herbal analgesics for dogs

An evidence-based overview of the use of herbal analgesics to help relieve pain and support control of inflammation in dogs. 

Pain management is a critical component of veterinary care, particularly for dogs suffering from chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, and age-related mobility decline. As interest in integrative medicine continues to grow, veterinarians are increasingly exploring evidence-based herbal analgesics and nutraceuticals as adjuncts to conventional therapies. This article reviews the scientific basis for herbal pain relief in dogs, examines the roles of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in pain development, and highlights natural compounds that may help improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life in canine patients. 

Causes and signs of pain in dogs 

There are multiple reasons why a dog may be in pain. It may be something acute (e.g. post-surgery), or it may be more chronic (e.g. pain from joint problems). Following are the main causes of pain in dogs:  

  • Physical injury 
  • Post-surgery 
  • Arthritis (most notably osteoarthritis) 
  • Hip and joint problems 
  • Gut-brain and gut-disc axis dysbiosis 
  • Infections (e.g. ear or bladder) 
  • Constipation and digestive issues 
  • Cancer (bone cancer is particularly painful) 
  • Pancreatitis. 

Signs of pain in dogs include: 

  • Limping 
  • Whimpering and/or whining 
  • Subdued behavior and reduced activity  
  • Lack of energy and lethargy 
  • Agitation or restlessness  
  • Reduced appetite 
  • Drinking more or less 
  • Swelling 
  • Fussing, licking or chewing the area. 

Top natural pain relief options for dogs  

CBD oil/hemp: Interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to manage pain, inflammation, and anxiety. 

Turmeric (curcumin): Known for strong anti-inflammatory properties, helpful for arthritis. 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil): Reduces inflammation, particularly beneficial for joint health and arthritis. 

Herbal remedies: 

  • Boswellia (Indian Frankincense): Used for chronic pain and lameness. Combine with turmeric (Curcuma longa) for enhanced pain relief. 
  • Devil’s claw: Helps alleviate joint pain. 
  • Yucca: Contains saponins that reduce inflammation.                                                                                                                                                                           Physical therapies: 
  • Cold compresses: Best for acute injuries and reducing swelling. 
  • Warm compresses: Ideal for chronic pain and stiff muscles. 
  • Acupuncture and massage: Used for nerve pain, arthritis, and mobility issues.  

Other natural options 

Cat’s claw root extract: Helps with infections and inflammation and controls overall pain. 

Fish oil: Delivers Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (9:1 ratio) to ease digestion, moisturize skin, and lubricate sore joints.  

Willow bark extract: Also known as “nature’s aspirin,” it supports pain relief and help controls inflammation.  

Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei: This beneficial probiotic bacterium found in fermented dairy products and the gut enhances digestive health, boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, and helps manage allergies.  

Some commercial sources: Plena Curae; Pawfy Pain Relief; Dog Pain Away; Dog Gone Pain; Turmeric for Dogs; Golden Turmeric Paste.  

OS and INFLAM: major contributors to arthritic and muscular pain  

Cellular oxidative stress (OS) and chronic inflammation (INFLAM) are widely accepted as major underlying risk factors that play key roles in a range of human and animal disorders. This fact is supported by many peer-reviewed scientific studies.  

Environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors influence OS and chronic INFLAM. Specific dietary components, along with a range of nutraceuticals, simple exercise regimens, and certain drugs can reduce these risk factors significantly.  

OS that develops from exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been documented to affect longevity, although the precise molecular mechanisms are still to be determined.  Molecular biomarkers such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), isoprostanes, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) have been identified to aid in studying longevity and for monitoring OS. 

Sources of ROS vary widely and include metabolism, aging, disease, exercise, environmental toxins, inflammation and immune activation, and poor or imbalanced diet (high fat and sugar). 

Additional factors and other biomarkers of OS  

Gene expression: Up-regulation of antioxidant synthesis helps restore oxidant/antioxidant balance (cell redox). 

Adaptive response: Involves changes in gene expression that result in elevated antioxidant defenses. Inappropriate use of antioxidants may severely blunt the adaptive response. 

