You can give your dog pain relief medications, but only under veterinary guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness. Common options include: Veterinary-prescribed NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs):
- Carprofen (Novox, Rimadyl)
- Meloxicam (Metacam)
- Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
- Firocoxib (Previcox)
- Grapiprant (Galliprant)
These reduce inflammation and pain, commonly used for conditions like osteoarthritis or post-surgery pain. They require monitoring for side effects, especially in dogs with liver or kidney issues
. Opioids:
For severe pain, vets may prescribe opioids such as buprenorphine,
butorphanol, tramadol, morphine, or fentanyl. These are strong painkillers
used mainly after surgery or for cancer pain and must be used under strict
veterinary supervision due to possible side effects like sedation, nausea, or
respiratory depression
. Gabapentin:
Used for nerve pain and sometimes as a muscle relaxant, gabapentin can cause
drowsiness initially but helps manage chronic pain effectively
. Corticosteroids:
Steroids like prednisone or dexamethasone reduce inflammation and pain but are
generally used short-term due to potential side effects
. Monoclonal Antibody Therapy (Librela):
A newer treatment targeting arthritis pain by blocking nerve growth factor,
administered by injection monthly, with fewer side effects than NSAIDs
. Important:
- Do NOT give human pain medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen to your dog, as they can be toxic
- Aspirin may be used only under close veterinary supervision due to risks of stomach ulcers and bleeding
Always consult your veterinarian before giving any pain medication to your dog to ensure the correct drug, dosage, and monitoring plan.
