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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
There’s a variety of medication we can take as humans when we are in pain, so it’s natural to wonder if they are safe for our pets. It’s not easy to see our dogs in pain, but we can’t be giving the same pain medication for dogs that we use ourselves.It is important to be able to recognize signs of pain and find ways to make your dog comfortable. Some physical and behavioral signs that indicate your dog might be in pain include:RestlessnessPantingLimpingLickingYelping or gruntingOther behavioral changesAny unusual or worrying behavior should prompt a discussion with your veterinarian.Risks of Human Pain Medications for DogsPain relief for dogs differs from human painkillers. While many pain meds exist for humans, dogs have limited options.Never give dogs the following pain medications:Ibuprofen (Advil)Acetaminophen (Tylenol)NaproxenThis is because these medications can have numerous side effects, such as kidney failure, liver failure, and gastrointestinal conditions including gastric ulcers.Safe Pain Medication Options for DogsOne important factor to check as you search for dog pain medicine is the safety of that medication. Consider too, if you’re trying to manage chronic pain or simply control pain for a short time.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation and, by doing so, reduce a dog’s pain.Your veterinarian may prescribe NSAIDs such as:CarprofenDeracoxibFirocoxibGalliprantMeloxicamAll of which are FDA-approved for dogs and are highly effective for pain.OpioidsOpioids, like codeine, tramadol, morphine, and fentanyl, are common medications used in controlling severe pain in dogs. They are FDA-approved, however, they require a prescription to obtain.Most of these are used to control post-surgical and cancer pain. Your dog may experience side effects such as dizziness, lethargy, vomiting, constipation, and salivation when administered opioid pain meds.Opioids should only be used under direct supervision of a veterinarian.GabapentinGabapentin is another prescription pain medication for dogs. It reduces nerve pain
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