None of us want to see our pets in pain, so whether they start to slow down with painful joints or have sustained an injury, don't just reach into your medicine cabinet. While they can take many things we do, pain medications aren't one of them. Know what you can give Spot, before you make a mistake that is fatal to him/her.
There are anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) made specifically for dogs that are veterinarian approved. Even those are monitored in length of time to make sure that they are safe to use. Always consult with your veterinarian before you treat your pet at home. They will give you the proper information and dosage of over-the-counter items that are safe to use.
What can you use in your medicine cabinet? Here is the short list of common ones and how they affect your dog.
Aspirin. Using aspirin is a bad idea. In the short term, it can cause ulcers and digestive issues. In the long term, aspirin can not only wreak havoc on your pets kidneys, but it can actually damage them beyond repair, putting them into kidney failure.
Ibuprofen. NSAIDs and Ibuprofen offer the same damage as aspirins. Ibuprofen has an even narrower margin of safety and should be avoided at all costs, according to Dogster. Ulcers and kidney failure are inevitable with its use when given to your dog. Ibuprofen can and has caused death in pets, so do not even try this one.
If your pet has accidentally eaten ibuprofen or if you gave one before consulting, look for the following signs of toxicity and get your pet to the vet immediately: vomiting, bloody vomitus, diarrhea, black-tarry stool, weakness, pale gums, abdominal pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, halitosis (signs of kidney failure) and seizures. Look for any of these signs, as they might not have all, but any are a reason for concern, according to the Pet Poison Hotline. Call your veterinarian immediately, or the pet poison hotline. The sooner you get the professionals involved, the sooner they can begin trying to save your pet.
Check with professionals on what is safe for your dog. You want them to be around for a very long time.
