You may be wondering whether you may give your dog anti-inflammatory medicine to help alleviate the pain and discomfort that inflammation causes. If your dog is experiencing pain or inflammation, your vet may suggest or even prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). These drugs alleviate joint pain in dogs and other symptoms caused by inflammatory diseases. There are benefits to NSAIDs, but you should be aware that they can have drawbacks.
There are situations in which giving a dog an anti-inflammatory medicine might be the best course of action, but this is not always the case. It’s also crucial to see your veterinarian since some dogs are more sensitive to NSAIDs than others. The following is essential information for anybody considering giving their dog an anti-inflammatory medication.
Can You Tell Me About Dog Medications That Reduce Inflammation?
Inflammation is a normal aspect of the body’s immunological system, and canine anti-inflammatory drugs are used to alleviate this uncomfortable condition. However, this immune reaction might cause discomfort for your dog by way of inflammation, pain, and other signs.
In certain chronic diseases, the body sends out inflammatory cells even when there is no infection or damage present. If your dog suffers from arthritis or another ailment that causes joint discomfort and swelling, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine. In the event that your dog is limping or otherwise acting in discomfort, discussing the possibility of anti-inflammatory medication with your vet is a good idea.
The vast majority of pain relievers do not include steroids, but instead are classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). While steroid treatment for inflammation is helpful in both dogs and humans, it is not without risk.
Why Do Dogs Get Sick When Taking Anti-Inflammatory Medication?
While anti-inflammatories may be helpful for treating inflammation in dogs, they do not come without risks. Possible negative consequences of giving your dog anti-inflammatory medication include the following.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased or no appetite
- Yellowing of the gums or whites of the eyes
- Lethargy
- Decreased activity level
The mechanism of action of NSAIDs in your dog’s body causes these unwanted effects. Prostaglandins are produced by the body as part of its response to an injury, and NSAIDs operate by inhibiting the synthesis of this enzyme2. This is problematic because additional symptoms, like as gastrointestinal problems and canine lethargy, might result from a shortage of prostaglandins.
Talk to your vet about any medications your dog may be allergic to before giving them to him. Your veterinarian is the only one who can determine the appropriate medicine, dosage, and administration method for your dog.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Having an Allergic Reaction to NSAIDs
While the side effects we talked about previously are somewhat common with NSAIDs in dogs, some dogs are actually allergic to NSAIDs and suffer much worse side effects. As a pet parent, it’s important to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction if you’re administering NSAIDs to your dog. BEST is an important acronym to remember. Here’s what it means:
- B-Behavior changes
- E- Eating less
- S- Skin redness or scabs
- T- Tarry stool, diarrhea, or vomiting
Alterations in temperament are often symptomatic of canine health problems. Watching a dog’s actions and interpreting their meaning may teach you a lot about how they’re feeling.
One of the most typical symptoms of a medical problem in your dog is a loss of appetite. An allergic response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might cause your dog to abruptly stop eating or consume less.
In dogs, a response to an anti-inflammatory medication may manifest itself in a variety of ways, including visible changes to the skin. It is possible that your dog is experiencing an adverse response to NSAIDs if you see redness or scabs on its skin. In any case, if your dog’s face is bloated in addition to the skin issues, it’s best to take him to the doctor to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Tarry stools, diarrhea, or vomiting are further symptoms of an NSAID-related allergic response in a dog. After giving your dog NSAIDs, be sure he or she is passing stool normally.
Get your dog to the vet ASAP if you suspect an NSAID-related allergic reaction. If your dog is having an allergic response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it is crucial that you discontinue use immediately to prevent future medical consequences. Do not provide any further nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs till further notice.
What Are FDA-Approved Anti-Inflammatory Medications for Dogs?
Choosing the right anti-inflammatory for dogs is important, and looking at FDA-approved anti-inflammatories is a good place to start. Here’s a list of some of the FDA-approved anti-inflammatory medications for dogs2:
- Carprofen: Carprofen is a chewable tablet for dogs that can be used to treat inflammation and joint pain. Brand-name tablets include Rimadyl, Novox, and Vetprofen.
- Deracoxib: Deracoxib is available in beef-flavored tablets and is used to treat pain that results from osteoarthritis as well as pain caused by dental or orthopedic surgery.
- Firocoxib: Firocoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor that’s used to treat pain in both dogs and horses. Brand names for this medication include Equioxx and Previcox.
- Grapiprant: Grapriprant (Galliprant) is mostly used to treat mild and moderate cases of inflammation that occur as a result of osteoarthritis.
- Meloxicam: Meloxicam is one of the few FDA-approved anti-inflammatories for dogs that can also be used for humans. This anti-inflammatory can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in people and general pain and inflammation in dogs.
- Robenacoxib: Robenacoxib is also a COX-2 inhibitor used to treat inflammation in cats and dogs. The brand name for Robenacoxib is Onsior.
Each anti-inflammatory for dogs is a little different from the next. Some of these drugs function differently from others and are used to treat different specific medical conditions. Before you give your dog any of these NSAIDs, make sure you talk to your vet about choosing the right one for your pooch.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication Administration for Dogs
As a dog owner, it is incumbent upon you to be well-versed in the art of dosing Fido with his prescribed meds. If your dog needs anti-inflammatories, you should know how to give them to him, but you shouldn’t do it without your vet’s OK. Just follow these three simple steps to give your dog anti-inflammatory medication:
The first thing you should do before giving your dog any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is consult with your vet. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be quite useful for certain diseases, your vet may advise against using them. Your veterinarian could suggest dog anti-inflammatory foods if your pup is experiencing any kind of mild discomfort or inflammation. Also, certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause allergic reactions or severe adverse effects in dogs, so it’s vital to discuss your options with your doctor before giving your pet any medication.
After consulting with your veterinarian and receiving their go-ahead to provide nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it is time to do so. When medicating your dog, always follow the directions provided on the medication’s label. If you want additional information about a medication, the Client Information Sheet is a good resource. All NSAIDs with FDA approval must be used orally or injected.
After giving your dog the NSAID, it’s important to keep an eye on him or her in case any adverse reactions occur. Depending on how your dog is responding to NSAIDs, you may need to rush them to the doctor if you give them to them.
Are Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Humans Safe for Dogs?
Choosing the correct anti-inflammatory medicine for your dog is essential for its recovery. Some dogs, cats, and other small animals have had adverse reactions to NSAIDs meant for human use. Never, ever, without your vet’s approval, feed your dog an NSAID intended for human use. Talk to your vet about the proper dosing if you decide to use NSAIDs intended for humans on your dog.
You can get safe alternatives to human anti-inflammatory medicines from your vet. To find out more about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for dogs, including the ones we discussed above, see your veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian about trying a natural anti-inflammatory for your dog, such as an anti-inflammatory diet or a supplement designed to decrease inflammation.
Never give your dog any form of medicine or supplement without first consulting with your veterinarian. Changing your dog’s food drastically without consulting a professional is not recommended. Thank goodness, telemedicine for dogs in the Netherlands makes it simple to see a veterinarian for assistance.