A Pain-free Dog is a Happy Dog

Over the past few years, veterinarians have made significant steps toward understanding how dogs experience pain and finding effective ways to treat that pain.

It is instinctive for many dogs to hide their pain as a survival strategy, which has historically led well-meaning experts to speculate that dogs cannot feel pain. It is now known that dogs have a nervous system that is similar to human’s, and we can manage their pain better when we recognize it.

It’s imperative to us that our dogs are always happy. Pet parents need to educate themselves about the varieties of drugs available to treat dogs’ pain because a pain-free dog is a happy dog. How do I provide pain relief for my dog? If you follow your veterinarian’s guidance, you’ll find that you have many options to consider, including OTC, prescriptions, and holistic solutions.

OTC Medication Do’s And Don’ts

There are several ways to help ease their pain. Your vet will recommend medications according to what is happening and how your dog has always been.

NSAIDs

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, helps reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain in humans, and it can also help your dog. If your pet has arthritis or has just recovered from surgery, they can provide relief.

However, please do not give them anything from your medicine cabinet. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen should not be given to dogs.

Dogs can take the following NSAIDs:

• carprofen
• deracoxib
• firocoxib
• meloxicam
• grapipant

There are few side effects associated with NSAIDs for dogs. However, they can increase the risk of kidney, liver, or digestive problems.

When your dog reacts badly to an NSAID, you may be able to tell. Here are some signs to remember:

• Changes in behavior
• Consuming less food
• Redness and scabs on the skin
• Vomiting/diarrhea/tarry stool

Don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you notice these symptoms.

NSAIDs such as aspirin are over-the-counter medicines. If your dog has an injury or other short-term condition, your doctor may approve giving it to him for a limited time. The medication shouldn’t be used in dogs for long periods because of its higher risk of side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding. It would help if you gave aspirin with food and preferably coated aspirin. Consult your veterinarian for how much and how often to administer.

Pain Relief Dos And Don’ts

• Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. If necessary, your veterinarian may prescribe one or more NSAIDs for your pup; these are effective and non-toxic when used on dogs. A veterinarian might prescribe other pain medications for your cat if NSAIDs aren’t approved for long-term use.
• Pet owners should never give their pets over-the-counter pain medications without consulting their veterinarian.
• If you give your pet a veterinary NSAID prescribed for another pet, they will suffer harm. If you give this pet a wrong dose, it could have an underlying medical condition or take medication that won’t work together.
• Be sure to tell your veterinarian if your pet takes any other medications. People taking steroids, including prednisone or prednisolone, should not take NSAIDs when they already take them.
• If your veterinary NSAID is already in your pet, do not administer any additional NSAID.
• Be sure to monitor existing NSAIDs in your dog if they are currently taking any. Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite are warning signs. If you’re having your dog take the medication, an experienced veterinarian like Perrovets may also recommend regular blood tests to make sure liver and kidney values remain normal.

FAQs

Does ibuprofen work on dogs?

The answer is no. Ibuprofen causes severe kidney and gastrointestinal damage in dogs.

Is Tylenol safe to give to a dog?

It depends on the situation. If Tylenol is given to a dog without a veterinarian’s supervision, it may cause kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal damage.

Can a dog be given Motrin?

Afraid not. It contains ibuprofen, which can damage dogs’ kidneys and gastrointestinal tracts and harm their livers.

Other Methods To Treat Pain

Veterinary doctors don’t usually prescribe other painkillers since NSAIDs are so effective at relieving pain. In rare cases, your dog may require different options. Your veterinarian may recommend gabapentin or tramadol for your dog.

• Both humans and dogs can use gabapentin to treat nerve damage-induced pain. Sleepiness is common for a few days but usually goes away. Some vets prescribe it in combination with other drugs.
• Painkiller tramadol works somewhat like other mild opioids. Dogs with chronic pain are sometimes prescribed tramadol. A stomach upset, vomiting, and dizziness can be side effects. If you are worried, contact your veterinarian.
• Many alternative treatments include natural and organic supplements, such as Perromart supplements for dogs. There is no solid evidence that they help, but some research suggests that they support bone and joint health. These are premium quality supplements with no side effects and help your dog during painful times.

Only for a short time do veterinarians administer stronger opiates. Steroids are usually not prescribed for pain because of their serious side effects.