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The sight of your pet suffering in pain can be heartbreaking. Pain is the body’s response to a specific problem in a particular area. It could arise from trouble in tissue, muscle, or joint. But whatever the reason be, it can interfere with your pet’s lifestyle. It can stop them from functioning normally and reduce their ability to move, exercise or even play with the owner. 

There are two types of pain experienced by pets – acute and chronic. Acute pain conditions last for a small duration, and removing the source of the pain can eliminate the problem. For example, if your pet is wounded, the pain will last till it completely heals. 

But chronic pain conditions such as those triggered by ailments like arthritis tend to last a long time. In this case, regular treatments such as a pain killer might be risky as it could lead to side effects in your pet. 

Chronic pain conditions can lead to a lot of physical and mental trauma. Your pet may feel reluctant to move and lose interest in interacting with the people around. They may also feel depressed, anxious, or suffer from insomnia or loss of appetite. 

Therefore, identifying an effective solution for pain management is necessary to ensure your pet’s health and comfort. 

Here are three simple ways to help your furry friends cope with chronic pain problems. 

1. Try Cannabinoids 

The active compounds present in the cannabis plant that influence several therapeutic benefits are known as cannabinoids. THC and CBD are the most popular cannabinoids among the hundreds present in the herb. You might have seen CBD dog treats available in markets today. These products promise a whole lot of nutritional benefits for your pets. But did you know that these cannabinoids can also work wonders for pain? 

CBD is one of the most potent compounds for pain management. The anti-inflammatory effects and the analgesic properties enable it to act on the source of the problem and perception of pain formed in the body. It can reduce swelling, which is a common symptom in the case of chronic pain conditions. It can also ease pain intensity to provide adequate relief for your pet. 

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CBD also influences hormonal balance in the system to introduce other properties such as anti-anxiety and mood management. It will ensure that your pets suffering from pain start to feel relaxed and calm. It can keep them energetic, enthusiastic and happy. 

One of the advantages of taking the CBD route is that the compound is straightforward to use. You can add an infused product to your pet’s regimen or include a few drops of CBD oil or tincture to their regular food. Sublingual presentation is also effective in treating your pet’s pain with cannabidiol. 

2. Explore Various Therapy Options 

Photo by Gustavo Fring

Several therapies, including Laser and Ultrasound, have proven to help with chronic pain in animals. 

Laser therapy utilizes light to stimulate the cells in the specific region of pain caused by inflammation to restore function. It can be beneficial to treat conditions like arthritis, where swelling can be a problem, and neurologic ailments like degenerative myelopathy to support the response of nerve functions. 

At the same time, Ultrasound therapy utilizes low-energy sound waves to induce similar benefits, especially to heal inflammation. 

Electrotherapy and Pulsed electromagnetic therapy also have similar implications for pain management. They work wonders on pain induced by swelling or tissue damage to promote faster and more effective healing. 

Apart from the earlier therapies, Extracorporeal shockwave and Hydrotherapy are also used to treat pet pain. 

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses a relatively high-energy sound wave to stimulate the tissues in different regions to promote recovery naturally. It is the ideal choice for animals suffering from chronic pain triggered by severe internal injuries. 

On the other hand, Hydrotherapy helps improve functionality, especially near joints. The process involves swimming or walking in warm, circulating water. The therapy intends to improve movement, thus strengthening the muscles and reducing pain. It can dramatically improve blood flow to the problematic areas and treat neurologically enabled pain in your pets. 

3. Say Yes to Holistic Healing 

Massages,  Acupuncture and reiki are three holistic ways to treat chronic pain problems in pets. The benefit of a massage is not just relevant to humans but also your furry friends. Different massages can slowly increase blood flow to the problematic regions and redirect oxygen and several nutrients to the system. It can heal the muscle problems in the area and improve movement to promote flexibility and pain relief. 

Massages can also have a relaxing effect on the mind. Your pet might feel calmer and happier after a massage that could help them cope with the pain. You can consult your veterinarian to understand the various massage options for your pets and follow up with regular sessions to achieve good results. 

 

Source: pexels.com

Acupuncture can also work wonderfully for pain management. The placement of fine needles on the body can influence the processing and modulation of pain. It can also increase the flow of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine that can improve mood to further the process of recovery. 

Conclusion

Chronic pain can wreak havoc on your pets’ physical and mental wellness. While medications to treat the condition can help, it is necessary to approach the problem with natural and safe solutions that can ensure holistic recovery. Try these three powerful ways to cope with your pet’s pain for a happy and healthy life. 

Photo cred/Sources: pixabay.com

https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/management-of-chronic-pain-in-small-animals

https://longlivedog.com/how-to-manage-dog-pain/

https://www.poison.org/articles/dogs-and-pain-medications-203

https://www.msdvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/pain-management/treatment-of-chronic-pain

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