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There are many types of dog pain medication, but knowing when to use them, and which ones are safe is imperative. This guide explores the different medications for dogs, and what you should know about them.
When your dog is in pain, the inner caretaker in you wants to do everything you can to help her find relief as quickly as possible. In fact, you might even consider giving your dog the same medications you take for a headache.
Unfortunately, this can be incredibly dangerous if you aren’t aware of the associated risks. The truth is that, while there are safe dog pain medications available, few of them are found at home in the medicine cabinet.
The best way to address your dog’s pain is to schedule an appointment with your vet to seek a diagnosis. But getting to know dog pain medication, how it works, and what you can safely give from home also helps.
The Risk Of Giving Human Medicines
It’s late and your senior dog is limping and whimpering in pain. You know it’s because of her arthritis; unfortunately, you can’t get to the vet until morning. Is it safe to give her aspirin, Tylenol, Aleve, or Motrin from your medicine cabinet?
What about that Tramadol you were prescribed for a broken ankle last year?
While the answer to this question does depend on which med you’re considering, the only real safe answer is “absolutely not”. That’s because there’s an awful lot of variables involved – some of which could put your dog’s life at risk.
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Dogs can sometimes have Tylenol safely, but only if the dose remains under 15 mg/kg. Higher doses:
- Kill liver cells
- Interfere with hemoglobin production
- Cause toxins to build up in the blood
Some dogs, particularly seniors and the chronically ill, may experience negative effects even at lower doses. Thus, dog owners should avoid Tylenol unless specifically recommended by your vet.
2. NSAIDs
Aleve, Motrin, and other NSAIDs are really no safer, either. All carry an extremely high risk for:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Organ failure
- Potential death
- They can also cause nausea and diarrhea, which can cause your dog to become dehydrated (not to mention being pretty unpleasant in general).
Other NSAIDs, including prescriptions like Indocin and ketoprofen, might seem safer since they are prescribed. However, the risk for side effects is actually higher, mostly because prescriptions are so much stronger. It’s just not worth the risk.
3. Human Narcotic Painkillers
Human-oriented prescription painkillers, such as Tramadol, Percocet, and morphine aren’t safe for your dog, either.
While some of these are also prescribed for pets, the associated dose is much, much lower – and the risk for side effects (such as respiratory depression) is far higher. It is possible to inadvertently overdose your pet if you miscalculate or give the wrong drug.
4. Aspirin
Aspirin, given in doses less than 10-40mg/kg, can be an effective method for ameliorating pain from injuries, arthritis, and mild inflammation.
As an NSAID, however, Aspirin still carries an increased risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, blood clotting issues, and stroke. For this reason, it should only be used for temporary relief; there are far better options available.
Common Dog Pain Medication Prescriptions
Prescription medications specifically designed for dogs are far safer for your canine friend. They are also generally more effective, too.
But which is right for your dog? Ultimately, your vet will recommend a medication based on your dog’s condition and individual needs. We’ll help you get to know the three most common options in the next few sections.
1. Metacam and other NSAIDs
Generic Name(s): carprofen, deracoxib, firocoxib, meloxicam
Class: NSAID
Dosing Recommendations: Exact dosing depends on the drug. Metacam, the most common, is often prescribed with a higher initial starting dose and then reduced to a once-daily oral pill or liquid. Others may be given just once a day from day one.
How They Work: NSAIDs block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) in your dog’s body. This, in turn, lowers the level of prostaglandins, which signal the body to respond to injury or illness with fever, swelling, inflammation, and pain.
When To Use Them: Prescription NSAIDs are especially useful for musculoskeletal pain (e.g., canine arthritis). However, they are also really effective for post-spay or neuter pain, broken limbs, bee stings, and other forms of pain, too. They should never be prescribed alongside steroid drugs due to an increased risk for side effects.
2. Prednisone and Other Steroids
Generic name(s): prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone
Class: Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids)
Dosing Recommendations: Depends on the drug in question. Generally, veterinarians prescribe the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible period of time due to risks associated with long-term use. May be given as a single dose by injection or via oral pills taken multiple times per day. If taken for long periods of time, dose should be reduced slowly over several weeks or days.
How They Work: Steroids mimic naturally-occurring hormones that trigger the immune system to produce inflammation, nerve sensitivity, and swelling. This can reduce symptoms and make your dog more comfortable temporarily.
When To Use Them: This class of dog pain medication is especially useful for pain associated with auto-immune disorders (e.g., Lupus). However, it may also be used after surgery and/or to treat painful dental conditions, serious injuries, and spinal degeneration.
3. Opioid Pain Relievers
Generic name(s): tramadol, morphine, buprenorphine
Class: Narcotics
Dosing Recommendations: Again, here, the dose highly depends on the medication and what your vet is trying to treat. The general rule of thumb is to prescribe the lowest possible dose to achieve relief; this prevents over-sedation. Seniors and those with liver or kidney dysfunction may require an even lower dose.
How They Work: Opiates bind to pain receptors found throughout your dog’s brain and body; this desensitizes nerve endings to reduce the sensation of pain itself. They also produce mild sedation, which may be desirable if your dog is injured, needs to remain quiet and still, or is experiencing anxiety as a result of their pain.
When To Use Them: Most vets only prescribe narcotic painkillers for severe pain that isn’t easily ameliorated by other medications. This is because the class carries an increased risk for certain side effects, including dependency, constipation, intestinal blockage, and respiratory depression. They are commonly prescribed for bladder blockages, severe dental pain, and post-surgical pain control
Compounded Dog Pain Medication
Another option for pain medication for your furry pet is to use compounded pet medications. These are even more beneficial if your dog suffers from multiple ailments or pain.
Compounded medicine eliminates many risks associated with pain medication for pets. It can:
- Reformulate pills into liquids
- Create topical steroids for skin conditions
- Alter the dose of the medication to fit your dogs size
- Eliminate potential allergens in the medicine, and more
Your pet is your family, and if they are in pain, you suffer as well. If you still have questions about dog pain medication or compounding, contact your local Burt’s Pharmacy today.
Read More:
Understanding The Compounding Process For Dog Pharmaceuticals