Whether your dog is suffering from a medical condition or is simply prone to clumsy spills, it’s totally normal for you to want to do everything in your power to make him feel better as quickly as possible. As a result, you may have wondered, “What can you give a dog for pain?”
The fact of the matter is that you can give your pet a variety of pain relievers, depending on the severity of the pain and what is causing it. But before you weigh your options, you should discuss pain relievers with your vet, who may prescribe medication or alternative therapies, such as massage, heat pads or physical therapy. Here’s an overview on the different treatments available for dog pain.
What Can You Give a Dog for Pain?
Here are two common types of drugs that your vet may prescribe.
Veterinary NSAIDs
One of the most common types of pain medication that vets prescribe for dogs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). “For immediate injuries, I usually will get NSAIDs on board, and may add on a muscle antispasmodic, or an opioid for severe pain,” says Dr. Laurie S. Coger, a veterinarian at Bloomingrove Veterinary Hospital and the creator of the Healthy Dog Workshop.
While NSAIDs may sound familiar, the canine versions aren’t exactly the same stuff that you have in your personal medicine cabinet. In fact, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), certain human NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can be toxic to dogs and may cause significant damage. As such, you should never, under any circumstances, give your dog a human NSAID or a drug prescribed for another animal. Veterinary NSAIDs such as etodolac, carprofen and meloxicam are currently approved for use with dogs, but these drugs must be prescribed by a vet.
Depending on your pet’s level of pain and whether or not she is willing to take a pill, your vet may prescribe either an in-office injectable or an oral, at-home version. If your pet takes NSAIDs, the side effects you should watch out for include sleepiness, stomach upset, redness of the skin and changes in eating or drinking behavior. These drugs affect your dog’s liver, kidneys and GI tract. As such, if your pup already has a health problem that is related to one of these areas, your vet probably won’t prescribe NSAIDs.
Opioids
Opioids are powerful drugs that require a prescription from a vet. In fact, according to Dr. Coger, “injectable opioids are frequently given prior to and immediately after surgery.” Tramadol is a common choice when it comes to immediate, severe pain, she says. If your dog is taking opioids, the side effects that you should look out for include an upset stomach, pupil constriction and constipation.
What Are Some Natural Alternatives?
If your pet is experiencing pain, many natural alternatives might be helpful, as well. These include acupuncture, herbal medications, therapeutic laser, chiropractic techniques, homeopathic remedies, massage and physical therapy, says Dr. Tabitha Thompson, a veterinarian and the founder of Natural Alternatives for Pets.
However, “herbal therapy, while usually safe, can be aimed at the wrong problem,” says Dr. Thompson. “For instance, if you think your pet is limping due to an average case of age-related ‘arthritis,’ but in reality she has an infection in her joints, you could be wasting time treating the wrong disease.” As such, Dr. Thompson emphasizes that “it’s always best to have as accurate a diagnosis as possible before treating with either conventional pain meds or alternative therapies.”
Canine massage is another non-medical option that may help to relieve your dog’s pain, and some groomers offer this as an add-on service. One particular method is reiki, which “can do no harm and can be combined safely with medical care of any kind as a complimentary practice or as a standalone therapy when medical care has been addressed,” says Judith Levy, an animal behavior consultant and the founder of Judith Levy Wellness for People and Pets. As such, Levy notes that you should always consult with your veterinarian when your pet has any illness.
But if your pup has a minor injury and isn’t suffering from long term pain, you may be able to administer a simpler, at-home treatment. For instance, “careful use of ice on the affected area can be helpful,” says Dr. Thompson.
Upset stomach? To learn about giving Pepto-Bismol to dogs, read Pepto-Bismol for Dogs: Hype or Helpful?
*This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.
