Cayenne: This herb can deal with a number of dog health problems. Capsaicin is the natural compound present in the herb that makes cayenne one of the most effective herbal pain remedies for dogs. Besides acting as a pain reliever, this herb activates the body's own anti-inflammatory mediators at the place where the herb is applied.

Chamomile: Chamomile is very helpful in soothing the irritated eyes of one's pet. Soak a bag of chamomile tea in hot water as while making tea. Remove the bag after sometime. Let it cool. Squeeze out the excess water and place the bag over the irritated eye.

Aloe: Aloe vera provides effective natural pain relief for dogs. It can be used as a poultice for flea bites and burns, or some of the aloe vera juice could just be dabbed on the wound to bring relief from pain.

Alfa Alfa: This herb provides long term benefits to dog health. Alfa alfa provides relief from pain due to arthritis and restores the cardiovascular health of one's pet.

St. John's Wort: St. John's wort helps in relieving pain in dogs caused as a result of damage to muscles, joints, or nerve endings due to an injury. This herb can be applied topically in the form of an infusion or tincture. When a tincture of St. John's wort and skullcap is consumed by the dog, it can bring relief from pain quickly.

Ginger: The natural compounds present in fresh ginger have anti-spasmodic properties that makes it an effective remedy for lower back pain and stomach pain in dogs. Ginger can be made into a poultice and used topically to bring comfort from pain due to muscle pulls and strains.

Feverfew: Feverfew's anti-inflammatory properties makes this herb a popular natural remedy for pain caused from migraines and arthritis. This herb is used as an alternative for aspirin, as aspirin is toxic for animals.

Skullcap: This herb when mixed with St. John's wort in equal amounts is effective in alleviating pain due to nerve related diseases or injuries.

Licorice: Licorice contains a compound called Glycyrrhizin which has a structure similar to that of corticosteroids released by the body. It is this compound that has given this herb its pain relieving properties. When used topically, licorice reduces pain caused due to arthritis.

Yucca: Saponin, which is the major component of this herb, has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to that, it stimulates production of corticosteroids and hormones that help in production of corticosteroids. Hence this herb is very useful in relieving pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Yucca shows better results when it is combined with other herbs like alfa alfa and licorice.

Herbal pain relief for dogs is safe and effective. However, in case of serious injury, or if your pet is in a lot of pain, do not compromise with your pet's health. Take him to a veterinarian immediately.