Unfortunately, pain is part of life. Of course, this is the same for our dogs. But how do you know when to give a dog painkillers? Dogs can neither describe the intensity of the pain nor the origin, which makes it all the more difficult for us to treat them accordingly. But even in veterinary medicine, there is relief for all pain-ridden fur noses by painkillers for dogs.
To when to give a dog painkillers, it is important to know the cause of the pain. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from pain, you should always consult a veterinarian first, so that he can investigate the cause of the pain and weigh up which painkiller is suitable for your dog.
In addition, to know when to give a dog painkillers it is important to know whether it is an acute pain or chronic pain, as this is the decisive factor on the dose and thus on the effectiveness.
When to give a dog painkillers: How to recognize it has pain
Unfortunately, most dogs show late that they are in pain. In order to save unnecessary suffering for your four-legged friend and to recognize health problems at an early stage, you should have your dog examined regularly by the vet.
Only if you know your pet well and watch attentively you will also notice if your dog suffers from pain. Dogs with pain often retire, want to be alone, eat much less and have an accelerated respiratory rate.
Depending on what type of pain it is, they also give way to touch, take restraint and generally tend to be cramped.
Although the reaction to pain in each dog is different, it is also possible that dogs react aggressively or even apathetic in severe pain. A direct yelling or moaning is relatively rare in dogs. Only with the acute first pain is a kind of howling often heard.
Precisely for this reason, it is so important to visit the vet already at the slightest suspicion, so that this can initiate the necessary treatment.
Which analgesics for dogs are there
Painkillers for dogs are different. A distinction is generally made between weak, medium and strong analgesics. While weak painkillers are often even available over the counter in the pharmacy , stronger pain killers must always be prescribed by the veterinarian. These are prescription and may even be administered exclusively by the veterinarian.
Painkillers for dogs are divided into two different analgesic groups.
1. Opioids
Opioids are extremely strong painkillers that are usually given after surgery or injury. These include, for example, fentanyl, tramadol or buprenorphine.
2. NSAID
So-called non-steroidal painkillers, such as meloxicam or carprofen, are generally weaker than opioids. But they have the positive side effect that on the one hand they are not among the steroids (such as cortisone) and on the other hand additionally anti-inflammatory in their effect.
Light over-the-counter analgesic for dogs
In considering when to give a dog painkillers, you must be aware that painkillers for dogs that you can get over the counter in all pharmacies are mostly of a vegetable nature and have only a weak effect.
Since it is basically essential to get to the bottom of the cause of the actual pain of your dog, you should always consult with your veterinarian with this type of painkillers. Only in exceptional cases or emergencies can painkillers be given for mild and already known symptoms.
Traumeel for dogs
Traumeel is not only analgesic but also anti-inflammatory. Especially in the treatment of degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system of the dog Traumeel can be extremely useful.
It is a combination of different plant extracts such as the iron hat, chamomile and sun hat. In addition to the use in osteoarthritis Traumeel can also be used in acute pain from bruises, tendonitis or sprains.
In the form of tablets Traumeel can always be kept in the medicine chest for emergencies. Another suitable form of application is the gel for application to the skin. In case of severe pain, there is also the option of having Traumeel injected by the veterinarian directly into the affected joint as a solution for injection.
Arnica
The most popular plant for the treatment of pain and external and internal injuries is arnica. Arnica, especially in the form of globules, can be an integral part of any animal medicine cabinet. Not only in pain but also after overexertion or general joint discomfort arnica helps to recover faster.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil can also be used as a natural painkiller. In case of external pain, especially due to inflammation or dry, damaged skin, coconut oil with its slightly antibacterial effect helps to quickly reduce inflammation and make the skin supple again. Due to its naturalness, coconut oil also has the advantage that it can not be overdosed.
Novaminsulfon
Novaminsulfone consists of the active substance metamizole, which is also frequently used in human medicine and is subject to prescription in Germany.
Although Novaminsulfon is very well tolerated by most dogs, due to the frequent side effects you should not leave your dog unattended. Novaminsulfon not only relieves pain in very severe pain but also also anticonvulsant and antipyretic.
Tramadol
One of the strongest painkillers for dogs is tramadol. It is a drug from the group of opioids. Opioids are usually used only in larger dogs because they could be dosed quickly with a low body weight.
The conscientious administration of tramadol should be carried out strictly according to the instructions of the veterinarian, as tramadol, like all opioids, has the side effect of sedation. These sedations may last for up to eight hours, so you should not leave your dog unattended while doing so.
Buscopan
Buscopan may be well known in human medicine. Also in our dogs, this analgesic is often prescribed for cramps and abdominal pain.
But even if this is a relatively harmless drug should always be consulted for suspected pain by an upset stomach, the vet, as it could also be poisoning symptoms.
Meloxicam, Carpofren and Metacam
Even if your dog suffers greatly, these pain killers for dogs should be used only after the consultation of your veterinarian. These are non-steroidal painkillers for dogs, which are commonly prescribed especially for severe pain, as they do not put so much strain on your dog’s kidneys and liver.
Cortisone
Although the reputation of cortisone is not the best, it is one of the most popular painkillers for dogs, which are considered extremely effective. Preparations such as hydrocortisone, prednisolone or dexamethasone have, in addition to their analgesic effect, an antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Side effects of painkillers for dogs
Since painkillers, like all medicines, interfere with the dog’s organism, there is always a risk of side effects.
Above all, pharmaceutical painkillers for dogs, in addition to their analgesic effect as well as unwanted side effects such as diarrhea in the dog, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and liver damage, vomiting or even death.
Even if the last point is extremely rare, you should be aware of its side effects before every dose of painkillers for dogs.
Even herbal painkillers for dogs are not always completely free of side effects. However, they have the advantage that they can be overdosed less quickly.
No painkillers for dogs without consultation with the vet
Under no circumstances should you give your dog a drug without consulting the veterinarian. First, the cause of the pain must be determined. You should also avoid giving your dog painkillers for humans as they are often toxic to dogs.
The aspirin-containing acetylsalicylic acid in your dog can lead to acute bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Diclofenac also has a similar side effect, and this drug also puts a heavy strain on your dog’s kidneys.
Ibuprofen is already extremely toxic for your dog in smaller doses. Poisoning by painkillers of this kind is often manifested by vomiting, apathy and increased thirst.
Since paracetamol mainly affects the liver of your dog, poisoning with paracetamol is mainly associated with liver damage and concomitant yellowing of the mucous membranes and normal skin.
If your dog accidentally ate a wrong drug, you should go immediately to your veterinarian or a nearby veterinary clinic.
As a first treatment activated carbon and so-called Glauber salts are used to set an early detoxification in motion. Well-targeted vomiting can also help to get the tablets out quickly.
To avoid poisoning, all medications should always be kept out of the reach of your dog. Of course, this not only applies to strong painkillers but also to herbal analgesics, as these high doses can also lead to severe side effects.
Alternatives to painkillers for dogs
It is not always necessary to resort to medication for pain. Especially with chronic pain, for example, acupuncture treatment can work wonders.
Acupuncture is one of the best known methods of traditional Chinese medicine. In acupuncture treatment, special acupuncture needles are placed in individual, different meridian points to restore the natural energy flow. The acupuncture is usually not only painless but can also help your dog to more relaxation.
Conclusion
Before you treat your dog, you should know when to give a dog painkillers from the medicine chest, you should always consult with your veterinarian. He knows the subject best and will choose for your dog just the right analgesic for dogs, the most effective in his situation.
Whether it is a herbal or a pharmaceutical preparation remains open – but experience shows that usually brings a combination of conventional medicine and homeopathy, the best therapeutic success.
