Fido doesn't have to suffer in pain! Alternative methods for pain management in pets

Have you ever wished there are different ways to manage your pet's arthritis pain? Tired of wrestling with your pet to get them to take pills? Take comfort in knowing there are alternative methods of pain management for dogs and cats.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is excellent for pain management in dogs and cats. It can be used for many types of pain, ranging from hip dysplasia and intervertebral disk disease to tummy pain. Acupuncture releases natural pain killers the body makes, increases blood flow and stimulates tissues to heal. It is excellent for animals that do not tolerate traditional NSAID drugs like Rimadyl, Carprofen, Dermaxx, Previcox of Metacam. Acupuncture is great for cats who cannot take NSAID medicines because of kidney disease. Many animals enjoy their acupuncture treatments, and frequently fall asleep during the treatment! We never sedate the animal for the treatment session.

Assisi Loop

The Assisi Loop is a FDA approved NPAID (Non-pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory device) that uses pulsed electromagnetic currents to accelerate healing and control pain. The Assisi Loop increases blood flow, increases oxygen in the blood and has anti-inflammatory effects. The loop calls to the body to heal itself! It helps pets with arthritis, tendon injuries (like ruptured cruciate ligaments/ ACL tears), and patellar luxations. It reduces pain and swelling and help wounds or incisions heal. The loop can also be used for abdominal pain from GI conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis or lymphoma. It is easy to use at home. Just place the loop over the affected area for 15 minutes 4 times daily for the first 2 weeks, then twice daily after the initial 2 weeks. Annie (pictured above) is enjoying her treatment with the loop. For more information see www.assisianimalhealth.com

Essential Oils

Several essential oils can be used for pain management in animals. Copaiba (diluted appropriately) can replace NSAIDs in animals. Frankincense, Helichrysum, Idaho Balsam Fir and Lavender can also be used for pain management. For dilution instructions please see our previous blog on Essential oil use in an animals.

Cold Laser Therapy (Therapeutic Laser)

Therapeutic lasers use specific red and near-infrared wavelengths to increase circulation, decrease inflammation, pain and stimulate tissue healing. Laser therapy is very effective in reducing pain and soft tissue swelling. It can also be used on surgical incisions.

How can I tell if my pet is in pain?

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