Pain Meds for a Dog
Your vet will work with you to develop an special plan for your pup, depending on the type of pain your dog is experiencing.
This may include:
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Vet-prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which help relieve pain by decreasing inflammation. Note that even though ibuprofen and naproxen are also NSAIDs, they should never be given to your dog. Always consult with your vet before giving your dog a new pain medication.
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Opioids, which work in the brain to limit pain perception (these are typically reserved for more severe pain).
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Other drugs that can affect the nervous system at various levels (such as gabapentin) and limit pain signal perception.
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Supplements are used in cases of mild to moderate pain, or with other medications to limit the amount of a drug your dog may need to take.
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A combination of physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, and environmental modifications. This is typically for pets that don’t tolerate medication well.
NSAIDs for Dogs
Certain NSAIDs that can safely be used for dogs are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help control pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis.
These medications work by decreasing a pup’s bodily response to inflammation, which reduces pain.
However, NSAIDs can disrupt a pup’s bodily functions, such as the protection of the lining of the stomach and intestines, blood flow to the kidneys, and platelet function.
Only give your dog NSAIDs that your vet has approved. Work closely with your vet while your dog is taking NSAIDs.
Some pets—such as dogs with pre-existing liver or kidney disease—may not be able to take NSAID medications. These medications require good kidney and liver function to be properly used by the body and cleared from the bloodstream.
Your veterinarian may want to perform blood work and a urinalysis prior to your pup starting NSAIDs and/or once your dog is on the medication for a certain period.
These tests can help show how your dog’s body and organs are functioning.
NSAIDs can be effective in controlling pain and inflammation in your pup. They may be used in a few ways, such as:
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Your veterinarian may prescribe them for a short time after performing surgery such as a spay, neuter, or dental procedure.
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The vet may also prescribe them longer-term, for diseases such as hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.
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NSAIDs can also be used safely with some other medications including tramadol, gabapentin, or joint supplements.
Some NSAIDs that vets commonly use include:
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Carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl®): This prescription medication comes in tablet, caplet, or chewable tablet form. This is typically prescribed once or twice daily.
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Deracoxib (Deramaxx™): This prescription medication comes as a chewable tablet and is prescribed once daily.
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Firocoxib (Previcox®): This prescription medication is available as a flavored chewable tablet that’s prescribed once daily.
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Meloxicam (Metacam®): Meloxicam is a prescription medication that comes a flavored tablet or liquid and is prescribed once daily.
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Grapipant (Galliprant®): This medication is prescribed by a vet (once daily) and taken by tablet. This NSAID may have fewer side effects than other NSAIDs, as it works at a different point in the inflammatory pathway.
When given as prescribed, NSAIDs are typically safe, effective medications to help dogs with pain.
Always monitor your pup closely for side effects and signs of toxicity. Call your vet immediately if you suspect that there is an overdose situation or if your pet is not tolerating their medication well.
Opioids for Dogs
Opioid medications work at receptors—areas on the cells which the medication will attach to get a pain relief response.
These receptors in a pup’s brain provide relief from moderate to severe pain.
Opioids can be prescribed after surgery, or used as part of a medication plan to sedate a dog before general anesthesia is given. However, opioids have several regulations and limitations, and they must be prescribed by your dog’s vet.
Because they are controlled drugs (medications highly regulated by the federal government), your vet must keep a dispensing log that can be audited by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Opioids can have side effects in pets, including:
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Panting or slowed breathing
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Excessive salivation
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Barking, howling, and/or crying
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Lethargy
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Hyperexcitability
A few common opioids include:
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Morphine: Morphine can come as a liquid, extended-release tablet, or extended-release capsule. Typically, it’s used for surgical pain (such as orthopedic procedures) or severe trauma. This medication should be given for short-term use only.
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Buprenorphine: This medication comes as a liquid but is not meant to be swallowed. It’s squirted into the mouth for absorption by vessels under a dog’s tongue. It’s typically used for surgical pain, cancer pain, or trauma. It’s for short-term use only.
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Codeine: Codeine can come as a liquid or tablet. It’s typically used for severe arthritis pain, chronic collapsing trachea cough, or surgical pain. This med should be prescribed for short-to-medium-term use.
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Butorphanol: This drug can come as a liquid or tablet, is used for surgical pain, and should be given for short-term use.
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Fentanyl: Fentanyl is prescribed and given as a liquid or transdermal patch. A transdermal patch allows for the medication to be applied to and absorbed by a dog’s skin.
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This is used for short-term surgical pain. The patch is typically removed by a pup’s vet, as it must be handled carefully so the opioid is not absorbed into your skin.
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Other Pain Meds for Dogs
Other pain meds your vet may prescribe for your pup are:
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Gabapentin
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Tramadol
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Amantadine
Joint Supplements for Pain in Dogs
A few helpful supplements for dogs in pain include:
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Glucosamine: A natural substance used to protect cartilage, this supplement is used for mild pain from hip dysplasia and spinal cord injuries. It comes in many forms, including tablets, chews, and liquids. It’s available over the counter.
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Chondroitin: This natural substance is used to protect a dog’s cartilage. Chondroitin is used for mild pain from conditions like hip dysplasia and spinal cord injuries. It comes in many forms, including tablets, chews, and liquids. This is also available over the counter.
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Adequan: This injectable product is used for pain from osteoarthritis and has anti-inflammatory benefits. You will need a prescription from your vet for this supplement.
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Fish oil: This natural substance is used for pain from osteoarthritis, skin disease, kidney disease, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and some types of cancer, and has anti-inflammatory benefits. Fish oil for pups is available over the counter.