We all want to do something to help our pets get rid of the pain they might be suffering from. However, it is not a good idea to give it a pain relief medication that is meant for humans. These over-the-counter pain medications and others can be really dangerous and can sometimes even be fatal. So, what should you give your pet for pain relief?
Always check with your veterinarian before giving any kind of medication to your pets. You should not give Tylenol and Advil to dogs unless directed otherwise by your vet.
How do you tell that your pet is in pain? Well, there are signs which can indicate that the pet is hurting somewhere. If we talk about dogs, you can be sure that there is something wrong when you see the following behaviors in them: limping, sleeping more than usual, getting irritable, loss of appetite, and yelping. When an animal is in pain, it can cause anxiety and depression in the animal, reducing the pet’s life.
It is also important to give your pet a healthy diet and regular exercise. A pain management plan which can aim to relieve the pain from many different directions can be really helpful. It will also aid in building your pet’s strength and give it a better quality of life.
What not to give your Pets?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs for short, including Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and naproxen, aren’t really safe for pets. You can administer Aspirin to pets over short periods, but for long-term pain relief, vets do not recommend it. Long-term use of Aspirin can leave the animal at the risk of bleeding disorders and stomach ulcers.
Similarly, Ibuprofen can cause damage to kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract, just like Tylenol. You should only give your pet these drugs under the strict supervision of a veterinarian. There are many more side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in animals. These can cause holes in the walls of their intestines or kidneys. There are chances of kidney failure, liver failure, and also death.
FDA Approved Drugs
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) lists many NSAIDs for pet pain control. The FDA has approved Carprofen, Meloxicam, Deracoxib, Grapiprant, Robenacoxib, and Firocoxib for dogs. These medications can either be given orally, and they can be injected.
On the other hand, cats have only two FDA-approved drugs: Meloxicam and Robenacoxib. Dogs are less sensitive to these drugs than cats. Cats’ ability to break down NSAIDs is far less than dogs.
Of course, when you use FDA-approved medication for your pets, you are playing safe, and all the information is specifically written on the labels and leaflets of the drug, telling you how to use it, as well as for which particular species of animals.
Other pain relief remedies
Omega 3 fatty acids and CBD oil are also natural pain-relieving options for dogs. These alternatives can be used as supplements as they on their own cannot provide complete relief from pain. Again, have a consultation with your vet before giving your pets anything!
Some other natural herbs provide anti-inflammation and pain relief to pets. Among these are ginger, yucca, arnica montana, and devils claw. Massages, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy can be further used to bring comfort and ease to your pets.