Cell injury: Physiological reaction draws immune cells and molecules to sites of cell injury. This may be transient or irreversible, leading to cell death by necrosis or apoptosis.  

Signaling pathways: Moderate amounts of ROS and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) are important regulatory mediators in cell signaling processes. The body responds through complex pathways to restore oxidant/antioxidant balance. This physiological mechanism drives vital cellular functions. 

DNA damage: Investigations have measured the products of DNA damage, including the 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine excised from OS-damaged DNA by repair enzymes. However, these assays are unreliable for clinical use. Only tissue biopsy is confirmatory, but impractical for wellness screening.  

Protein damage: Measurements of the by-products of protein damage have not been standardized for assessing human or animal health. 

Lipid peroxidation: This is one of the major outcomes of ROS-mediated injury to tissue. The peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids occurs mostly in membrane phospholipids. Many methods have been developed to measure levels of oxidized lipids in body fluids. Most widely used is the measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), although it lacks specificity and has multiple interferences. More recently, quantifying specific oxidized lipids includes measuring MDA and prostaglandin PGF2-α in plasma or urine.  

Interferon: This protein has a well-established role in cancer and cardiovascular disease. Studies support the use of NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen to reduce the risk of both disorders in humans. Other biomarkers for interferon include the measurement of eicosanoid metabolites and certain cytokines.  

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α): This endogenous pyrogen is produced primarily by activated macrophages. It induces fever and apoptotic cell death and is a primary mediator of INFLAM.  

Nitrous oxide (NO): NO is produced in mammals by three isoforms of NOS that have many physiological and pathophysiological roles, ranging from regulation of vascular tone to inflammation and cancer. During INFLAM, the levels of NOS isoforms may increase up to 1,000-fold, providing a sensitive barometer for its effects. NO is highly reactive, with multiple by-products produced in vivo, including peroxynitrate, nitrate and nitrite (collectively NOx). Certain drugs and by-products from the digestion of foods containing high levels of nitrates will also contribute to this measured NOx level.  

Urinary protein: When present in large amounts, urinary protein is a widely recognized biomarker for kidney damage. Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is caused by the action of inflammatory cytokines on the kidney, which along with the increased urine protein occurs during INFLAM.  

Creatinine: The metabolic product of muscle tissue, creatinine is a normal constituent in urine. However, elevated levels can be excreted by those eating high protein diets such as meat, or those undergoing athletic or other physical training, or suffering from kidney disease. Further, cooking meat converts creatine to creatinine, which can significantly increase urinary creatinine levels shortly after ingestion.  

Specific gravity (SG): This is a measure of material density relative to that of pure water at 1.0000). Large molecules such as glucose, albumin, phosphates, sulfates, and heavy metals contribute more to the SG of a urine specimen than low-molecular-weight substances such as sodium, chloride, and urea.  

Antioxidant enzymes and defenses 

Vertebrates have multiple highly-regulated antioxidant (AO) systems, such that large changes in healthy individuals would not be anticipated. In order to minimize damage to essential biomolecules, all organisms that utilize oxygen must have very effective AO systems. These include a range of enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic mechanisms: 

  • Non-enzymatic mechanisms include both hydrophilic (e.g. uric acid, vitamin C, bilirubin, and glutathione) and hydrophobic (most importantly vitamin E) AOs. 
  • Enzymatic AO mechanisms either directly metabolize ROS (e.g. superoxide dismutase and catalase) or replenish the supply of reduced ROS scavengers (e.g. glutathione reductase). 

Many factors influence AO capacity. It is therefore important to be able to quantitatively assess the TAC within biological specimens.  

Primary antioxidants: Include catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Under extreme stress, this system can be overwhelmed, and free radicals will build up. ROS and RNS, and their by-products, are released into the blood and tissues, leading to tissue and organ destruction and contributing to the development of a variety of diseases. 

Secondary antioxidants: Include vitamins C and E, selenium, zinc, CoQ10 (ubiquinone), alpha-lipoic acid, and bioflavonoids (carotenoids, polyphenols). They assist cells in removing free radicals (ROS/ RNS) but need to be replenished by diet and supplements. 

