What Can I Give My Dog For Pain?

by Brenda Leary 

Watching your dog wallow in pain is a challenging experience for any pet owner. Unfortunately, in most cases, it is not easy to deduce what is causing your dog immense suffering. The pain could arise from ingesting some foreign material or simple injury when out and about the neighborhood.

If your pet is advanced in age, pain may signify the onset of arthritis. In extreme cases, pain can be a sign of underlying health issues affecting the internal organs and failure to negate this is likely to lead to dire consequences for your pet. If you are wondering what to give your dog for pain, here are a few procedures you can opt for when your puppy is ailing. 

Visit the Vet
While it is second nature to want to alleviate the pain, be careful when administering drugs the dog can have an allergic reaction to the drug in question. Visit a veterinarian and have him perform a full check up on your dog. Based on the prognosis, the vet will establish the source of the pain and prescribe medications to alleviate suffering.

Give Aspirin
Aspirin is the only safe over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is safe for dogs. A dose of aspirin reduces swelling, inflammation and fevers associated with the ailments. Be careful not to administer a full adult dosage on your puppy. You will need to weigh your dog to determine how much dosage he can comfortably take. 

Doctors recommend one baby aspirin for every thirty-five pounds. While aspirin is effective in reducing the effects of pain, it is only a temporary solution due to its side effects. Dog owners administering aspirin should follow up with a visit to the vet.

Administer Ice and Heat
Similar to humans, a hot or cold compress will soothe the dog and help him relax through the discomfort. Place a bag of ice on a swollen part of the dog to alleviate pain and reduce the swelling drastically.

If your dog pulled a muscle when running in the yard, apply a heat patch on the affected area and gently rub it back and forth until the pain subsides. Ensure that the dog stays calm during this exercise by putting him in a crate or holding down his legs if he is not temperamental. 

Try Acupuncture 
After trying home remedies and administering pain relievers to no avail, you may want to consider acupuncture. The art of injecting needles in the affected area is an old practice that works for both humans and animals.

This field of medicine is wholly natural and noninvasive which makes it suitable for dogs that suffer from allergic reactions to chemical drugs. 

Find a qualified professional with certification to practice acupuncture on animals and make an appointment for your dog. Be aware that your dog may not take this intervention too well, and the vet may need to restrain the animal. 

Feeding Routine
When your dog is battling an ailment or temporary discomfort, it is paramount that you observe his feeding routine to keep him well hydrated. If you notice that your dog has trouble feeding, try enticing him with his favorite treats such as dog biscuits and a steady liquid diet. For serious ailments like acute pancreatitis, include omega-3 fatty acids, and pancreatic enzymes. 

The goal here is to have him eat as much as possible to replenish his energy throughout the discomfort period. If the dog refuses to respond, this may be a sign of the extent of the distress. Visit the vet immediately and get a professional’s opinion on how to manage this.

Avoid Toxic Drugs
Medicines such as Tylenol and Advil are not safe for your dog and they are not effective in relieving pain. Further, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) can be fatal if administered. Do not give your dog any human pain relievers without express instruction from your veterinarian.

Failure to observe veterinary instructions while administering pain medication may lead to serious side effects including irreversible damage to the dog’s liver or kidney.

Remember
Dogs are very skilled at disguising when they’re feeling pain. Symptoms of pain in dogs can be very subtle, including panting, sleeping more, or licking the area of body in pain. Because dogs naturally mask their pain, very often by the time a dog’s pain is obvious, it is also quite severe. While you may be able to alleviate your dog’s pain in the short term, consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

I’m Brenda Leary. I have passion for dogs. My ambition is to found a community for dogaholics that everyone could share useful knowledge about dogs. I’m here to break down all the complex dog’s tips/advices and try my best to give you the stuff that actually useful and works!

Follow my steps at Cuddle Your Dogs to discover dogs’ daily routines, tips and advices on caring a dog/puppy and many many things about this wonderful world.