Medical Painkillers for Dogs

In many households across America and other countries, dogs are part of the family. They sleep in our homes, eat food from our tables and go on vacation with us. Sometimes people can forget that their beloved pet can experience normal everyday aches and pains just like humans do, especially as they age. Conditions such as dental issues, arthritis and hip dysplasia can make an animal quite uncomfortable. Fortunately there are a variety of products on the market today that can be used for pain control in dogs.

  1. NSAIDs

    • NSAID medications, also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, can work well to control pain in dogs, Some of these include Aspirin and Naproxen, also known as Aleve. The recommended dose for aspirin in dogs is 10 mg per each pound of body weight every 12 hours. The suggested dose for Naproxen in dogs is 1.1 to 2.2 mg per each pound of body weight to be given daily or every other day.

      Veterinarians do not recommend giving dogs the NSAID Ibuprofen as is has been shown to cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers.

    Narcotics

    • Narcotics can also be used to control pain for a dog. They should be prescribed by a veterinarian and will have specific dosage instructions. Fortunately addiction is not a problem for pets as they cannot buy the medications themselves. Still, it is important that pet owners follow the instructions carefully and wean their pet off the medication as directed. Some common narcotics used for pain control in dogs include Morphine, Codeine and Hydrocodone. Morphine is considered the most effective but can have side effects such as vomiting and sedation.

      Another common narcotic used in pain control for dogs is a Fentanyl patch. It is absorbed through the skin and can be applied directly to the affected area.

    Antidepressants

    • Antidepressants have been shown to help reduce chronic pain, with the most common being Elavil. It is often used in pets to control behavior problems and also to improves skin conditions because of its antihistamine qualities. It is usually administered at night, and the dosage for dogs is of 1 to 2 mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours. This medication must be prescribed by a veterinarian.