Effective painkillers for dogs: list, instructions for use and reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Sometimes our pets need help. They can also get sick, get a fracture, dislocate a joint, and so on. We are not always in a hurry to relieve the suffering of our friend, thinking that the ailment will pass by itself. But in some cases, pain medication for a dog is simply necessary. In this article, we will figure out what you can give your pet, and what to do is strictly prohibited.

How to tell if you need pain medication

The most important rule in dealing with animal medicines is never to decide on your own about their use. The fact is that many drugs intended for people can be a real poison for dogs. And often after their adoption there is not even time left to save the animal. Therefore, before using painkillers for a dog, consult a specialist. There are clinics and veterinary pharmacies in the cities, many of them are around the clock. Besidesthere are special services for calling a veterinarian at home - a kind of ambulance for animals.

Painkillers for a dog should be prescribed by a doctor based on the he alth of the pet, the degree of pain and injuries. If you have any concerns that your dog is feeling unwell, not eating or drinking well, not moving well, whining or hiding, go see a doctor.

Types of painkillers

Painkillers for dogs are of different types and methods of exposure. Each type is designed for a specific symptom and source of pain. There are the following types of drugs:

• Nutraceuticals are pain relievers for dogs made from natural ingredients. The composition includes various fats of vegetable or animal origin, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants. This type is considered the safest and most harmless to animals. These drugs have virtually no side effects, and they are prescribed mainly for joint pain.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Reviews of dog owners say that these are more effective drugs. They relieve pain much faster than nutraceuticals. These include Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Neproxen. However, if the dosage is incorrect, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and lack of appetite.

• Steroid drugs are also given to dogs for pain relief. However, they have even longera list of possible complications, besides, their independent use is strongly discouraged.
• Drugs and opioids are used in the most extreme situations. Such painkillers for a dog are indicated, for example, for urgent surgical interventions.

Specialized products for dogs

There aren't many specialized painkillers for dogs on the market. Veterinary pharmacies are limited to a list of four items. These are Novox, Rimadil, Deracoxib, Meloxicam. All of them are non-steroidal drugs. Dog breeders note that such drugs practically do not cause side effects when used correctly. However, in special cases, they can cause digestive problems, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, peptic ulcers, and so on.

What kind of painkiller can be given to a dog, the veterinarian must decide. Of the steroid drugs for quadrupeds in veterinary pharmacies, you can find the following names: "Amantadine", "Gabapentin" and "Tramadol".

Rimadil

It has an analgesic effect, relieves inflammation and fever. It is prescribed for animals with acute diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis). Often it is used in the period after surgery, in order to prevent inflammation and relieve swelling. The daily dose for an adult animal is 40 mg per kilogram of body weight. The dose is divided intotwo doses, a week after the start of the course, it is halved. Two weeks after the start of the course, the dog must be examined by a doctor without fail. The owners of the four-legged claim that there are practically no side effects from the drug, but occasionally irritation of the mucous membranes and vomiting may occur. The dog may have an individual intolerance to the main active ingredient.

Do not give the drug to whelping bitches and puppies. It is prescribed with caution if the animal has diseases of the liver, kidneys and heart. The cost of a bottle with thirty tablets fluctuates around 800-900 rubles. Reviews about the drug note that after taking the animal may begin diarrhea. In this case, the medicine should be discontinued.

Meloxicam

The drug is produced in the form of a suspension for oral use. The trade name is Loxicam. It has a pronounced analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect. Painkillers are prescribed for dogs of all breeds and cats with chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis, dislocations, fractures), with soft tissue damage, in the postoperative period. Contraindicated in peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, with individual intolerance, severe renal and hepatic insufficiency and hemorrhagic syndrome.

Not suitable for use in pregnant and lactating females, puppies andkittens under six weeks of age and in conditions of dehydration. The drug is given to animals once a day during feeding. On the first day they give 0.2 mg per kilogram of animal weight, on the next - 0.1 mg each.

Steroid drugs for dogs

What painkillers can be given to a dog, the veterinarian determines. Steroid drugs are prescribed quite rarely, as they are often not necessary or the side effects are so undesirable that the use of the drug is impossible. These include the following pain relievers for dogs:

• "Amantadine" - helps to block pain. For dogs, it is prescribed as a remedy for arthritis, various diseases of the spine and cancer. Diarrhea is often observed with its use.
• "Gabapentin". It is used for pain as a result of damage to nerve endings. Causes drowsiness in the first few days of application, then the dog gets used to this effect. It is usually prescribed in a complex of drugs.

"Tramadol" - is a mild pain reliever. This drug is prescribed for older dogs who experience chronic malaise due to age

Emergency response

If local application of analgesics is required, "Ledocaine" is used. The preferred dosage form is in the form of a spray. In an emergency (such as a fracture) when there is no veterinary pharmacy nearby, the dog can be given a regular tablet"Analgin". The calculation is based on the ratio of one tablet per twenty kilograms of weight. In no case should you give dogs the following types of drugs: Diclofenac, Ketorolac, Indomethacin. For dogs, they are a deadly poison, cause severe damage to the liver and digestive system, affect the nervous system.