Top 10 Natural Painkillers for Safe and Effective Relief
Many of you reading this are going to have a dog or cat who has been on an NSAID – Non Steroidal Anti inflammatory Drug.
Yes they can be effective for acute pain relief… .
But they can also have some serious side effects, and should be avoided long term… .and NEVER given to cats long term.
Here are a few documented NSAID side effects… . (and this comes from the FDA) www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/veterinary-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-nsaids
Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, not eating/eating less, and lethargy. If your pet experiences any of these potential side effects, STOP administering the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Veterinary NSAIDS may be associated with gastrointestinal ulcers/perforations, liver, and kidney toxicity.
Serious side effects associated with the use of NSAIDs can occur with or without warning and, in some cases, result in death. Use with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as other NSAIDs and corticosteroids, should be avoided.
Patients at greatest risk for kidney problems are those that are dehydrated, are on diuretic treatment, or have pre-existing kidney, heart, and/or liver problems. NSAIDs can cause stomach or intestinal bleeding.
Just to name a few signs.
What CAN you do?
Well as an alternative option, you should consider trying our NEW 95% Curcumin Supplement, Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin for Dogs and Cats.
Effective Natural Pain Relief for Dogs and Cats
As a veterinarian, I have always been passionate about finding effective, natural remedies to alleviate pain for our furry friends. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the most effective natural treatments for pain relief in dogs and cats that I’ve found useful in my practice.
Ginger for Pain and Inflammation
Ginger extract is a wonderful natural remedy due to its phytochemical content, which helps halt inflammation. I recommend using it in small doses to avoid any side effects. For a simple application, fresh ginger can be steeped in boiling water to make a tea or grated into vegetable juice.
The Power of DMSO
Dimethyl sulfoxide, or DMSO, is an organosulfur compound that readily penetrates the skin. It is particularly effective for treating conditions like knee swelling and arthritis in pets. Applying DMSO topically to the affected joint, usually twice daily, can provide significant relief.
Combining Topical Pain Creams
For holistic care, consider using a topical pain cream like Arnica gel, Traumeel, or CBD oil in combination with DMSO. This blend should be applied to the affected areas twice daily to maximize pain relief.
Essential Oils for Topical Use
Mixing essential oils such as Frankincense (Boswellia) with a carrier oil like olive, coconut, or almond oil and applying them topically has shown great benefits, especially for dogs.
The Benefits of Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy can be crucial for treating injuries. Initially, using cold therapy can help reduce blood flow and decrease swelling. Once the initial pain subsides, switching to heat therapy can enhance blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients that help reduce pain. Tools like heating pads and heated braces are excellent for this phase.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Incorporating EFAs like flax, fish, or krill oil into your pet’s diet can provide therapeutic levels of fatty acids, essential for reducing inflammation. Dosages can vary with the type of oil and the weight of your pet.
Castor Oil for Inflammation
Topical application of castor oil has been proven to reduce inflammation and relieve pain effectively. A specific study highlighted the benefits of a gel containing ricinoleic acid, which significantly reduced pain when applied topically.
Homeopathic Remedies: Arnica 30C
Arnica 30C is a homeopathic remedy excellent for acute injuries, muscle pain, and stiffness. The typical dosage is one capsule per 10 lbs of body weight every 2-4 hours for acute cases and daily for ongoing treatment.
CBD Oil for Pain and Inflammation
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis that has shown significant anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly effective for arthritis, pain relief, and autoimmune diseases, including allergies. The recommended dose is 1mg per 10 lbs of body weight, administered twice daily.
Boswellia and Curcumin for Joint Health
Boswellia, traditionally used in Indian medicine, works alongside curcumin to enhance joint health and immune system function. The effective dose for anti-inflammatory benefits is 10-20mg per 10 lbs of body weight per day. Curcumin, especially in its 95% concentration, can be extremely beneficial for arthritis and pain relief.
Closing Thoughts
I hope these suggestions help you consider natural options for pain relief in your pets. It’s important to be informed about the potential side effects of conventional anti-inflammatory drugs and explore safer alternatives when possible.
P.S. We have recently introduced a new supplement: Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin (BCM-95 ~ Curcugreen). This formulation is designed to be highly absorbable, up to 700% more than regular curcumin, and enhanced with BioPerine to further increase its efficacy.
