A Comprehensive Guide To Pain Relief For Dogs

No agony is greater than watching your four-legged companion suffer deep discomfort. Plenty of symptoms gauge their suffering and discomfort that must be tackled as safely as possible. With several pain relief options in the market, it can be daunting and overwhelming to opt for what works best for your dog. If that is your concern, then worry not! You have come to the right place. As a dog owner’s first responsibility, guaranteeing your furry pet’s safety and comfort is of utmost importance. 

While using over-the-counter drugs like Aspirin, NSAIDs, and other prescription medicines is common for pain relief, it raises the question, “can dogs take aspirin and other OTC drugs?”. By the closing statement of this article, you will take a peek into pain-oriented symptoms and a brief analysis of the relief options available in the market:

What Are The Symptoms Of Pain In Dogs?

The first step into pain relief is knowing if the dogs are under strain and further analyzing the issue they are facing. Unlike felines, canines are more non-concealed when they express physical pain. Unfortunately, it means different things to different dogs. Some may experience superficial joint aches, while some show rapid mood swings. The best way to spot such symptoms is to observe the dog for these common ones:

• Aggressive mood swings 
• Avoiding interactions with humans or other canines 
• Demanding personal space
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent yelping 
• Snarling and growling 
• Barking and howling 
• Biting owners and objects
• Dehydration

It’s quite often for dogs to show massive disinterest in physical activities and walks when they are experiencing discomfort. They avoid their favorite toys and exhibit changes in breathing patterns, often being shallower than usual. Consequently, panting and unusual snoring also form a part of pain symptoms. Joint aches and Arthritis, limping, irritability, inflammation, and aggressive behavior are signs of a canine’s coping mechanisms . Once the symptoms are spotted, the next step is to test the viability of different relief medicines.

Pain Relief Options

Generally, over-the-counter medicines must not be prioritized as a remedy for your dog. OTC medicines must never be given unless prescribed by a vet. These medicines can be categorized into two kinds:

• Naproxen and Ibuprofen: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are responsible for eradicating inflammation responsible for physical agony. Some examples of NSAIDs available in clinics and pharmacies are naproxen and ibuprofen. However, if prescribed by a vet, these must only be given to your dog, as they block cyclooxygenase enzymes that manipulate internal processes like blood flow regulations and clotting.

• Aspirin: On the topic of NSAIDs, Aspirin is the most common OTC drug taken to relieve pain, and they work by blocking COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. While blocking these enzymes reduces pain and inflammation, they also block prostaglandin and generate many side effects like GI ulceration. To answer the question, “Can dogs take aspirin?” it is advisable to use them only if specifically prescribed for your dog by a professional vet. Their side effects, like abdominal aches, internal bleeding and ulcerations, and heart and kidney problems, may even cause death.

CBD Oil: Best Option For Dog’s Pain Relief

Cannabinoids for dogs are the first and the most opted natural alternative for dog pain treatment. Getting them from a reliable supplier can ensure all-natural full-spectrum THC-free cannabinoid oils that work like magic. The right supplier can guarantee potency and purity with robust lab testing, including homeopathic blends like turmeric and oral tinctures. They have the edge over alternatives like Tylenol, and CBD oils for dogs also have extended absorption and long-lasting effects for nourishment and healing dog discomfort. It is one of the safest alternatives, and incorporating them into your dog’s pain management is the best step. 

Conclusion

And that marks the end of pain relief options in the market! When going for OTC medications like aspirin, it is always suggested to run them through your local vet, as all dogs are built differently. While aspiring for dogs is safe for certain conditions, it may result in harmful side effects. 

If you are looking for natural options, look no further! CBD oils have been historically proven to relieve pain with the least side effects for your dog. A common misconception is that cannabinoids make the dog high, but getting them from a reliable supplier will ensure THC-free oils that work wonderfully.