Watching a dog in pain is equally painful and distressing for any dog parent. The first thing that crosses the dog owner’s mind is reducing the discomfort of their wagging tail, but unknowingly, they end up making another mistake. What? The owners tend to give them medications for humans, forgetting the fact that the furry fellow processes medications differently from us. These medications can be pretty harmful to their health, and even often result in death. Thus, it is advised to provide them with pain relievers specifically designed for dogs, only under your vet’s supervision. The blog will introduce you to medications, supplements, and alternative therapies for faster healing and overall well-being.
Understand Canine Pain
As a dedicated dog owner, you must understand the symptoms of pain in your dogs, which might not be easy at first because your companion is skilled at hiding their pain, a survival instinct inherited from their ancestors. Hence, you can figure out from their behaviour:
Signs of Pain in Dogs
Changes in Behaviour
-
Reduced activity levels or exhaustion
-
Pacing, restlessness, or inability to settle
-
Hesitant in interaction or hiding from family members
-
Expressing irritation or becoming aggressive when touched
-
Lack of hunger or thirst
-
Unable to sleep
-
Extra chewing or licking of a particular area
Issues in Movement
-
Lameness or limping
-
Stiffness, especially after getting rest
-
Reluctance in jumping, playing their favourite games, and climbing stairs
-
Challenge in standing up or even lying down
-
Shift of weight
-
Shivering or trembling
Vocalizations
-
Crying, whimpering, and whining
-
Yelping or howling
-
Snapping or growling when touched
Physical Signs
-
An arched back or a hunched posture
-
Rapid breathing or panting
-
Tense muscles
-
Dilated pupils
-
Changes in grooming, like having matted fur or over-groomed fur
-
Tenderness or swelling in a particular area.
Therefore, if you notice any of the signs mentioned above, kindly schedule an appointment to identify the primary cause so that the treatment and the proper medications can begin.
Veterinary Prescription Pain Medications
The relaxing part is that vets have a variety of safe and effective pain medications, particularly made for dogs. These are generally what you must give them for moderate to severe pain or worse conditions:
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are known as the most commonly prescribed pain reducers for dogs because of their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties that are used to lessen pain and fever. The drugs inhibit enzymes in the production of prostaglandins, which cause the pain and inflammation in your pet.
Common Canine NSAIDs
Carprofen - It is widely used for osteoarthritis and post-operative pain.
Deracoxib - The medicine is given for osteoarthritis pain and swelling linked with surgery.
Metacam - Usually prescribed for osteoarthritis. According to Metacam, it is the UK’s No.1 medication for inflammation and pain in dogs, playing a crucial role in enhancing the quality and enjoyment of life for pets suffering from arthritis. Apart from that, it even cures pain linked with soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery and chronic pain.
Firocoxib - The medicine is effective for pain and swelling that happens due to osteoarthritis and post-operative pain.
Grapiprant - Grapiprant is a newer class of NSAID that targets a different pain pathway, so it becomes possibly gentler on the kidneys, liver, and GI tract for long-term usage, especially for osteoarthritis.
Robenacoxib - This medication is approved for short-term usage, like up to 3 days. You can use it to reduce pain and inflammation with orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery.
Side Effects of NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are safe when you use them as instructed by your dog, but like every medication, they also have side effects. The common ones impact your dog’s liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract in the following ways:
Gastrointestinal - You might see your dog vomiting, diarrhoea, refusing to eat their food, experiencing stomach ulcers, and also perforations, in rare cases.
Liver - The medication boosts enzymes in the liver and, at times, dysfunctioning as well.
Kidney - There is a chance of the kidneys getting damaged as well, especially in dehydrated pups or those who already suffer from a kidney issue.
Other - The prescribed medication might make them lethargic or lead to other changes in behaviour.
Important To Monitor
Even after giving your dog these drugs, it is still important for you to monitor your pet in case of any unusual reactions. If you do, then immediately consult your vet. Besides, you might be asked for regular blood work to see how your dog’s liver and kidneys function, especially if you are advised to use the medication for a longer time period. Furthermore, never combine NSAIDs with other similar ones or corticosteroids without a vet’s approval, because this can increase the side effects, turning into a huge barrier for you and your furry fellow.
Opioid Analgesics
Opioids are strong pain relievers that work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking signals for pain. These medicines are usually used to treat acute pain that your dog gets from post-surgery or as part of the pain management plan for chronic pain.
