When your best friend is hurting, you want to help. And although it's easy to either take a Tylenol, chew a Tums, or pop a cough drop when you're not feeling well, it's not as easy to know how to help a dog who needs pain relief. Here's what you can do for dog in pain:
Recognizing a Dog in Distress
Some breeds will let you know that something isn't right–through actions like yipping, barking, or acting panicked in general. Most dogs handle it almost stoically, though, not letting on that they're in pain. They may be completely unable to tell you they're in distress. Luckily, there are signs a dog isn't feeling well. Subtle signs of a dog in pain include:
- A change in energy level: low energy, or, conversely, unable to sit still
- Seeming socially withdrawn
- Changes in breathing (usually panting or breathing faster and shallower than normal)
- Loss of appetite and less water intake
- Constantly grooming a specific area on themselves
- Increased heart rate
- Biting, growling, or whining when picked up
- A change in mobility (suddenly refusing to climb stairs)
Just remember the signs of an unwell pup might only be noticeable by you–the one who knows your dog best.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Ultimately, make an appointment to see your vet if you see any of these signs of pain in your dog. Your vet can determine the underlying issue causing the discomfort. Sometimes injuries are apparent–a wound or broken bone, for instance–whereas other causes might not be so noticeable. Typical issues that cause dogs to suffer include:
- Arthritis
- Bone cancer
- Kidney stones
- Ear infections
- Pancreatitis or gastritis
- Sliding kneecap
- Gum disease
Lækre Tips
How to Alleviate the Pain
Among the most common medications your vet might recommend for your pet's pain are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs), which offer relief similar to your own Ibuprofen or Aleve. PetMD suggests these medications can help reduce pain, swelling, stiffness, and any joint discomfort he may be feeling. Some NSAIDs created specifically for dogs include carprofen, deracoxib, firocoxib, and meloxicam. Many commonly used human approved NSAIDs may be toxic to your dog, however, so don't just use your pain medication–speak to your veterinarian first. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has an easy way to remember the signs of worrisome side effects of NSAIDs with the acronym, "BEST":
- Behavioral changes
- Eating less
- Skin redness or scabs
- Tarry stool, diarrhea, or vomiting
Stop using the medication and call your vet immediately if you see any of these issues.
Eliminating It for Good
Although pain medications may work as a temporary fix, the ultimate goal is permanent dog pain relief. You may work toward this goal with a change in food. Your dog's pain might be alleviated by changing his food. Products that are high in omega-3s, according to Dr. Donna Solomon in the Huffington Post, can help reduce pain by alleviating joint inflammation.
You can also help ease some pain with some careful weight management. Extra pounds can cause painful health issues like pancreatitis and a sliding kneecap to worsen. If your dog needs to lose weight, try a food specially formulated to help your dog shed it in a healthy way, such as Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Perfect Weight.
Another option is physical therapy. This may also help in your dog's comfort when dealing with recovery from injury or with arthritis. Ask your veterinarian about physical therapy treatments.
What Not to Do
You might be tempted to give your dog something from your own medicine cabinet if he's in pain. Not so fast. Although dog-approved NSAIDs are similar to common over-the-counter medications you might buy for yourself, the human variety can be very dangerous to a dog. This is because the dosages needed by dogs may be very different than those of a human, or the metabolism of the drug may be different. Just one pill could exacerbate health issues and even result in death.
Never give pain medication to your pet without first consulting your veterinarian. The veterinarian most familiar with your dog's health concerns should be able to tell you the proper medicine as well as dosage to provide your dog to ensure it accurately treats his pain.
You know your canine companion best. If you feel like something is wrong with him, trust your instinct and remember signs of pain in a dog can be subtle. A call to your vet is always a safe bet.
Anbefalede produkter til katte med nyreproblemer
Healthy Mobility Large Breed Adult hundefoder
Hill's Science Plan Healthy Mobility Large Breed Adult hundefoder med kylling er avanceret ernæring til at understøtte ledsundheden og forbedre mobiliteten.
Hypoallergenic Large Breed Adult hundefoder med laks
HILL'S SCIENCE PLAN Hypoallergenic Medium Adult hundefoder med laks er et fuldfoder til voksne store hunderacer på 1-5 år. Det er sammensat til hunde med sart hud og mave, med begrænsede nye proteinkilder af høj kvalitet og uden korn.
Healthy Mobility Medium Adult hundefoder
Hill's Science Plan Healthy Mobility Medium Breed Adult hundefoder med kylling er avanceret ernæring til at understøtte ledsundheden og forbedre mobiliteten.
Hill's Science Plan Healthy Mobility Adult Small & Mini Hundefoder Kylling
Hill's Science Plan Healthy Mobility Small & Mini Breed Adult hundefoder med kylling er avanceret ernæring, der understøtter leddenes sundhed og forbedrer mobiliteten.
Relaterede artikler
Helpful Tips for Exercising with Your Dog
Though it may seem like your four-legged friend loves nothing more than to nap on the couch, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy just like people do.
Vet's Advice About A Dog Diet
Just like every other pet owner, vets are responsible for giving their pets the best possible nutrition, exercise and care needed to keep them healthy and happy.
Grooming Suggestions for Keeping Your Dog's Coat Healthy
Signs of a healthy dog include healthy skin and a healthy coat. This article provides information on the appearance of a healthy coat, the importance of grooming, brushing, bathing and nutrition in the care of maintaining a healthy dog.
Keeping Your Dog From Begging at the Dinner Table
Learn how to stop your dog from begging at the dinner table, and understand how it can help contribute to his health.
Sæt din hund på diæt uden at den opdager det
Vores kaloriefattige sammensætning hjælper dig med at kontrollere din hunds vægt. Den er fyldt med protein af høj kvalitet til at opbygge slanke muskler og lavet med udvalgte ingredienser for et velsmagende og nærende måltid. Klinisk dokumenterede antioxidanter, vitamin C+E, hjælper med at styrke et sundt immunsystem.
Sæt din hund på diæt uden at den opdager det
Vores kaloriefattige sammensætning hjælper dig med at kontrollere din hunds vægt. Den er fyldt med protein af høj kvalitet til at opbygge slanke muskler og lavet med udvalgte ingredienser for et velsmagende og nærende måltid. Klinisk dokumenterede antioxidanter, vitamin C+E, hjælper med at styrke et sundt immunsystem.