Dogs are living longer than ever, and with that comes an increase in the number of older dogs with health issues. One of these issues is arthritis, which affects humans and animals. Studies have shown that 20% of dogs suffer from arthritis, making it the most common chronic disease. If your dog is diagnosed with this, your main focus should be to manage pain and comfort your dog rather than looking for a cure. While there are treatments for arthritis in dogs, some medications work better than others. Here is a list of seven pain relief medicines that your veterinarian may recommend to treat your dog’s aches and pains:
Previcox
Previcox is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) medication. It is also known as carprofen and can treat arthritis and joint pain in dogs. Previcox is considered safe for dogs, like most medications, when taken at recommended doses.
Previcox for dogs is a medication that treats inflammation in joints and other tissues by limiting the number of chemicals released by the body related to the immune system. As a result, it lessens the pain and makes it more manageable by helping your dog deal with inflammation caused by pain-related reactions within the body.
Previcox can be given twice daily, depending on your pet’s weight and condition. You should see results within two weeks after starting treatment. However, some dogs may need two months before they become comfortable enough to walk around normally again without experiencing pain or discomfort. It depends on how severe their condition was before taking Previcox treatment.
Adequan
Adequan is a joint supplement that can help animals with arthritis by reducing their pain and inflammation. It’s an injectable drug, so you should only give it to dogs who have already been diagnosed with arthritis or another condition affecting their joints. Adequan also comes in liquid form for easier dosing, but it’s not officially recommended as a standalone treatment option since it doesn’t contain any other supplements.
Adequan comes in two dosage forms: injections and topical creams. Both are designed to reduce inflammation and help the dog recover more quickly from injury or surgery. Still, only the injections are FDA approved for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, the most common form of degenerative joint disease. It is alarming that osteoarthritis affects almost 14 million dogs in the United States, and owners frequently cite it as their top health worry.
Metacam
Metacam is a drug the FDA has approved to treat pain and inflammation in dogs, cats, and other animals. It’s not meant to be used on its own but rather as part of a course of treatment.
Metacam is one of the most common medications veterinarians give for arthritis because it reduces joint pain and inflammation. It works by blocking pain signals from reaching your pet’s brain so that you don’t have to see them suffer anymore. However, some side effects, if not given in the proper dosage, like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirstiness, and a lot more water intake. Talk to your vet today if you notice these symptoms with your pet for a proper usage consultation.
Deramaxx
Deramaxx is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat arthritis in dogs. The FDA authorized Deramaxx chewable tablets back in 2002. It is the first medication of the coxib family to be used for application in veterinary medicine, according to a statement from Novartis Animal Health U.S., Inc. It is only available by prescription and should not give to dogs with liver or kidney disease. It comes in pill form, which you give your dog once daily. This drug has been shown to reduce joint pain when used at the proper dosage. However, some side effects may occur. For example, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea if administered incorrectly.
Dogs need blood work before receiving this medicine because it could affect their kidneys or liver health. However, suppose your veterinarian determines that these organs are healthy enough for your dog’s daily dose of Deramaxx (1 mg/kg). In that case, they will likely prescribe this medication for your pet’s joint discomfort.
Deramaxx should not be used in dogs with kidney or liver problems. It should also not be given to pregnant dogs because it can cause congenital disabilities. If your dog has a bleeding disorder, it cannot take this drug either.
Zubrin
Zubrin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that relieves dogs suffering from arthritis and joint pain. The FDA approves it, so you can be confident it won’t harm your dog.
The name Zubrin comes from its active ingredient: zubrinast sodium. It is used in humans and animals but primarily for treating arthritis and joint pain in cats and dogs. The medication works by reducing inflammation and swelling in your pet’s body without causing any adverse effects or side effects like nausea or vomiting.
Zubrin may also help improve mobility for your pet if he has trouble walking because of his sore joints caused by arthritis. However, this depends on how severe his condition is. Some dogs need stronger medications than others if they have severe symptoms like mobility problems due to old age or other diseases. These could be the likes of cancer that affect their bodies before medication therapy begins working effectively again.
Tramadol
Tramadol is a pain reliever that can use to treat moderate to severe pain, as well as post-operative pain. It’s a non-narcotic prescription drug that works by blocking the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. Tramadol is sometimes prescribed for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to relieve neuropathic symptoms such as itching and burning sensations.
Tramadol is often prescribed alongside other analgesics (painkillers), including NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen, which work by reducing inflammation; acetaminophen (Tylenol), which reduces fever. These NSAIDs are a part of a vast market that is rising and is set to reach the value of $25.5 billion by 2028. In addition, the antidepressants like amitriptyline or gabapentin, muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine, or narcotics like oxycodone or morphine are also prescribed alongside Tramadol.
Tramadol is sometimes combined with NSAIDs to treat chronic pain because it can increase the pain relief these drugs provide and reduce their side effects.
Rimadyl
Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis and other joint problems in dogs. It’s available as a chewable tablet, flavored liquid, and topical solution for use on the skin.
Rimadyl reduces inflammation of the joints so your dog can move more quickly. For some dogs, it may also reduce pain associated with arthritis. However, because Rimadyl is an NSAID, it can cause side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset if your dog overeats food at once. Or has certain health conditions like heart disease or liver problems. You should talk with your vet before giving this medication to see if it’s right for your pet.
Pain Relief Medicines Serve as the Best Solution to Your Dog’s Arthritis Problems
Pain relief medicines are the best solution for your dog’s arthritis issues. It can help your dog get back to normal activities and have a better quality of life. A good pain relief medicine can help you treat your dog’s pain, increase mobility and reduce inflammation in the joints.
Some medications are available over-the-counter, but most need a prescription from a veterinarian before purchasing them. In addition, you should consult your vet before taking any medicine for dogs they have not approved.
