What Can You Give a Dog for Pain?
Your veterinarian will work with you to develop an individualized plan depending on the type of pain your dog is having. This may include:
Certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can safely be used in dogs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help control pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis. This group of drugs works at points along the inflammatory pathway to affect the body’s response to pain.
As a negative side effect, however, the medications can block essential body functions like protecting the lining of the stomach and intestines, maintaining blood flow to the kidneys, and supporting platelet function.
It is important to give your dog only NSAIDs that your vet has approved, and to work closely with your veterinarian while your dog is taking them. Some NSAIDs are available over the counter and others are by prescription. Some pets, such as dogs with pre-existing liver or kidney disease, may not be able to take this class of medication.
Your veterinarian may want to run some tests prior to starting these medications and/or once your dog is on the medication a certain amount of time. The tests can help show how your dog’s body and organs are functioning to safely use an NSAID.
NSAID drugs can be effective in controlling pain and inflammation and may be used in multiple ways:
These are some NSAIDs that vets commonly use:
- Prescription medication
- Tablet, caplet, or chewable tablet
- Prescribed once or twice daily
- In use since the late 1990s
- Prescription medication
- Chewable tablet
- Prescribed once daily
- In use since the early 2000s
- Prescription medication
- Flavored chewable tablet
- Prescribed once daily
- In use since the early 2000s
- Prescription medication
- Flavored tablet or liquid
- Prescribed once daily
- In use since the early 2000s
- Prescription medication
- Tablet
- Prescribed once daily
- In use since 2016
- This NSAID may have fewer side effects than some other NSAIDs. It works at a different point in the inflammatory pathway than most other NSAIDs.
- Over-the-counter medication
- Tablet
- May need to be given multiple times daily, as directed on the label
- Not FDA-approved for use in dogs
- This medication may have more side effects and risk of toxicity than the prescription medications available.
Most of the time, NSAIDs are safe, effective medications to help dogs with pain when given as prescribed. It’s important to monitor your pet closely for side effects and signs of toxicity.
Veterinary intervention is needed in an overdose situation or if your pet is not tolerating the medication well.
Opioid drugs work at receptors in the brain to provide relief from moderate to severe pain. They can be prescribed after surgery or used as part of an anesthetic protocol.
Opioids have a high potential for abuse in humans and come with regulations, monitoring, and limitations. They must be prescribed by the vet, and because they are controlled drugs, your veterinarian must keep a dispensing log that can be audited by the DEA.
Opioids can have side effects in pets, including panting or slowed breathing, salivation, nausea, vomiting, vocalizing, sedation/lethargy, or hyperexcitability.
- Liquid, extended-release tablet, or extended-release capsule
- Used for surgical pain (such as orthopedic procedures) or severe trauma
- Short-term use only
- Liquid
- Not meant to be swallowed; it’s squirted into the mouth for absorption by vessels under the tongue
- Used for surgical pain, cancer pain, or trauma
- Short-term use only
- Liquid or tablet
- Used for severe arthritis pain, chronic collapsing trachea cough, or surgical pain
- Short- to medium-term use
- Liquid or tablet
- Used for surgical pain
- Short-term use
- Liquid or transdermal patch
- Used for surgical pain
- Short-term use
- Patch must be handled carefully so the opioid is not absorbed into your skin
Are Human Pain Meds Safe for Dogs?
In general, there are some medications that both people and dogs can take, such as certain heart medications, thyroid medications, and antibiotics. However, even if it is safe for dogs to take a specific human medication, the dosing is usually different.
A human’s metabolism also has major differences compared with that of a dog. That means some medications that are safe for people can be toxic to dogs or can even kill them.
Never give your dog the most common over-the-counter human pain relievers:
These medications can cause stomach bleeding, kidney failure, and liver failure. Always ask your vet before giving your dog any human medication.
Recognizing When Your Dog is in Pain
It is important to know the signs of pain in your dog so you can consult with your vet to help. It is also important to continue monitoring your pet’s progress and signs of pain once they start any medications. Pets deserve a good quality of life and should be able to enjoy the things that bring them pleasure.
There are several animal pain scales that allow you to rate your pet’s pain level, such as the canine acute pain scale created by Colorado State University veterinary school.
Here are some signs that your dog may be in pain:
What Can I Give My Dog For Pain – Ask the Expert | Dr David Randall
Its common for pet owners to feel a bit helpless when they notice their pup in pain, but there are remedies to help your pet feel better.
Before you intervene, it is essential to consult a veterinarian about the best pain management plan for your pup, whether its prescription medications, natural remedies, or both, says Dr. Antje Joslin, a veterinarian at the 99th Avenue Lower Buckeye Animal Clinic.
Important: Do not, under any circumstances, give your dog pain medication from your medicine cabinet or purchase OTC meds from your local grocery, pharmacy, or dispensary, as this can be very dangerous and potentially fatal for them.