Much like humans, dogs suffer from pain and inflammation. However, unlike humans, helping your dog with pain and inflammation isn't easy. So what do you do when your canine friend is in distress? And what are signs to look out for when your dog is paining? Well, that's what we shall look at in this post.
How to Tell if Your Dog is Hurting
If your dog is barking, yipping, or generally appears panicked, it could be a sign they are in distress. Although your dog may not tell you that they are in pain, your dog is unwell if you notice any of these signs.
Increased heart rate
Inability to sit still
Loss of appetite
Changes in breathing
Socially withdrawn
Sudden change in mobility
Less water intake
Biting or whining
You can only notice these signs since you know your dog better. While these signs can be due to another health issue, pain is the leading cause. Although you want your dog to stop hurting as soon as possible, it's best to have your dog checked by a vet to ascertain what might be the problem.
Common causes of pain in dogs include:
Arthritis
Kidney stones
Bone cancer
Gum disease
Ear infections
Sliding kneecap
Pancreatitis
Eliminating Pain in your Dog
Your vet will recommend the best medication for your dog based on the findings. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medicines that your vet might recommend.
NSAIDs work the same way as Ibuprofen in humans. Previcox pain med for dogs belong to the NSAIDs group and effectively reduce pain, stiffness, swelling, and any joint problem that your dog may be having.
Previcox will treat pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis. However, talk to your vet to know whether these medications have far-reaching effects on your dog. Other effective NSAIDs designed for dogs include meloxicam, deracoxib, carprofen, etc.
Essential Things to Know Before Administering NSAID to Your Dog
Although NSAIDs are effective in eliminating pain in your dog, you need to discuss the following with your vet before giving any NSAID to your dog:
Possible side effects
The correct dosage
How long to give it
What to avoid during the treatment
The necessary tests before administering an NSAID to your dog
Your dog's medical history
Other medication your dog is currently taking
Some medications can harm your dog. If you notice any of these signs after administering NSAIDs to your dog, discontinue the drug and immediately call your vet.
Change in behavior
Vomiting, diarrhea, or tarry stool
Reduced appetite
Skin redness
Change in drinking
Other Ways to Eliminate Pain in Your Dog
Apart from using an NSAID on your dog, other measures you can use to alleviate pain in your dog include:
Control Diet and Weight
Overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from joint pain than their lighter counterparts. Losing weight is an excellent way to minimize the strain off your dog's joints. Besides, diets rich in glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and chondroitin sulfate are known to relieve arthritic symptoms.
Massage and Exercise
You can also help your canine friend feel better by exercising and massaging them. Massaging your dog will boost your dog's flexibility and mobility, circulation and make them feel relaxed. However, don't put direct pressure on your dog's muscles as it can cause more pain. If possible, let a professional pet massage therapist do the work.
No matter the cause of pain, daily exercise will help strengthen your dog's muscles, reducing the risk of injury.
Provide Your Dog a Soft Bed
As with humans, your dog will like it if you provide them with a soft bed. A soft bed is good for your dog's bones and joints. Besides, thin dogs will need a supportive mattress to protect their bones against hard surfaces.
If you're unsure which bed is right for your dog, ask your vet or local pet store owner for recommendations.
Conclusion
As you can see, many ways can help alleviate pain in dogs - from NSAIDs like Previcox for dogs to exercises to feeding your dog with a healthy diet. Although NSAIDs for dogs are similar to those of humans, you shouldn't give them to your dog.
As earlier stated, some human medications can be harmful to your dog. Besides, the human dosage varies from that of dogs.
Always talk to your vet before giving any pain medication to your dog. Your vet will advise on the best pain medication for your dog and the right dosage.
