Pain Management For Dogs

Pain Management for Dogs

Nobody enjoys seeing their dog in pain. For that reason, you might be tempted to treat your ailing dog with human pain medication, rather than by taking him to the vet. Read on to learn why that’s a bad idea, what pain medication options your vet has, and which alternative treatments are used to treat dog pain.

Why Shouldn’t I Give My Dog Human Pain Medications?

If your dog is in pain, you should always take him to the vet for an evaluation, rather than try to medicate him yourself. Unfortunately, human medication can be very dangerous for your dog.

For one thing, it’s difficult to determine the appropriate dosage for your dog, which greatly increases his risk of an overdose. Additionally, some medications—like ibuprofen, for example—are actually toxic to dogs, making even small amounts potentially life-threatening.

What Pain Medication Options Do Vets Have?

Vets have a number of pain medications they can use to treat your dog. Those medications include:

•       NSAIDS – NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are given to humans and dogs alike to reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. However, there are specific NSAIDS formulated just for dogs that’ll keep your dog safe, like Novox, Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcox, and Metacam. Your vet may also approve aspirin, another NSAID, for a short period of time to treat your dog’s pain.
•       Supplements – Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular supplements that may reduce your dog’s swelling and help repair his cartilage. However, you should only give your dog supplements like these under the direction of your vet.
•       Other Medications – Other common pain medications for dogs include Gabapentin and Tramadol. Gabapentin treats pain from damaged nerves, and Tramadol is sometimes given to aging dogs for ongoing discomfort.

Are There Any Alternative Treatments to Help My Dog with Pain?

There are actually several alternative treatments that may help your dog with pain. For example, hydrotherapy uses warm water to promote better circulation while soothing joints.

Acupuncture can also treat inflammation and pain in dogs by promoting muscle relaxation.

Laser therapy is a relatively new treatment that can speed the healing of wounds. This may be a good option for alleviating your dog’s pain from damaged nerves, fractures, and arthritis.

Lastly, massage and chiropractic therapy are options as well. Both of these treatments can increase your dog’s overall comfort, offering greater relief from pain.

If you’re considering one of these alternative treatments for your dog, as always, you’ll want to talk to your vet first.

Playtime Can Keep Pain at Bay

Playtime is not only important to your dog’s wellbeing, it can also prevent your pooch from packing on pounds that lead to health problems like obesity and arthritis. At Pet Palace Resort, we’re pleased to offer dog day care to keep your dog entertained when you’re too busy to play the 325th game of fetch.

We also offer boarding services, as well as professional grooming. To learn more about the full range of services we provide visit your local Pet Palace web page. We have seven locations to serve you throughout Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina.

Categories: All Posts, Dog Daycare, Dogs, Pet Boarding, Pet Grooming, Pet Safety, Tips for Your Pets