How to Identify and Manage Pain in Dogs
What is the difference between acute and chronic pain in dogs?
So the difference between those: acute pain is something that happens right now. So you think about, you get, you know, poked with a needle—that's acute pain. Chronic pain is something that you have more constantly, so think of that like arthritis or more chronic pain conditions.
What are some signs and symptoms of pain in my dog?
Signs might be that they are vocalizing, if they're limping, there could be swelling, they may not want to eat as much, they could become more aggressive. So they're painful, they don't want you touching them. And then also, if there's any sort of swelling.
How quickly should I bring my dog in if I suspect they are in pain?
If you suspect they are in pain, please give us a call right away. We definitely want to see them pretty quickly.
Are human pain pills like Tylenol or Advil okay to give my dog?
We don't recommend giving any sort of over-the-counter pain medication. Those human medications, while safe for us, are not always safe for your dog, and you would need to know the right dose to give. So always give us a call before giving your dog anything.
What are some medications you'll use for pain management?
So we do use some NSAIDs, so non-steroidal anti-inflammatories in dogs like carprofen or Galliprant. We may also use Gabapentin, we might use some opioids like Tramadol, or sometimes we'll recommend some supplements.
Can a veterinarian help me manage my dog's chronic pain?
Absolutely. We're the best people for that job, so if you suspect that your dog has chronic pain, please schedule an appointment so we can chat about that.
And where's the best place to get my medication? Can I go to the store?
The best place is going to be with us. Again, getting stuff over the counter—you don't know the correct dose; it's based on your dog's weight, and not all of those medications are safe. So when in doubt, give us a call.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (276) 600-2631, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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