By Just as it’s unwise to share prescription drugs with other people, it can also be dangerous to give painkillers intended for humans to animals.
In general, it is not advisable to give a dog ibuprofen or other pain relief such as aspirin or acetaminophen. These can sometimes be prescribed by a veterinarian, but in this case, the dose will be carefully determined and appropriate for the animal.
Human pills and tablets are available in dosages suitable for humans, but these need to be adjusted when used in animals, not only because https://sharetempatwisata.com/ of differences in body weight but also because of possible differences in the animals’ biochemistry.
If a pet is in pain, a veterinarian should be consulted to decide if and what pain-relieving medication should be administered.
READ MORE: dog ear hematoma What you do not know about hematoma
Can Dogs Take Ibuprofen?
You should never give your dog ibuprofen. The drug can damage your dog’s stomach and kidneys, says Alison Meindl, a veterinarian, and professor at Colorado State University.
That’s because ibuprofen blocks the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). Blocking this enzyme reduces inflammation but also impedes blood flow to the stomach and kidneys. And while this isn’t a huge problem for humans, it can be harmful to your dog.
Your dog is more likely than humans to develop ibuprofen poisoning for three reasons:
- Ibuprofen can remain in the dog’s body longer.
- The dog’s stomach and intestines can absorb ibuprofen more quickly.
- Blood levels of https://swissarmyindonesia.com/ ibuprofen can be higher in dogs than in humans.
Too much ibuprofen can have dangerous effects on your dog, including stomach ulcers, kidney damage, or seizures, Meindl says.
Symptoms of Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs
Ibuprofen poisoning can be extremely dangerous and cause problems like these:
Stomach ulcers can cause symptoms such as:
- Vomiting with or without blood
- Dark or tarry stools
- Decreased or absent appetite
- lethargy
Kidney damage can cause symptoms such as:
- Increased urination
- Increased alcohol consumption
- Vomit
- Decreased or absent appetite
- lethargy
- More severe overdoses can lead to convulsions or coma.
What can I do to help my dog with pain?
There are many other NSAIDs formulated specifically for dogs that are much safer than ibuprofen and offer good pain control, Meindl says.
The FDA has approved NSAID drugs like carprofen and meloxicam for dogs, but they’re only available with a veterinarian’s prescription.
Depending on your dog’s health needs, there are also non-NSAID medications that can help relieve pain. “Your vet can talk to you about https://yohanwibisono.com/ the best options for your individual dog,” says Meindl.
There are also some homemade alternatives to pain relievers that you can try with your dog. Meindl recommends a few options:
- For acute injuries, icing with a bag of frozen vegetables or an ice pack covered with a thin towel can help, Meindl says. It’s best if you do this for about five minutes at a time.
- Heat can help with a chronic injury, Meindl says, but there are a few safety guidelines to keep in mind:
- “Never put a heating pad on a dog because they can’t communicate that it’s too hot and they can easily burn themselves,” says Meindl.
- Instead, microwave a damp cloth until it’s warm to the touch, place the cloth in a plastic bag, and apply it to the affected area for five minutes, Meindl says.
- A gentle massage can also help with the pain.
The Effects of Ibuprofen on Dogs
Like aspirin, ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). All of these drugs can cause stomach irritation, and while they can be beneficial, there are no guidelines for administering painkillers purchased for humans to animals.
Ibuprofen can damage the lining of your stomach, leading to ulcers, and in higher doses, it can cause kidney failure.
Very high doses can cause central nervous https://alltempatwisata.com/ system (CNS) problems, including depression, seizures, and coma. As a rule, however, this painkiller causes gastrointestinal problems, which manifest themselves in vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
READ MORE: Why do dogs have wet noses and cold as well as dry ones?
Treatment of ibuprofen poisoning
If a dog or other pet has ingested ibuprofen, either accidentally or because it was administered by a well-meaning owner, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Various treatments can then be carried out.
Vomiting can be induced to remove the pain reliever and activated charcoal can be administered to absorb the drug and prevent it from entering the animal’s body. Medications may also be given to protect the stomach and intestines from damage. If treatment is timely, the dog usually recovers.
READ MORE: Piroxicam: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions
Alternatives to ibuprofen
If you’re looking to relieve your dog’s pain and anxiety, there are natural alternatives to dog pain relief.
Pain Management for Dogs
When a dog shows signs of pain, it is important to determine the cause. As such, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian who can examine it for injuries or illnesses that may require further medical attention.
Failure to identify the cause of the pain can result in serious injury or unnecessary delay in the appropriate treatment of a serious condition, especially when the pain is masked with medication. Your veterinarian can prescribe an appropriate pain reliever, as well as any other necessary treatment.
In general, aspirin is preferred over ibuprofen, which is a stronger drug and has a small margin of error in dosing. Enteric-coated aspirin tablets only dissolve after passing through the stomach and intestines and are therefore considered safer to prescribe.
Prescription pain relievers can sometimes seem expensive. However, owners should not give their pets over-the-counter pain relievers, even if it is the same medication that was prescribed unless this has been discussed with the vet first, and then only at the recommended dose.
Other analgesics should not be substituted as they can have very different effects. Paracetamol, for example, is particularly dangerous for dogs because it can damage the liver.
Even if a dog has been prescribed a particular medication in the past, a veterinarian should be consulted before re-administering it as various factors may have changed and the underlying cause of the pain needs to be investigated.
READ MORE: Amantadine for dogs
Over-the-counter pain Meds for dogs
When a dog is in pain, most pet owners look to over-the-counter (OTC) dog pain medications for the convenience and comparably low cost of prescription medications. So, what OTC medications can you give your dog for pain?
Otc analgesics for dogs
OTC pain relievers for dogs are available in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but not all OTC pain relievers for dogs are safe. Take aspirin, for example. Many pet parents want to know if it’s safe for dogs.
In the short term, aspirin is likely safe in most dogs but is not recommended for long-term pain control in dogs due to the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding disorders. Before giving your dog aspirin, talk to your vet about the dose to give your dog for pain.
READ MORE: Anaplasmosis in Dogs
Can you give my dog Advil?
no Advil contains ibuprofen, which is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney and gastrointestinal damage.
can I give my dog aspirin for pain?
Yes, although some dogs may experience negative side effects from gastrointestinal or bleeding disorders. Only give your dog aspirin under the supervision of a veterinarian and check with your veterinarian for safe dosage.
For more pet care information and other useful resources, visit the blogalma blog.