Herbal Pain Remedies for Dogs

Herbal pain remedies are safer and milder than conventional dog pain medications. Herbal remedies usually are slower to act than drugs and therefore it takes longer to see results. This page looks at some common herbs that have pain relief functions. In addition, it also looks at other alternative pain remedies such as homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and nutraceuticals.

In our page on Dog Pain Relief, topics on symptoms and possible causes of dog pain, as well as conventional dog pain medications are covered.

Conventional dog pain medications usually come with a list of adverse side effects; therefore, many dog parents prefer a milder and safer approach to control dog pain.

If you are looking for information on natural herbal pain remedies for your dog, read on...

This page covers the following topics:

What are some useful herbal pain remedies for dogs?
Are there other alternative remedies that are effective dog pain relievers?
Do supplements help in relieving dog pain?

Do remember that as a general rule, alternative medicines take longer to act, and may not have the depth of activity that conventional medicines do. However, they are typically safer, non-addictive, and tend to have a broader spectrum of activity, i.e. they may help to relieve several kinds of pain.

What are Some Useful Herbal Pain Remedies for Dogs?

There are quite a few effective herbal pain remedies. Below is a list of herbs that can be used to relieve dog pain.

Feverfew

Feverfew is anti-inflammatory and is one of the most commonly used herbal pain remedies for migraine and arthritis sufferers. This herb is a useful alternative to aspirin for cats (aspirin is toxic to cats).

To use feverfew as a pain remedy, use a tincture or tea. Use 12 drops of the tincture or 1/2 teaspoon of a strong tea for each 20 lb. of the dog's body weight, 2 times a day.

Skullcap

Skullcap is an effective herbal nervine and is commonly used to relieve pain resulting from nerve-related injuries or diseases, especially when combined in equal parts with St. John's wort.

An alcohol tincture can be used for this purpose. The following dosage can be fed to the dog for up to one week:

For each 20 pounds of the dog's body weight, combine:

12 drops of skullcap
12 drops of St.-John's Wort

Feed 12 drops (per 20 lb.) of the mixture to the dog 3 times a day.

St.-John's Wort

St.-John's Wort is effective in reducing pain brought on by injuries where the muscles, joints, or nerve endings have been bruised or crushed.

Topically, a tincture, oil infusion, or salve can be applied to the affected areas.

Internally, a tincture of the herb can be used in combination with skullcap (see above).

Licorice

Licorice is an effective anti-inflammatory due to the presence of a constitutent called Glycyrrhizin, which has a similar chemical structure to that of natural corticosteroids released by the adrenal glands. It is therefore one of the many natural herbal pain remedies that can relieve pain without compromising the body's immune system.

To alleviate pain and reduce joint swelling resulting from arthritis, an oil infusion of licorice can be used topically on the affected areas.

Cayenne

The compound in this herb, capsaicin, has the capacity to block pain and increase circulation. In addition, it can also activate the body's own anti-inflammatory mediators at the site where the herb is applied. A cream or ointment of this herb, is perhaps one of the most frequently used topical herbal pain remedies for treatment of stiff or arthritic joints.

Ginger

Fresh ginger's antispasmodic property makes it a good herbal pain remedy for stomach pain, and lower back pain. Used topically, ginger can be made into a poultice for the treatment of muscle pains and strains.

Turmeric

This culinary herb's anti-inflammatory effect is said to be comparable to those of cortisone. Turmeric is effective in treating arthritis and it can be safely fed to dogs (just sprinkle some of the dried herb on their food) as a dietary supplement.

Yucca

One main constituent of yucca, saponin, has anti-inflammatory actions. It also stimulates the body to produce its own cortiocosteroids and corticosteroid-related hormones. Using yucca to relieve pain and inflammation resulting from arthritis, therefore, is much safer than using synthetically produced drugs such as prednisolone.

Yucca is particularly effective when used in combination with alfalfa and licorice.

Commercial Herbal Pain Remedies

Here is a commercial herbal pain relief formula containing yucca, alfalfa, licorice, and burdock root:

Animals' Apawthecary Alfalfa/Yucca Blend

Another commercial liquid herbal remedy which is an effective pain relief is:

Only Natural Pet Lubri-Herb Herbal Formula

This formula contains pain-relief herbs such as cayenne, sarsaparilla, devil's claw, and burdock root. Its overall properties are similar to cortisone, giving it anti-inflammatory characteristics. Additionally, these herbs have antioxidant properties which help remove free radicals from the body. The herbs in this formula work synergistically to remove calcium deposits from the joints, relieve joint pain, and reduce free radicals from the body. This formula also has blood purification and organ-toning functions.

