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NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are commonly used to control pain and inflammation for pets. They are frequently used before, during and after surgery to control pain and reduce inflammation. They are also frequently used in chronic conditions that cause pain, such as arthritis.

Some examples of NSAIDs that are used for pets are Rimadyl, Etogesic, Metacam, and Deramaxx.

You may also have heard that NSAIDs are dangerous for pets. Let’s take a look at that statement and see how true it really is.

NSAIDS and Your Dog

NSAIDs are frequently used in dogs in a variety of different situations. But NSAIDs, like any other medication, can have side effects.

Before you start your dog on an NSAID, you should schedule a thorough examination with your veterinarian. Besides a physical exam, your veterinarian may want to perform some basic blood tests before starting your dog on an NSAID, especially if it is likely your dog will need to be on the medication for more than a day or two.

Some of the side effects that you may see with an NSAID medication are:

depressed appetite

vomiting

diarrhea, with or without blood, or other changes in your dog’s bowel movements

increased water consumption and/or increased urination

icterus (a yellow coloration of your dog’s gums, skin or the white’s of his eyes)

redness or irritation in the skin, itchiness, or hives

Naturally, if you notice these types of reactions, you should stop giving the medication and notify your veterinarian.

Though NSAIDs do have the potential for causing side effects, they also have the ability to greatly increase the quality of your dog’s life by decreasing any pain he may be feeling. While there are other choices for pain control, NSAIDs are often the most appropriate because not only do they have the ability to reduce pain but to reduce inflammation as well.

Obviously, it would be better not to have to give your dog NSAIDs. On the other hand, if your dog is in pain, you may need to consider giving this type of medication, especially if other forms of pain relief are less than successful in controlling your dog’s discomfort. Needless to say, watching your dog suffer without pain control is not an acceptable alternative.

If you do find yourself in this situation, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations. Do not increase the dose of the medication without approval from your veterinarian, be aware of the potential side effects and report them if noticed, and bring your dog to your veterinarian for regular blood screening if you need to use the medication on a long-term basis. Check with your veterinarian before administering other medications for your dog as well.

I do use NSAIDs in my veterinary practice when needed and I have seen them make a significant impact on the quality of life for many dogs. However, I am careful about where and how I use them. Not all dogs are candidates for NSAID therapy and sometimes other means of pain control are a better option.

NSAIDs in Cats

There are a few NSAIDs that can be used in cats as well. However, I’m not nearly as comfortable using NSAIDs in cats as I am in dogs. Cats oftentimes do not seem to tolerate NSAIDs as well as dogs. The veterinary profession seems to be split about how safe NSAIDs are for cats, with many using NSAIDs such as Metacam to control pain in a surgical setting. Others, often as a result of having bad experiences with NSAIDs in a similar setting, are much more cautious.

More information is available about NSAIDs and the potential for kidney disease in cats in this article about an NSAID known as Onsior.

Aspirin and Other NSAIDs for Pets

Do you have an older dog that is having trouble getting around? If so, then you’ll want to read today’s guest post. (Consideration was provided for the editing, review, and publishing of this guest post.)

Watching your dog age can sometimes be heart-breaking, to say the least. Obviously, where dogs age faster than humans, we tend to notice changes in their physical strength and agility. Like with people there is no instant cure for aging; however, there are methods and treatments available that can assist in keeping your dog mobile and stronger for longer.

The first tip would be to make sure your dog is not overweight. Slim dogs are far agiler than plump ones, and this applies to most animals. This would simply be a case of reducing the pet food given, to ensure they lose weight. This may cause your dog to be hungry, which initially could be difficult to cope with. However, for many pets, it’s the ideal solution. Senior dogs should be fed a good quality complete diet, and you can usually find diets and guides for your particular breed, Hills Dog Food being a fine example.

Frequent, gentle exercise would work in keeping your dog’s muscles in check, as well as their joints supple. Regular, short interesting walks would be recommended over long infrequent walks.

Sore joints and arthritis are common amongst older dogs and can cause intolerable pain which often results in euthanasia. Dogs will tend to reduce their mobility to relieve pressure on painful joints. There is a broad range of anti-inflammatory medications (i.e Metacam) which can help ease the pain and improves the function of the joints. You should try a different medication for 10 days or so until you find what is best for your pooch. It is entirely plausible that joints are the sole problem for your dog’s mobility issues, in which case this sort of medication generally helps.

Similar to medication, there are nutritional supplements which are known for working well for joints. If used for a few weeks, you should be able to see the improvements in your dog’s mobility. Synoquin is a well-renowned example, which works well over time.

Recently, practices such as acupuncture have been known to help dogs, although it is best to discuss these sorts of options in depth with your vet before considering the best course of action.

There are other forms of “alternative" types of treatment (homeopathy, crystals, etc.) However, some lack scientific proof as to their effectiveness.

Obviously, you would want to find whatever is best to keep your dog active and mobile for as long as possible. The most tested and proven methods are primarily recommended. It is hard to go wrong with healthy food quantity and good exercise. If you can afford the pet medication, it is available, and again it tends to work.

(Editor’s note: Always confer with your veterinarian before starting your pet on any new medication. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while often effective, can have side effects and your veterinarian can help you determine whether your pet is a good candidate for these medications or whether another form of pain relief is advisable.)

Aging Dog? Natural Tips To Treat At Home