Pain Medicine for Dogs: What Can I Give My Dog for Pain Relief?

No dog parent wants to see their pet in pain. But if your dog shows signs that they’re injured, sick, or not acting like themselves, there are several options available to help your pup feel better — including prescription pain medications. While there isn’t over-the-counter pain medicine for dogs, your vet can recommend safe and effective medications to fit your furry friend’s needs.¹

Below, we’ll go over common signs that your dog’s in pain, discuss safe medications, and explore alternative pain relief methods. 

Quick Tips on Giving Your Dog Pain Medicine

Let’s start with a few quick tips for safely giving your pup pain meds:

• Every dog’s medical history is different, and even medications that are considered safe for dogs might not be the right choice for your pup. Work with your vet to find the best pain medication for their specific needs.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for humans, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can be toxic to dogs. These meds can cause side effects, including gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, severe bleeding, and even kidney or liver failure.¹
• Tylenol isn’t safe for dogs and can be toxic. Stick to medications that are specifically meant for pets.²
• Even if a vet has prescribed pain medication for your pet, always double-check with your vet before giving the same prescription to your dog for a new type of pain.

How To Know if Your Dog Is in Pain

There are a few ways to tell if your dog is in pain. Here are some of the most common signs of pain in dogs:

• Decreased energy level
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Joint pain
• Limping
• Aggression
• Vocalizations (howling, whining, whimpering, grunting, groaning, yelping)
• A sagging tail or a tail tucked between the legs
• Dull or tired-looking eyes
• Biting (either biting at others who try to touch them or biting at themselves)

Talk to your vet if you think your dog may be in pain. There are many options to help relieve their symptoms and keep them comfortable, including pain medication.

What Medicines Can I Give My Dog for Pain?

You can typically give your dog veterinary-prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help alleviate some of their symptoms from pain. These medications block the effects of pain-causing enzymes, which allows your dog to get around more comfortably.²

OTC pain relievers for dogs aren’t available, so you won’t find a quick fix at the pharmacy. Instead, work with your vet to find the right treatment for your pup’s needs.

Common veterinary NSAIDs

The following are some of the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs for pain relief for dogs. Each medication is listed by its generic name or active ingredient, followed by a brand name:^1,2

• Carprofen (Rimadyl^Ⓡ)³
• Deracoxib (Deramaxx^Ⓡ, Doxidyl^Ⓡ)³
• Firocoxib (Previcox^Ⓡ, Firox^Ⓡ)³
• Grapiprant (Galliprant^Ⓡ)³
• Meloxicam (Metacam^Ⓡ)³
• Robenacoxib (Onsior^Ⓡ)³

Other dog pain killers

If your dog needs something different from a veterinary NSAID, your vet may recommend one of the following medications:

• Gabapentin: Often used to treat nerve pain in older dogs, this medication can help manage chronic pain and seizures.⁴
• Tramadol: This medication is a mild opioid that provides relief for chronic pain.⁵
• Amantadine: This medicine blocks certain neurotransmitters in the brain and is commonly used to treat arthritis, disc disease, and cancer related pain in dogs.⁶

Does Dog Insurance Cover Prescription Meds?

Yes, MetLife Pet’s standard dog insurance policy can help you cover the cost of prescription pain medications.  Pet insurance coverage can provide you support when your furry friend needs extra care.

Taking on a MetLife Pet Insurance policy now can help you prepare for any unexpected prescriptions or treatments your dog may need down the road.

Can You Give Dogs Aspirin?

In some cases, your vet might recommend aspirin for certain conditions, like osteoarthritis. If they do, a coated aspirin is usually the better choice since it’s gentler on your dog’s stomach. While aspirin can help relieve some of your dog’s pain, it’s not without risks — it may cause ulcers, bleeding, and kidney and liver problems.⁷

Always talk to your vet to decide if aspirin is the right choice for your pup.

Human Medications That Are Bad for Dogs

Some OTC pain relievers that are safe for humans can be extremely toxic to dogs. Here are a few common medications to avoid:

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is an active ingredient in OTC pain relievers like Advil^Ⓡ, Motrin^Ⓡ, and Nuprin^Ⓡ.³ While these medicines are safe for humans in the appropriate doses, even a small dose can be dangerous for dogs. Just one pill can cause severe problems, like stomach ulcers or kidney failure.⁸

Naproxen

Naproxen, the active ingredient in Aleve^Ⓡ,³ is used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever in humans. Small amounts of naproxen can be toxic to dogs, potentially causing health issues like kidney and liver damage, low red blood cell counts, ulcers in the GI tract, and bloody diarrhea.⁹ Unless specifically prescribed by a vet, try to avoid naproxen.

Tylenol^Ⓡ3 (Acetaminophen)

Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is a go-to pain reliever for humans, but it’s highly toxic to dogs. Small amounts of Tylenol can lead to acetaminophen poisoning, causing heavy breathing, panting, abdominal pain, and a high heart rate in dogs. It can also lead to liver failure.¹⁰

How Can I Treat My Dog’s Pain at Home?

If your dog is in pain and you can’t use a prescription NSAID, there are a few natural ways to relieve your dog’s pain at home. Talk to your veterinarian first before starting any at-home treatments to make sure the methods are safe for your pup.

CBD oil

CBD oil can be a helpful option for managing your dog’s pain. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis and chronic pain. CBD may also have a calming effect, which can be beneficial for dogs dealing with stress or anxiety related to their pain.

Talk to your vet to see if CBD oil is right for your dog and to get guidance on the proper dosage.

Cold and heat therapy

Cold and heat therapy are simple ways to help ease your dog’s pain at home. Cold therapy is best for short-term injuries from within the past 48 hours. It can help treat the swelling and numb the pain. Meanwhile, heat therapy is more useful for long-term chronic pain. It can help ease muscle soreness and increase range of motion in an injured area.¹¹

You can apply heat packs, hot water bottles, or ice packs wrapped in a towel or blanket to protect your dog’s skin. If you’re alternating between giving your dog ice and heat, apply each for about 10 – 15 minutes at a time.¹¹

Joint supplements

For dogs experiencing joint pain, supplements can be a simple and effective way to provide relief and support their mobility. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are two common supplements that work to reduce inflammation, ease discomfort, and improve joint function in dogs.¹²

These supplements can also help protect cartilage and slow down the progression of joint issues over time.¹² Ask your vet for help finding the right supplement and dosage for your pup.

Ready To Protect Your Pup?

Managing your dog’s pain is a key part of keeping them healthy and happy, and having the right resources can make all the difference. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of prescription pain medications and other vet bills, so you can focus on what really matters — your pup’s well-being.

Get started today with a free quote and see how MetLife Pet can help you provide some of the best care possible for your dog.