Pain Management

3 Home Remedies for your pet in pain

For pets that are sensitive to anti-inflammatory medication, three drug-free options you can use within the comfort of your home.

Vet-written guide

3 Home Remedies for your pet in pain

Introduction

When our pet is in pain, our first instinct is to give them medicine to help relieve their pain. For some pets, this is actually not possible. Some of them are actually sensitive to medications like non steroidal anti inflammatory, so instead of this helping them feel better, it could actually make their condition worse! In some cases, it causes vomiting and explosive diarrhoea, yikes! If this is your pet, or if you’re just a paw-rent who is trying to stay away from conventional medicine because of fear of side effects, then this article is for you.

Here is how you can provide assistance to your pet experiencing pain within the comfort of your home.

Home Remedy #1: Hot and Cold Compresses

Hot and cold therapy is a time-tested method to ease pain and discomfort in your pets. Heat therapy helps relax stiff joints and muscles, improving blood flow to the affected area. On the other hand, cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs pain signals, especially useful for fresh injuries or flare-ups of old problems.

Home Remedy #2: TENS Machine

A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine is an excellent alternative to medication. By sending small electrical currents to the pain area, it alters the way pain signals are transmitted to the brain, providing relief without drugs.

Home Remedy #3: Home Laser Device

Laser therapy utilizes specific light characteristics to aid cell repair and regeneration, reducing pain and swelling. While Dr. Priya uses a Class IV laser in her practice, she introduces a home laser device for your convenience.

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Questions pet owners ask

What can I give my dog for pain instead of NSAIDs?

The article describes three drug-free home options: hot and cold compresses, a TENS machine and a home laser device. Discuss any change in pain management with your veterinarian.

Should I use heat or cold on my pet's pain?

Heat helps relax stiff joints and muscles and improves blood flow. Cold reduces inflammation and numbs pain, which is especially useful for fresh injuries or flare-ups of old problems.

How does a TENS machine relieve pain in pets?

It sends small electrical currents to the painful area, altering the way pain signals are transmitted to the brain and providing relief without drugs.

Dr Priya Streram
About the authorDr Priya StreramFounder · Senior Rehabilitation Veterinarian, ARK

BVSc (University of Melbourne, 2010). Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP), IVAS-certified veterinary acupuncturist and Chi Institute-certified Food Therapy Practitioner. Founder of ARK Veterinary Rehabilitation in Singapore.

This article is general education for pet owners and is not a substitute for a veterinary examination. Speak with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment, device or supplement. Originally published on 10 July 2023.

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