Maybe your dog went a little too hard during play and isn’t running with the same energy anymore, or time has caught up with him. Either way, it’s never fun to see your pup in pain.
“There are different types of pain, just like we have in humans,” explains Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian at the American Kennel Club. “There’s acute pain and there’s chronic pain; there’s visceral pain, there’s nerve pain; there’s joint pain. So, you have to remember that pain is a big concept.”
The bottom line is that our furry friends feel pain just like we do. But how can you, as a pet owner, help them feel better? Here’s some advice from an expert.
What can I give my dog for pain?
If you think your dog is unwell, make an appointment with your vet, Klein advises.
“Dogs don’t understand the concept of pain, so they act the same way when they don’t understand something, whether it’s a thunderstorm or a vacuum cleaner,” he says. “It’s hard for an owner to try to differentiate. If you have a question, the first thing you should do — to do no harm — is get them to your veterinarian as soon as possible.”
A veterinarian can assess what type of pain your pet is experiencing and how to manage it appropriately. Depending on the prognosis, certain tests, blood work or x-rays may be performed.
Treatment is determined once the cause of the pain is determined. For example, if a dog injures its paw, ice may be helpful.
Veterinarians often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioid-like medications or a combination of both, Klein explains. NSAIDs can help reduce swelling, stiffness and joint pain in dogs.
According to the FDA, the following NSAIDs are approved for pain in dogs:
- Previcox
- Deramaxx
- Doxidyl
- Galloping
According to the FDA, NSAIDs are marketed based on the active ingredient and may be available under several brand and generic names.
It is important to note, however, that dosages must be followed carefully, says Klein. Many of these medications come in chewable forms and dogs have been known to ingest them, leading to serious levels of toxicity.
Can Dogs Be Given Tylenol or Ibuprofen?
Never give your dog Tylenol or Ibuprofen. “It is wrong and dangerous to give human medications like Ibuprofen or Naproxen to dogs or cats, and Tylenol Extra Strength can be fatal to cats,” Klein warns.
Human NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol, are toxic to dogs, even in small doses.
If your dog has acetaminophen poisoning, he may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, drooling, panting or liver damage, among other side effects, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. In the worst cases, giving your dog ibuprofen or Tylenol can be fatal.
“I’ve worked in the emergency room for 35 years and we’ve seen a lot of bad things, and prescription drug poisoning is in the top five,” Klein said. “If you look at the ASPCA list of the top medications that dogs ingest and bring to the emergency room, the number one is nonprescription human medications like Advil and Tylenol.”
Alternative Methods for Pain Relief in Dogs
Pet owners can prevent certain types of pain by monitoring their dog’s weight.
“Obesity has a really bad effect on the body, and especially on disease,” Klein explains. “A dog with arthritis—whether it’s in his back, hips, or joints—and having to carry around 20 percent or more of his body weight is really suffering.” Bones, joints, and fat tissue release cytokines that can contribute to inflammation, which increases pain, he adds.
The best way to prevent this is to keep your pet active. “An orthopedic surgeon once told me, ‘Movement is life. If you stop moving, you stop living,’” says Klein. Make sure you walk your dog regularly and give him exercise.
Other forms of pain management for dogs include acupuncture, hydrotherapy and swimming, says Klein. There are also laser treatments and infrared light therapy.
Green-lipped mussels are high in omega-3 and other fatty acids, which can improve joint lubrication and reduce inflammation, stiffness and joint pain, according to the American Kennel Club. There are several supplements and powders for dogs that use green-lipped mussels.
“I think it’s important to realize that there are several rehabilitation modalities that – as long as you work with an informed veterinarian – can be beneficial for your dog,” says Klein.
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Can I give my dog CBD?
Be careful when applying ointments and creams to your dog, Klein warns. The biggest concern is that your dog might lick them off.
“You can’t control what they’re taking in and what they’re taking in. Sometimes the delivery isn’t consistent either. That’s why I don’t recommend CBD for dogs unless the vet prescribes it,” he adds.
Marijuana and THC are toxic to dogs, and other ingredients in certain CBD products can also be “problematic,” Klein said.
Studies have yet to find the right dosage for CBD application to dogs, he adds. And since there’s a range of dogs based on size, it’s also difficult to decide how much CBD to give, if at all. Klein asks, would you give the same amount of CBD to a 5-pound Chihuahua as you would to a 150-pound Great Dane?
CBD can also temporarily increase liver function in dogs, he adds, so if a dog has underlying liver disease, this could lead to further complications.
Consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any human product, Klein says.
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