Muscle pain is a common complaint in dogs and cats, especially with pets that are very active or playful. It can be caused by many things, including injury, overuse, infection, inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, and even psychological stress. The most common cause of muscle pain in pets is injury, which usually occurs from overexertion during exercise or play. In some cases, you may not be able to easily identify the source of the problem, at least right away. If you suspect that your pet has been injured, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately so that you can treat any underlying problems. There are some things you can do to help your pet with muscle pain in the meantime and afterward though, such as what’s listed below. Here are three ways to help your pet with muscle pain.
Manage Your Pet’s Activity
If your pet is playing or running too much, you’ll want to limit the activity so that the muscles can heal. This will also prevent any further injury and promote quicker recovery. You should consult a veterinarian for advice about how best to keep your pet in shape and even schedule routine check-ups with them if needed. Consider veterinarian-prescribed pain medications provided by the veterinarian if they can’t take any breaks or show signs of discomfort during resting periods between exercises.
Help the Muscle Heal
After your dog or cat has been injured, it’s important to help them heal and repair the muscles as quickly as possible. To encourage this process, try supplementing certain nutrients into their diet essential for muscle development, such as omega 3 fatty acids that promote healthy joints. If you have time during their mealtime (after they have eaten but before going outside), be sure to read the label carefully to be certain that the product is healthy for your pet. If it’s not, switch over to a more nutritious option after the next few days. Also, consider other products such as oxygen healing gel for animals to alleviate muscle pain.
Antibiotics
If the broken or injured area is large and infected, then antibiotics can help to reduce pain. If your pet has a fever or infection in the muscle that worsens with exercise, then an antibiotic may also be recommended. After taking antibiotics for several days and still experiencing ongoing pain or signs of injury, it often indicates that they must take them longer than they’re needed. This will eventually kill healthy bacteria necessary for healing. Consult a veterinarian for more advice and bring up this subject with your vet if it persists or worsens over time, especially after the initial prescription wears off.
While it may be hard to tell how your dog or cat feels after they’ve been injured, the extent of pain they’re feeling should subside quickly with proper attention and treatment. By listening to your vet and following the suggestions mentioned above, you can promote healthy healing in your pet’s muscles and prevent further injury by helping them recover properly and reducing the chances of further damage.