Just like their owners, dogs can develop aches and pains as they age. One of the biggest forms of pain as a dog age is a pain in the joints, which can be caused by degenerative or developmental conditions. Either way, if your dog is suffering from joint pain you want to know what can help provide relief. Let's take a closer look at some of the most asked questions, some of which you may have as well.
How To Tell If Your Dog Has Joint Pain
If you suspect that your canine companion may be suffering, there are some things that you can look for. First of all, pain can alter your pet's mood and becoming aggressive and showing bad temperament may be a sign to look for. Not wanted to let people pet them is another sign that something might be wrong. Finally, your dog's movement, or lack of, is a good indicator and includes:
- Difficulty getting up or standing
- Limping or showing signs of stiffness
- Having problems with stairs
- Swelling in the joints
- Other unnatural movements
The Causes Of Joint Pain In Dogs
Losing cartilage in the joint stands out as the main reason for many dogs. Elbow and hip dysplasia is another common culprit, especially among larger breeds. Smaller breeds can develop their own problems, like Legg-Calve Perthes disease. There are also problems that have been there since birth, like luxated patella or Wobbler's Syndrome. Injuries to the bone, ligaments, and tendons can also cause occasional or even chronic pain in your canine companion.
Questions About Joint Pain Tablets For Dogs
There are plenty of vitamins and supplements for dog joint pain on the market to choose from. Sadly, most of these are designed to promote healthy joints or to help prevent degeneration, not relieve pain. Many of these products miss the mark in offering relief, so if you are thinking of using one, make sure to research it completely as it may not help your dog in the immediate future. Prana Pets
Can I give my dog Advil for joint pain?
Advil is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory), which is something that you should avoid giving your dog. They inhibit the enzyme that helps to promote fever, pain, and swelling. The problem with taking Advil is that it is designed for the human body and not your dog's. Taking Advil can produce side-effects like diarrhea, bleeding disorders, kidney and liver problems, or even prove fatal.
With that being said, there are NSAIDs designed for dogs, you can check with your vet for availability.
Can dogs take Motrin for joint pain?
Motrin is another type of Ibuprofen or NSAID. Just like Advil, it should be avoided. As mentioned above, there are NSAIDs designed for dogs. Ask about Carprofen sold under names such as Novox or Rimadyl. Deracoxib often goes by Deramaxx and is another alternative. There is also Firocoxib (Previcox) as well as Meloxicam (Metacam).
Keep in mind that you will want to talk with your vet first to make sure that you have the right dosage level and to establish how often it should be given. That will help reduce the chance of problems. Also, keep in mind that these will cost more than NSAIDs for humans in most cases.
Can dogs take Tylenol for joint pain?
While Tylenol is not an NSAID, Acetaminophen can cause problems if too much is given to your dog. It can destroy their liver cells and damage their kidneys. It also converts hemoglobin to methemoglobin, reducing oxygen delivery through your dog's body. Toxic doses may even prove fatal, especially in smaller dogs.
What Alternatives Are there To Relieve Your Dog Joint Pain?
Coconut Oil
Over the past several years, pet owners looking to relieve symptoms from arthritis have used coconut oil for joint pain in dogs. It has been put forward that some of the acids contained in the coconut oil help to reverse the damage done to ligaments. With more and more owners turning to holistic treatments that avoid prescription drugs and their side-effects, this oil looks promising and may be worth a try.
Other health benefits from giving your dog coconut oil include promoting a healthy thyroid, as well as helping them to shed a few unwanted pounds. With some dogs, they may develop stool that is greasy or loose. In that case, cutting back on the amount given will fix the issue.
CBD
Recently, CBD (cannabidiol) has gained popularity as a holistic alternative for pain in humans and their pets. While it derives from the hemp plant, it lacks the THC concentrations to produce a "High." It does, however, have benefits that a dog suffering from joint pain needs, such as:
CBD is a natural source for anti-inflammatories that fights inflammation in the affected joint. It is also great for reducing anxiety in your dog, which might be holding them back from moving around. Moving around will help to keep your dog's joints loose, which can help to prevent pain. While it does not take away the pain directly, CBD for joint pain in dogs can help reduce your four-legged friend's discomfort.
This type of product can also offer relief from pain caused by other diseases as well as improve their appetite!