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When dogs get old they tend to get a bit creaky. They still love to take long walks, but they often end up sore the morning after. Thankfully, there are good painkillers available for dogs! But before you give your best friend a pill, it’s important to research the right kind of medication to give dogs for pain.
Pain in dogs can be caused by injury, infection, disease, or just the aches and ailments of old age. With a few exceptions, dogs shouldn’t take human medication (Ibuprofen and paracetamol are especially unsafe for dogs). There are great, dog-specific options available, however, do consult with your vet before giving medication to your dog.
Human medications dogs can’t have
Before we get into what you can give your dog for pain, let’s talk about the human medications you should never give your dog. These over-the-counter human pain medications are not safe for dogs:
- Ibuprofen
- Paracetamol
- Naproxen
Always consult a vet before giving your dog over-the-counter medications.
Some over-the-counter medications, like aspirin, are safe for dogs only in the appropriate dosage. Dosage depends on the weight, size, and health history of the dog, and unfortunately, it can be very easy to give them too much. You should always consult a vet before giving your dog over-the-counter medications.
Veterinary NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories)
One of the most common pain medication types in the world, NSAIDs are used to reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. They’re especially helpful for dogs with arthritis, or dogs recovering from injury or surgery.
NSAIDs work by blocking the effects of pain-inducing enzymes, easing pain and inflammation and allowing your dog to move more comfortably. These should only be prescribed by a vet. Common NSAIDs for pets include:
- Rimadyl. Note: can have strong side effects, especially for the GI tract. Be sure to consult with your vet about this.
- Deracoxib
- Previcox (generic name firocoxib)
- Metacam (generic name meloxicam)
Although NSAIDs are commonly used by humans, you can’t just run to the medicine cabinet and give your dog the same pills you take for pain. Human NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen are toxic for pets, even in very small doses. Instead, talk to your vet about prescription NSAIDs specially formulated for dogs.
Vets will sometimes recommend over-the-counter aspirin for dogs, particularly those with osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal inflammation. However, aspirin can have serious side effects if given incorrectly, so you should still talk to a vet first to determine whether or not it’s the right choice for your pet.
Other pain medications
NSAIDS really are the most popular types of medication to treat pain in dogs, but some types of pain require different types of medication. Some of the most commonly prescribed pain medications for dogs include:
- Amantadine is a medicine that blocks certain neural transmitters and is prescribed to treat arthritis, disk disease, and cancer in dogs.
- Gabapentin treats nerve pain and is often prescribed to dogs as a mild sedative or for seizure management, in addition to being used for pain relief.
- Tramadol is a mild opioid medication sometimes prescribed to ageing dogs with constant pain.
All of these medications have potential side effects that you should read up on and consult with your vet about.
Joint supplements
For dogs with chronic pain from arthritis and other joint ailments, over-the-counter or prescribed supplements can help lessen pain and improve mobility.
Glucosamine is the most common joint supplement for dogs (humans use it, too) and can be purchased over-the-counter. While glucosamine does not directly stop the pain, it is believed to alleviate the symptoms of joint damage by boosting the repair of damaged cartilage.
You can purchase joint supplements at your local pet supply store, or directly from your vet. It’s still a good idea to consult your vet before starting a course of joint supplements, and you should purchase supplements designed specifically for dogs.
Complementary treatments
In addition to prescribed and over-the-counter medications, some dog people swear by natural remedies for pain. Known as complementary or alternative treatments, natural remedies show mixed results but can be a great help when used alongside western veterinary medicine.
Here are some of the most popular and effective natural pain remedies for dogs:
- Massage encourages healing by improving blood flow, stimulating nerves, relaxing muscles, and relieving stress. You can read a book to learn how to do it at home!
- Aromatherapy reduces stress, encouraging healing and relieving pain.
- Acupuncture may relieve dogs of joint and muscle pain, encourage healing after trauma or surgery, and even treat the symptoms of diabetes and cancer. Always consult a trained, licensed animal acupuncturist.
Whatever kind of pain your dog is dealing with, there is a treatment out there to help them feel better. Often, a combination of prescription medication and at-home healing treatments can keep them feeling their best. A combination of veterinarian-approved joint supplements, prescription pain medication as needed, and a regular moderate exercise routine can keep them in good shape as they get older. Speak to your vet about pain management options for your dog. If you have to leave town Rover.com has lots of wonderful dog sitters who offer dog boarding and many of whom are experienced in administering medication! So next time you need a dog lover to take care of your little angel, look no further!
