Natural Pain Relief for Dogs and Cats: 5 Remedies That May Help

What Are the Best Natural Remedies for Pain and Inflammation in Pets?

If your dog or cat has pain or inflammation, there are several natural options I would consider: CBD, curcumin with boswellia, Traumeel, DMSO, and topical comfrey.

These are the same types of remedies I used after a bike crash where I injured my head, shoulder, and knee. About 10 days later, I was still dealing with a sore knee wound, bruising, soft tissue inflammation, and pain.

The interesting part? Several of the natural remedies that helped me are also options I have used or considered for dogs and cats.

This does not mean every painful pet should be treated at home. If your pet has severe pain, a fracture, trouble walking, swelling, bleeding, or is suddenly very weak, get veterinary care.

But for mild pain, soft tissue soreness, inflammation, and supportive care, these are five natural options worth knowing.

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD Formula for Dogs and Cats

Natural Pain and Inflammation Remedies 

1. CBD for Pain and Inflammation

CBD, also called cannabidiol, is one of the natural pain and inflammation options I have found most helpful.

Of all the natural anti-inflammatories and painkillers, CBD has been one of the most beneficial for me and for many dog and cat parents.

It can be used orally, and it can also be used topically.

Oral CBD Dose for Dogs and Cats

A standard dog and cat dose is:

Pet Weight	CBD Dose
10 lbs	3 mg once to twice daily
20 lbs	6 mg once to twice daily

For example, Tula is about 20 lbs, so she would receive 6 mg.

Topical CBD

I also used topical CBD on my knee.

I applied it:

• 3 to 4 times daily
• Directly to the sore area
• For pain relief and soft tissue inflammation

The topical CBD provided some great pain relief and helped decrease soft tissue inflammation.

Best For

CBD may be helpful for:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Soft tissue inflammation
• Soreness
• Joint discomfort
• Localized pain when used topically

Not For

Do not rely on CBD ALONE if your pet has:

• Severe pain
• A suspected fracture
• Trouble standing
• Sudden collapse
• A deep wound
• Major swelling
• Serious injury after trauma

Those pets need veterinary care.

2. Curcumin and Boswellia for Natural Pain Relief

The second natural option is a combination of two herbs: 95% curcumin and boswellia.

These have been documented to be almost as effective as many traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

I used both together twice daily after my bike crash, and they worked really well.

They can provide natural pain relief and help reduce inflammation.

Curcumin Dose

Use:

• 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily

Boswellia Dose

Use:

• 50 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily

Dosage Table

Pet Weight	Curcumin Daily Dose	Boswellia Daily Dose
10 lbs	100 mg	50 mg
20 lbs	200 mg	100 mg
50 lbs	500 mg	250 mg

Best For

Curcumin and boswellia may be helpful for:

• Inflammation
• Pain support
• Joint discomfort
• Soft tissue soreness
• Longer-term inflammatory issues

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin for Dogs and Cats

Why I Like the Combination

Curcumin and boswellia work well together because both target inflammation.

If I am looking at a natural oral anti-inflammatory plan, this is one combination I would strongly consider.

Simple herbs. Good results. Not fancy, but useful.

3. Traumeel for Topical Pain Relief

Traumeel is a homeopathic combination cream.

Whether or not you fully understand homeopathy, I found this cream very helpful.

It is very safe. It has very little downside in terms of negative side effects, and it is okay if your dog or cat licks a small amount.

When I applied it to my knee, I noticed that about 10 minutes later, the knee felt far less painful.

How to Use Traumeel

Apply:

• A thin layer
• 2 to 3 times daily
• Directly to the sore or inflamed area

Best For

Traumeel may be helpful for:

• Localized pain
• Bruising
• Mild soft tissue injury
• Sore joints
• Muscle soreness
• Minor inflammation

Not For

Do not apply it to deep wounds, infected skin, or severe trauma without veterinary guidance.

4. DMSO for Topical Inflammation

DMSO is a liquid sulfur compound.

It smells a little like garlic. Not a perfume. More like “what is that?” But it can be very useful.

The big advantage of DMSO is that it rapidly penetrates the skin and reaches the affected area.

As a single agent, it can provide natural anti-inflammatory support.

It can also help bring other topical medications deeper into damaged tissue or joints.

How DMSO Can Be Used

DMSO can be used topically after applying something like:

• CBD
• Traumeel
• Lidocaine

Then DMSO helps carry it deeper into the affected area.

After applying CBD and Traumeel to my knee, I used multiple drops of DMSO topically.

DMSO in Veterinary Practice

DMSO is safe to use on dogs and cats.

We used it in veterinary practice, especially after procedures such as knee surgery.

For example, I would apply something topical such as lidocaine, then add topical DMSO to help bring more of that lidocaine into the joint. That can provide strong local pain relief.

