Pain relief for dogs: Can medication like carprofen, NSAIDs help?
No one wants to imagine their beloved pup in pain. Dogs can (and do) feel pain, although they don’t always show it like humans.
A dog’s instinct is to hide the fact that it’s in pain, which can make it tricky to identify when our dogs are hurting and get them the relief they need.
Often, if your dog is showing clear signs of pain, it either means there’s been a sudden and intense injury (such as a broken limb), or there’s a source of pain that has been developing for a while and has now progressed past the point that your dog can hide it effectively.
The good news is that thanks to modern veterinary medicine, we understand how our dogs feel pain, how it impacts their bodies, and how to use medications like carprofen to alleviate pain for our furry friends.
Here’s what you need to know about identifying when your dog is in pain and some of the most common medications and treatments to help relieve pain for dogs.
Signs your dog is in pain
Dogs’ pain symptoms are often very subtle because they instinctively try to hide their pain from those around them.
If you pay close attention, most dogs will display at least some behavior change when experiencing pain or discomfort.
This could be as subtle as observing your dog struggling to stand up from lying down or having begun walking with a stiff, disjointed motion.
Your pup’s pain may manifest as a reluctance to jump into the car or climb stairs and display visible discomfort when picked up or touched.
As the pain worsens or intensifies, a dog may show more easily notable signals.
Symptoms of pain include:
- Crying, whimpering, or other vocalizations
- Becoming withdrawn or anti-social
- Keeping ears flattened against the head
- Excessive licking, chewing, or biting of a particular area of the body
- Decreased appetite
- Stiffness or limping when moving
- Uncharacteristically lagging or stopping on walks
- Excessive panting, restlessness, or an inability to “settle.
- Signs of aggression when touched or approached
You know your pet best. If your dog is acting out of the norm in any way (whether described above or not), it’s worth paying attention and monitoring how long the unusual behavior continues.
Your dog may be giving you subtle signs that it is experiencing pain or discomfort. If you suspect your dog is in pain, contact your veterinarian.
Can you give human pain medication to dogs?
Never give human pain medication to dogs. Always consult a veterinarian before giving your dog anything intended for human use.
Some of the most common human pain relief drugs can be dangerous or toxic to dogs, causing stomach bleeding, kidney or liver failure, and even death.
In particular, the following three human medications are highly toxic to dogs. Never give your dog:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
Fortunately, there are other effective pain relief medications that dogs can take.
Always consult with a veterinarian before giving your dog any medicines or supplements.
Pain medications for dogs
Most pain medications for dogs fall into the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The FDA has approved several NSAIDs and other medications for use in dogs.
One of the most popular NSAIDs prescribed for pain relief in dogs is carprofen (Novox, Rimadyl). Other prescription pain medications include meloxicam (Metacam), deracoxib (Deramaxx), plus aspirin.
How do carprofen for dogs and other NSAIDs work?
NSAIDs work by interfering with the production of inflammatory molecules (those that trigger pain and swelling).
This can reduce inflammation — and therefore treat pain — in joints, muscles, tissue, and other body parts.
NSAIDs can treat anything from mild discomfort to moderate pain.
After surgery, veterinarians may prescribe NSAIDs as a short-term treatment to reduce pain and inflammation.
They are also commonly prescribed for long-term use to help manage symptoms of hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and other chronic conditions.
NSAID dosage for dogs
Carprofen and other common NSAIDs are given at 2 mg per pound or 4.4 mg per kilogram of body weight for dogs.
The daily dose may be administered all at once or split in half and administered at two points in the day. When prescribed for post-surgical pain relief, administer the medication two hours before the surgery.
NSAID side effects in dogs
Because NSAIDs control pain by blocking the body’s production of specific molecules, they can also block normal body functions in the stomach, intestines, and kidneys, which may negatively impact a pet’s health.
Carprofen and other NSAIDs for dogs can cause side effects ranging from changes in appetite and lethargy to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers.