Cell injury in impaired renal function    

Dogs with impaired renal function of various causes have a markedly higher expression of three cytokines and 5-lipoxygenase compared to healthy dogs. The elevated cytokines include interleukins 1-α and 1-β and transforming growth factor-β. These markers are part of the cellular inflammatory response to both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.             

Exogenous compounds derived from diet include those listed above plus B-vitamins, CoQ10 (ubiquinone), Omega-3 oils, and polyphenols.   

The blood glutathione (GSH) assay and AO  

The transcription of SOD and catalase enzymes is highly regulated by the binding of the transcription nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to the AO response element. While activated Nrf2 can be evaluated in a research setting, it is not a suitable clinical biomarker. The serum glutathione level, which is dependent on glutathione peroxidase induction, is therefore a reasonable surrogate biomarker for Nrf2 activity.  

Diagnostic assessment  

Hundreds of methods for measuring biomarkers, developed and employed in biomedical research, support OS and inflammation as major risk factors for multiple diseases. However, with few exceptions, tests for these risk factors have generally been restricted to research laboratories and/or clinical trials and have not been readily available for the routine monitoring of human (or animal) health and wellness. 

Furthermore, these biomarkers, especially those for OS and AO, are notoriously unstable, as the ex vivo reaction of air with biofluids during transit, storage and/or processing can cause very large artifactual values. Rapid analysis close to the site of sample collection is essential for obtaining more reliable results. 

The effects of nutraceuticals on pain 

Herbs to reduce inflammation 

The following herbals can reduce tissue INFLAM and promote AO activity in dogs at all life stages, especially geriatrics: 

  • Aloe vera 
  • Andrographis paniculata (King of bitters) 
  • Arnica montana 
  • Basil 
  • Boswellia 
  • Gingko biloba 
  • Green tea 
  • Hawthorn 
  • Lavender 
  • Lemon balm 
  • Licorice 
  • Oregano 
  • Nettle leaf 
  • Rosemary 
  • Sage 
  • Thyme 
  • Turmeric (curcumin extract) 
  • Willow bark (a relative of aspirin, but do not combine with NSAIDs)  
  • Yucca root. 

Studies have shown that adding oregano essential oil (OEO) to animal feed can significantly improve growth performance and health status and reduce the occurrence of disease. At the same time, pharmacokinetic studies in animals show that the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes of OEO in animals have good bioavailability.  

For geriatric pets and people, these supplements ease pain and stress, and thereby enhance an individual’s mobility. 

Echinacea (E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, purple coneflower) – parts used: herb and root. Indications: stimulates nonspecific immunity, anti-inflammatory, used for colds in humans (with goldenseal) and canine chronic and seasonal upper respiratory infection. 

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – also known as pot marigold, popular, easy-to-grow annual herb with bright yellow or orange daisy-like edible flowers used for medicinal, culinary, and dyeing purposes. Parts used: flowers. Indications: burns, conjunctivitis, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory. 

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) – tannins and polyphenol catechins in tea are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Green tea is more effective than white or black tea as it releases activity faster. Use as decoction (quick boiling of plant or herb for medicinal use) or as infusion. For itching, irritated belly, or licking of feet, make green tea bag poultice: make tea, let it cool, take the wet (not dripping) tea bag or thin washcloth dipped in the tea and place it over the area for about five minutes. Repeat as often as needed. Add green tea to dog’s meals twice daily (1/4 cup per 20 pounds). Bathe dogs with bad skin in tea three times a week.  

Turmeric tea and root (Curcuma longa) — use like other medicinal teas, orange colored member of ginger family, potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, protects against certain cancers, treats osteoarthritis, supports liver, gut, and heart health, pain relief, may prevent cataracts, benefits those with IBD/IBS and allergies, lowers blood sugar, and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease in people. Potentiated by black pepper, but do not use it with black pepper in dogs – can have severe reaction.  

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – helps digestion, reduces arthritic pain, for nausea, gas, cough, bronchitis, appetite stimulant, anti-cancer. Can use as a tea. 

