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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, help reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain in humans, and they can do the same for your dog. They can bring relief to a dog with arthritis, or one who’s just had surgery.
But don’t give your pooch something from your medicine cabinet. Do not give your dog ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
There are some of the available NSAIDs just for dogs:
NSAIDs are usually safe for dogs and have few side effects. But in some cases, they can cause kidney, liver, or digestive problems.
You may be able to tell if your dog is having a bad reaction to an NSAID. An easy way to remember the signs is with the word BEST:
If you spot these symptoms, stop giving your dog the drug and call your vet.
Aspirin is an over-the-counter NSAID. Your doctor may OK giving it to your dog for a limited amount of time, but usually only if he has an injury or another short-term condition. It’s not recommended for long-term use in dogs because it has a greater potential for side effects, including the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Coated aspirin is best on the stomach, and give the pills with food. Talk to your vet and follow her recommendations on how much and how often.
Because NSAIDs are usually good at relieving pain, veterinarians don’t often prescribe other kinds of painkillers. But sometimes, your dog may need more options. Your vet may talk to you about gabapentin or tramadol.