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NSAID albuquerque
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NSAIDs and your Dog

NSAID albuquerqueIf your dog is in pain, you want to help him and make it stop. But reaching for medication in your medicine cabinet may cause more harm than good. NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are often over the counter medications that both people and dogs can take. They reduce swelling, stiffness and joint pain. They can help relieve arthritis pain and post surgery pain.Though NSAIDs might be in your medicine cabinet, there are ones specifically for dogs that can be prescribed by your Albuquerque vet. The FDA lists the following NSAIDs as approved for dogs:

  • ETOGESIC (etodolac) – not currently marketed
  • RIMADYL (carprofen)
  • METACAM (meloxicam)
  • DERAMAXX (deracoxib)
  • PREVICOX (firocoxib)
  • ZUBRIN (tepoxalin) – not currently marketed
  • NOVOCOX (carprofen)
  • VETPROFEN (carprofen)
  • CARPRIEVE (carprofen)
  • QUELLIN (carprofen)
  • OROCAM (meloxicam)
  • LOXICOM (meloxicam)
  • MELOXIDYL (meloxicam)
  • ONSIOR (robenacoxib) for a maximum of 3 day use
  • GALLIPRANT (grapiprant)
Most of the time the appropriate NSAID, at the appropriate dosage, is perfectly safe for your dog. But there can be side affects and in some cases long term issues such as kidney or liver problems.If your dog is on a NSAID watch for:

  • Behavioral changes
  • Loss of appetitie
  • Skin redness
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy

These can be symptoms that your dog is having a reaction to the NSAID and should be looked at by your veterinarian immediately.

There are some human over the counter NSAIDs that your veterinarian might say is ok to give your dog, such as Aspirin. This is for short term use only and can have some serious side effects if used long term. Do not self prescribe or decide the dosage yourself. The incorrect dosage can cause serious damage to your dog, including death. Call your vet and she will tell you the appropriate dosage and frequency for your dog.

If you think your dog is having issues with pain management due to a condition like arthritis, an injury, or surgery, you should speak to your vet about using NSAIDs as a pain management tool. Here are some questions to ask and things to discuss with your vet:

  • what condition the NSAID is being given for. Sometimes our pets have multiple issues, and a prescription might be for one thing but not another. It is important to know exactly what the prescription is for.
  • how much to give, aka. dosage
  • how long to give it and how often
  • possible side effects
  • what to avoid while your dog is taking an NSAID – such as any food or treat, types of exercise, sunlight, etc.
  • what tests are needed before giving an NSAID to your dog – sometimes dogs have a preexisting condition that might need to be evaluated before giving them an NSAID.
  • how often should your dog be re-examined. Never just continue to give your dog an NSAID. Only give it to them for the amount of time the vet has said. If your dog is still in pain, you need to bring them back for an evaluation.
  • your dog’s previous medical history and any previous drug reactions. A good medical history comes from annual exams. Make sure to bring your dog in to Vetco every year for his annual exam, that way if there is ever a serious problem you have a good medical history to help evaluate the current situation and treatment path.
  • all medications and products your dog currently receives