When a dog experiences unmanaged pain, their quality of life may deteriorate. Unfortunately, pain in dogs is more common than you might expect. One study found that around 20 percent of dogs visiting a veterinary clinic on an outpatient basis had evidence of pain.
Find out how to identify pain in dogs and what you can give a dog for pain relief.
Why Dogs Might Need Pain Medications
Dogs may need pain relief for a variety of reasons, including:
- Injuries (e.g., wounds, sprains or strains, torn ligaments, fractured bones, etc.)
- Developmental conditions (e.g., panosteitis, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, etc.)
- Surgical recovery
- Cancer pain
- Autoimmune conditions (e.g., immune-mediated polyarthritis)
- Infections (e.g., tickborne infections causing joint pain, parvovirus causing gastrointestinal pain, dental infections, etc.)
- Other painful health conditions like pancreatitis or hepatitis
Some of these painful conditions will cause subtle changes in your dog’s behavior while others will be more dramatic. Your veterinarian is your best source for determining the source of your dog’s pain.
Signs of Pain in Dogs
The specific way your dog’s pain manifests may depend on what exactly is hurting. The following are signs that your dog is experiencing pain.
- Yelping, whimpering, or snapping
- Disinterest in play or food
- Dropping food when chewing
- Difficulty getting up, lying down, or jumping
- Difficulty getting comfortable at night
- Panting more than usual
- Hunched posture
- Excessive licking, especially over a wound or painful joint
Some dogs may become more withdrawn when experiencing pain while others may become clingier. Behavioral changes can indicate a wide array of things, but pain is among the potential causes. You’ll want to rule out pain if your dog is displaying a sudden behavior change.
What Can You Give a Dog for Pain? Vet-Prescribed and OTC Options
The best pain relievers for dogs are those which are prescribed by a veterinarian. Over-the-counter pain medications for dogs are not as effective and may even be dangerous.
Prescription Pain Medications for Dogs
Luckily, veterinarians have quite a few options for effective pain meds for dogs. If needed, a combination of pain medications can be utilized for dog pain relief.
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) for Dogs: NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed class of pain relievers for dogs. These drugs relieve pain and inflammation, usually by blocking the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals in the body that play an important role in pain and inflammation.
Some NSAIDs, such as carprofen, are used for more general pain. Others, like grapiprant, are more targeted to arthritis pain. Your veterinarian will select an appropriate NSAID for your dog’s circumstance. You should never give your dog human NSAIDs (more on that later).
Examples of NSAIDs commonly prescribed to dogs include:
- Carprofen
- Meloxicam
- Grapiprant
- Deracoxib
- Robenacoxib
- Firocoxib
Opioids for Dogs: Opioids are more commonly used for severe pain or chronic pain that isn’t responding to other options. Some opioids, like tramadol, are sometimes prescribed for at-home administration. Others, like fentanyl or hydromorphone, are more likely to be used in-hospital for management of severe pain, such as pain associated with surgery.
Some opioids are given by mouth while others are injected. Fentanyl patches that allow the drug to be absorbed through the skin are another option.
Opioids are federally controlled. Only use opioids for dogs as instructed by your veterinarian.
Examples of opioids that are used for dogs include:
- Tramadol
- Buprenorphine
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Hydromorphone
Gabapentin: Gabapentin is not recommended for treating acute pain in dogs. Instead, it’s most useful as part of a treatment plan for chronic pain, especially nerve-related pain. It also has a place in anxiety control, such as easing the stress of a veterinary visit. This medication is given orally. Gabapentin is controlled in some states, and this medication should only be used as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Amantadine: Though amantadine was originally developed as an antiviral medication, it’s now commonly used along with other pain medications to help manage chronic pain in dogs. Examples of painful conditions it may be used to treat include arthritis and cancer. This medication is given orally.
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol): Acetaminophen works by decreasing the perception of pain in the brain. This drug is sometimes combined with other medications, such as codeine. This medication should never be given without precise instructions from a veterinarian.
Other Options:
Two additional options exist which are specific to osteoarthritis pain — Adequan® and Librela®. Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is an injectable drug that helps combat loss of cartilage and restore the lubrication of joints. Librela is a monthly injectable monoclonal antibody that reduces the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is a key factor in osteoarthritis pain in dogs.
