Sorry, we couldn't find any results matching
Please:
Sorry, we couldn't find any results matching
Please:
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.
Let’s start with a few quick tips for safely giving your pup pain meds:
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:
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.
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.
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
If your dog needs something different from a veterinary NSAID, your vet may recommend one of the following medications:
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.
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.
Some OTC pain relievers that are safe for humans can be extremely toxic to dogs. Here are a few common medications to avoid:
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, 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.
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
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 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 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
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.
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.
Dr. Hunter Finn has been paid by MetLife to discuss the importance of choosing pet insurance. He is an integrative veterinary expert first, and social media star second. America’s favorite veterinarian owns Pet Method in McKinney, Texas, where he cares for pets while prioritizing their emotional well-being. When he’s not at his clinic, he’s starring in viral videos on TikTok (2 million followers) and Instagram (500K followers) — where he’s been known to snuggle puppies and conquer the latest dance trends.
