What Can I Give My Dog For Pain? Meds, Supplements, And Therapy Can Help

If your puppy is in pain you want to provide some relief as soon as possible. We humans can easily find an over-the-counter remedy for our pain but ask yourself what can I give my dog ​​for pain relief? There is no easy answer. Before you can treat your dog's pain you need to First figure out what's causing it.

Before you search your medicine cabinet or head to your local pharmacy you should know that many human pain relievers are not safe for dogs. Contact your veterinarian if you think your dog is in pain. They can help you figure out the cause of your puppy's injury and develop a plan to address the pain.

Signs of Pain in Dogs

How do you know if your dog is in pain? Sometimes it's fairly obvious: a limping cry pulls away when the painful area is touched. But many dogs hide pain as a survival instinct. Less obvious signs of pain in dogs include:




Leaving the family is not as social as usual




Behavioral changes to people and other pets




Sleeping more than usual




Shaking or trembling




Hunched posture




Lethargy




Remember these signs may indicate illness or fear not pain. Seeing your veterinarian is the best way you can help your dog.

Pain Meds for Dogs

We know that dogs experience pain even if they behave differently than we do. Pain management is an important part of dog veterinary care. There are many different types of medications used to relieve pain in dogs and they work in different ways. And Some Medications You Should Definitely Never Use Therefore consult with your veterinarian to determine which medication is best based on your dog's current pain and medical history.

Over the Counter

While several over-the-counter pain relievers are available for people there are few options for dogs. Avoid giving your dog OTC pain relievers unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian. This includes the following medicines:

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Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be safe when administered carefully and used short term. However, the risk of toxicity is high and most veterinarians prefer safer and more effective medications.




Aspirin -- especially buffered baby aspirin -- is safe when taken carefully but not as safe or effective as prescription drugs.




Ibuprofen (Advil Motrin) is toxic to dogs and should never be used.




Naproxen (Aleve) should be avoided because of its very narrow safe dose and high risk of side effects.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs relieve pain by reducing swelling. These prescription medications are very effective in relieving arthritis damage and pain from surgery. However, they are not without risks. Potential side effects of NSAIDs include vomiting diarrhea loss of appetite and gastrointestinal tract Irritation and bleeding and liver or kidney damage. Therefore veterinarians recommend monitoring before and during NSAID treatment.

Opioids

Veterinarians often use injectable opioids and anesthetics to manage pain during and after surgery. The oral form can be prescribed and used at home for short-term surgery or injury recovery but you need to avoid long-term use. Evidence suggests oral opioids are less effective than other pain medications drug. In addition, there is growing concern that pet opioids may lead to opioid abuse in humans.

Other Prescription Drugs

Gabapentin an anticonvulsant is also effective in managing pain (especially neuralgia). Oral capsules or liquids can be administered at home. Many veterinarians use gabapentin and other pain relievers such as NSAIDs or tramadol.




Maropitant (Cerenia) is an antiemetic drug with mild analgesic properties. It is best used for internal pain such as those caused by gastrointestinal discomfort. This medication is rarely used alone to treat pain but it can be used as an addition to other pain relievers.

Herbs and Supplements

Sell ​​a variety of natural pain relievers to pet parents. However, these products are not as regulated as prescription drugs so choosing a safe formulation is important. Your veterinarian can guide you in choosing the best brand and dosage.




CBD is effective for mild to moderate pain in some pets but efficacy varies by brand. Your veterinarian can help you find a reliable source of CBD.




Joint supplements can help relieve joint pain by reducing inflammation and lubricating the joints. They can be used with NSAIDs and other pain relievers.




Herbs such as turmeric and arnica may have some pain-relieving properties but they should be used with caution and only under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.

Is There Aspirin for Dogs?

Some brands sell buffered aspirin for veterinary use but these brands are basically the same as drugstore aspirin. While buffered aspirin can be given to dogs other pain relievers are safer and more effective. If you decide to give your dog aspirin contact your veterinarian for advice You are using the correct dose. An overdose of aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. It may also worsen existing kidney disease.