Back Pain in Dogs: How to Recognize and Relieve It

Just like us, dogs (and occasionally cats) can suffer from back pain. Unfortunately, unlike us, they can’t tell us exactly where it hurts or how bad the pain is. While acute back pain can be easier to spot, chronic back pain often goes unnoticed—sometimes until it’s too late.

Recognizing Back Pain in Pets

When our furry friends are hurting, they don’t have the words to communicate that to us. This can make back pain especially tricky to identify. If your dog is showing signs like reluctance to move, difficulty standing up, or changes in their posture, back pain might be the culprit. Even subtle shifts in behavior, such as not jumping onto the couch or avoiding certain activities, can be signs that something is off.

Immediate Pain Relief is Key

When your pet is experiencing back pain, it’s crucial to provide immediate relief to break the pain cycle. If left untreated, pain can worsen and become chronic, making it even harder to manage. The sooner we address the issue, the quicker the healing process can begin.

CBD: A Safe and Effective Option

One of the best and safest options for providing relief is CBD. Specifically, cannabinoids like CBD have been shown to be effective in managing pain in dogs and cats. Not only does it help relieve pain, but it also reduces inflammation and promotes a sense of calm—two things that are incredibly beneficial for pets dealing with back pain.

I’ve developed Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE CBD for Dogs and Cats to give pet owners a trusted and effective solution. This award-winning CBD supplement is designed to help manage pain safely while supporting your pet’s overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with acute or chronic back pain, CBD can be a game-changer in ensuring your pet’s comfort.

If your dog or cat is suffering from back pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Take action now to provide them with relief. And if you’re looking for a safe and natural way to manage their pain, try Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE CBD for Dogs and Cats. It’s a simple, effective solution to help your pet feel better again.

Tucker Budzyn’s Scary Back Pain Episode: What It Taught Me About Dog Back Pain

I’ve been following Tucker Budzyn, the famous Golden Retriever YouTube star, for a while now. Recently, Tucker had a scary episode of back pain that left me thinking a lot about the common causes of back issues in dogs and how to handle them. It’s also one of the main topics I’ll be covering in an upcoming Livestream on Cancer in Dogs with Tucker’s channel, so I wanted to dive deeper into what happened and how we can help our furry friends when they’re hurting.

Tucker’s Painful Experience

In the video where Tucker was shown in distress, it was clear that he was in severe pain. He had trouble getting up, was walking gingerly, with his head down, and was reluctant to move. His back looked hunched, and his belly was tucked—this is known as “guarding," a common sign that a dog is trying to protect their painful area.

If you’ve ever seen your dog in this state, it can be heartbreaking. Dogs with acute back pain will often show signs like stiffness, yelping when moved or touched, and may even tremble, pant, or seem unsteady on their feet. If the pain becomes chronic, they might take longer than usual to get comfortable, which is a sign that something more persistent could be going on.

What Causes Back Problems in Dogs?

There are several reasons why dogs might experience back pain. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Arthritis

Arthritis can affect any joint, including those in the spine. If a dog suffered a spinal injury during development, it might predispose them to developing arthritis later on.

2. Degenerative Myelopathy

This progressive disease affects older dogs, typically around 8 to 14 years of age. It starts with mild coordination loss and weakness in the back legs, progressing to complete paralysis.

3. Injury

Spinal injuries can range from bruises and muscle strains to pinched nerves and ruptured discs, which can cause severe pain and mobility issues.

4. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

This condition involves damage to the fluid-filled discs between the bones of the spine. It can happen suddenly or develop gradually. Depending on the location of the disc damage, symptoms may vary.

5. Spondylosis

This condition is common in older dogs. It occurs when bone spurs grow on the vertebrae, causing pain and difficulty moving. Injuries, repetitive wear, or genetics may contribute to its development.

What To Do When Your Dog Has Back Pain?

If your dog is showing signs of extreme pain or paralysis, you need to get them to a veterinarian immediately. However, if they can still walk, eat, and drink, you might want to explore alternative options before rushing to a vet.

In Tucker’s case, after his chiropractor treatment, he responded almost immediately and was rolling around on the lawn afterward, clearly feeling much better. It was a relief to see, and it got me thinking about some holistic approaches to help ease back pain in dogs.

Alternative Options for Managing Back Pain in Dogs

Back Massage

A common issue in dogs (and cats) is lower back pain, especially in the lumbar spine area. A fingertip massage can work wonders. Focus on trigger points—those tight muscle spots—and apply firm pressure with your thumb or forefinger, holding it for about a minute.

Valerian Root

Valerian is an excellent herbal painkiller that helps with muscle aches and bone discomfort. The tincture dosage is 1 drop per pound twice daily. I’ve found it very useful for muscle spasms and back pain.

Heat Therapy

Applying heat can help relax muscles and reduce pain. You can use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and place it on your dog’s back. Just be sure to test the temperature first to avoid burns.

Curcumin

Curcumin, particularly with 95% curcuminoids, has shown positive effects for osteoarthritis. It should be given with fat or piperine (black pepper extract) for better absorption. The recommended dose is 50mg per 10 lbs of body weight.

Boswellia

This herb has strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It can help prevent cartilage loss. A typical dose is 10-20 mg per 10 lbs twice daily.

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency is one of the leading causes of chronic back pain. It supports muscle and nerve function, and a deficiency can lead to more severe pain. Magnesium glycinate is the best form for dogs and cats, as it’s highly absorbable and less likely to cause diarrhea. The standard dose is 1mg per pound of body weight twice daily.

Chiropractic Care

In my practice, we had a chiropractor who came weekly to treat dogs with back pain. The results were often impressive, and many dogs showed significant improvement after a few sessions.

CBD

CBD has anti-arthritic properties and can help with joint protection and pain relief. Studies show that chronic use of CBD has no significant side effects and doesn’t cause tolerance. The recommended dose is 3mg per 10 lbs twice daily.

Heal Your Pet at Home

If you’re dealing with a dog with back pain, consider trying some of these holistic methods. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure about what might work best for your dog’s specific condition.

P.S. I was so happy to see Tucker rolling around after his chiropractor treatment. Back pain can be incredibly scary, especially when we’re unsure of what’s causing the discomfort.

P.P.S. For a safe and effective holistic painkiller, try CBD. It’s non-psychoactive and has helped thousands of pets. You can check out my Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE CBD for Dogs and Cats for more details.