Dog and Cat Back Pain: Holistic Remedies That Work Fast

Back pain is a common issue in dogs and cats, and while they can’t speak, they certainly communicate through body language. If your pet is hunched over, reluctant to move, or showing signs of discomfort when picked up, they may be suffering from back or disc problems. In this article, I’ll explain the signs, symptoms, and causes of back pain in pets, and provide effective home remedies you can try to help manage the pain.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain in Pets

Just like humans, our pets can suffer from back pain, and the signs vary. Some of the most common symptoms of back pain in dogs and cats include:

• Arched back or a stiff posture
• Reluctance to move or difficulty lifting their head
• Yelping or crying when picked up or when their neck is turned
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (in more severe cases)
• Paralysis or partial paralysis
• Wobbly walking or inability to walk (which may indicate nerve damage)

If your pet is showing signs of paralysis or wobbly walking, these are emergency symptoms that require immediate veterinary attention.

Causes of Back Pain in Pets

There are many causes of back pain in pets, ranging from soft tissue injuries to more serious conditions like intervertebral disc prolapse or paralysis. Common causes include:

• Trauma or injury leading to inflammation of the muscles
• Back spasms (commonly caused by muscle injury or strain)
• Intervertebral disc disease, which can lead to nerve damage, paralysis, or difficulty walking
• Herniation of discs in breeds like Dachshunds or highly active breeds like Border Collies

When to See Your Veterinarian

If your pet is experiencing severe pain or symptoms like wobbly walking, partial paralysis, or loss of bladder/bowel control, this is an emergency situation. Immediate veterinary intervention is necessary, and diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be required. Surgery might even be needed in some cases. Don’t wait—getting your pet treated as soon as possible increases their chances of a better prognosis.

Holistic Remedies for Treating Back Pain in Pets

While some cases require immediate veterinary care, many back pain and disc disease cases can be treated with holistic methods. Here are some of the most effective remedies:

1. Cold and Heat Compress

Using cold or heat compresses can help alleviate pain and inflammation, depending on the injury’s stage.

• For acute injuries (with inflammation): Use ice. Wrap a block of frozen ice in a towel and apply it for 15 minutes, 2-3 times a day for the first 2 days.
• For chronic injuries: Use heat. Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and apply it 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes. This can help relax the muscles and improve circulation.

2. Capsaicin for Pain Relief

Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, is used in creams and lotions to relieve muscle and joint pain. It works by causing a heating sensation that helps reduce pain by decreasing a chemical called substance P, which carries pain signals. Capsaicin creams can be applied topically to painful areas for both dogs and cats.

3. Ginger Extract for Inflammation

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help with muscle and joint pain. It works by reducing inflammation through its phytochemicals. You can use fresh ginger by steeping it in boiling water to make a tea, or you can grate it into your pet’s food or vegetable juice. Ginger is generally safe when given in small doses.

4. Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic therapy has gained recognition for helping with back pain in pets. A high-quality magnetic pet bed, such as those made by Nikken, can provide relief, although the exact mechanisms of how it works are still not fully understood. Another option is applying a small healing magnet to the BL60 acupressure spot located on the side of your pet’s hock. You can leave the magnet in place for 1-2 weeks to help alleviate pain.

5. Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants can be helpful for managing back pain, both conventional and natural options. I often recommend Robaxin (methocarbamol), which is given at a dose of 15-20 mg per kg of body weight, 3 times a day. For a 45lb dog (20kg), this would be equivalent to one 500mg tablet every 8 hours.

For a more natural option, Valerian is a good choice. The tincture dose is 0.1 ml per 10 lbs, given twice daily.

Preventing Future Back Pain

Once your pet has recovered from back pain, it’s important to take steps to prevent future issues. Here are a few key supplements and practices that can help:

• Glucosamine Hydrochloride: This supplement helps rebuild cartilage and delay further breakdown. The recommended dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight, given once daily. You can find glucosamine in my Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formula and Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula.
• Chondroitin: When combined with glucosamine, chondroitin helps improve the effectiveness of glucosamine and supports joint health.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a good understanding of the common signs and symptoms of back pain in dogs and cats. If your pet is showing signs of severe pain or paralysis, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary care. For less severe cases, consider these holistic home remedies:

• Cold and heat compresses
• Capsaicin for pain relief
• Ginger extract for inflammation
• Magnetic therapy
• Muscle relaxants

By addressing your pet’s back pain holistically and preventing future issues, you can help them live a more comfortable and active life.

Heal Your Pet at Home!

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