For pet owners, there’s nothing worse than seeing your beloved dog in pain. Whether it’s a sudden injury or a chronic condition, pain in dogs can be debilitating and heartbreaking. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to know how to recognize and manage your dog’s pain. Whether it’s acute or chronic, there are options to help. In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between acute and chronic pain in dogs, how quickly you should bring in your dog if you suspect they are in pain, and what medications are used for dog pain management. We’ll also discuss the best places to get pain medication and how a veterinarian can help you manage your dog’s chronic pain. With the right care and attention, you can ensure that your dog is comfortable and pain-free.
What is the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain in Dogs?
The first step to understanding and managing your dog’s pain is to understand the difference between acute and chronic pain. Acute pain is a type of pain that has just come on or has only been present for a short amount of time. It is typically associated with an illness, injury, or surgery, and it serves a protective purpose by signaling to the brain that an area should be protected to allow for healing. Acute pain can cause behavior changes. in dogs, such as not wanting to be touched, hiding, or keeping weight off an injured paw. If acute pain is not addressed, or the cause of the pain is untreated, it can transition to chronic pain.
Chronic pain in dogs is pain that is ongoing and does not serve a protective purpose. Chronic pain can cause severe stress to your dog and greatly decrease their quality of life. Examples of conditions that cause chronic pain in dogs include diseases that cannot be cured, like arthritis, which constantly sends painful signals to the brain. If chronic pain is not recognized and properly managed, it can progress and fire painful signals to the brain, even in different parts of the body, when no painful stimulus is present.
Recognizing and understanding these two types of pains are crucial for pet owners as it allows them to seek timely and appropriate treatments for their pets. Early recognition and rapid effective treatment of acute pain are important in the prevention of chronic pain syndromes. If acute pain is not recognized early enough, this can lead to chronic pain that could have been prevented by treating it earlier.
How Quickly Should I Bring in My Dog if I Suspect They Are in Pain?
If you suspect your dog is in pain, it’s important to bring in your dog as soon as possible. Any signs of pain should not be disregarded, even if they are subtle. Chronic pain can result in severe health issues if not addressed promptly. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet’s health. If you’re unsure whether or not your dog needs to be seen by a veterinarian, call the clinic and describe the symptoms. They will advise whether you need to bring your dog in for a check-up or not.
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Pain in Your Dog?
Recognizing pain in your dog can be challenging, as dogs are inherently good at hiding signs of discomfort due to their survival instincts. However, understanding the subtle signs of pain and knowing what to look for can enable pet owners to ensure their pet’s quality of life and well-being.
Physical symptoms of pain in dogs may include holding their head below their shoulders, panting excessively, displaying agitation or sensitivity to touch, resentment towards normal handling, a reluctance to play or exercise, excessive licking or scratching of a specific area, drooling, limping or trembling. Behavioral changes could include vocalization, such as whimpering or groaning, grumpiness and snapping at owners, and changes in eating habits, such as loss of appetite. Postural changes might include shaking, flattened ears, or maintaining a low posture. In response to touch or inspection, they might start licking their lips, flinch or move away from the touch, twitch or have tense muscles. An increase in respiratory or heart rate could also be indicative of pain.
Are Human Pain Pills Like Tylenol or Advil Okay to Give My Dog?
Human pain pills like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) should not be given to dogs without professional veterinary advice. Dogs have a different physiological structure compared to humans, which makes their response to these drugs different and potentially harmful. When humans consume Tylenol, our liver breaks down the drug into non-toxic components, which are harmlessly excreted by the kidneys into the urine. This process involves an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase (GT). Dogs, in rare instances, can tolerate Tylenol, but the dosage must be carefully calculated by a veterinarian, and the dog’s bloodwork requires frequent evaluation to ensure no long-term damage is occurring.
Advil is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins—the chemicals involved in the development of inflammation and pain perception. However, these prostaglandins also have other important functions that can lead to adverse side effects if inhibited. There is a risk of stomach bleeding, kidney failure, and liver failure when dogs ingest Advil. Common over-the-counter human medications, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can be toxic to dogs. They can cause severe problems such as stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or even death. Thus they should be avoided unless a vet prescribes a low dosage.
What Are the Medications Used for Dog Pain Management?
Medications used for pain management in pets vary depending on the type of pain and its severity. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. They are particularly effective in managing pain associated with arthritis or post-surgery. Some NSAIDs designed specifically for dogs include Carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl), Deracoxib (Deramaxx), Firocoxib (Previcox), Meloxicam (Metacam), and Grapiprant (Galliprant). However, it’s crucial to monitor your pet while on these medications, as they can cause or worsen kidney, liver, or digestive problems in some cases.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone are potent anti-inflammatory medications often used for pain management in pets. Other medications, such as gabapentin or tramadol, may be prescribed depending on the nature and extent of the pain. Gabapentin treats nerve damage that causes chronic pain, while tramadol is a mild opioid medication given to aging dogs with constant discomfort. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration details the facts about pain relievers for pets.
Can a Veterinarian Help Me Manage My Dog’s Chronic Pain?
Absolutely! A veterinarian will be able to diagnose the cause of your dog’s pain and create a personalized pain management plan tailored to your dog’s needs. The treatment plan may involve lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and exercises to help manage chronic pain. In addition, they may also prescribe medications to help reduce inflammation or provide relief from chronic conditions like arthritis. The veterinarian can also periodically monitor your dog’s condition and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Where Is the Best Place for Me to Get Pain Medication for My Dog?
The best place to get pain medications for your dog is from a pet pharmacy, online retailer, or veterinary clinic. Online pet pharmacies offer a wide variety of prescription dog pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications that can be tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Major online retailers also stock various supplements and medications for dog pain relief. However, it’s important to research reviews and recommendations before purchasing any products online. Finally, the safest option is to visit a veterinary clinic for professional advice on the administration and potential side effects of these medications.
Conclusion
Pain management for dogs is an important part of ensuring their overall health and well-being. Whether it’s acute or chronic, recognizing the signs and symptoms of pain in your dog and seeking timely treatments can make a huge difference to the quality of their life. At Peace of Mind Veterinary Care, we are committed to providing the highest quality care and service for your pet’s health needs. We understand that managing chronic pain in dogs can be difficult, which is why our team of experienced veterinarians is here to help you through every step of the process.
If you live in or near Burnsville, MN, contact us today at (952) 435-7194 to set an appointment or if you have any questions about dog pain management.