Common Opioids for Dogs
Tramadol - This was originally used for treating mild to moderate pain, though its success in dogs has been questioned in recent research, when used alone. Tramadol is more effective when paired with other pain relievers, and the side effects involve anxiety, sedation, and an upset gastrointestinal tract.
Buprenorphine - It is commonly used for healing moderate to severe pain, and vets prefer giving the medicine in the hospital setting or as a part of short-term post-operative pain. Don’t worry about the authenticity, as Buprenorphine has a safe profile.
Butorphanol - A synthetic version of opioid, usually used for mild to moderate pain, sedation, and for suppressing cough in your dog. The duration of action is shorter than that of other opioids.
Morphine, Hydromorphone, Fentanyl - This is a stronger version and typically used in veterinary hospitals for severe acute pain or as part of continuous rate infusions for critical cases. Vets monitor them more closely due to their potent nature.
Side Effects of Opioids
Opioids’ side effects cause panting, sedation, constipation or vomiting. It is best to use them under the strict supervision of the vets.
Gabapentin
In the list of pain-reducing medicines for dogs, gabapentin also secures a spot. It is an anticonvulsant, effective in handling neuropathic and chronic pain, usually as an addition to other analgesics. The medicine results in side effects, which are beneficial for anxious or highly reactive dogs, especially in pain.
Uses
It is used to treat neuropathic pain from spinal cord issues, chronic pain from arthritis, and pre-operative anxiety.
Dosage
The vet will recommend the dosages depending on the condition of your dog’s response. Apart from that, it can be given every 8 to 12 hours.
Side Effects
After this medication, your dog might experience sedation and ataxia, which is a loss of coordinated movements, particularly at higher doses or when starting the course. These resolve with time as your dog adapts to the medication, while vomiting and diarrhoea are less common.
Amantadine
Amantadine is viewed as an antiviral drug that even acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, usually used together with NSAIDs for severe pain for conditions like osteoarthritis, where pain can become neuropathic in nature. The medication assists in preventing the nervous system from becoming excessively sensitive to pain signals.
Uses
Amantadine comes to your dog’s rescue, especially if they have maladaptive and neuropathic pain.
Dosage
It is typically given once, but daily.
Side Effects
The after effects are mild and may include agitation or gastrointestinal problems.
Corticosteroids
In the family of corticosteroids, there is prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. These medications are used to cure extreme swelling and pain, usually in conditions such as severe allergies, autoimmune diseases, or particular kinds of cancer.
Side Effects
Yes, these are highly effective for reducing swelling, but the medication has side effects as well, especially when used for a longer time:
-
Increase thirst and urination
-
Frequently hungry
-
Weight gain
-
Panting
-
Muscle weakness
-
Suppressing the immune system
Always keep in mind that they should never be used at the same time as you are using NSAIDs, because there is a high risk of extreme gastrointestinal ulcers. Your vet will prescribe it only if others have failed to do the job or become harmful.
Over-the-Counter Human Pain Medications: Beware
In the introduction, we also stated that dog parents give over-the-counter medications formulated for humans out of sheer consideration to bring their dog out of the pain, but it’s not safe; instead, those can prove to be pretty toxic and lead to death, too
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen can be quite dangerous for dogs as it can result in gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney failure, and other neurological troubles. Hence, avoid it at all costs.
Naproxen
This is similar to ibuprofen, so you can imagine how toxic it can be for your dog, causing gastrointestinal ulcers and damage to their kidneys as well.
Acetaminophen
Another “don't give” medicine to your dog. Acetaminophen can cause liver, red blood cell damage, and respiratory issues.
Aspirin
Aspirin is given in the form of very low doses and under strict veterinary guidance. The regular human version is not recommended for dogs due to an upset gastrointestinal tract and bleeding risk. Furthermore, buffered or enteric-coated aspirin may decrease the danger, but not eliminate it and again, never think of offering aspirin to your furry fellow without a vet’s orders. However, if your dog has consumed any human medication, instantly seek guidance from your vet or take them to the emergency section.
Supplements for Pain Management
Beyond mainstream medications, there are supplements for pain management that you can give to your dog, especially if they are dealing with osteoarthritis or other chronic musculoskeletal conditions. These are safer than pharmaceuticals, but you must discuss before giving them to your dog, as quality and effectiveness can vary between products:
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glycosamine and Chondroitin top the chart of being famous joint supplements for dogs. They are units of cartilage and can help maintain cartilage health, decrease inflammation, while enhancing joint lubrication.
Way of Working
Glucosamine is believed to repair and form cartilage, while chondroitin aids in preventing the breakdown of existing cartilage.
