There are different ways to help ease his pain. Your vet will recommend medication based on the current health problem and your dog’s health history. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, help reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain for your dog. They can bring relief to a dog with arthritis, or one who’s just had surgery. Never give your pooch something from your medicine cabinet.
There are some available NSAIDs just for dogs like, carprofen – Novox and Rimadyl, deracoxib – Deramaxx, firocoxib – Previcox, meloxicam – Metacam. NSAIDs are usually safe for dogs and have few side effects. But in some cases, they can cause kidney, liver, or digestive problems. You may be able to tell if your dog is having a bad reaction to an NSAID. Stop giving your dog the drug and call your vet immediately.
Asprin is an over-the-counter NSAID. Your vet may give it to your dog for a limited amount of time, but usually only if he has an injury or a short-term condition. It’s not recommended for long-term use in dogs because it has a greater potential for side effects, including the risk of bleeding. Coated aspirin is best on the stomach, and give the pills with food. Talk to your vet and follow their advice on how much medicine is to be given and how often.
Gabapentin treats pain from damaged nerves in dogs. It may make your dog sleepy for the first few days, but that usually goes away. Sometimes, your vet will prescribe it along with other drugs.
Tramadol is a painkiller that works partly like other mild opioid medications. Vets sometimes give it to aging dogs who have constant discomfort. Some side effects that may occur include an upset stomach, vomiting and dizziness. Talk to your vet if you are concerned.
Veterinarians give stronger opiates only for a short while. They usually don’t prescribe steroids for pain, as they can have serious side effects.
Supplements like glucosamine, GLM and chondroitin, are very popular alternative treatments. They help in reducing the swelling, help the cartilage repair itself, help protect and lubricate existing cartilage.
Always talk to your vet before giving your dog any medications, including supplements.
