Free shipping on all orders

0

Your Cart is Empty

What Can I Give My Dog for Pain?

March 02, 2021 5 min read

What Can I Give My Dog for Pain?

Your furry best friend can do a lot of things but when it comes to verbal communication they’ve got a fairly limited range. This means that while you can tell if your dog is in extreme pain you still can’t always tell if there is some moderate or light pain present and they are just pushing through it! Today we’ll discuss some signs that can indicate that your dog is in pain as well as some of the popular chemical and natural remedies that you can use to help your dog to feel better. We’ll give you a hint about those remedies… you’ll want to consider the side effects very carefully. 

Let’s talk about dog aches, remedies, and the facts that you need to know about them!

Signs that your dog is in pain

As you know, dogs communicate with us all of the time—it’s just a matter of knowing what to look and listen for. Here are some common signs that your dog might be in pain:

  • Low posture
  • Grumpiness/Unusually aggressive
  • Flattened ears
  • Limping
  • Shaking
  • Stiffness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sudden lack of playfulness

 When you are seeing this signs a vet visit is probably a good idea, especially since you want to catch any potential problems early. It is a good idea, however, to have a passing familiarity with common pain prescriptions that your vet may prescribe so that you can be aware of any potential side-effects well ahead of time. 

 Common pain medications for dogs

Typically your vet will prescribe pain medications in order to remediate a short-term pain or for the treatment of something more long term, such as arthritis, dermatological pains, or even allergies. Here are some of the more common prescriptions:

  • Novox
  • Deramaxx
  • Tramadol 
  • Rimadyl
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen

Let’s discuss each of these in a little more detail so you’ll know how they are usually employed in pain management and what kind of side-effects are possible for your dog.

Novox 

Novox is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory which is often prescribed to help with arthritis or joint issues. While most dogs have no issues with Novox, there are some potentially serious side-effects and in the most serious cases liver damage and even death may occur. Discontinue treatment and notify your vet immediately if you see any of the following symptoms:

  • Loss of appetite, vomiting, or change in bowel function
  • Seizures
  • Yellowing of the skin

Deramaxx 

Another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Deramaxx is often prescribed for pain following dental or orthopedic surgery and is also used for osteoarthritis. Deramaxx has a number of potential side-effects though typically your dog’s blood and urine will be checked regularly to help minimize their chances of occurrence. Side-effects may include the following:

  • Depression
  • Anorexia
  • Stomach side-effects such as vomiting or diarrhea
  • Anemia
  • Jaundice 

Tramadol 

Tramadol is s synthetic opioid which is prescribed for dogs, cats, and many other small animals. This is a strong pain reliever and it is also one that gets prescribed to humans. For dogs is can be prescribed for a number of things, such as coughs, anxiety, canine degenerative myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease, and arthritis. Side effects from this drug are serious and so your dog is heavily monitored when taking Tramadol. Side effects may include:

  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Convulsions
  • Breathing problems
  • Overdose can be fatal

Rimadyl 

Rimadyl is actually the generic name for Novox so if your dog has been prescribed this then you will simply want to watch for the side-effects which we have mentioned for Novox.

Aspirin 

That standard of most human medicine cabinets, it might interest you to know that aspirin is often prescribed for dogs. Don’t just give your dog one, however, as your want your vet to carefully control doses. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner, aside from its pain-reliving qualities, and it is prescribed for dogs in cases of osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal inflammation. While it\s a common drug, overdose can be fatal so stick to prescribed amounts! Some side effects of aspirin may include the following:

  • Hemorrhage
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Blackened stools

Ibuprofen 

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that is great for humans but very hard on a dog’s stomach. It is not actually FDA approved for animals and so if you give it to your dog you need to consult your veterinarian, as it can be toxic in the very small amounts. Side effects of ibuprofen toxicity include:

  • Vomiting (may include blood)
  • Tarry stools
  • Lethargy
  • Abdominal pain

Natural pain relief is well worth considering

Relieving pain doesn’t have to require the intervention of risky chemicals, however, and products like ourHangry Woof Hip & Joint Chews) can approach pain management for your dog from an all-natural perspective. The best part is that they are healthy for your dog to have each and every day!

That’s because these chews come loaded with components from nature which are useful in promoting good hip and joint health and can help your dog to manage pain naturally. Let’s take a closer look so that you can see what we’re talking about. Hangry Woof Hip and Joint Chews contain the following active ingredients: 

  1. Glucosamine – Found in cartilage, Glucosamine is vet-recommended for slowing down the degeneration of cartilage, reducing inflammation, and reducing pain.
  2. MSM – MSM occurs naturally in Glucosamine and is good for skin health, reducing joint pain, decreasing allergies, and speeding-up natural recovery.
  3. Turmeric – While this is a natural anti-inflammatory, it’s also a flavor enhancer. After all, your dog isn’t going to take their medicine if they don’t like the taste. Hangry Woof Hip and Joint chews are formulated with taste and efficacy in mind, however, so you won’t have any worries there. Your dog will love them!
  4. Salmon Oil – Rich in Omega-3 and Omega 6 fatty acids which are good for your dog’s heart, immune system, skin, and even cognition, this ingredient offers a lot of health benefits while also making Hangry Woof treats even more delicious for your dog.

Some final words on pain management for your dog

While they should never replace a veterinarian’s recommendations, Hangry Woof Hip and Joint chews are a great preventative measure as well as a good first line of defense if you suspect that your dog is not feeling so well. These chews will help your dog to keep healthy and happy and chase away those minor pains but if you should still see signs that your dog is hurting after they have snacked on a few then be sure to get them to the vet right away. When in doubt, always err on the cautious side. 


That said, with a little luck and your Hangry Woof treats, those visits should be few and far between. We wish you and your furry best friend the best!

 

 



Also in Hangry Woof Blog

Michele's Dog House: How to Soothe Your Dog's Separation Anxiety According to a Professional Dog Trainer
Michele's Dog House: How to Soothe Your Dog's Separation Anxiety According to a Professional Dog Trainer

August 11, 2021 5 min read

CCTA Certified Dog Trainer, Michele Monteiro, share's her training tips to help your dog overcome anxiety and pandemic pups. 
Itchy, Red & Inflamed: 5 Easy Steps to Treat Dog Hot Spots
Itchy, Red & Inflamed: 5 Easy Steps to Treat Dog Hot Spots

July 15, 2021 4 min read

Say goodbye to those red, inflamed patches on your dogs skin. Here's a quick 101 guide to understanding dog spots: signs, symptoms, and treatments.
Does My Dog Have Allergies? Symptoms, Signs, and How to Help
Does My Dog Have Allergies? Symptoms, Signs, and How to Help

July 13, 2021 4 min read

Seasonal allergies come and go with the changes in weather. Learn the signs and symptoms to better prepare your pup from the sniffles, sneezing, and extreme itching!