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Other Alternative Dog Pain Relief Remedies

Besides herbal pain remedies, there are other alternative treatments for dog pain as well. Many dog owners are now turning to the following alternative treatments for dog pain relief:

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are effective in relieving both acute and chronic pain in dogs. To obtain quick relief, however, the right remedy has to be chosen based on the various symptoms expressed by the dog. In this regard, it is generally easier to choose a right remedy for acute pain resulting from injuries since the symptoms are relatively similar and easy to observe. For chronic pain that is secondary to underlying health problem(s) such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, however, it is more difficult and therefore consultation with a homeopathic veterinarian is advised.

Here is a list of homeopathic remedies that can provide quick relief to acute pain resulting from injuries:

Arnica montana (Arnica)

This homeopathic remedy is best known for its effectiveness in alleviating muscle pain, strains, sprains and other blunt traumas that result in bruising.

Dogs that need Arnica are usually in great pain (as a result of an injury) and they tend to be restless and afraid to be touched.

Bellis perennis (Daisy)

This homeopathic remedy is rather similar to Arnica and is used for treating bruising and pain in internal organs. It is also effective in relieving pain after surgery or childbirth.

As in Arnica, dogs that need Bellis do not want to be touched because of the pain.

Hypericum perforatum (St.-John's Wort)

This remedy is very effective in treating nerve injuries and will relieve pain caused by painful lacerations that involve areas with a lot of nerve endings, for dogs that will be the paws, teeth, gums, tongue and the tail. Of course, injuries to the brain and spinal cord will also respond well to hypericum.

Calendula officinalis (Marigold)

The homeopathic remedy of Calendula is excellent at relieving pain of wounds and lacerations, and at the same time, it stimulates healing. It is particulalry effective for injuries involving torn muscles.

Ledum palustre (Marsh tea; Wild rosemary)

This remedy is used specifically for puncture wound, such as insect bites and stings, or injuries to the eyes. It can relieve pain and swelling quite dramatically.

Ruta graveolens (Ruta) (Rue)

This remedy is also effective for joint pains and injuries, especially to tendons, but bone bruises and sprains may also benefit from ruta. Dogs needing this remedy are not sensitive to touch but are somewhat irritable.

An Effective Homeopathic Remedy for Dog Pain Relief
Newton Homeopathics Rheumatic - Joint Care for Dogs and Cats

This homeopathic remedy is good for relief of discomfort in muscles, tendons, and joints or to relieve discomfort caused by uric acid and calcium deposits.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another alternative treatment that is effective in relieving both acute and chronic pains. It has been used in China for thousands of years to treat not only pains but also a variety of ailments. Personally, my once-severe neck pain and headaches have been treated and cured by acupuncture after only 4 treatments!

Veterinary acupuncture is now practiced by many holistic vets. Just like acupuncture for people, dog acupuncture helps to relief dog pain naturally without side effects.

If you are searching for a vet that can give acupuncture treatments to your dog, search the sites of The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture or International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

Essential Oils

Essential oils of lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, rose, rosemary, ginger, and birch also are used traditionally as herbal pain remedies. Put 10-12 drops of any one of these essential oils in one ounce of a carrier oil such as olive oil or sweet almond oil. Shake well and then use the oil mixture as a massage oil for your dog. Rub it into the painful, swollen joints to alleviate arthritis pain and inflammation.

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Do Supplements Help in Relieving Dog Pain?

Regular use of supplements can also relieve chronic pains, but they are best used as preventative measures against chronic pains caused by arthritis.

Glucosamine/chondroiton and MSM supplements are effective in dogs for the relief of arthritis symptoms. Visit Glucosamine for Dogs and MSM for Dogs to read more on these supplements.

High doses (1000 mg/10 lb) of fish oil can be given to dogs with arthritis. The oil's anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for arthritis.

When giving your dog fish oil, make sure to give him extra vitamin E, as increased levels of oil in the diet increase the body's need for that vitamin.

High doses of vitamin C (up to bowel tolerance -- increase the dosage every few days until the dog develops loose stools, then use the last dosage level that did not cause this) have also been reported to help some dogs with arthritis.

** When giving your dog vitamin C, use an ascorbate form of vitamin C, such as Calcium Ascorbate or Ester C, rather than Ascorbic Acid, which is more likely to cause stomach upset. **