What to Give Your Dog for Pain Relief
As loving pet parents, seeing our dogs in pain is one of the most difficult parts of owning a pup. In some cases, there is not much you can do but get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. However, many times, there are healthy and safe options for relieving your dog’s pain at home. Read on to learn more about what you can and can’t give your dog for pain relief.
Drugs to Avoid
For starters, you should know which medications your dog should not be taking. Human pain relievers, for example, are extremely dangerous and can be fatal when given to your dog. That applies to even the most innocuous-seeming drugs like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin. Do not give your dog any of these drugs unless your vet approves it and gives you instructions on appropriate dosages.
Impact of Human Pain Relievers on Dogs
Over the counter pain relievers work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which produces hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. While this helps reduce inflammation and pain, it can also lead to gastrointestinal ulcers, vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, bleeding disorders, and liver damage in dogs. Without treatment, dogs may even die following consumption of these drugs. No amount of over the counter pain relievers is safe to give your dog without prior approval from your vet.
What Can I Give My Dog Instead?
Clearly, you should never give your dog over the counter human pain relievers. Instead, you can give your dog pet pain medications that are safer and more effective for your pooch. Discuss options with your vet to determine which pain medication is best suited for your furry friend. Carprofen, etodolac, and meloxicam are the most common pain-relief options that have proven safe for dogs.
Other Pain-Relief Options
Prescription medications are far from the only option for relieving your dog’s pain. You may also consider modifying your dog’s diet, especially if their pain results from osteoarthritis. Pain relief can also come in the form of physical therapy, acupuncture, laser treatments, and other options. Discuss the various options with your vet to understand which is best for your dog’s needs.
Luckily, there are many safe and effective methods for relieving your dog’s pain. Discuss all options with your vet to get their recommendations for pain relief as well. At the end of the day, they can give you the best insight and guidance into relieving your dog’s pain.