Cinnamon bark – potent polyphenol antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lowers blood glucose/anti-diabetic, reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, helps prevent cancer, neuroprotective. 

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – for leaky gut and other digestive issues like heartburn, ulcers, colic, chronic gastritis. For treating prostate cancer, eczema, adrenal fatigue, antidepressant. Can use as a tea. 

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) – natural anti-inflammatory to manage arthritis pain, allergies, skin conditions, and perhaps headaches/migraine relief. Flea repellent. Potential topical irritant. Avoid in pregnancy. Use cautiously to avoid digestive distress. Can use as a tea. 

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) – used for muscle spasms and pain. Be cautious for toxicity especially when used with valerian root (unpredictable sedation, and can even increase nervousness, restlessness). 

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) – generally considered safe for dogs in small, controlled amounts as a herbal supplement to manage anxiety, pain, and sleep. In large amounts, causes GI stress with vomiting and diarrhea. 

Nutraceuticals and herbs to relieve OA pain and improve mobility  

  • Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables — vegetable extracts made from fruits and seeds of avocado and soybean oil [1:2]; daily intake reduces pain from inflammatory interleukins 1,6,8 and prostaglandins. 
  • Boswellia serrata — rich in boswellic acids; decreases pain, increases knee and hip flexion, increases walking distance, reduces TNF-α and interleukin1. 
  • Capsaicin — from chili pepper, creates heat that reduces pain and stiffness.  
  • Collagen –– contained in foods like fish and meat; biologically active amino acids are proline and hydroxyproline; modulate humoral and cellular immune response, stimulate chondrocyte glycosaminoglycan synthesis. 
  • Curcumin/turmeric (Curcuma longa) — has chondroprotective, AO and anti-INFLAM effects, decreases interleukins 1β and 6, and type II collagen degradation. 
  • Devil’s claw (South African herb) — anti-INFLAM, pain relieving; has AO and appetite suppressant effects. 
  • Gingerols (ginger) –– reduces inflammatory markers, decreases joint pain while standing and walking, modulates gut microbiome.  
  • Ginko biloba — AO, may benefit cognitive function, mood, and circulation by boosting blood flow to the brain.  
  • Glucosamine/chondroitin –– reduces ROS by lowering interleukins 1 and 6, and TNF-α; maintains plasma NO, improves tissue regeneration. 
  • Green lipped mussel (GLM) – highly effective, natural remedy for joint pain, inflammation, and mobility issues, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, ETA) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Sourced primarily from New Zealand, reduces stiffness and supports cartilage health, acting as natural alternative to NSAIDs. Use as powder or capsule; avoid if shellfish intolerant. 
  • Green tea — reduces ROS, prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase, interleukins 1β, TNF-α, NO and NF-kB. 
  • Hyaluronic acid –– mucopolysaccharide that provides chondroprotection; offers mechanical effect by lubricating joint capsule to decrease friction and reduce nociceptors that activate pain. 
  • L-carnitine –– may help support weight loss, brain function, and disease prevention. 
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) – inhibits NF-kB and phosphorylation; reduces interleukins 1, 1β, TNF-α, cyclooxygenase, and NO; activates Nrf2. 
  • Omega-3 fatty acids — EPA and DHA from fish oils, flax, and some other plants. 
  • Pycnogenol — similar to polyphenols. 
  • Polyphenols (pomegranate juice, pine bark, green tea) – anthocyanins that have anti-AO and anti-INFLAM effects. 
  • S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) – protects liver cells and liver function.  
  • Soy isoflavones — potent AO and activator of Nrf2 pathways. 
  • Systemic multi-enzyme therapy (Wolf’s Solution to reduce body’s fibrin buildup from inflammation) – anti-INFLAM.  
  • Vitamin C –– ascorbic acid; highly effective AO for reduced ROS and NO; important for synthesis of collagen, carnitine and neurotransmitters. Note that while dogs can synthesize their own vitamin C in the liver, the amounts are often insufficient. 
  • Vitamin D — important for bone health; immunoregulates inflammation by influencing macrophages, dendritic cells and T and B lymphocytes; reduces TNF-α and interleukin 1 inflammatory pathways that deteriorate cartilage. Found in mushrooms, fatty fish, egg yolks, and vitamin D and D3 fortified products.  

