Dogs are typically active and energetic creatures, spending most of their time expending their energy through physical activity. Because they use their legs often for running and playing, they are susceptible to leg pain and injuries such as strains and sprains.
It’s important to monitor your dog’s movements and behavior in case you notice something unusual, especially concerning their legs and ankles.
Common Signs of Leg Pain in Dogs
When a dog is in pain, they may try their best to not show that they are. However, you might still notice behaviors that indicate your dog is hurting and may need to be brought to the nearest clinic.
If you notice your dog limping or making an effort not to place their weight on a paw or leg, your pet is most likely experiencing pain caused by a strain or sprain.
Other symptoms of leg pain include swollen paws or joints, licking the same spot excessively, increased sleep, aggression when touched in specific areas, and crying.
Taking note of these signs early on gives you a better chance of treating the pain faster through medical care and natural pain relief remedies.
The Benefits of Natural Pain Relief for Dogs
Although most veterinarians will provide over-the-counter medications to treat your dog’s injuries, natural home remedies can also be considered as alternative options. These home remedies for dogs in pain promote recovery and improve your pet's overall health and performance.
What makes these remedies so popular is their all-natural properties that don't require any chemicals or extensive equipment for your dog to heal. The best part is that you can easily use these remedies at home.
Treating Dog Leg Pain: Home Remedies
We recommend seeking advice from a trusted veterinarian or professional on which remedies best suit your dog and their unique conditions. Here are some home remedies for dogs in pain.
Rest
The number one rule when it comes to managing pain is getting enough rest. All dog owners know how difficult it is to keep their dogs still, but reducing physical activity will quicken the recovery process.
You can encourage your dog to stay in their crate or on a pet bed while keeping them entertained to maintain stimulation. Ensuring their crate is comfortable and cozy goes hand-in-hand with this.
If your dog needs to go outside to relieve themselves, make sure you're present and your pet is leashed to avoid any strenuous activity they may do outside, such as chasing after birds or squirrels or running a few yards in your backyard.
Acupuncture
Although acupuncture is commonly done on humans, some veterinarians have also explored the idea of using the method on dogs. By placing needles in specific points of the body, acupuncture helps relax tight muscles and increases blood flow to allow the body to relieve pain naturally.
Many dog owners have said that their pets show visible improvement in their leg pain after a few sessions of acupuncture, thanks to the natural release of endorphins, proving that acupuncture does have its benefits.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and Cold therapy is easy and effective, not to mention accessible, since all you need are heat packs and ice packs that can be easily bought in drugstores.
If a specific part of your dog’s body is hurt or inflamed, you can apply hot or cold temperatures to ease the pain.
For chronic conditions like hip dysplasia or arthritis pain, use a heat pack and apply it for up to 20 minutes to relieve the pain. For short-term injuries such as a strain or sprain, use a cold pack and apply it for up to 10 minutes to alleviate discomfort.
These treatments have no drastic side effects and have been proven to reduce inflammation and pain.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy prevents your dog from losing muscle strength by helping them regain mobility and leg flexibility. You can keep their muscles warmed up by providing physical therapy through massages, exercise, and stretching.
The benefits of physiotherapy for dogs apply to recovery from injury and pain and can improve their overall quality of life.
Letting your dog undergo physiotherapy requires a consultation with your vet to see if this treatment is best for your dog’s leg pain. If it is, your vet will most likely refer you to a practitioner specialized in pet physiotherapy.
Supplements & Nutrition
As your dog ages, their joints become more susceptible to inflammation and injury. Therefore, it is essential to provide supplements and proper nutrition to support joint health and reduce leg pain.
Natural pain relief for a dog's legs can be found in supplements like fish oil, curcumin, and glucosamine chondroitin.
Fish oil is popular among pet owners as a great source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. These fatty acids are known to provide anti-inflammatory relief and even promote brain development and growth.
Curcumin is an active ingredient found in turmeric and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Most dog owners add turmeric root (either grated or powdered) to their dog’s food, making it a subtle yet effective supplement to their pet's daily nutritional needs.
Glucosamine chondroitin supplements provide support to the cartilage with natural anti-inflammatory properties. As a natural pain reliever, this supplement is recommended for older dogs with osteoarthritis. They can consume it orally as chewables or capsules.
Brands like Stryde develop formulas using premium ingredients that promote optimal joint health and pain relief. These formulas are highly recommended since they are specifically created for dogs.
The Road to Recovery
We all want the best for our furry companions, especially when they are dealing with pain or injury.
When treating a dog's leg pain, home remedies can help quicken the recovery process along with proper medical care and attention.
They’re accessible and affordable, which makes these remedies easy to incorporate into your dog’s life for optimal nutrition and good health to prevent sprains and strains from happening in the first place.
Start strengthening your dog’s body by incorporating Stryde’s premium joint supplements into their daily routine.