What Can I Give My Dog For Pain? Therapy, Medicine and Supplements
Feeling pain in your own body is one thing, but seeing your innocent little pupper in pain is a completely different thing altogether. As a pet parent, you feel that you have to do something about it as soon as possible.
If you are a first-time pet parent, then going to the vet immediately is the best option, but if this is not your first rodeo, then you know exactly the type of pain meds you need to give to your furbaby
But consider the possibility that the nearest vet to your home is quite far away or the vet is not available. Then, in that case, the question is, what can I give my dog for pain?
Well, there are certain remedies and pain meds you can give to your dog. In this article, you will find out the types of meds that can relieve pain in dogs.
Signs To Know When Your Dog Is In Pain
The first question that should arise in your mind is how to recognize if your dog is in pain or not. Since they can’t talk and most dogs are good at hiding their pain, so how will you know? When dogs are in pain, they will exhibit certain physical and behavioral signs. Here are some common indicators that you should watch out for:
Physical Signs
- Mobility Issues: Limping, walking slower than usual, or hesitant to move, walk, climb stairs, or jump.
- Difficulty Changing Position: Struggling to lie down or get up, frequently shifting positions1.
- Shaking or Trembling: This can occur when standing or even at rest.
- Abnormal Posture: Difficulty standing or sitting in their usual way.
- Panting Excessively: Even when not exercising.
Behavioral Signs
- Decreased Activity: Less playful or energetic than usual.
- Restlessness: Pacing and unable to find a comfortable position.
- Vocalizations: Whining, crying, or yelping more than usual.
- Changes in Appetite: Eating less or showing less interest in food.
- Aggression or Antisocial Behavior: Becoming grumpy, snapping, or hiding
Emotional Signs
- Increased Anxiety: Acting more anxious or unsettled.
- Changes in Facial Expression: Showing signs of discomfort or pain in their face.
- Aggression: Some dogs may react aggressively when they are hurt and in pain.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
What Can I Give My Dog For Pain? Are Human Meds Safe?
In general instances, some human medicines can be given to dogs and other animals, such as Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), Pepcid (Famotidine), Imodium (Loperamide), and Pepto-Bismol.
Although these medications are safe for animals like dogs, the dosages for humans and dogs are quite different. So before you give the medication to your dog, it is important to know the exact dosage, or else it can be harmful to the dog.
However, when it comes to pain medication, the medicines for humans are not safe for dogs. In particular, human pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®), can be toxic to dogs and cause serious health issues.
So, if your dog is in pain, it’s best to consult your vet for appropriate medications specifically formulated for dogs
What Pain Medications Are Safe For Dogs?
It is already known that your dog can experience pain, but their way of showing it is different. The first course of action should be to take them to the vet for a checkup.
But the question arises what can I give my dog for pain? Then to answer that question, there are a few types of options you can opt for. The types of options are listed down below.
1. Over The Counter
There are many types of over-the-counter pain meds that you can give to your dog. But it is important to know that you should not give any OTC pain meds to your dog without consulting your vet.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Aspirin
- Naproxen(Aleve)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
2. NSAIDs
NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are great for pain relief and reducing any type of swelling. These are prescription drugs are great for pain like injury, arthritis, and surgery recovery.
- Carprofen (Vetprofen, Rimadyl, Novox)
- Firocoxib (Previcox)
- Meloxicam (Metacam)
- Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
- Grapiprant (Glliprant)
3. Opioids
To control pain before and after surgeries, opioids are used with anesthesia. The drug is then injected into the body.
But opioid is only good as long as the surgery recovery process. An opioid is not used for a long-term purpose but only for a short-term purpose.
- Morphine, Oxymorphone, Hydromorphone
- Buprenorphine
- Butorphanol
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
4. Other Prescription Drugs
If your dog is suffering from such illness like convulsions or vomiting, then the below-mentioned drugs are great to treat these illnesses.
- Gabapentine
- Maropitant (Cerenia)
Natural Pain Relief For Dogs
When it comes to the question of what can I give my dogs for pain, then chemical pain medications might not be the one you wanna give to your dog.
But then, if you wanna give your dog natural pain medication, then you might look into a few of these natural pain meds as alternatives.
