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What Can I Give My Dog for Pain?

What Can I Give My Dog for Pain?

As dog parents, we strive to shield our pets from health problems and make their lives as comfortable as possible, but what do you do when you suspect your pup is in pain?

What to give dogs for pain

Although your first course of action should always be to consult your veterinarian, know that human medications and pain relievers should never be used on animals, even in a pinch. “Aspirin and acetaminophen are both listed toxins for dogs and cats,” says Dr. Andrew Moffatt, medical director of VetnCare, which is part of the Petco veterinary network. “They should not be used in animal patients, as there are much safer medications within this class of drugs that have been well studied in animals.”

Here’s more about human-specific medications and their effect on dogs:

Can you give dogs ibuprofen?

Although ibuprofen is a commonly used human pain medication, it can cause serious issues in dogs, including gastrointestinal irritation and ulcers, kidney damage, neurological disorders and low blood pressure.

Can you give dogs Advil?

Advil is a popular brand of ibuprofen and is, therefore, just as toxic to dogs as generic ibuprofen. Besides bleeding ulcers in the stomach or intestines, Advil can also cause permanent damage to the heart, kidneys and liver.

Can you give dogs Tylenol?

Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, can cause serious side effects in your dog, including kidney and liver dysfunction and gastrointestinal upset.

Managing your dog’s pain at home

Since we’ve now established that human medication isn’t an option for a dog in pain, you’re probably wondering: Then what can I give my dog? If your dog has already been prescribed medication to address pain related to a specific problem (post-surgery or due to an injury, for example), you should follow the dosing instructions given to you and consult your veterinarian if your pet still seems uncomfortable. However, if you’ve noticed a change in your dog’s usual behavior or habits and don’t have a diagnosis, call your veterinarian immediately to determine if an appointment is necessary. Avoid strenuous activities and encourage your dog to rest until you can get to the bottom of the issue and establish a safe pain-management routine in collaboration with your vet.

Your veterinarian can advise you on whether certain pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications made specifically for dogs might benefit your pet. Additionally, depending on your dog’s age and habits, certain supplements can also help ward off potential future pain due to arthritis and aging. “Omega-3 fatty acids at a high dose rate—100-200mg/kh EFA/DPA combined—can be an effective adjunctive medication to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis,” says  Dr. Moffatt. As a caveat, though, he added that this medication by itself is not effective in stopping or reducing pain associated with moderate to severe arthritis.

Besides medication, weight management is another important factor when managing arthritic or orthopedic pain. “A weight-loss plan can be provided by your veterinarian following a clinical examination,” adds Dr. Moffatt. “The type of food most suited to the patient and specific weight-loss goals can then be communicated.”

There are plenty of options for your pup when it comes to pain relief, but remember that your veterinarian should be your first line of defense to avoid serious complications. If you notice anything different about your dog’s attitude or behavior—or you notice signs that they may be in pain—call your veterinarian today.

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