An integrative approach to improving mobility, especially in senior dogs, should address the underlying causes of age-related decline, such as OS and chronic INFLAM. Combining dietary adjustments, nutraceuticals, and adjunct therapies can significantly enhance the quality of life for canine patients. This evidence-based strategy not only helps alleviate symptoms of conditions like osteoarthritis, but also supports long-term health by targeting the root causes of musculoskeletal degeneration. As research continues to evolve, these therapies hold promise for advancing the care of senior dogs, providing them with more comfort and improved mobility in their later years. 

Flavonoids play key role in combating OS 

Flavonoids, the large family of polyphenolic compounds synthesized by plants, play a pivotal role in the Nrf2 regulatory pathway of OS stress. Dietary flavonoids provide multiple health benefits and work mainly by acting as antioxidants and activators of Nrf2 pathways and the body’s defensive systems.  

Flavonoids comprise the following subclasses: anthocyanidins (pigmented vegetables and berries), flavanols (quercetin, green and other teas, kale, broccoli, berries, and apples), flavanones (citrus fruits, parsley, thyme, and celery), and isoflavones (genistein; soybeans, legumes). 

Compounded vs human medical products in animal medicine  

While recent research identified 1,564 new medications licensed for various animal species, this number is far below the over 35,000 new medications registered for humans, as reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  

Nevertheless, the field of veterinary pharmacology is rapidly expanding, and the use of compounded medications has become increasingly important in clinical veterinary therapy. These products can be compounded with tasty flavors that make it easier to medicate fussy pets, especially cats. However, veterinarians still have to resort to prescribing human medications when veterinary products are unavailable or more costly, 

Other teas for medical uses 

Pigment (anthocyanin) intensity enhances the antioxidant capacity of tea. 

  • Rooibos tea – for stroke, headaches, insomnia, asthma, eczema, hypertension, and allergies. Free of caffeine and low in tannins. 
  • Sage tea – anti-colon cancer. 
  • Cinnamon tea – high antioxidant properties. 
  • Fennel tea and seeds – good for IBD/IBS (gas, bloating, abdominal cramps). Not for seizure patients (neurotransmitter). 
  • Bacopa monnieri tea – sharpens mind and intellect; inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL6). 
  • Mullein tea – for coughs and upper respiratory issues. Helps dogs with partial or collapsed tracheal rings. Brew strong mullein tea (1 cup boiled water and 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves or flowers) and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink or add to food daily, as needed. 
  • White and black tea – for inflamed Shar Pei wrinkles; also for diarrhea.  
  • Hibiscus tea – for high blood pressure and cholesterol, upset digestion, avian influenza, and liver disease; reduces cancer risk.  
  • Chamomile tea – protects skin, lowers stress, regulates sleep, boosts immune system, treats bowel issues. 
  • Calendula (marigold) tea or lotion – for sore throat and mouth, cancer, stomach and duodenal ulcers. Apply to skin to soothe, reduce pain and swelling. 

Conclusion

Herbal analgesics and nutraceuticals can play a valuable role in multimodal pain management for dogs, particularly when used alongside conventional veterinary therapies. By targeting underlying factors such as inflammation and oxidative stress, these natural interventions may help improve mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. As research continues to expand, veterinarians can make informed, evidence-based decisions about incorporating herbal remedies into individualized treatment plans for canine patients. 

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AUTHOR PROFILE

Dr. Jean Dodds received her veterinary degree in 1964 from the Ontario Veterinary College. In 1986, she established Hemopet, the first non-profit national blood bank program for animals. Today, Hemopet also runs Hemolife, an international veterinary specialty diagnostics service. Dr. Dodds has been a member of many committees on hematology, animal models of human disease and veterinary medicine. She received the Holistic Veterinarian of the Year Award from the AHVMA in 1994, has served two terms on the AHVMA’s Board of Directors, chairs their Communications Committee, and currently serves on the Board of the AHVMF, as well as its Research Grant and Editorial Committees.