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Dog Pain Meds
"Dog pain meds come in many varieties including NSAIDs (most common), steriods, opiods and natural approaches."
If your dog is in pain, it is important that he or she gets the pain medication he needs. Many vets are now more conscientious than ever about dog pain meds, but you should be pro-active about making sure your dog gets adequate pain relief if he is injured, has surgery, or otherwise is in need of pain medication.Before prescribing any medication, your veterinarian will evaluate your dog's behavior, liver function and kidney function. You should also know the potential side effects so you can monitor your dog. Typical side effects are stomach problems such as bleeding(gastrointestinal hemorrhage) and stomach upset (gastric upset), particularly if your dog is taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs). Your veterinarian will monitor the liver enzymes and In addition, intermittent monitoring of liver enzymes and kidney function. There are a number of different dog pain meds available to your pet.
NSAIDs
(Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs)
NSAIDS, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are probably the most often prescribed dog pain meds. They are usually adequate to provide relief from chronic pain, and can be easily provided to your dog.These include non-prescription pain relievers such as Buffered Chewable Aspirin  and prescription drugs such as carprofen, deracoxib, etodolac, firocaxib, meloxicam, and tepoxalin. They work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the body chemicals that cause inflammation. They reduce swelling and inflammation as well as relieving pain. These drugs are generally used for mild to moderate pain. Some dogs react better to one NSAID vs. another. It is not clear why this is the case. For this reason your veterinarian may experiment with two week trials of different medications until one is found that is best for your dog. NSAIDs do carry the risk of side effects, though most dogs tolerate them without much problem. When side effects do occur, most often they are not serious, and include such things as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and lethargy. More serious side effects can include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and kidney and liver problems. If your dog is taking NSAIDs for pain, you should be on the lookout for side effects, and report any side effects to your vet immediately. You dog may need to be placed on a different medication.
Steroids
Steroids such as cortisone and prednisone are potent anti-inflammatory drugs, and are used for more serious cases. They are administered either via injection or orally. They are often prescribed for things like arthritis. They work similarly to INSAIDs, but are more powerful. They are prescribed for more serious pain. They are also sometimes used to treat conditions such as allergies.Steroids such as prednisone have a greater risk of side effects than NSAIDs since they reduce the absorption of glucosamine into the cartilage. Therefore some vets are reluctant to use them over a long period of time. Weight gain is a common side effect. Behavioral changes may also occur, including irritability. A normally “nice” dog may begin to snap at people.
Opioids
Opioids, such as codeine, Demerol, or morphine, may be prescribed for more severe pain, such as when a dog has cancer. They are rarely used, however. One reason for this is because owners sometimes take the medication themselves, which is of cause a serious problem.
Other Medications
Acetaminophen is not considered a NSAID ,but could help with pain, particularly in combination with opioids such as codeine (never give acetaminophen to cats).Tramadol is another drug that is helpful after surgery to reduce pain. It can be combined with other medications under the advice of a veterinarian.
Natural Dog Pain Relief
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Dogs
Omega-3 Fatty Acids may have a positive effect on pain by reducing the production of elements in the body (leukotrienes) that cause inflammation. In humans, omega-3 fatty acids have helped some rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Nutraceuticals
By definition a nutraceutical is a food or naturally occurring food supplement thought to have a beneficial effect on canine health.Studies have shown that glucosamine helps to improve cartilage function in dogs and may help to reduce inflammation. A human study shows that it is as effective as ibuprofen. Human studies also support the use of chondroitin sulfate for pain reduction. A recent study funded by the NIH indicated that arthritic human patients had less pain and better function when receiving a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Adequan
Adequan is what is known as a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) which is a combination of protein and saccharin. It is administered as by injection into the muscle. Studies have indicated shown that it helps reduce inflammation, improve diseased cartilage and improves the range of motion.
Sources
Managing Pain in Dogs
Dunn, T. J. DVM
Food and Drug Administration
Vet 4 Petz
Pain Control in Dogs and Cats
Hines, Ron DVM
Perioperative and Chronic Pain Management in the Dog
D.L. Millis
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TX, USA
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