Best For

DMSO may be helpful for:

• Local inflammation
• Soft tissue injury
• Joint discomfort
• Bruising
• Helping carry topical support into tissues

Not For

Use caution around eyes, mouth, open wounds, or dirty skin.

Because DMSO can carry substances through the skin, the area should be clean before using it.

5. Comfrey for Bruising and Soft Tissue Injury

Comfrey is a plant known as a wonderful topical anti-inflammatory.

If you are dealing with soft tissue injury, bruising, and damaged skin, comfrey is one I would think about.

It is not meant to be taken orally, and it is not necessarily safe to ingest.

But topically, comfrey can be a great natural anti-inflammatory.

How Comfrey Salve Is Made

The process mentioned is:

1. Use dried comfrey leaf.
2. Let it sit in olive oil for 2 to 4 weeks.
3. Strain or distill the infused oil.
4. Add beeswax to turn it into a salve.

How to Use Comfrey Salve

Apply:

• A small dab to your fingertip
• Rub it topically over the affected area
• Use only on the skin

Best For

Comfrey may be helpful for:

• Bruising
• Soft tissue injury
• Local inflammation
• Sore areas
• Skin-level support after injury

Not For

Do not give comfrey orally.

Do not allow your pet to ingest it.

Do not apply it where your dog or cat will heavily lick it.

 

Quick Guide: Natural Pain and Inflammation Remedies

Remedy	Best Use	Form	Dose or Use Mentioned
CBD	Pain and inflammation	Oral or topical	3 mg per 10 lbs once to twice daily
95% Curcumin with Boswellia	Anti-inflammatory and pain support	Oral	Curcumin 100 mg per 10 lbs daily, Boswellia 50 mg per 10 lbs daily
Traumeel	Topical pain relief	Cream	Thin layer 2 to 3 times daily
DMSO	Topical anti-inflammatory and carrier	Liquid topical	Multiple drops topically
Comfrey	Soft tissue injury and bruising	Topical salve	Apply a small amount topically

 

Which Natural Remedy Is Best?

It depends on what you are treating.

Problem	Remedy I Would Consider
General pain	CBD
Inflammation	Curcumin and boswellia
Local soreness	Traumeel
Joint or tissue inflammation	DMSO
Bruising and soft tissue injury	Comfrey salve

If I were choosing one oral option, I would look at CBD or curcumin with boswellia.

If I were choosing one topical option, I would look at Traumeel, topical CBD, DMSO, or comfrey depending on the injury.

For my own knee, I used a combination.

That is often the practical answer. One remedy may help, but combinations can sometimes work better when used carefully.

Step-by-Step: How I Would Use These Remedies

Step 1: Decide If This Is a Home Care Situation

If your pet has mild soreness or inflammation, natural support may be reasonable.

If your pet is in severe pain or cannot walk, call your veterinarian.

Step 2: Choose Oral Support

For overall pain and inflammation, consider:

• CBD: 3 mg per 10 lbs once to twice daily
• Curcumin: 100 mg per 10 lbs daily
• Boswellia: 50 mg per 10 lbs daily

Step 3: Add Topical Support

For localized pain, consider:

• Topical CBD 3 to 4 times daily
• Traumeel 2 to 3 times daily
• DMSO over a clean area
• Comfrey salve for bruising and soft tissue injury

Step 4: Watch Your Pet

Track:

• Pain level
• Limping
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Mobility
• Appetite
• Energy
• Whether the pet is licking the area

Step 5: Reassess

If your pet is not improving, or pain is getting worse, get veterinary help.

When Should You Call Your Veterinarian?

Call your veterinarian if your dog or cat has:

• Severe pain
• Sudden lameness
• Inability to walk
• A suspected fracture
• A deep wound
• Heavy bleeding
• Major swelling
• Pain after a fall or accident
• Worsening symptoms
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Crying, hiding, or shaking from pain

Natural remedies can be helpful, but they are not a substitute for urgent care when something serious is happening.

Final Thoughts

After my bike crash, I used these natural pain and inflammation remedies myself: CBD, curcumin with boswellia, Traumeel, DMSO, and topical comfrey.

They worked pretty well for me, and they are also options I would consider for dogs and cats when used properly.

For oral support, CBD and curcumin with boswellia are two of my top choices.

For topical support, Traumeel, topical CBD, DMSO, and comfrey all have a place.

The key is matching the remedy to the problem.

Mild soreness? Natural support may help.

Severe pain, a serious wound, or a pet that cannot walk? That is not the time to play kitchen pharmacist.

Use common sense. Start safely. Watch closely.

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P.S. If I had to keep this very simple, I would start with CBD for pain, curcumin and boswellia for inflammation, and Traumeel or comfrey for topical support.

DMSO is the odd-smelling one, yes. But it can be very useful when you want to get topical support deeper into the tissue.

And if you are wondering whether these things can actually help, I can tell you this: after smashing myself up in a bike crash, these were the natural remedies I reached for.

My knee was not impressed with my cycling skills, but it was fairly happy with the remedies.