A Helpful Guide to Choose The Best Pain Reliever For Dogs

Before choosing the best pain reliever for dogs, it is important to determine the cause of pain. Pain can be associated with a wide variety of conditions from injury, infection to forms of cancer or disease. They can also be associated with joint problems such as developmental disorders including hip dysplasia or forms of degenerative arthritis. Once the cause is determined, specific treatment can alleviate pain. For example, surgery in cases of injury can reduce swelling and inflammation. Your veterinarian will therefore carry out comprehensive diagnostic tests to determine the cause of pain. Symptoms of pain can present as changes to your dog's temperament. A dog that previously enjoyed being petted or exercises may become withdrawn, show signs of anxiety or irritability. Unusual displays of aggression or yelping and whining may suggest your dog is in pain. When joint problems are the cause, you may notice changes to your dog's mobility such as symptoms of lameness abnormal gait.

Your veterinarian may prescribe pain relievers such as non steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS). Aspirin is the recommended NSAID as other medications such as ibuprofen are associated with gastrointestinal ulceration. Although this may also occur with aspirin, with close monitoring from your veterinarian it can be a helpful pain reliever for dogs. Other NSAIDs such as Metacam or Rimadyl may also be prescribed. Narcotics such as codeine and hydrocone can be used alongside NSAIDS. These are controlled substances and can only be prescribed by your veterinarian. In some cases, antidepressants such as amitriptyline can help address chronic pain in dogs. With pain associated with inflammation such as arthritis, corticosteroids act by reducing the inflammation and subsequently the pain. They are, however, associated with many side effects such as weakening cartilage within the joint.

Many pet owners may choose to turn to a natural pain reliever for dogs such as joint pain supplements, which reduce inflammation and contain natural ingredients such as glucosamine, chondriotin and MSM. Alternatively ensuring your dogs receives a well balanced diet high in vitamins minerals and anti oxidants, can help to support their overall health. Physical therapy may help to increase mobility and address pain associated with injury or joint pain. Mobility aids, such as harnesses and osteo-support beds which provide extra cushioning for the joints, may help to ease pain. Weight control also plays an important part in helping alleviate pain associated with joint problems by reducing the additional stress placed on the joints. With consultation with your veterinarian, and with the correct diagnoses, there are many ways to choose the best pain reliever for dogs.