Watching your dog in pain is disheartening. Thus, pain management is essential.
Why is Pain Management Important?
Pain management in dogs is crucial:
- It ensures a happy and comfortable life.
- It lowers the chances of the pain progressing to other health issues.
- Unmanaged chronic pain can permanently damage the nervous system.
What are the safe pain medication options?
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs lower a dog’s body’s inflammatory reaction, lessening pain.
Here are some dog-friendly NSAIDs:
- Rimadyl (Carprofen)
- Meloxicam (Metacam).
- Meloxidyl.
- Galliprant.
Common side effects of NSAIDs include prolonged blood clotting time and gastrointestinal bleeding. NSAIDs should therefore be administered with the vet’s permission. Keep a close eye on your dog for any negative reactions.
Opioids
Used for chronic pain, opioids block the pain receptors in the brain. Most opioids are injectable except for tramadol, which is orally taken. Some of the common opioids for dogs include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Buprenorphine
- Hydromorphone
- Tramadol
Common side effects of opioids include sedation, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term use of opioids may raise the risk of opioid tolerance, making them ineffective.
Gabapentin
This is an anticonvulsant with analgesic features. It affects the body’s neurotransmitters and the brain’s electrical functions. It relieves chronic pain.
Gabapentin is administered orally and is available as a capsule or tablet. Give it to your dog 1-2 times per day. Possible side effects include loss of coordination and sedation.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
This drug is common for humans but has limited use in dogs. Getting the vet’s approval before giving it to your dog is crucial.
Kidney and gastrointestinal problems are the main side effects of acetaminophen. Tylenol can be fatal, regardless of the dosage.
Natural Remedies
Alternative options like glucosamine, chondroitin, and CBD are natural pain relievers in dogs. Ensure the CBD is from a reputable company and THC-free.
Although there is little or no research on natural pain relievers, others, including omega-3 fatty acids, have high efficacy in relieving pain and lowering inflammation.
Consultation with Veterinarian
It is crucial to consult the vet before giving any pain medication to your dog. The vet will guide you on the right drugs, dosage, and side effects.
Pain varies with dogs, and only a vet can give customized treatment plans to your dog based on the type of pain.
The vet will also monitor your dog and advise how it reacts to the medications.
Conclusion
NSAIDs, opioids, Tylenol, and Gabapentin are some of the safe pain medications for dogs. Natural remedies, including chondroitin, are also safe.
Administer the drugs according to the vet’s guidelines to prevent negative reactions. Always consult the vet before giving your dog any pain-relieving drug.