It breaks our hearts to see a loved one in pain.
Too often, we miss the signs in companion dogs and cats because they are very subtle. If pain is acute, like when a puppy plays too roughly at the park, he squeals, and we know that he is hurt. But adult dogs and cats can be very stoic and not vocalize at all, even when in extreme pain. Chronic pain is more challenging because the animal has learned to expect it and is dealing with it at all times. Cats do not often show easily recognizable symptoms because if they display any weakness, they are at risk of becoming another predator’s meal. Therefore, they instinctively mask pain.
Signs of pain are so very subtle that it is easy to miss them. Even if you are extremely observant and spend a lot of time with them, pets hide pain. They might stop doing things that are difficult for them, like jumping up on furniture or playing with toys. We often assume they are “just getting old” because their activity level declines and the changes are gradual. We used to miss a lot of pain in veterinary medicine, but we are getting much better at identifying and treating it.
For more on how pain affects behaviour and how to figure out if your pet is in pain, see:
Signs of Pain in Pets – Veterinary Partner – VIN
How do I know if my cat is in pain?
Can pain be treated safely and naturally with herbs? Are herbs safe to combine with prescription pain medications?
First, we need to look at the supplement’s quality and safety. Most “over-the-counter” products sold for pets lack third-party evaluation for purity and potency, have inaccurate or missing label information, and make unsubstantiated claims. At TIAH, we only use professional-grade products from companies we trust. These companies share manufacturing details such as GMP and ISO certification and use DNA or chemical “fingerprinting” to ensure that the plant material is the correct species and potency. The companies we use for pet-labelled products are members in good standing of the National Animal Supplements Council.
We can’t forget sustainability. Is the supplement from a sustainable source? Devil’s claw, Harpagophytum procumbens, has received a lot of publicity as a botanical for arthritis pain and inflammation. It is found primarily in the Kalahari Desert in Africa and has not yet been successfully cultivated. The plant’s root tubers are the medicinal part, and great care is needed in harvesting to prevent damage to the “mother” plant.
The products we sell can be more expensive than those you see online and in local pet shops. But what is more expensive than paying for ineffective or harmful supplements?
Now, on to what you are really here for….
Turmeric, Curcuma longa (root), which contains curcumin, is one of my favourite herbs for pain relief, but it has very LOW bioavailability as a raw herb powder. It acts on nitric oxide pathways instead of the COX pathways blocked by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), so it is safe to combine with those drugs. Ask us how to prepare raw turmeric powder or for guidance on brands and formulations proven to be bioavailable.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, different parts of the turmeric root are used for different health issues. The Rhizome, Jiang Huang, is used more for pain, especially in the forelimbs, while the Tuber, Yu Jin, is used more for liver disorders.
Alfalfa, Medicago sativa (above-ground parts: leaf, stem, and flower), is a nourishing and restoring herb. It doesn’t do much for pain by itself, so it is usually used as a component in herbal formulas for pain. Constituents include phytoestrogens, Calcium, vitamins A, C, E, and K, saponin, and phenols. Gently steamed alfalfa sprouts are a great addition to the diet!
Corydalis ambigua (root), called Yan Hu Suo in Chinese, is an excellent analgesic, especially for cancer pain. It inhibits dopamine release in the brain; use caution when combining it with medications that change dopamine levels. It also lowers blood pressure and interacts with calcium channel blocker heart medications. As well, it can inhibit platelets, which potentially leads to increased risk of bleeding, of special concern if surgery is planned. It is often combined with other Chinese herbs in classical formulas such as Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan, translated as Fantastically Effective Pill to Invigorate the Channels.
Cannabis extracts containing CBD, CBG, and terpenes (but minimal amounts of THC) can be a valuable part of pain management, in areas where legal options are available. How to know if it’s safe and effective.
It is important to note that there are many kinds of pain. Many herbs only have a good effect on specific kinds of pain; it is important to use the right herbs for your pet.
Before using any supplement for your pet, please consult with a qualified veterinary herbalist.
To find a qualified veterinary herbalist near you, check the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine list of qualified veterinarians.