Steroids like prednisone can help reduce pain by reducing inflammation. They may still be used in some conditions, such as intervertebral disc disease or specific autoimmune conditions. For most painful conditions, however, other pain medications with fewer systemic side effects are preferred.
OTC Pain Medications for Dogs
Options for over-the-counter pain medications for dogs are quite limited.
Though you may find aspirin for dogs in pet stores, aspirin can have a lot of dangerous side effects in dogs and is not a good option for many causes of pain. You should never give aspirin to your dog without speaking with a veterinarian.
There are studies which indicate that cannabidiol (CBD) may be useful for painful conditions in dogs, particularly arthritis. CBD is not currently regulated, so you need to be intentional in the product you select. If you wish to try CBD for your dog, speak with your veterinarian about how to select an appropriate product. Again, you should not give CBD without speaking with your veterinarian. CBD may interfere with other medications or raise liver enzymes.
Pain Management for Dogs: Other Therapies
Of course, there are other ways to manage pain outside of pain medicine for dogs. Other methods of pain control to consider include:
- Applying ice: Ice is especially useful for recent injuries, like surgical incisions. You can place an ice pack over the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes two to three times per day. Make sure to put a protective layer, such as a cloth, between the ice pack and your dog’s skin.
- Applying heat: Heat is also helpful for more recent injuries after the initial swelling has gone down. Usually, this is after the third day. Heat can be applied for 15 to 20 minutes two to three times per day. Be careful not to burn your dog’s skin. Heat may also feel good on chronically sore joints.
The following therapies may require referral from your veterinarian:
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture may have a place in both acute and chronic pain management for dogs. Tiny needles are placed into the body in specific points to trigger the release of endorphins.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy promotes repair of injured tissues. Laser treatments lead to the release of endorphins, improved blood flow in a region, relaxation of muscles, reduced inflammation, and faster healing. Laser therapy can be used for a wide range of conditions, such as surgical incision healing or chronic arthritis.
- Massage: Massage can ease muscle stiffness and spasms that cause pain. Look for someone who specializes in canine massage therapy. A canine message therapist may also be able to show you at-home massages you can perform for your dog.
- Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy can refer to certain forms of physical therapy or to the use of running water over wounds. When water is used for rehabilitation, hydrotherapy usually refers to the use of an underwater treadmill or performing specific exercises in the pool. During these therapies, strain on the dog’s joints is reduced while the dog builds muscle and improves flexibility. When referring to wound healing, hydrotherapy refers to running cool water over the injury for a couple minutes several times per day. This will wash away debris, improve healing, and reduce pain.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help reduce chronic pain and improve mobility. There are veterinarians who specialize in physical therapy and can develop a plan targeted to your dog’s specific condition. Physical therapy is commonly recommended after orthopedic and/or neurologic injuries or surgeries, like recovery from a torn cruciate ligament repair or recovery from a herniated disc in the dog’s back.
Human Pain Medication for Dogs: Know the Risks
If NSAIDs are the most prescribed class of pain medications for dogs, then why can’t your dog take your naproxen or ibuprofen? Put simply, these medications are toxic to dogs.
Keep in mind that NSAIDs usually work by blocking the production of prostaglandins. While some prostaglandins are important for inflammation and pain, others play vital roles in the body. Examples of important functions that prostaglandins perform in the body include supporting normal blood clotting and protecting the lining of the stomach.
Human NSAIDs given to dogs affect these other prostaglandins, leading to dangerous side effects. NSAIDS can cause damage to the canine liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. They can also affect the ability of blood to clot normally.
Human acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also be extremely dangerous if given to a dog. The dosing for acetaminophen in dogs is different from the dosing in people. If your dog gets too much acetaminophen, it can damage their liver, potentially leading to death. Acetaminophen is also deadly for cats. Never give acetaminophen to your dog unless following the precise instructions of a licensed veterinarian.
Other Ways to Help Manage Your Dog’s Pain
You may also consider modifications to your home that can help ease pain. Examples include:
- Placing steps or ramps for dogs to get on and off furniture
- Using a ramp to load your dog into the car
- Placing non-slip mats on hard floors
- Elevating food and water dishes if your dog has neck or back pain
- Using mobility harnesses or dog strollers for walks
- Providing soft, supportive bedding
Treating a dog’s pain is important for their overall quality of life. While medications prescribed by a veterinarian are your best bet for dog pain management, you can also consider other therapies and home modifications to help your dog. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s pain level or management, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for advice.
