Over-the-Counter Medicines for Dog Arthritis

Canine arthritis is very common: One in every five adult dogs in the United States is affected by this painful, chronic condition. It's hard to watch your four-legged friends suffer, but there are treatments that can help. Talk to your veterinarian about an overall health plan for your dog, and consider trying some of these over-the-counter medications and supplements to ease the arthritis pain.

  1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

    • Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements are strongly recommended for dogs with arthritis. Glucosamine is an amino sugar, and chondroiton sulfate is a complex carbohydrate. Both are natural components of healthy cartilage and are believed to have an anti-inflammatory and protective effect on joints. They are considered safe to administer in combination with certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

    Omega 3 Fatty Acids

    • Supplementing your dog's diet with omega 3 fatty acids can be very beneficial.

      Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA, seem to offer some promising results as a treatment for canine arthritis. A recently published study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed that dogs who were given omega 3 supplements displayed improvements in mobility and a decreased need for prescription NSAIDs.

    Aspirin and Ketoprofen

    • Never administer any pain medication to your dog without consulting your veterinarian regarding dosage, precautions and potential side effects. Most dogs can tolerate aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) for occasional pain relief, but the dosage must be correct for the dog's weight. There is a risk of poisoning with an incorrect dosage, particularly in small dogs.

      Aspirin is an over-the-counter NSAID; all NSAID drugs carry the risk of stomach upset. If your vet has given the go-ahead to use aspirin, be watchful for signs that your dog might be having stomach trouble, such as disinterest in food. Aspirin is not recommended for long-term use.

      If your dog requires long-term pain medication, your vet will probably recommend an NSAID formulated specifically for veterinary use, such as prescription Rimadyl (carprofen) or over-the-counter Ketofen (ketoprofen). Orudis, Actron and Oruvail are brand names for human formulations of ketoprofen; Ketofen is the veterinary formulation.

      All other over-the-counter pain relievers formulated for humans are considered unsafe for dogs, including Tylenol (acetaminophen), Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen sodium).

    Beyond Medication: Diet &Exercise

    • Daily exercise is important for maintaining mobility in dogs and humans.

      As with humans, diet and exercise are a crucial part of maintaining a dog's health, particularly if they suffer from arthritis. Excess weight can place additional strain on weakened joints, so it is important to not allow your dog to become obese, especially as the disease progresses and he becomes less active. Regular exercise is extremely important for maintaining mobility, so as long as your dog's pain is controlled you should continue to walk him daily.

      Some dog experts believe that switching to raw food is beneficial for both weight control and reducing the severity of canine arthritis.