What Can You Give a Dog for Pain?
There are times when your dog may fall ill or get injured and be in pain. What can you give a dog for pain? Although this is a much-asked question, there is a lot of ambiguity behind the truth of the matter. Here we take a closer look at the issue of pain with dogs and what is the best way of treating them if your vet is not available.
Detecting Pain in Dogs
The significant difference between pain in dogs and humans is the fact that these guys cannot speak. If they experience pain, it is for us to detect it through the warning signs and deal accordingly. Here are a few indications that your dog might be in pain:
- Becoming more vocal like moaning, groaning, whimpering, yapping,...
- Change in gait like limping or lurching
- Mobility issues like difficulty getting up or sitting
- Excessive self-grooming
- Changes in eating pattern
- Alteration to sleeping habits
- Altered breathing (undue panting, for instance)
- Aggressive or introvertish behavior
- Changes to the eyes (squinting or dilated pupils)
- Restlessness
- Changes in bathroom habits (changed posture while urinating or passing stools)
What To Give Dogs For Pain Relief?
Some drugs are harmful to dogs such as aspirin which can lead to some severe side-effects (Via topdogtips)
Now comes the central issue of what you can give to your dog if you can see that she is apparently in pain. It is a common practice for people to give a reduced dose of conventional human drugs.
For example:
half a paracetamol tablet is usually given or maybe a quarter for a smaller dog. Never do this!
The dosage of medicine to dogs is mainly based on body weight, which you will not be in a position to calculate accurately, which can lead to overdosing or under-dosing. Moreover, some drugs are harmful to dogs such as aspirin which can lead to some severe side-effects like vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive problems. Tylenol on the other hand, can result in liver cell and kidney damage.
So, what is pain medication for dogs then, you may ask.
What is pain relief for dogs? - Short-term Remedies
Although giving over-the-counter painkillers to your dog ("over the counter pain meds for dogs" OR "otc pain meds for dogs") is a strict no-no, there is much that you can still do to provide some relief. Just follow these simple steps:
- Get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. It is quite common for a crisis to occur after the clinic is closed, so you need to provide some temporary provisions in the meanwhile.
- Make your dog as comfortable as possible with a blanket and see that she gets peace and quiet.
- Spend time with your dog, stroking her and your presence will provide some relief.
- Avoid being near your pet if she shows signs of aggression – that means that she wants to be left alone.
- You can try some homeopathic medication. Arnica is a known homeopathic pain reliever. It is readily available in the form of tiny white pills so you would do well to keep a stock of this at home.
Long-term Remedies
If your dog has a chronic long-term health issue that is causing her pain, then you can take the following steps:
You can use the Assisi Loop, a portable electromagnetic device which needs to be applied to the affected area (Via petmd)
- Fish Oil: Fish oil is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Just add fish oil to your dog's regular diet, and this should help to alleviate the pain in the long run.
- The Assisi Loop: This is a portable electromagnetic device which needs to be applied to the affected area. The effect of the Assisi Loop is that it stimulates the production of nitric oxide (NO), which has the effect of reducing swelling and pain.
Now you should have a good idea about how to deal with your pooch when she is in pain. The first challenge is to be able to identify when your dog is in pain. If you can locate the area of the pain and then you will be able to deal with it.
So, the question “What can you give a dog for pain?” is now clear to you. Just follow these tips and never give prescription drugs to your dog without proper medical supervision.
Read more: Dog Health articles on NolongerWild
