Dog Pain Relief: How to Help Your Pet in Clifton Park, NY

Seeing your dog in pain can be heartbreaking for a pet parent. There are several behaviors and physical symptoms in your pup that can indicate that they are in pain.

Many conditions can give your dog pain. Learn to recognize the symptoms of pain in your dog and find out how you can help them.

If your dog is in pain, try to limit their physical activity to be more comfortable. If the pain comes from arthritis, you can also use different supplements and products, but ensure your vet approves beforehand.   

dog pain relief in Clifton Park, NY

There are many alternatives available to help your dog with their pain. If you see that your pup is struggling with pain, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Read below about dog pain relief and how to help your pet.

What Are the Causes of Pain in Dogs?

If you want to help your pet who is in pain, you must first understand what is causing the pain. Some of the most widespread health conditions in a dog are the most painful. There are many options for reducing pain in your dog.

Always talk to your vet about your pup’s condition, as they can recommend or prescribe the best treatment for your dog. Some of the most prevalent causes of pain in a dog include:

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral disc disease occurs when there is an acute rupture of an intervertebral disc in the spine in the back or neck. The problem is most aggravating when your pup has been physically active. It can occur from running or jumping.

This condition can result in lasting spinal cord damage, which causes partial or complete paralysis. Some of the symptoms of this condition include:

  • Stiffness in the head, back, or neck
  • Poor posture
  • Crying when touched
  • Struggling to get up and move
  • Paralysis

Acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and physical therapy all help to aid in recovery. It is also important to note that your dog should avoid walking up the stairs, and they should be walked outdoors on a leash attached to a harness instead of a collar.

Activity should be limited with this condition. Your pup may need to be confined in a crate or a kennel during their recovery.

Arthritis

When your pup’s joints break down, it causes wear and tear, leading to arthritis. (see video) The common type of arthritis in canines is called osteoarthritis.

The bones cause the problem. It can impact the legs, hips, back, and more. This condition is mostly found in older dogs, but younger pups can be affected as well. Most of the signs of arthritis in dogs involve:

  • Difficulty standing up from a lying position
  • Having trouble with going up the stairs
  • Have difficulty jumping up onto the bed or couch
  • Wasting away of muscles in the back limbs
  • Pain when they are being touched
  • Weight gain

When treating arthritis in dogs, weight management is critical. If your dog is overweight, it puts excess stress on their joints. Exercise can be challenging in dogs suffering from arthritis, but you can work with your vet to find the appropriate activity for them.

Veterinarians’ prescription foods are suitable for dogs with arthritis because they contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, or omega fatty acids.

Glucosamine chondroitin may also be an option for your dog. These are natural compounds found in healthy cartilage. They stimulate the body to make more cartilage.

Your dog may also be eligible for canine-appropriate non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. They need to be prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not ever give your pup human anti-inflammatories, as they are toxic to dogs.

Other possible treatments for arthritis include acupuncture, cold laser, and physical therapy. In certain instances, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue from the joint or replace the joint.

There are plenty of supplement options to help with pain in dogs. Before you give your dog any supplement, you should talk to your veterinarian.

Pancreatitis

This condition occurs when the pancreas, an organ involved in digesting food and regulating blood sugar, becomes inflamed. It causes your pup a great deal of abdominal pain, similar to in humans when they suffer from food poisoning or appendicitis. Several of the signs of pancreatitis in dogs include:

  • No appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Fever
  • Weakness

Pancreatitis is very serious and can result in death. Immediate medical treatment is necessary. The treatment for pancreatitis is for your vet first to control the vomiting, dehydration, and pain with intravenous fluids.

Food and water are withheld for 24 hours to give the pancreas a break. Treatment continues until the symptoms subside. A low-fat diet is often recommended for at least a month or even for the rest of their lives.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is the result of your pup having untreated gingivitis. It can lead to bone decay, eroded gums, and tooth loss. Periodontal disease causes pain in your dog’s mouth. The symptoms of periodontal disease in dogs include:

  • Bleeding or red gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Blood in the water bowl or on chew toys
  • Bad breath
  • Problems chewing
  • Bumps or lumps in the mouth

If your dog’s periodontal disease is in its early stages, you can take him to the vet for professional teeth cleaning. Your vet will clean and polish their teeth and gums while determining the extent of the damage to your pup’s teeth.

Your vet will provide your pup with regular teeth cleanings, and they will instruct you regarding caring for your dog’s teeth at home. Depending upon the severity of bone loss, your vet may want to pull out the loose or unstable teeth.

Bladder Stones

Bladder stones can develop in your dog’s bladder and cause frequent urinary tract infections, pain, and obstruction of the urinary tract. Larger stones can hinder urination and aggravate the lining of the urethra. Many of the symptoms of bladder stones include:

  • Pain in the abdomen or kidney area
  • Bloat or pain in the stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Pain when urinating
  • Blood in urine
  • Urinary accidents

There are options for treating urinary stones, and the least invasive is a dietary change with specialized dog food. Your vet can flush tiny stones out of the bladder with saline.

However, the most common form of treatment is surgery to remove the stones. Once the stones are broken up into smaller pieces, they can be flushed out through the opening of the urinary tract.

We’re Here to Help with You Dog’s Pain Relief in Clifton Park, NY

There are a variety of means you can use to help your dog if they are in pain. You may want to decrease or modify your dog’s exercise routine until you get to the vet.

Pay close attention to the signs of pain you are seeing in your dog and write them down. Make sure you get your pup to the vet as soon as possible and share with them so that you and your vet can come up with the best plan to help your fur baby.

At Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital of Clifton Park, we’re here to help you with all your pet’s veterinary needs. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions regarding your pet’s health.

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About Us

Originally opened as Animal Care Hospital by Dr. Mark Johnston in 1989, the hospital became Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital in 2015 when it was purchased by Drs. Alan and Lisa Knott. The name 'Cornerstone' holds a special place in their hearts, representing not only their Christian faith but also their commitment to being the cornerstone of the community in which they practice. As a family-owned and operated practice, every pet is treated as part of the family, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care. The team at Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to building lasting relationships with clients and their beloved pets, striving to be the cornerstone of the community in which they practice.