Proven Natural Ways to Ease Your Dog’s Pain * All Natural Pet Care

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September 17, 2026

On September 17, 2026

Dogs can experience pain for as many reasons as humans can. The problem is they can’t tell us what’s wrong. It can leave pet parents frustrated as their heart breaks for their baby’s suffering.

If you suspect your dog is in pain, the first step is to visit your veterinarian for a diagnosis and pain management plan. The following suggestions may help with pain management, but should only be introduced after consulting with your vet.

Many devices and supplements are on the market to help treat canine pain and the conditions that cause it. However, only a few have been studied extensively enough to prove their claims. That’s typical for natural remedies and many times we act on anecdotal evidence out of necessity, but it’s difficult to find veterinarians who will consider ‘unproven’ methods. The below suggestions are the best of both worlds. They have solid science behind them and are most likely to alleviate suffering.

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Laser Therapy Photobiomodulation (PMB)

Photobiomodulation (better known as Laser Therapy or Red Light Therapy), is a quick and painless way to help repair cells and reduce inflammation. It’s used for humans and animals, both in medical settings and at home.

“Does it work? We have seen impressive results in patients receiving it,” says Dr. Nate Heilman, “and our experience is consistent with what is noted in the veterinary community.”

Laser therapy is often used to treat either chronic (such as arthritis) or temporary (such as post-surgery) pain, as well as to speed the healing of wounds like hotspots.

There’s quite a large selection of laser therapy devices on the market, including this Cold Laser Therapy Device for Pets.

That said, red light laser therapy is a tool used to speed recovery and manage pain, it isn’t a cure for anything.

“It’s important to be clear about what “works” means here,” cautions Red Light Therapy for Dogs: The Complete 2026 Guide. “Red light therapy is not a cure for any disease. It’s a complementary therapy — a tool that supports the body’s natural healing processes alongside veterinary care, appropriate medication, and lifestyle management. Think of it the way you’d think about physical therapy for a human recovering from knee surgery. It’s not replacing the surgery. It’s supporting recovery and improving outcomes.”

Seaweed

Seaweed is used for pain management, although we don’t know the full extent of it yet. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been studied, as well as its ability to promote collagen synthesis, both of which helps with arthritis and back pain. Additionally, its anti-bacterial properties can help prevent painful infections and its stellar nutritional profile both supports and facilitates healing. Personally, we’re so convinced of the benefits of seaweed supplements that my family (including pets) has been ingesting it for years.

Different species of seaweed excel at different things, which we explain in further detail in Double the Power of Seaweed by Mixing Types (Infographic).

Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake Mushrooms offer powerful anti-inflammatory properties that have proven effective for dogs and humans, reducing pain as inflammation subsides.

“Shiitake mushrooms exhibit significant anti-inflammatory properties, primarily attributed to their rich content of bioactive compounds such as ß-glucans, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds,” concludes The therapeutic potential of Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) study. “These constituents modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa ), while promoting anti-inflammatory mediators.”

You can use Shiitake Mushroom powder and add it to dog food, or grab a supplement that’s specifically for pets, like Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) for Pets.

Acupuncture & Acupressure Therapy

For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used to encourage and facilitate healing. It’s often practiced to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It’s been studied in the treatment of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions with promising results.

Acupressure is a non-invasive form of acupuncture that has also proven to be effective in treating musculoskeletal issues in animals. It’s especially good for muscular issues because it can both relieve pain and help address the issue itself.

There are several books on the topic that you’ll find yourself referring to repeatedly, including Dog Reflexology and Acupressure by Vivian Birlie.

Dog Massage Therapy

Massage is especially effective for relieving pain from muscle strain and spasms. Pet massage relaxes the muscles and tendons, loosens muscle spasms, assists the lymphatic system, moves toxins through release, improves blood flow, and increases oxygen flow to the area.

There are several pet massage techniques that may be used alone or combined:

Effleurage: Use long strokes, slowly over the full length of your pet. This technique is often used at the beginning and end of a massage.

Circles: Gently press down with your fingers and rotate in small circles.

Rissage: If it isn’t too painful, gently wrap your fingers around muscles that are not over bones and knead.

Trigger: If you feel a ‘knot’ or spasm, gently press on it, hold for 5-10 seconds and release.

An excellent guide is Healing Touch for Dogs: The Proven Massage Program by Dr. Michael W. Fox.

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to the Mediterranean. The leaves, stems and flowers may be used, but flowers are the typical choice for therapeutic and medicinal use on pets. The most common forms are dry herb, (heavily diluted) essential oil, ‘tea’, or Bach Flower Remedies.

