NSAIDS
NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are the most commonly prescribed types of drugs. They include things like aspirin, which can be given to dogs in the correct dosage. Although NSAIDS are highly effective at relieving pain, they will be harmful if they are not administered in the correct quantity.
NSAIDS are safe drugs to give your pet. However, like most drugs, side effects can sometimes occur. These include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Kidney and liver problems
If your dog is taking a type of NSAID and is experiencing these symptoms, contact your vet for advice immediately.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are not widely used to relieve pain in dogs. However, there is evidence to show that they can help and more vets are now prescribing them as a painkiller in cases where the dog is experiencing severe and prolonged pain. Sometimes they will also be used in conjunction with other pain medication.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are prescribed to relieve inflammation. If your dog is in pain due to conditions where this might be a problem, such as arthritis, then corticosteroids are an effective method of pain relief.
Although these anti-inflammatory drugs are safe to use, they can occasionally produce side effects, especially if they are used over a long period of time. Side effects can include:
- Weight gain
- Severe mood swings
- Changes in liver function
- A thinning of the skin
Narcotics
Narcotics can be prescribed for pain relief in dogs. However, this tends to be a last resort. Narcotics are only usually administered when the pain is very severe or the animal has a fatal condition. They might be given to a pet with a condition like severe arthritis or cancer when it has been established that no other medication has worked.
Alternative Pain Relief
Alternative pain relief is becoming more popular with dog owners. It is a way of giving the dog pain relief without relying on drugs. The effectiveness of these types of treatment has not been proven. However, simple things like making sure your dog's environment is warm can help his pain. There are other services like acupuncture and aromatherapy that can be used on animals. If you want to know whether they're available in your area, ask your vet.
The number of pain medications available for dogs has risen a lot during the last decade. Today, whatever the problem is, there is likely to be a medicine out there that will help relieve your dog's pain and enable him to live a normal life.