What Can I Give My Dog for Pain?

If you have a dog, chances are good that she will experience some type of pain at some point in her life. It may be something simple like an abscessed tooth or more serious like osteoarthritis.

The best thing to do when your dog is experiencing pain is to get the help she needs from a veterinarian. However, there are certain over-the-counter medicines and home remedies that can make her more comfortable while you wait for professional care.

 

What Can I Give My Dog for Pain

 Can You Give a Dog Aspirin?

If your dog is in pain, the best course of action is to take it to a vet. The good news is that aspirin works on dogs, too. Give him one baby aspirin (81 mg). If you think he needs more than that for his pain, get help from your vet or call an animal hospital and ask their advice.

 

 Can You Give a Dog Ibuprofen?

The drug is designed to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in people. It's not for dogs, and giving it to them can be very dangerous. The active ingredient in ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory that is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 

NSAIDs reduce swelling and cause blood vessels to relax, which helps reduce pain. It's not just the dog that could suffer from such treatment, but also humans since you may pass on bacteria or viruses to him if he licks his paws after being treated with ibuprofen. 

Can You Give a Dog Tylenol?

It is always best to consult with the animal’s veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. If you have just discovered that your dog has an illness, call his veterinarian immediately for advice on how to proceed. If it is after hours, talk to a vet technician or registered nurse at the hospital where the doctor practices. What if there are no alternatives? You can give dogs liquid Tylenol (acetaminophen) but make sure to follow instructions closely and contact the vet as soon as possible.

 

The Best Pain Medications for Dogs

The best medications for dogs depending on your pet’s specific problem. For arthritis, you can try Rimadyl, Metacam, or Deramaxx. These medications work similarly to ibuprofen in humans and are relatively safe in pets. If your pet has a muscle injury such as a pulled groin muscle, steroids might be the best medication. Glucosamine is good for any type of joint pain because it slows cartilage degeneration and helps maintain healthy joints in the long run. 

Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended and should not be construed as viable professional advice. It should not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional.