Pain management as part of veterinary care for dogs has received more attention as research shows that pain relief speeds healing and aids in recovery from illness. If your dog has an illness that likely causes him pain, or if your pet must undergo a procedure or surgery that will be painful, discuss pain management options with your veterinarian. Possibilities to relieve pain range from aspirin to sophisticated pharmaceuticals and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbs.
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications include aspirin, which can be given to dogs for the temporary relief of minor pain. (But never give your dog other types of over-the-counter pain relievers designed for humans, such as Tylenol, Advil and so on; they can be toxic to pets.) Aspirin should never be given to cats and should be given to dogs in proportion to their body weights. Also included in this category of pain relievers are pain medications specifically designed for dogs and available from your veterinarian with a prescription. These include Rimadyl, Orodis, Actron, Etogesic, Metacam and Deramaxx.
Steroids
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For certain conditions, steroids can offer pain relief. Steroids block inflammation and thus the resulting pain. There are side effects to steroids, so these medications shouldn't be used for an extended period. Steroids often prescribed for dogs include Prednisone and Prednisolone.
Narcotics
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Narcotics are prescribed when pain is severe or intense or for dogs who are terminally ill. Commonly prescribed narcotics in veterinary medicine include morphine, codeine and hydrocodone. These are given both in injectable and oral forms. The narcotic Fentanyl is sometimes used for dogs in a transdermal patch that can provide moderate pain relief for about three days.
Antidepressants
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Some veterinarians have found that antidepressants provide pain relief, especially with conditions that cause chronic pain. The two most commonly prescribed for pain in dogs is amitriptyline (brand name Elavil) and imipramine (brand name Tofranil).
Alternative Treatments
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More and more pet guardians and veterinarians are turning to alternative treatments for relieving pain in dogs. These might include acupuncture, herbal solutions, aromatherapy, flower essences and massage therapy. It is best to consult with a holistic veterinarian about what types of treatment are best for your dog. You can find a holistic veterinarian in your area by visiting the Web site of the Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
Nursing Care
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You can relieve much of your dog's pain by providing good nursing care at home. Ensure your dog has a comfortable, cushioned bed in a warm place. Help her lose weight or maintain a good weight. Many chronic pain conditions in dogs, such as arthritis, are exacerbated by obesity. Providing her with affection, attention and compassionate touches causes her muscles to relax, stress levels to fall and pain to lessen.
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