Your dog is your best friend. So, when they start not eating, you can’t help but be a bit worried. You know they’re in pain and you’re helpless to stop it.
Except that you’re not. You’ve already done the first step in pain management for dogs. You noticed that something was wrong. Now it’s all a matter of taking them to the vet and getting a diagnosis.
They’ll be able to give you a complete list of care instructions for you to follow. We can help you get a head start on their care before you take them to the vet though. Keep reading to find out how you can help your dog.
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Notice the Signs
Your dog has its own special ways of telling you that something is wrong with them. They won’t be as social, they won’t have much energy, their appetite will be shot, and they will be less willing to climb the stairs.
Some dog breeds are less obvious with their pain symptoms but if you know the dog well enough you’ll still notice that something is up.
Take them to the Vet
Once you notice that something is wrong with your pup it’s time to take them to the vet. The vet will be able to examine the dog and let you know exactly what is wrong with them.
They’ll prescribe medication for you to give to them or they may give you a list of over-the-counter meds that will help.
Over-The-Counter Options
Your vet is likely to prescribe anti-inflammatories for your dog. This doesn’t mean that you should go in your cabinet and pull out the ibuprofen or Aleve. These will be toxic for your dog.
They need an anti-inflammatory that is specially made for pups. These include carprofen, deracoxib, meloxicam, and firocoxib. If your dog begins to eat even less, display behavioral changes or vomits, contact their vet as soon as possible.
Permanent Relief
The anti-inflammatories will help but they won’t provide permanent relief. Try switching their food up to something that has more omega 3s to ease bone and joint inflammation.
If your dog is overweight this may be the root of the problem. Talk to your vet about putting them on a weight loss regimen. You can also speak to your vet about physical therapy and veterinary acupuncture.
What Not to Do
Again, you should never reach into your cabinet and give your dog some of your over-the-counter pain relievers. There are some that dogs can have but you shouldn’t take that risk without talking to their vet first.
They’ll be able to tell you if the medicine is safe and if it is, how much the dog can have.
Your Guide to Pain Management for Dogs
Nobody likes seeing their dog in pain. The good news is that there are plenty of ways for you to help them through it. Use these tips for pain management for dogs to ease fido’s aching joints.
Dogs are a big responsibility. Check out our blog daily for more tips that will help you keep your fur baby happy and healthy.