Types of Dog Pain Medicine
Treating pain in dogs has gained more attention in recent years in small animal veterinary practices. Managing pain in pets following routine surgeries, injuries and during chronic conditions has been shown to speed healing and improve quality of life. Several medications to ease pain are now available for pets. In addition to pharmaceutical products, there are also holistic measures to ease pain, including acupuncture, herbal solutions and aromatherapy.
If your pet has a condition or procedure that is likely to cause it pain, talk with your veterinarian about pain management medications and insist that your dog be kept as comfortable as possible.
There are several types of medications given to control pain in dogs, and within each type are multiple over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
-
NSAIDs
-
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most common pain medications. These include the aspirin you likely have in your bathroom medicine cabinet. Aspirin can be given to dogs (but never to cats) for mild pain and to relieve discomfort in certain situations.
It is better to give buffered aspirin because of the medication's potential to damage the pet's stomach. For the same reason, aspirin should not be given on a long-term basis. Other common human over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol, Excedrin and Advil, should never be given to a dog or cat.
Also included in this category is the common prescription pain medication for dogs called carprofen, brand name Rimadyl. Etodolac, brand name Etogesic, is another common NSAID given to dogs. This one is most often prescribed for arthritis pain.
Other common NSAIDs given to dogs include Deramaxx, Metacam, Piroxicam, Zubrin and Butazolidin.
Corticosteroids
-
Corticosteroids are often prescribed for dogs with inflammation and the pain that accompanies it. The downside of these medications is that when they are given over the long term, they cause side effects that include weight gain, thinning of the skin, changes in the liver and mood swings.
Common medications in this category that are given to dogs include Prednisone and Prednisolone, which are very effective anti-inflammatory and anti-pain medications. Dexamethasone is another commonly prescribed medication in the corticosteroid category. -
Narcotics
-
Narcotics are also available to treat severe pain in dogs. These are generally reserved for severe pain or when a pet's condition is terminal. They are often prescribed for arthritis or cancer when no other medication can alleviate the pet's suffering.
Antidepressants
-
There is evidence that some antidepressant medications help to relieve chronic pain in pets, and they are sometimes prescribed for dogs.
Amitriptyline, brand name Elavil, is sometimes prescribed for dogs in chronic pain. It is often used in combination with other pain medications. Imipramine, brand name Trofanil, is another common antidepressant prescribed to alleviate pain in dogs.
Holistic
-
Many pet guardians and veterinarians are turning to holistic treatments to alleviate pain in pets. Something as simple as a warmed cage following surgery has been shown to alleviate suffering.
Holistic treatments for pain can range from herbal solutions to acupuncture. Canine chiropractic treatments are gaining in popularity, as well as aromatherapy to help calm and relax animals. Discuss homeopathic pain management with your veterinarian or consult a homeopathic pet practitioner.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Flickr/Chris Walker
