It is heartbreaking to look into the eyes of a dog in pain. Whether our dog is struggling with pain from cuts, muscle pulls, or stomach discomfort, our impulse is to take away the pain fast! But first, there are a few important questions we need to ask. What is causing the pain? Then we can figure out the best way to treat it.
Pain Relief for Dogs
Depending on the type of discomfort, there will be different ways to provide pain relief for dogs. Each dog may exhibit different symptoms of pain depending on the discomfort. Below are some common indicators that your dog may be suffering.
- Chronic whining
- Pacing
- Licking/chewing a particular spot on their body
- Low energy / lethargy
- Isolation
- Less energy or playfulness
- Increase in sleep
- Limping
- Shaking or trembling or withdrawing when something makes contact with a pain point
If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, make a note of the location and the potential severity of their reaction. Now we can look at specific types of pain relief for dogs.
Over the Counter Pain Relief for Dogs
Always confirm with your veterinarian that you can give your dog over the counter pain medication. Correct dosage may prevent any unpleasant side effects. We always need to be careful not to accidentally poison our dog when we are trying to help them! Here is some information about some medications your veterinarian may ok, and some never to give your dog.
- Aspirin (and baby aspirin) – this medication can be safe when dosed correctly
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – your veterinarian may give you Tylenol, but the possibility of toxicity is high.
- Naproxen (Aleve) – should not be given to your dog due to high risk associated with toxicity and side effects
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is toxic to dogs and should never be used.
Prescription Pain Medication for Dogs
Prescription medication will be the most effective way to treat pain for dogs. Depending on the discomfort, you veterinarian will prescribe a medication that will address the pain quickly and effectively. Once the pain is managed, your dog will hopefully be able to heal more quickly.
- Steroids (glucocorticoids) – These drugs target symptoms related to inflammation and swelling. Dogs struggling with discomfort associated with some injuries, allergies or auto-immune diseases may benefit from this type of medication. Steroids can have serious side effects if stopped suddenly, so dog owners need to be aware and responsible for the gradual reduction of this medication when their dog begins to feel better.
- Opioids – These medications are used for more serious pain management, such as during and after a surgical procedure on your dog. The impact of the medication is similar to humans, so there can be serious side effects associated with reducing use so these medications are not prescribed over long periods of time.
- NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – Similar to steroids, NSAIDS help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with injuries and after surgery. This medication lists a few common side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues and low appetite so dog owners need to be monitoring their dog carefully.
When our dogs feel pain, we feel pain. There are many different ways to address a dog in discomfort, but it is always best to check with your veterinarian before administering any pain medications. While there are many safe options, some medications may do more harm than good by poisoning your pup! Once you find the right medication, your dog will bounce back and you can get back to enjoying the world together.
Want to know how to help a puking pup? Check out Outdoor Dog World’s post Cerenia for Dogs: A Remedy for Your Queasy Canine!
Better listen to him and sign up below!