by Maybe your dog has been playing a little too much and isn’t running around with the same energy, or maybe time has finally caught up with him. Either way, seeing your pup suffer is never fun.
“There are different types of pain, just like there are in humans,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club. “There’s acute pain and chronic pain; there’s visceral pain, nerve pain and joint pain. So remember, pain is a complex term.”
Ultimately, our furry friends feel pain just like we do. But how can you, as a pet owner, help them feel better? Here are some tips from an expert.
What can I give my dog for pain?
If you think your dog is not doing well, make an appointment with your veterinarian, Klein recommends.
“Dogs don’t understand pain, so they react the same way they do any time they don’t understand something, whether it’s a thunderstorm or the vacuum cleaner,” he says. “It’s hard for an owner to try to discern that. If you have a question, the first thing you should do—so you don’t hurt them—is take them to the vet as soon as possible.”
A veterinarian can assess the type of pain your pet is experiencing and how to properly treat it. Depending on the prognosis, certain tests, blood tests, or x-rays may be performed.
Treatment will be decided once the cause of the pain is determined. For example, if a dog has an injured paw, ice may be beneficial.
Veterinarians often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioid-type medications, or a combination of the two, Klein says. NSAIDs can help reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain in dogs.
According to the FDA, NSAIDs approved for pain in dogs include:
- Previcox
- Deramaxx
- Doxidyl
- Galliprant
NSAIDs are marketed by active ingredient and may come under a variety of brand and generic names, the FDA reports.
It’s important to note, however, that dosage must be followed carefully, Klein says. Most of these medications are sold as chewable tablets, and dogs have been known to get into the bottle, leading to high levels of toxicity.
Can dogs take Tylenol or Ibuprofen?
You should never give your dog Tylenol or Ibuprofen. “It is wrong and dangerous to give human medications like Ibuprofen or Naproxen to dogs or cats, and Extra Strength Tylenol can be fatal to cats,” Klein warns.
Human NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, are toxic to dogs, even in small doses.
If your dog is poisoned by acetaminophen, he may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, drooling, panting or liver damage, among other side effects, according to VCA Veterinary Hospitals. In the worst case scenario, giving your dog ibuprofen or Tylenol can be fatal.
“I’ve worked in emergency rooms for 35 years and we’ve seen a lot of negative things, and drug toxicity is one of the top five,” Klein says. “If you look at the ASPCA’s list of the most commonly used medications brought to the emergency room by dogs, first up are over-the-counter human medications, like Advil and Tylenol.”
Alternative Methods for Pain Relief in Dogs
Pet owners can prevent some forms of pain by managing their dog’s weight.
“Obesity has a very detrimental effect on the body, including disease,” Klein says. “A dog with arthritis—whether it’s in the back, hips, or joints—and having to carry 20 percent or more of their body weight is really suffering.” Bones, joints, and fat secrete cytokines that can contribute to inflammation, which makes pain worse, he adds.
The best way to avoid this is to keep your pet active. “An orthopedic surgeon once told me that movement is life. If you stop moving, you stop living,” says Klein. Make sure to walk your dog regularly and exercise him.
Other forms of pain management in dogs include acupuncture, hydrotherapy and swimming, Klein says. There are also laser treatments and infrared light therapy.
According to the American Kennel Club, green-lipped mussels are rich in omega-3 and other fatty acids, which can improve joint lubrication and reduce inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain. There are various green-lipped mussel supplements and powders for dogs.
“I think it’s important to understand that there are different rehabilitation modalities that, working with a knowledgeable veterinarian, can benefit your dog,” Klein says.
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Can I give CBD to my dog?
Be wary of topical products and ointments applied to your dog, Klein warns, because the main problem is that he may lick them off.
“You can’t control what they absorb versus what they ingest, and sometimes it won’t be consistent (application), so I don’t recommend (CBD) for a dog unless the veterinarian prescribes it,” he adds.
Marijuana and THC are toxic to dogs, and in some CBD products, other ingredients can also be “problematic,” Klein says.
Studies have yet to determine the appropriate dosage for applying CBD to dogs, he adds. And because dogs come in a wide variety of sizes, it’s also difficult to decide how much CBD to give, if at all. Klein wonders if you’d give a 5-pound Chihuahua the same amount of CBD as you would a 170-pound Great Dane.
CBD can also temporarily increase liver values in dogs, he adds. So if a dog has underlying liver disease, it can lead to further complications.
Consult your veterinarian before giving any human product to your pet, Klein advises.
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