The most common side effects of carprofen for dogs include gastrointestinal ulcers, liver and kidney problems, and, in rare cases, allergic reactions. However, the benefits of carprofen include effective pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, which can improve the quality of life for dogs suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Meloxicam can help reduce pain and inflammation, improving the quality of life for dogs with arthritic conditions. However, it can also cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term use of meloxicam may pose risks to the liver and kidneys in some dogs.
Reducing the risk
In many cases, adverse side effects caused by NSAIDs can be easily reversed by simply discontinuing the medication and treating the problem.
In some extreme cases, NSAIDs can cause more severe side effects, including liver or kidney failure.
Some pets may be at higher risk of adverse side effects, such as older dogs with multiple health conditions at play and pets who have recently undergone anesthesia for surgery.
In particular, if your dog is taking an NSAID or other pain medication, watch for signs of adverse reactions including:
- Decreased appetite or lack of interest in eating
- Red and irritated skin or scabs
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Behavioral changes
If you notice any sudden or extreme changes in your dog’s health or behavior after taking a medication, immediately stop the course and seek a veterinarian’s expertise.
What are other ways to relieve pain for dogs?
While NSAIDs are the most common pain reliever prescribed for dogs by veterinarians, a vet may prescribe a few other medications and many alternative pain relief strategies to help your furry companion feel more at ease.
Gabapentin for dogs
Gabapentin is a medication commonly used to relieve pain caused by damaged nerves. It is approved for use in humans and dogs. While drowsiness is a common side effect of gabapentin, it is safe and generally effective.
Opioids for dogs
Tramadol is a mild opioid medication that may be prescribed for senior dogs who suffer from arthritis or other chronic conditions.
Opioids typically offer more potent pain relief than NSAIDs and help keep senior dogs more comfortable in their old age. Tramadol and similar opioids for dogs may cause side effects, including vomiting, stomach upset, and dizziness.
Sometimes, a veterinarian may prescribe one of these medications alongside an NSAID for more robust pain management.
Supplements for dogs
Supplements, in addition to prescribed medication, can provide a gentle and natural way to ease pain and support healing in dogs.
Some of the dogs’ most common supplements used for pain relief include glucosamine, fish oil, chondroitin, CBD oils, balms, and chews. CBD supplements can also reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Steroids for dogs
Steroids, specifically corticosteroids, can be used to manage pain and inflammation in dogs.
They are often prescribed to address conditions such as arthritis, allergic reactions, and certain autoimmune disorders.
However, the use of steroids in dogs should always be supervised by a veterinarian due to potential side effects.
Prolonged steroid use can lead to issues such as increased thirst and urination, weight gain, and a weakened immune system.
When utilizing steroids for pain management in dogs, it’s crucial to follow the veterinarian’s instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment.
Additionally, regular monitoring and assessment of the dog’s overall health are important to mitigate the potential risks of steroid use.
Alternatives to medication
Several alternative pain relief strategies for dogs can be helpful if your dog isn’t responding well to medication or if you want to complement medicine with additional pain management methods.
These include physical therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, and neuromuscular stimulation.
Physical therapy focuses on improving movement and function with exercises and manual therapy techniques. It aims to reduce pain, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility.
Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, involves using specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and promote tissue repair.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote overall wellness. It is believed to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) utilizes electromagnetic fields to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. It is believed to work at the cellular level to support the body’s natural healing processes.
Neuromuscular or electrical muscle stimulation involves applying electrical currents to targeted muscle groups to reduce muscle spasms, improve circulation, and alleviate pain.
These alternative pain relief strategies offer non-invasive and drug-free options for managing pain, and many individuals find them to be effective complements to traditional pain management approaches. It’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals to determine which strategies may be most suitable for individual needs and conditions.
Talk to your veterinarian
Final thoughts on using carprofen and other NSAIDs
You must be attentive to your beloved dogs’ signs of pain and seek appropriate veterinary care if you suspect they are experiencing discomfort.
Never give your dog human pain medications without consulting a veterinarian, and always follow a veterinarian’s guidance when administering pain relief medications for your pet.
While drugs like NSAIDs can be effective in managing pain, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential side effects and to monitor your dog’s response to the treatment.
Proactively identifying and addressing your dog’s pain can significantly improve their quality of life and overall well-being.
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