Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to control pain and inflammation in dogs.
Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®)
Ibuprofen, commonly known by the brand names of Motrin® or Advil® and may more can be used in dogs to reduce swelling and inflammation, most commonly from arthritis and musculoskeletal pain.
However, as tempting as it may be to reach for an over-the-counter pain meds such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen and give it to the family dog, you must avoid them at all costs. Over-the-counter pain meds and anti-inflammatories can be very dangerous, even fatal, when used improperly in dogs.
Although relatively safe in humans, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be extremely harmful to dogs. Poisoning may happen when pets get into the owner's medications. In some cases, owners may administer ibuprofen to treat their pet's pain prior to consulting a veterinarian.
Paracetamol is a very popular painkiller in humans, however it can be toxic or fatal in small animals. Dogs are less sensitive to paracetamol than cats. A 20kg dog would need to ingest over seven 500mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects. In cats, one 250mg paracetamol tablet could be fatal.
"Paracetamol is licensed in dogs as Pardale V for 5 days. The dose in Pardale V works out at 33mg of paracetamol for every kg of body weight, three times daily. The listed dose in most vet formularies is 10mg/kg twice to three times daily," Nick explains.
Luckily, there are over-the-counter dog pain relief supplements available on the market today, such as VetPro Dog Hip and Joint Supplement. These chews are specifically designed to provide pain and inflammation relief for dogs using high-quality ingredients, including Glucosamine.
While there aren't over-the-counter (OTC) pain meds for dogs, dogs can take veterinary NSAIDs. These have to be prescribed by a vet. Most human medications are toxic to dogs and can cause more harm than good. Talk to a veterinarian before giving your dog anything from your medicine cabinet.
For dogs suffering from joint pain or injury, you can apply heat or ice to help ease the pain. Use heat for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to help relieve pain associated with chronic conditions. Ice is a good option for acute issues, just as a sprain or post-surgery.
What do vets prescribe for inflammation? There are a variety of anti-inflammatory medications that vets can prescribe for dogs, depending on the cause and severity of the inflammation. The most common type of medication is corticosteroids, which can be given orally or injected.
Your doctor may recommend low-dose aspirin to reduce your risk of a heart attack. In the lower dose, aspirin doesn't pose the same health risk as full-strength NSAIDs. These medicines are effective at dulling pain, reducing inflammation, and reducing fevers. When used moderately, they are generally considered safe.
These products should not be given to animals due to the risk of toxicity. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication. As little as one 200 mg ibuprofen tablet can toxic to cats and smaller dogs. NSAIDs are also considered a potential toxin for horses that are not eating.
Ibuprofen is toxic to dogs because it blocks an enzyme called cyclooxygenase that, in addition to reducing inflammation, also has roles in promoting blood flow through the kidneys and producing protective prostaglandins for the mucosal lining of the stomach. Dogs are much more sensitive to the effects of ibuprofen.
The short answer is no. While your vet may prescribe aspirin to help your dog when they're in pain, you should not give them the same medication you have in your cabinet. Medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen can be toxic to dogs, even in small doses.
If you've ever scanned through your own medicine cabinet when your dog developed a limp, you may have been tempted to reach for ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate your dog's pain. However, it's very important to note that over-the-counter human NSAIDs, including baby aspirin, are not safe to give to your dog.
Oral supplements that contain methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), glucosamine hydrochloride, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids—eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—and chondroitin sulfate are known for supporting dog joint health.
Ibuprofen is toxic to dogs and you should never give it to your pup. Just three to six ibuprofen capsules can be deadly for dogs, so keep the medicine in a safe place. There are canine-specific pain relievers that you can get from your vet or try natural options.
The short answer is no. Aspirin for dogs is not safe. Although there are a number of over-the-counter treatments for humans that can be used for dogs with approval from a vet—artificial tears, topical antibiotic ointment, and antihistamines, to name a few—aspirin is never OK for your pets.
Opioids. Used for more severe pain, this class of pain-relief medication includes morphine, codeine, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and hydromorphone. Opioids are used to treat severe surgical pain and may also be used in advanced cases of cancer or to control severe arthritis pain.
No dog should be given paracetamol without being prescribed it by a vet. But if your dog does accidentally ingest paracetamol, the effects can vary depending on the size of the dog. For instance, a dog that weighs 20kg would only suffer toxic effects after eating seven 500mg tablets.
A mild case of paracetamol poisoning can give your dog an upset stomach, and they may appear to be tired. Other symptoms can include laboured breathing, swelling on the face, neck or limbs, gums turning brownish-grey and jaundice. More serious cases can include signs of staggering, vomiting and restlessness.
Paracetamol can kill dogs even in a small overdose.
Side effects or symptoms of overdose of paracetamol in dogs can include liver damage, ulceration of the digestive tract, pale gums, vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, or seizures.
While it may be tempting to give your pooch some paracetamol to save on vet fees, the truth is, it's potentially dangerous and could end up costing you more in the long run.