As a dog parent, all we want is our dog to be happy and healthy. But with this, we also need to accept the bitter truth that just like us humans, dogs suffer from multiple painful conditions in their entire lifetime. The cause of the pain can be anything: an accidental injury, growing old, arthritis, genetic disorder, diseases, etc. So, if you want your furry friend to be happy and healthy, you need to find out the reason for their pain.

But remember, you are not a vet, so if your dog is suffering from any kind of pain, do not give them XYZ medicine without consulting a professional vet. Managing pain is a vital aspect of helping dogs recover. Ensuring that your furry friend remains comfortable and content is essential. With numerous pain medicines available for dogs, it's common to wonder what options are safe to administer. 

Fortunately, there are various pain relief alternatives. This guide will provide an overview of the different types of pain medicines for dogs and when they may be beneficial.

Common Types of Pain Relief Medicines for Dogs

Which are the safe pain medicines for dogs? The term safe is quite difficult and tricky to define because we cannot conclude how safe the pain medicines are for your dog unless and until a vet approves it. Here is a list of the most common types of pain medicine for dogs.

1. NSAIDs

Dogs can experience various types of pain, including joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and arthritis. These conditions can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are the best joint supplement for dogs, known for their effectiveness in reducing inflammation and joint pain in dogs. They are commonly used to control post-surgery pain in dogs as well. If your furry friend is experiencing any of these painful conditions, your veterinarian may recommend NSAIDs as a way to alleviate their discomfort and improve their overall quality of life.

It's crucial to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It's not advisable to administer human medications to pets. However, there are veterinary NSAIDs available for dogs, which you can use to alleviate their pain and discomfort. 

• Carprofen 
• Deracoxib 
• Firocoxib 
• Grapiprant 
• Meloxicam 
• Robenacoxib

Your veterinarian's choice of pain treatment for your furry friend depends on the symptoms they exhibit. For instance, if your dog is experiencing inflammation and joint pain, carprofen for dogs could be a viable option. 

However, it's important to consult with your vet to ensure that the pain medicine is suitable for your dog's pain. Using NSAIDs without proper guidance from your vet could pose risks to your dog's health, particularly if you're only treating the pain and not addressing the underlying cause.

2. Opioids

Dogs suffering from severe pain are usually treated with opioids. There are three opioids approved for animal use: Butorphanol, Buprenorphine, and Droperidol Fentanyl. However, only the first two are specifically marketed for pets. Veterinarians may also administer opioids approved for human use to your pet as long as they are deemed relatively safe.

Opioids are most effective when used for short-term acute pain management rather than for long-term pain. These drugs can be useful in relieving pain, but they can also cause various side effects such as sedation, changes in mood, and excitement. It is important to note that every dog may have a different reaction to opioids, so your veterinarian may adjust the pain relief medicine if any adverse effects are observed.

3. Local Anesthetics

Local anesthetics are a great way to numb a specific area on dogs. Vets usually administer them to dogs who have wounds, need surgery, or have to undergo minor procedures. Local anesthetics are often regarded as a safer option than general anesthetics because they don't require the dog to be put to sleep for minor procedures. 

They can also come in handy during complex operations, as they can help vets decrease the amount of general anesthesia they need to use. What's more, local anesthetics can also help ease postoperative pain, thereby ensuring that the dog is comfortable immediately after surgery.

Side Effects of Pain Medicines for Dogs

Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. The same is true with these pain relief medicines. Unfortunately, the medicines we discussed above have some minor and some serious side effects for your dogs. On the brighter side, not all pain medicines have serious side effects, and some are safer than other pain relief medicines, which is why it is strictly advised to consult a vet before proceeding with any pain medicine.

Here, we have curated some instructions that you, as a dog parent, must follow to reduce the probability of your dog facing any severe negative reaction.

The most common side effects that are majorly seen in dogs after taking NSAIDs are

• Decreased activeness
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Besides this, if your dog has an overdose of NSAIDs, then it can lead to liver and kidney failure and, ultimately, death. If your dog is suffering from any kidney or liver disease, then keep NSAIDs away from your furry friend, as these joint supplements directly affect the dog's liver and kidneys.

Warning - NSAIDs are unsafe for both humans and dogs.

2. Opioids

Tramadol, an opioid medication, can cause some serious side effects if not taken as directed. Dogs can avoid overdosing by adhering to the prescribed dosage. However, opioids can still result in a few negative outcomes, such as:

• Anxiety
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Vomiting and nausea
• Drowsiness

Dogs are also susceptible to opioid overdoses, particularly if they consume their medicine without their owners' knowledge or if the owners administer a higher dosage than prescribed by the veterinarian. In such situations, the dog may experience severe adverse effects, which can be quite alarming, such as:

• Seizures
• Agitation
• Frequent Unconsciousness
• Sedation
• Coma

In case your furry friend undergoes any of these indications, it's highly recommended to discontinue their medication and urgently seek veterinary assistance.

3. Local Anesthesia

Using local anesthesia correctly is generally considered safe. However, it's important to avoid giving too much of the drug to small dogs as this can cause toxicity. In addition, dogs may experience some minor bruising at the site of injection.

Final Verdict

It's essential to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery for dogs, which can be achieved by administering pain medication. Discomfort may indicate a severe medical condition, or it could be a sign that your dog is healing. 

However, never take the matter of treating your dog's pain into your own hands without seeking advice from a vet, as it could pose a serious risk to their health. It's always advisable to have your dog examined by a vet if they are experiencing pain, who can both diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the pain while also managing it.

There are several ways to manage pain in dogs, but it's always best to consult with a trustworthy vet before administering any pain relief medicine. At Cessna Pet Store, we can connect you with a remote vet who can help alleviate your dog's pain. Our online vets are available to discuss pain management options and prescribe pain medicine that can be conveniently ordered online. Don't hesitate to contact us and consult our Cessna Pet Store online vets today to find the best course of action for your furry friend.