• CBD
In a mild dosage, CBD can be really helpful for your dog’s arthritis, but it also depends on the brand of CBD oil you are giving to your dog.
• Joint Supplements
Something like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, then your dog’s joint pain can decrease lubricating and inflammation of joints. These supplements go along great with NSAIDs and any other pain medications.
• Herbs
Certain herbs like arnica and turmeric have certain pain relief qualities, but they should only be used under the supervision of your veterinarian.
How To Comfort Your Dog In Pain?
Other than just giving your dog medications, there are certain ways you help your dog to get momentary relief from the pain. To know these ways, then keep on reading this article.
1. Manage Your Pet’s Weight
Relief of excessive pressure on joints to any risk in case of concurrent diseases like heart disease or diabetes mellitus.
Consult with your vet to create a new modified diet chart and a light exercise routine so that your pet can slowly achieve these goals over time.
2. Get Your Pet Moving
In the case of body or muscular pain, there are certain ways and exercises that are quite helpful when it comes to relieving pain from your dog’s body and muscles.
These exercises are swim therapy, daily walks, and more low-impact exercises that will help the muscles and body of your dog move and help their body get relief from the pain. The exercise would help your dog get used to a new exercise routine.
3. Make Modifications To Your Home
You can make your dog move around the house easily with certain things like grip socks, carpet runners, and dog boots. Assess any doggy doors or difficult areas to get up, like stairs.
There are ramps or certain accesses that are easier for your dog, both safe and comfortable. With some pets really excel with elevated food or water bowl, this is great if your dog has neck pain or any kind of joint pain.
What Can I Give My Dog For Pain? Alternative To Pain Meds
If you are not inclined towards giving your dog strong pain medication, seeing that your dog’s pain is not serious, then pain medicines might not be the best thing to do right now.
So as for any other alternative method to pain medications. Then if you wanna know more about these alternatives, then your dog might find these other techniques quite helpful. Still, it is preferable that you provide your dog with proper medications only after consulting a physician. Otherwise, things can get really serious for your pooch.
- Acupuncture.
- Laser Therapy.
- Chiropractics.
- Physical Rehabilitation.
- Underwater Treadmill Rehabilitation.
- Massage.
- Passive Range Of Motion.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound.
- Neuromuscular Stimulation.
What is Painkiller Poisoning And How To Treat It?
Just like human beings, dogs can also suffer from painkiller overdose or poisoning. This is a hugely risky situation that needs to be dealt with carefully. Even the smallest overshooting of Tylenol or acetaminophen, a popular painkiller, can cause total organ failure in your dog. This might sound too drastic, but dogs do not have natural enzymes that can detoxify or eliminate drugs from their system. Therefore, handling painkiller poisoning in dogs is a very complicated ordeal.
Symptoms Of Painkiller Poisoning
Painkiller poisoning is a serious issue for dog owners. However, this happens mostly unintentionally, mainly because the painkillers for dogs are flavored in a way that makes them delectable for dogs.
Therefore, if these painkillers are kept in an accessible space, then there is a chance that your dog might decide to sample them, leading to painkiller poisoning. So, it is crucial that you understand the symptoms effectively. These are as follows:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Abdominal Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive salivation
- Lack of general coordination
- Blood in the urine
If you suspect your dog has ingested a painkiller, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Diagnosis And Treatment
If your dog is showing signs of painkiller poisoning, then you should take them to the vet immediately. They may induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the toxin. Your vet may also keep your dog under overnight observation in severe cases and suggest supportive care like:
- Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and support kidney function
- Medications to control symptoms like seizures or irregular heartbeats
- Monitoring and supportive care for any organ damage
The best way to prevent such mishaps is to keep the pills and medications far from the reach of your dogs and other pets.
Wrapping Up!
Managing your dog’s pain effectively requires a comprehensive approach that includes therapy, medication, and supplements. By understanding the various options available, from NSAIDs and opioids to joint supplements and physical therapy, you can make informed decisions that best suit your dog’s unique needs.
Make sure to work with your veterinarian to create a customized pain management plan that ensures your furry friend remains comfortable and enjoys a good quality of life. Remember, proactive care and regular check-ups are key to keeping your dog happy and healthy.
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