From prescription medicines to massaging and acupuncture, there are several options for pet owners, looking for pain relievers for their canine friends. Here are some of the effective options to relieve your pet from the discomfort of pain.
Nothing hurts a pet owner more, than seeing his playful dog sitting in a corner, suffering from pain. Depending upon the cause of discomfort and the temperament, a dog may howl or retreat in a secluded corner, suffering quietly. Sometimes, although a pet dog may not howl or whine, a limp while he moves around, may indicate that he is hurt. In such a situation, the pet owner has to use his intuition to ensure if his pet needs care. One has to be extra careful with older dogs, in whom, signs of discomfort are often dismissed as effects of old age.
Pain Medication for Dogs
Prescription Medicines
NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are most preferred, among different prescription medications that ensure relief for dogs. These are effective for inflammatory conditions like arthritis. The common brand names are rimadyl, etogesic, novox, and zubrin. Despite their effectiveness, there are reports of serious side effects of these drugs. It is strongly advised to administer these drugs only as per the dosage suggested by the vet. Even narcotics are popular in veterinary medicine, for their pain relieving properties. They have potential for addiction; however, fortunately this is not as serious a problem in veterinary medicine, as it is in human medicine. Morphine is the most popular narcotic that is used as a pain reliever for dogs.
Aspirin
Aspirin is a popular medicine for dogs, specially in case of arthritis – a common health problem, as it works to reduce inflammation as well as pain in dogs. However, it is important to read the instructions that come with the medication, as overdose may cause stomach ulcers and thinning of blood.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatment has been used to provide pain relief in human beings for long. It is now becoming a common practice to treat injuries even in our canine friends. In fact, if done by an expert, such a treatment is believed to be safe for your pet. Chiropractic care includes acupuncture, massage, and body manipulation.
Herbal Remedies
There are a number of options as far as herbal pain relief is concerned. St. John’s wort, chamomile, alfa-alfa, feverfew, and licorice are some of the herbs that bring quick relief from pain, ensuring long-term benefits for your dog’s health.
Other Methods
In case, a dog has suffered a sprain or strain, putting ice pack within the first 48 hours is effective in reducing the swelling as well as the pain. Gentle massaging helps in calming anxiety in dogs, that is commonly associated with dogs suffering from injury. Massaging also increases blood flow that helps release muscle tension, and hence, soothes pain. Besides, proper diet facilitates the process of recovery and healing of injury in a dog. Ensure that the dog has a comfortable bed in a draft-free location. Take your pet out, for short but regular walks, once the injury has cured, and the walk is not painful. Such walks are specially useful in reducing pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis.
Pet owners are constantly gripped with the concern “what pain killers are safe for dogs?”. Of all the different medications, prescription medicines bring quick results. However, some of them are known to have side effects. Sign of good pet care is to take your pet to the vet, in case, he appears to be in acute pain. Unless you are sure of the cause and the cure, do not treat your pet at home.