Lavender is a favorite of holistic veterinarians and pet product manufacturers for its proven natural properties that include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic (pain killer).

Sea Cucumber

When whole Sea Cucumber is supplemented, it can be effective in the treatment of joint pain, arthritis, and tendonitis. It is believed to inhibit prostaglandins which cause pain with arthritis, and is also an anti-inflammatory.

Some of the painful conditions that may be treated with Sea Cucumber include:

Arthritis
Chronic joint pain
Tendonitis
Muscle and ligament sprains or strains
Tissue damage

Sea Cucumber is nutritious, healing, and boasts anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-parasite properties to such an extent that it has been effective in treating malaria. Learn more in Sea Cucumber for Dogs, Cats, Horses, Fish and Invertebrates.

Turmeric / Curcumin

Muscle spasms and irritated nerves are the most painful part of a muscle strain or sprain in dogs. These spasms begin as the body’s attempt to stabilize the area around the injury so it can heal. Unfortunately, once muscles start to spasm they can continue long after the initial problem has been resolved. Combine that with inflammation and the pain can be excruciating and relentless.

Turmeric powder can be used as an effective external treatment of muscle strain, sprains and bruising. Mix powder with a bit of hot water to make a poultice and apply to the affected area. Wrap with a bandage to prevent licking. Turmeric supplements will also help, especially if inflammation and spasms are causing the pain.

“The findings appear to suggest that dietary integration with palmitoyl-glucosamine co-micronized with curcumin was able to maintain meloxicam-induced pain relief in dogs with severe OA chronic pain,” says a study by BMC Veterinary Research.

Even mixed with food, Turmeric supplements have a strong taste that dogs may reject. If that happens, try flavored Turmeric drops made for dogs like Curcumin Mobility Drops.

Heat (Thermotherapy) & Cold (Cryotherapy) Therapy

Heat and cold can be used as an effective pain reliever, depending on the condition. For muscles, apply cold for a few minutes for inflammation, then switch to heat for longer periods.

For conditions causing chronic inflammation, cold options might offer more relief.

“Cold application constricts blood vessels, slows metabolic activity in tissue, and reduces the release of inflammatory mediators at the joint,” writes Amanda Brooks, MS, CNS. “When applied to an inflamed joint, cold therapy decreases local swelling, numbs nerve endings to reduce pain perception, and limits the inflammatory cascade that follows activity or a flare-up.”

Heat is used more to relax muscles and improve blood flow. It also blocks pain signals to a certain extent.

“Dr. Callahan explained that heat therapy also activates thermoreceptors that compete with pain signals through the gate control mechanism. ‘Essentially, the warmth sensation partially blocks pain transmission at the spinal cord level. It’s the same reason a warm bath feels good when your back hurts.’”

For chronic conditions causing inflammation, try a cooling mat for dogs so they can use it whenever they feel they need to. If your dog needs a steady supply of heat to soothe their muscles and relieve their pain, try a heating pad for dogs.

Anti-inflammatory Foods for Dogs

Some foods excel at reducing inflammation, just like some can increase it. Consider adding the following anti-inflammatory foods to your dog’s diet (under the guidance of your veterinarian):

Sardines (Omega 3)
Krill (Omega 3, Astaxanthin carotenoid)
Organic pasteurized eggs (Fatty acids, Choline)
Extra-virgin olive oil (Omega 3 & compounds that inhibit the production of the inflammatory chemicals, much like NSAID’s)
Bell Peppers (Antioxidants, carotenoids, Vitamin C, capsaicin)
Dark leafy greens (Antioxidants, carotenoids, Vitamin C)
Blueberries & Blackberries (flavonoids, carotenoids, Vitamin C)
Mango (Antioxidants, beta-carotene, Vitamin C & E)
Apples (Boron)
Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and barley (Lowers levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker)

These natural remedies for pain in dogs are a solid place to start, as you work with your vet to reduce or eliminate their suffering.

Have you tried any natural options to manage your dog’s pain? Please share your experience or questions in the comments below.

Sources & References

Emma Camilleri et al. The therapeutic potential of Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). 2025.

Giorgia della Rocca et al. Palmitoyl-glucosamine co-micronized with curcumin for maintenance of meloxicam-induced pain relief in dogs with osteoarthritis pain. 2023.

Tilford, Gregory. Wulff, Mary. Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life. 2009.

Messonnier, Shawn DVM. Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats: Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements. 2001.