Whether your pet is in pain from an injury, surgery, or illness, it can be heartbreaking to see them in discomfort, especially when they can’t communicate their feelings with words. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help manage their pain as a pet parent.

Here are three tips from the team of veterinarians at Dells Animal Hospital in Wisconsin Dells on animal care and pain management for your pet:

• Hot Or Ice Packs: Depending on the cause and nature of your pet’s pain, hot or ice packs can come in handy as simple pain management devices. If, for instance, your pet has suffered a sudden injury or is recovering from surgery, an ice pack applied for 20-minute stretches at a time can ease swelling. A chronic pain issue, like muscle aches, is better treated with a hot pack, which promote blood flow and circulation.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy or acupuncture is a good animal care strategy, but it is especially helpful when your pet is in pain. A certified pet rehabilitation specialist can identify the sources of pain and use proven methods, such as massages, aquatic therapy, and cold laser therapy, as ways to ease the discomfort. It is also a popular pain management and animal care technique for chronic pain; they can function better on a daily basis in spite of their conditions.
• Supplements & Diets: Supplements that contain joint and bone health-aiding compounds can be effective ways of easing your dog’s pain without expensive treatments.  Supplements can come in dietary form, cooked into pet food, or as separate entities to be taken orally; ask your veterinarian for suitable options. Managing your pet’s weight through their diet is also an important element of animal care; overweight pets suffer more stress on their joints, which can cause pain.

For more on animal care methods for your pet’s pain, consult a veterinarian at Dells Animal Hospital by calling for an appointment at (608) 253-7361 or visiting their website. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook for more helpful tips and the latest updates.