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 ease the suffering of our friend, thinking that the disease will go away by itself. But in some cases, pain medication for the 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 understand that pain medication is necessary
The most important rule for handling medicines for animals is never to decide on their own how to use them. The fact is that many drugs intended for humans for dogs can be a real poison. 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 hospitals and veterinary pharmacies in the cities , many of them are round-the-clock. In addition, there are special services to call the veterinarian at home - a kind of ambulance for animals.
Painkillers for a dog should be prescribed by a doctor based on the health status of the pet, the degree of pain and the injuries received. If you have a fear that the dog is feeling unwell, eating or drinking poorly, does not move much, whines and hides, feel free to go to the doctor.
Types of Painkillers
Painkillers for dogs there are different types and methods of exposure. Each of the types is designed for a specific symptomatology and source of pain. The following types of drugs are distinguished:
- Nutraceuticals are a pain reliever 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 most safe and harmless to animals. Such drugs have practically no side effects, and they are prescribed mainly for joint pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Dog owner reviews say these are more effective drugs. They relieve pain much faster than nutraceuticals. These include Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Neproxen. However, with the wrong dosage, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a lethargic state and lack of appetite.
- Steroid medications are also prescribed for dogs to alleviate pain. However, they have an even longer list of possible complications, and their independent use is strongly discouraged.
- Narcotic substances and opioids are used in extreme situations. Such painkillers for dogs are indicated, for example, during urgent surgical interventions.
Specialized products for dogs
There are not many specialized painkillers for dogs on sale. Veterinary pharmacies are limited to a list of four names. This is Novox, Rimadil, Deracoxib, Meloxicam. All of them belong to non-steroid drugs. Dog breeders note that such medications 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 ulcer and so on.
What kind of pain medication can be given to the dog, the veterinarian must decide. Of the steroid preparations for tetrapods, the following names can be found in veterinary pharmacies: "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 operations 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 into two doses, a week after the start of the course it is reduced by half. Two weeks after the start of the course, the dog must be examined by a doctor. The owners of tetrapods claim that there are practically no side effects from the drug, but occasionally irritation of the mucous membranes and vomiting can occur. A dog may have an individual intolerance to the main active ingredient.
Do not give the drug to chubby bitches and puppies. Use with caution if an animal has a liver, kidney, or heart disease. The cost of a bottle with thirty tablets varies in the region of 800-900 rubles. Reviews of the drug note that after taking the animal, diarrhea can begin. In this case, the medicine should be discontinued.
Meloxicam
The drug is available in the form of a suspension for oral use. The trade name is Loxicam. It has a pronounced analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect. Pain medications are prescribed for dogs of all breeds and cats for chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis, dislocations, fractures), in case of soft tissue damage, in the postoperative period. Contraindicated in gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcers, with individual intolerance, severe renal and hepatic insufficiency, and hemorrhagic syndrome.
It is not used to treat pregnant and lactating females, puppies and kittens under six weeks of age, as well as in conditions of dehydration. The drug is given to animals once a day during feeding. On the first day, 0.2 mg per kilogram of animal weight is given, on the next day, 0.1 mg each.
Steroid preparations for dogs
What kind of pain medication can be given to a dog is determined by a veterinarian. Steroid medications are prescribed quite rarely, since often they are not necessary or side effects are so undesirable that the use of the drug is impossible. These include the following pain medications for dogs:
- "Amantadine" - helps block pain. For dogs, it is prescribed as a tool in the treatment of arthritis, various diseases of the spine and cancer. With its use, diarrhea is often observed.
- Gabapentin. It is used for pain resulting from damage to nerve endings. It causes drowsiness in the first few days of use, then the dog gets used to this effect. It is usually prescribed in a complex of drugs.
- "Tramadol" - is a mild analgesic. This drug is prescribed for older dogs who experience chronic malaise due to age.
Emergency action
If topical administration of analgesics is required, Ledocaine is used. The preferred dosage form is in the form of a spray. In an emergency (for example, a fracture), when there is not a single veterinary pharmacy nearby, the dog can be given the usual Analgin tablet. The calculation is based on the ratio of one tablet per twenty kilograms of weight. In no case should dogs be given the following types of medication: Diclofenac, Ketorolac, Indomethacin. For dogs, they are deadly poison, cause severe damage to the liver and digestive system, affect the nervous system.