12 Responses for "What is the best pain killer to use for my dog who has joint pain?"

1. Animalabby February 14th, 2012 at 5:44 pm 1

   Talk to your vet! He/she knows best.
   Also maybe look at petstores for doggie asprin, or joint vitamins.

2. Schnauzer Mom ♥ February 14th, 2012 at 6:39 pm 2

   The one that your vet prescribes, because it will vary depending on the cause of the pain.

   Since many human medications are toxic to dogs, like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetominiphen (Tylenol), you shouldn't dose your dog without talking to a vet first.

3. Cody February 14th, 2012 at 7:16 pm 3

   Whatever you do, do not give your pet any medications that are not specifically for animals. IE: tylenol,aspirin,motrin or anything like that. Your vet will prescribe something for the pain and possibly a joint supplement like glucosamine.

4. freshtilldeathh February 14th, 2012 at 7:44 pm 4

   go to the vet! that would be your best choice

5. Riddicksma February 14th, 2012 at 8:05 pm 5

   What breed of dog do you have? That can make a suggestion alot easier. Some breeds are prone to joint issues. There are things over the counter you can give that will help. Also how old is your dog?

6. Beebs February 14th, 2012 at 8:21 pm 6

   Your vet will prescribe you a good medication for your dogs joint pain... You can't buy pain killers like this over the counter anyway, so if you suspect your dog is in pain then the vet is the best place to go to have something prescribed.
   Our rainbow bridge boy was on Metacam for his joint pain, but was prescribed by the vet in a specific dose. Anyone who's not a vet wont be able to give you the correct pain killers and/or dosage. Good luck with your dog and the trip to the vet!

7. daa February 14th, 2012 at 8:53 pm 7

   The medication that the vet prescribes, after examining your dog. My dog did very well on Deramaxx - it made a huge difference in her quality of life. Don't just give pain killers without discussing it with your vet, as they can cause stomach or kidney problems.

8. MSAD February 14th, 2012 at 9:39 pm 8

   A dog can take aspirin.

   (a dog can not take Tylenol or Ibuprofen).

   If you have a small dog - it's easier to use baby aspirin. For a larger dog a regular adult aspirin.

   You can purchase doggie aspirin at the pet store....but all that is....is regular people aspirin with a meat flavor that's supposed to make the dog more likely to take it. (Does not work...dogs still don't like it. So I don't spend the extra medicine for that. People aspirin works just fine).

   Here's a web site that shows dosage.
   http://www.walkervalleyvet.com/otc-meds.htm

   I have a 6 year old 70lb GSD mix with bad hips. In the winter, I give her 1 aspirin up to 2 times per day. In the winter she does not need it as much. The cold weather makes those dysplastic hips hurt.

   Just like with people, you want to make sure you give it with food. If not, it can cause an upset tummy. So I give it to her when I feed her. If you put it in just a small amount of water the pill will dissolve and you can mix it with the food really easily.

   A nice massage can help those painful joints too.

   Make sure you feed a food that has glucosamine in it. You can also purchase a supplement for that. I like the Synovi G3.

   Hope your pup gets to feeling better.

9. Jessie February 14th, 2012 at 10:30 pm 9

   If you suspect the dog has joint pain, you need to see your vet for a diagnosis, first off. Joint pain can be caused by many different things.

   While it's true that you can give aspirin sometimes(with your vet's advice), it is not recommended for long-term pain management. Metabolization of aspirin is totally unpredictable, so your dosing is never right, meaning you run a risk of overdose or of giving insufficient aspirin to control the pain--it's a crapshoot. Aspirin also has a much higher risk of GI bleeding than do the newer veterinary NSAIDs. And finally, it has a destructive effect on cartilage, the last thing you want to do to a dog with arthritis or risk of arthritis.

   The newer NSAIDs, like Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam, etc. have a much lower risk of GI bleeding and they don't harm cartilage. Rimadyl is not suitable for Labs, as they have a fatal, idiosyncratic liver issue with it. These drugs are only available through your vet. If your dog is to be on them long-term, you want to get blood work done every 6 months to check for any liver or kidney problems. Mine does well with Deramaxx.

   If the dog has arthritis, you can also use a glucosamine/chondroitiin/MSM supplement. These will take a month or so to show any effects, but they support joint lubrication and cartilage repair, and control inflammation to a small degree. ( I use Glyco-Flex III. Synovi G3 is very similar. Most of the others don't have enough MSM in them.) Even though you don't need to purchase these through your vet, you should talk to your vet about proper dosage and let him know the dog is taking them. They can be safely used along with NSAIDs.

   Omega 3's can also control inflammation somewhat.

10. APBT'S Heart & Soul February 14th, 2012 at 11:12 pm 10

    First, your dog should already be on a daily joint supplement with msm. If not, make a quick phone call to your vet and ask what they recommend and/or ask their opinion of the tablets you chose. You can also go to a feed store and buy msm pure 99.99% powder or crystal. It will say it is for horses on the bottle, but it is used on dogs. Mix it in with his food or water asks someone at the feed store how much to use and tell him or her how you plan to use it. I do not know what your dogs’ situation is but normally if it is, a joint problem the msm will help him and you will notice a difference in a few days.

    This is just to help your dog feel better until you get him to the vet and find out the exact problem unless of course you already know his diagnoses...

    Good luck and I hope this helped!

11. show breeders sell sick pups. February 14th, 2012 at 11:27 pm 11

    one from the vet...the vet can give your dog a pain shot too...

12. Wascally Wabbit February 14th, 2012 at 11:35 pm 12

    Glucosamine Plus Chondroitin
    Omega 3 oil

    Give this to your dog every day....