Canine Pain Relief
From LoveToKnow Dogs
When your dog is ill or hurt, the appropriate canine pain relief may be able to ease his suffering.
Understanding Your Dog
Dogs exhibit pain in a variety of manners. Depending upon the reason for their discomfort and their own temperament, they may howl with agony or retreat to a quiet place and suffer quietly. Since your pet can't tell you what is wrong or where it hurts, you've got to use your own intuition and pay attention to any non-verbal clues the animal may give.
For example, an older dog that struggles to get up after resting may have arthritis, or a dog that suddenly stops eating and doesn't respond to you with his usual tail-wagging greeting may be very sick. While he may not moan or yelp, he may still be in significant pain, and it's up to you to figure this out and then seek help.
When to Call the Vet
When is it time to call the vet? When a person is sick or injured, he seeks medical help. The same should be done for a pet, and your dog is counting on you to take care of him. Taking on the responsibility of a pet means taking on responsibility for all of his care including veterinary needs. Since you probably won't be able to diagnose any illnesses or truly assess the seriousness of an injury, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
- Surgical procedures - Once you arrive at the clinic, don't be afraid to ask questions, particularly about any canine pain relief that will be administered. This is extremely important if your animal has to undergo any type of surgery. In some cases, you may have to administer pain medication after the surgery. You'll need to understand what you are administering including the medication's purpose and any possible reactions that might occur.
- Reactions - Dogs can react to a variety of pain medications including those prescribed to relieve inflammation associated with hip dysplasia and arthritis. In some cases, these reactions may be very limited. However, stop using the medicine and contact your vet immediately if you notice any adverse reaction.
Types of Canine Pain Relief
There are various types of canine pain relief, and these include the following:
- NSAIDS - NSAIDS are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs can include prescription drugs and non-prescription pain relievers such as aspirin. They typically provide relief for low to moderate pain. Common brand names include:
- Etogesic
- Rimadyl
- Deramaxx
- Matacam
- Zubrin
- Previcox
- Novox
- Nutraceuticals - Nutraceuticals are used to strengthen and repair body tissues. These non-drug nutrients are believed to relieve the discomfort of aging and degeneration. Common ingredients include: o
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Flax seed oil
- Herbal products
- Bee pollen
- Sulfates
- Glucosamine
- Methylsulfonylmethane
- Chondroitin sulfate
- Steroids - Steroids are anti-inflammatory, cortisone drugs. While they can provide a great amount of relief, they also can cause uncomfortable side effects.
- Opioids - Opioids are stronger prescription drugs that are used to provide treatment of more intense pain. Examples include morphine, Demerol and codeine.
- Chiropractic treatment - While chiropractic care has long been used for treating humans, it is now becoming more recognized as a possible treatment for dogs. Chiropractic care can include massage, acupuncture and body manipulation, and it may be used in addition to other pain relief measures.
Finally, it is important to develop a relationship with your vet. By doing so, the two of you can work together to provide the best possible care for your dog. Remember, although your dog can't communicate his discomfort verbally, he is counting on you to read the warning signs and get help as soon as possible.
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This page has been accessed 749 times. This page was last modified 15:07, 25 May 2009.
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