Efficacy
Many dog owners and vets have reported improvements and stability in the dog’s movement and comfort when used consistently. On top of that, even research on the effective part of dogs is going on, where some studies have displayed benefits. However, individual responses may vary, and it might also differ in your dog’s case.
Sources
Where can you get these supplements? Well, they are available in a variety of forms such as tablets, chews, and liquids. Both are combined in a single supplement.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
You must be familiar with Omega-3 fatty acids and how beneficial they are. In this category, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid share anti-inflammatory properties:
How do They Work?
The acids modulate your dog’s inflammatory response, which can help reduce pain and stiffness linked to arthritis.
Uses
It is used for addressing joint pain, skin conditions, and overall health in general.
Sources
You get fish oil from salmon, sardines, and anchovies.
Dosage
You can’t expect the supplement to work without a proper dosage, but strictly adhere to it as going overboard can result in upsetting their gastrointestinal tract or invite other problems as well. Remember to use veterinary-approved products or consult your vet for recommendations.
Green-Lipped Mussel
This supplement might be new for you. Let us tell you that the Green-Lipped Mussel is from New Zealand and is naturally packed with omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and other nutrients that help reduce your dog’s pain:
How Do They Work?
Green-lipped mussel offers detailed support for your dog’s joints through its unique blend of anti-inflammatory compounds that protect the cartilage.
Efficacy
According to anecdotal evidence and studies, it is suggested that this supplement can be effective in lessening pain and enhancing movement in your dog, especially if they have arthritis.
Methylsulfonylmethane
MSM is considered a natural sulfur compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties:
How Do They Work?
These are there to support connective health of your dog’s tissue and reduce their pain.
Uses
The supplement is usually mixed with joint supplements.
Undenatured Type II Collagen
In the list of supplements, you will get to see undenatured type II collagen that acts on your dog’s immune system to decrease the breakdown of cartilage in joints, lessening the pain:
How Do They Work?
UC Type II is thought to retrain your dog’s immune system so it stops attacking its own components.
Efficacy
A few studies have displayed promising results in elevating dogs’ mobility and reducing pain with osteoarthritis, so the same can happen in your dog’s case as well.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another good supplement for treating your dog’s pain. According to Bouncy Paws, turmeric is great for dogs when used correctly, and the active ingredient curcumin has effective anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and anti-oxidant properties that offer multiple health benefits for dogs.
How Do They Work?
One of the best things about curcumin is that it delivers anti-inflammatory pathways into your dog’s body.
Considerations
Bioavailability of curcumin can be low, too. Hence, it is suggested to search for supplements that immediately increase absorption. Kindly, invest in products that are made for pets.
Boswellia Serrata
This is a herbal extraction from the Boswellia tree, also known as Indian frankincense, equipped with anti-inflammatory effects:
How Do They Work?
The herbal supplement consists of boswellic acids that are believed to inhibit enzymes involved in swelling.
Uses
It is usually used in old-school medicines as a remedy to decrease joint pain.
Some Effective Therapies
For dogs, there are some effective therapies as well that can reduce their pain. Therefore, if you have used medications and supplements, but didn’t notice improvements, you can make the most out of these solutions as well:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy benefits not only humans but also dogs, who are recovering from surgery, injuries, or chronic conditions. The following techniques cut down a significant amount of pain:
Therapeutic Exercises - These exercises play a pivotal role in strengthening, balancing, and coordinating the range of motion.
Hydrotherapy - This might sound unusual, but it is effective. The therapy consists of an underwater treadmill or swimming, which can lower weight-bearing stress on joints while building muscle.
Massage Therapy - Massage does wonders as it boosts the flow of blood, decreases muscle tension, and offers comfort.
Therapeutic Ultrasound - It uses sound waves to encourage tissue healing and reduce pain.
Electrical Stimulation - The stimulation reduces pain and strengthens your dog’s muscles.
Acupuncture
The strategy requires inserting thin needles into the particular points of your dog’s body to trigger their nervous system, enhance blood flow, release endorphins, and cut down swelling:
Uses
The needle technique treats chronic pain, such as spinal issues and arthritis. With neurological conditions and post-operative pain.
Efficacy
During acupuncture, it is witnessed that many dogs respond well, hence the needles can work out in your favour as well.
Conclusion
Now, whenever you see your dog in pain, you know which medications to give and strictly avoid. Besides, feel free to explore the therapies as well, and if your dog’s condition gets worse, consult your vet.
