A guide to pain relief medication for dogs

While there are plenty of over-the-counter medicines that address pain and discomfort in pets, you need to delve deeper to determine the cause of your dog’s pain. You will notice that your dog’s in pain when he prefers to be left alone, whines when you touch him, or shows signs of reduced playfulness and lack of appetite. If these symptoms do arise, a visit to the vet is essential, but in the meantime you can do several things to help your pet to cope with the pain.

Causes of pain There are numerous reasons why your dog may be in pain. While some causes are less serious and temporary in nature, others may warrant a prompt visit to the vet. Pets that have just come out of surgery and those suffering from urinary tract infections (UTI) may show signs of pain. Dogs suffering from UTI whine while urinating, attempt to go outdoors more often, and lick their genitals in an effort to douse the pain. You should therefore closely watch your pet the moment he seems withdrawn or sick so that you can identify the symptoms that he’s exhibiting. This will help the vet during diagnosis. There is a wide range of pain medication available but each works differently. While some medications inhibit the release of hormones that cause pain, others work as immunosuppressive drugs that treat severe inflammation. Pain medication that brings relief Some of the most commonly administered pain medications include Rimadyl, Previcox, Novox, Phenylbutazone, Tramadol, and Etodolac. Some of these medications are non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and can be purchased only with a prescription. Medications like Tramadol contain the active ingredient Tramadol HCL and can be used as a substitute for NSAIDS. Administering medication Pain medication is available in varying potencies, so it’s important that you administer the right dosage according to your dog's weight. Even if you’re able to provide short-term pain relief to your pet, you need to take your dog to the vet so that the presence of underlying disease is ruled out. The vet may perform a preliminary test to check your dog’s general health. Instead of only relieving your dog from pain and discomfort, identifying the root cause of the problem and treating it is better. In some cases, pets may suffer from chronic pain. Such dogs may benefit from alternative treatments like acupuncture, homeopathy, and herbal or holistic medication.