Nobody wants to see their furry family members in pain. When you do, you think giving your dog human grade painkillers is the best way to act. However, anything from your medicine cabinet spells disaster for your dog. Don’t make a trial run or some guesswork when it comes to your dog’s health. Conventional medicines formulated for human consumption could only worsen things. So, you might ask: “What can I give my dog for pain?”
Fortunately, there are highly effective pain medications for dogs that you can avail with a vet’s prescription. But before you pop your pooch a pill, you need to be aware of the effects, risks, and adverse reactions of a particular medicine before you give it to your dog.
What are NSAIDs?
A majority of over-the-counter pain relievers are categorized as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Common examples include aspirin, baby aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, among others.
NSAIDs work by suppressing the production of cyclooxygenase, which are enzymes that control the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are potent hormone-like substances that promote inflammation, pain, and fever in response to trauma.
Prostaglandins also serve vital roles in the canine body such as sustaining sufficient blood flow to the kidneys, promoting healthy blood clotting, producing a protective layer of mucus to protect the GI tract from stomach acid. Therefore, it is crucial that you administer the right dosage. Otherwise, problems may arise.
Are there NSAIDs for Dogs?
Yes, there are dog pain killers that can be prescribed by your vet. Drug companies have now formulated dog-specific pain medications that are safer and much more effective than those designed for human consumption.
Canine-formulated NSAIDs can bring temporary relief for dogs suffering from arthritis or to a convalescing dog who just had surgery. Likewise, it reduces muscle spasm and swelling.
With your vet’s prescription, you can choose among the following brands:
· Carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl)
· Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
· Firocoxib (Previcox)
· Meloxicam (Metacam)
Because NSAIDs are quite effective in relieving pain, vets don’t often prescribe other medications. In some cases, NSAIDs for dogs may cause digestive problems, but side effects are always minimal.
Is Human-Grade NSAID Safe for Dogs?
NSAIDs are the most widely used pain relievers in veterinary medicine, but you should never administer human-grade non-prescription NSAIDs to your dog. There are several reasons why it can be unsafe. For one, overdosing your dog is too high a risk. It is difficult to determine the right dosage, so you may unknowingly administer a dose too high, which leads to the following problems:
· Vomiting and diarrhea
· Intestinal problems
· Loss of appetite
· Bleeding disorders
· Kidney or liver dysfunction
We strongly advise that you get a recommendation from your vet, especially if your dog is taking concurrent medications, such as corticosteroids. The presence of certain health conditions also intensifies the risk. Your vet can determine the nature of your dog’s problem, make an accurate diagnosis, and prescribe the right medicine for dogs.
Is Tylenol Safe for Dogs?
Acetaminophen is the generic name of Tylenol. It is not an NSAID but an analgesic for mild pain but not for inflammation. Acetaminophens, like Tylenol, should never be administered to dogs. Studies have shown that acetaminophens are lethal to dogs when given a human dosage. Even a slight overdose of Tylenol injures your dog’s kidneys and destroys their liver.
Can I Give My Dog Aspirin?
You may have heard your friends say that aspirin is safe for dogs, but aspirin is not something to mess around with, mainly because there are serious side effects associated with the drug. Additionally, it lacks definitive studies evaluating its right dosage for dogs. The risks remain in low-dose aspirin, also known as baby aspirin.
If your vet prescribes your dog aspirin, then he probably has a perfect reason. Vets usually prescribe aspirin to reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal disorders. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends a dosage of 10–40 mg/kg but this dose can vary depending on your dog’s present condition.
The long and short of it is that you should never administer any medication without the supervision of a veterinarian. Pay close attention to your vet’s orders.
Are there Other Pain Killers for Dogs?
Gabapentin
Your veterinarian may also prescribe gabapentin. It is a pain medication that is used as an adjunct with other pain medications such as an NSAID. Gabapentin amplifies the pain-relieving effects of others, but it is rarely effective when used by itself. Its mechanism is not fully understood, but it appears to work correctly in the nervous system and shows great promise in managing chronic pain and seizures.
Tramadol
Tramadol is an opioid painkiller that vets sometimes prescribe to dogs who have undergone surgery, as well as to senior dogs suffering from osteoarthritis and other discomfort associated with age. Some side effects include dizziness and drowsiness.
What Can I Give My Dog for Pain Relief Aside from Drugs?
If you are skeptical about giving your dog high-strength painkillers, you may want to try the following methods to relieve dog pain.
· Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. While others may perceive it as an extra pampering, acupuncture can relieve dogs of pain associated with arthritis and joint inflammation. Dogs with degenerative joint disease and hip dysplasia are good candidates for acupuncture. Make sure to consult a licensed animal acupuncturist.
· Canine massage therapy
The positive effects of massage in humans and the results in dogs are proving to be the same. Canine massage therapy not only relieves pain and relax muscles, but it also enhances your dog’s emotional wellbeing.
· Herbs and essential oils
Some owners are seeking out natural remedies to alleviate their dog’s pain, such as lavender and ginger essential oils. While herbs are indeed milder and a lot safer, do remember that they take longer to act and may not have the depth of activity that vet-prescribed medications do. On the bright side, they have a broader spectrum of action and can help manage other symptoms.
Takeaway
Administering pain medications to a dog is not something you should do on your own accord. We highly advise you to seek veterinary approval. With your vet’s recommendation, you can access prescription drugs that are specifically designed for dogs. These medications can safely and effectively relieve your dog from discomfort. Although you may not be able to uproot your dog’s source of pain, you should be able to make him feel better. You can also try alternative medicines as an adjunct to your dog’s prescription meds.
References:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/aspirin-for-dogs/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16299670
https://dogtime.com/dog-health/59541-tramadol-dogs-uses-dosage-side-effects#ojLqY28QcdkoRKYT.99
https://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/herbal-pain-remedies.html
https://www.petcarerx.com/article/natural-pain-relief-for-dogs-what-are-my-options/1454
