Although it is not safe to give your dog pain medication, you can get some over-the-counter options that may be helpful.
You might be tempted to go through your medicine cabinets to see if there is something you can do to help your dog. You could endanger your dog’s health by giving her human over-the-counter pain medication.
What can I do to give my dog pain relief at home?
Your dog’s pain relief is not guaranteed to be safe if there are any medications in your medicine cupboard. Dogs are not safe from Tylenol and Aleve, as well as other pain medication made for humans. Dogs can be exposed to NSAIDs, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) made for humans. This can cause liver damage and stomach ulcers.
Your best option for relieving your dog’s pain is to use pain relief that has been specifically made for dogs and approved in FDA. These medications, like Grapiprant and Carprofen, are safe for dogs. They can be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Your vet may prescribe it in certain cases. In these cases, you can give your dog low-dose baby aspirin or coated aspirin to temporarily treat pain, fever, inflammation. Aspirin can cause serious side effects in dogs and is available over-the-counter.
Dr. Bowe says that plain Tylenol for dogs is safe. TJ Bowe, North Colony Animal Clinic, Texas. However, the problem is that all of the different Tylenol formulations are unsafe for dogs. Most vets will not recommend Tylenol over-the-counter. He suggests calling your vet to see your pet if they seem to be in pain.
Watch out for adverse reactions in your dog, just like with any medication. You can use the acronym BEST to determine if your dog is reacting to a canine anti-inflammatory drug. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, you should immediately stop administering the medication.
- Behavior changes
- Eating less
- Skin redness and scabs
- Tarry stool/diarrhea/vomiting
What can I give my dog to relieve pain?
You can find other pain relief for dogs at most pet shops. Before giving your dog pain relief supplements, make sure you consult your veterinarian. Supplements that react with medication can cause side effects for your dog.
These supplements are dog-formulated and may be helpful in reducing pain or discomfort in dogs:
- Chondroitin and Glucosamine
- CBD oil
- Boswellia serrata
- Turmeric
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Your vet should advise you on dosage since it depends on your body weight, health, and age.
Resting and limiting activity can help dogs recover from minor injuries. A healthy weight and an active lifestyle can help to prevent injuries and reduce the strain on your joints. A diet that is nutrient-dense and biologically balanced will help your dog recover faster from injuries.
Your veterinarian should be contacted immediately if your dog is injured or in distress. Talk to your veterinarian before you give your dog medication.