Over-the-counter pain pills for dogs are available in a wide variety of brands and dosages. However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before administering any over-the-counter pain medication to your dog. Your vet will be able to advise you on which specific brand or type of OTC medication is best suited to your dog’s needs.
If you have an aging dog or one that has been injured, it’s important to know what over-the-counter pain meds for dogs are available. Many times, your vet may recommend a prescription for your pet’s pain, but there are also some really effective options available at your local pharmacy.
The first thing you should know about these medications is that they are not intended for use on a regular basis. They should only be used as needed in order to relieve your dog’s pain and discomfort from injuries or other medical conditions.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help your dog with minor aches and pains caused by arthritis or joint issues. They will not help with serious injuries like broken bones or ruptured ligaments, so if you think any of those things may be going on with your pet then you should contact your vet immediately instead of trying over-the-counter pain meds first.
Benefits Of Over The Counter-Pain Meds For Dogs
Pain relief. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain in dogs, but they don’t always provide adequate relief. If you’re trying to manage your dog’s pain, ask your vet about stronger prescription medications that could help.
Anti-inflammatory effects. Many over-the-counter medications are also anti-inflammatory and will reduce swelling associated with an injury or surgery (e.g., after an ACL repair).
Anti-pyretic effect. Over-the-counter pain meds can help lower a fever by reducing body temperature for dogs that are ill due to an infection or illness such as kennel cough or parvovirus.
Effects Of Over The Counter-Pain Meds On Dogs
The effects of over-the-counter pain meds on dogs vary depending on the medication. Some of the most common effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
However, these symptoms may also be indicative of an allergic reaction or other underlying medical conditions. If your dog experiences any one of these symptoms after taking over-the-counter pain medicine, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian immediately.
How Does Over The Counter Pain Meds For Dogs Work
Over-the-counter pain medications for dogs are used to reduce inflammation and swelling. They are also used to relieve pain. Pain medications work by blocking the pain signals from reaching the brain, which reduces inflammation and swelling.
When To Apply Over The Counter Pain Meds For Dogs
You should only use over-the-counter pain medication for dogs after consulting with your vet.
- Only use this type of medication if the pain is not related to an injury, allergic reaction, or medical condition.
- Only use this type of medication if you feel your dog is in enough pain that warrants using it.
Many vets recommend giving your dog a few days to recover from any injury before applying OTC pain relief meds.
How Long To Apply Over-The-Counter Pain Meds For Dogs
The recommended application time for these over-the-counter pain medications for dogs is 10 to 14 days. This can be adjusted based on your dog’s response, however, so if you feel like it is necessary, you can continue applying the medication.
For example, some dogs may begin to show signs of improvement after only a few days of treatment and don’t experience any more discomfort or pain during that time period. In this case, you would stop applying the medication after 10 days or so (or would at least reduce its frequency). Other dogs may not show any improvements until a full two weeks have passed; in this case, continue applying the cream or gel as prescribed and monitor how your pet feels throughout each day.
1) DOGS ASPIRIN FOR PAIN RELIEF
Dogs can take aspirin. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and it can be used to treat pain, fever, inflammation, and arthritis. Aspirin is also sometimes used to treat hip dysplasia.
There are several types of aspirin that you can buy for your dog: regular strength (325 mg), baby strength (81 mg), or buffered aspirin that’s easier on the stomach than regular or baby strength versions. All types are available in chewable tablets too.
2) TYLENOL FOR DOGS (ACETAMINOPHEN)
When applying Tylenol for Dogs, ensure the area you are treating is clean and dry. Apply a small amount of the medication over the affected area and rub it in gently. Use your hands or cotton balls to apply the medication, being careful not to get any on your skin.
Tylenol should be applied once every 12 hours until symptoms improve, then twice daily until the infection has cleared up completely. For a mild condition such as an earache or toothache, one dose may be sufficient. If a dog appears more sick than usual after taking Tylenol (such as acting lethargic), contact your veterinarian immediately as this could indicate an adverse reaction or overdose that requires medical attention.
3) ALEVE FOR DOGS (NAPROXEN SODIUM)
This OTC pain medication is available in chewable tablets and liquid form. The dosage of ALEVE FOR DOGS (NAPROXEN SODIUM) should be administered to your dog orally, once daily, with or without food. Do not administer more than 5 mg/lb of body weight per day or 35 mg/kg per day to your pet. It is important to note that this medication may cause stomach upset in some pets so it’s important that you give them food before administering the medication.
The following warnings apply to ALEVE FOR DOGS (NAPROXEN SODIUM):
- Do not use it on cats as it can be toxic for them
- Do not administer if the expiration date has passed
4) IBUPROFEN FOR DOGS
Ibuprofen for dogs is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which means that it’s effective at relieving pain and reducing inflammation. It’s used most often to treat arthritis, muscle strains, and lacerations. Ibuprofen may also be prescribed for other conditions such as postoperative pain after a surgical procedure or injury.
In some states, ibuprofen can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy with no prescription required. The dosage depends on your furry friend’s weight and age, but even if your vet recommends giving more than what’s recommended on the package directions you can still safely give him ibuprofen without consulting him first. It’s safe enough that many vets will advise you to consult with them only if there are any concerns with your dog’s health before administering this medication yourself.
Dosage Of Application
There is a specific dosage that has been established for each of these medications. It’s important to follow it because overdosing on pain medication can cause your dog to become lightheaded and even pass out.
The dosage for Over Counter Pain Meds For Dogs depends on their weight, age, and breed of dog as well as the severity of their pain. You’ll have to do some research in order to find out what dose works best for your pet’s needs, but it’s worth the effort.
Overdose Symptoms
If you think your pet has ingested too much medication, contact your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital immediately. Overdose symptoms are not always the same as side effects or withdrawal symptoms. For example:
- Nausea and vomiting are signs of an overdose. However, nausea can also be a side effect in some animals who have been on pain medications for long periods of time (months or years) and have become tolerant to them; this is common among cats with chronic kidney disease that have been given NSAIDs for pain control in the kidneys for years without ever being taken off them.
- Lethargy and confusion are symptoms of an overdose; however, these two symptoms are also common when animals come off these medications after prolonged use because they become dependent on them over time, this is called withdrawal syndrome.
In Conclusion
Painful conditions in dogs can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. When your dog is suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint pain, you may want to give him over-the-counter pain relief. There are several types of pain relievers that can be used on dogs.
We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of what to expect when giving your dog over-the-counter pain medicine. While it is important to remember that every dog is different, there are many options available when it comes down to treating pain in them.