6 Best Pain Relief Meds For Dogs

As dogs grow older, their chances of developing degenerative joint diseases also increase.

Instead of walking easily, they’re more likely to hobble stiffly due to painful hips and joints.

So, a pain reliever for dogs plays an important role in healing and relieving it.

These pain meds for dogs can be a vet's prescription or can be purchased over the counter.

Whether your pooch is young or old, the best pain relief aid for dogs will offer some comfort when dogs are hurting and allow them to move more freely and pain-free.

There are also natural pain relief for dogs that you can do at home, aside from the clinically tested pain reliever.

It's mostly effective in muscle and joint pains could be brought by normal daily physical activity, rigorous training, genetics, old age, injury, or degenerative joint disorders.

Most pet owners will have to help a dog through a bout of aches and pains at some point in their life.

Pain problems in dogs and pain medication for dogs for any condition are serious matters that you must discuss with a vet.

Why is Best Pain Relief for Dogs Important?

Pain relief for dogs is very important to prevent or lessen your arthritic dog's discomfort and improve their overall quality of life.

However, it needs continuous management to prevent it from getting worse over time.

Just for example, osteoarthritis is a progressive condition in dogs, so you really need to manage their pain continuously.

Depending on the condition, without immediate treatment, the dog could die from incorrect meds, or they may experience complications from being given too much or wrong over-the-counter dog pain relievers.

Further in this article, we'll talk more about the dog pain medication, and over-the-counter dog pain relievers and take a closer look at these six best dog pain relief aids we review.

Best Pain Relief Meds for Dogs Reviewed In This Guide

Using Pain Reliever for Dogs with Various Conditions

There are tons of illnesses dogs may develop that will make you think about giving pain relief medication for dogs.

These diseases are commonly arthritis and other joint-related problems that prevent the dog from walking, sitting, lying, and even sleeping.

You cannot give most human pain relief medication to dogs in most cases.

Even though some pet owners believe that it is perfectly safe to give their dog a pain reliever made for humans, in the words of Jennifer Coates, DVM for PetMD article:

It is not safe to give your dog any amount of aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen, or other anti-inflammatory meant for humans.

Here's why you cannot give human NSAIDs to dogs:

Many common over-the-counter pain relievers formulated for humans are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs).

Examples of some of the most common NSAIDs for people include:

• aspirin (Excedrin, Bayer, etc…)
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc…)
• naproxen (Aleve)
• baby aspirin

These products work by impeding an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. It is the enzyme responsible for the production of prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins promote fever, inflammation, and pain.

Sounds good, right? Not always.

Prostaglandins also do many other things to the canine body. They are responsible for maintaining proper blood flow to the kidneys, normal blood clotting, and producing a layer of mucus to save the inner lining of the GI tract from stomach acid.

As explained in the article on why you shouldn't give Mobic to dogs, when the above things don't happen, your dog could begin to vomit, have bloody diarrhea, develop intestinal problems, lose his appetite, develop bleeding disorders and suffer liver or kidney dysfunction or failure.

So avoid giving human medicine to your dog at all times.

Note that even though formulated for dogs, it's important that you remember to talk with your veterinarian before giving one of the best dog pain relief solutions as well.

Any signs of pain need to be checked out by a certified vet. You never know when a limp could be a sign of something more serious, such as a back injury or nerve disorder.

What is the best pain medication for dogs?

There are many ways to alleviate the pain of your dogs. Mostly, NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in joint pains, not only for humans but also for dogs.

6 Best Pain Relief for Dog

1. Best Overall: ReNutri-Vet K-9 Aspirin by Nutri-Vet

• Find it on Amazon

Nutri-Vet Wellness, a USA-made line of pet products, has developed a dog supplement to help relieve pain in arthritic dogs and improve their quality of life.

Nutri-Vet K-9 Aspirin is specially formulated to provide temporary relief from debilitating pain. A bottle contains 75 chewable liver-flavored tablets, each containing 300 mg of aspirin.

Dog owners are happy to note that their pups are bouncier with Nutri-Vet K-9 Asprin than with their previous NSAID prescription for arthritis.

After only a few weeks on this bone and joint supplement, their dogs could walk up and down flights of stairs they had been avoiding before.

When told to get up for a walk, pet owners say their pooches react with excited yelps instead of resigned groans.

Dogs think that these liver-flavored tablets are a treat, so giving these to them is almost effortless. Some pet owners have previously bought aspirin for the human-type preparation, which their vets have prescribed.

Comparing them, they say that, unlike human-type aspirin, Nutri-Vet does not cause stomach upset.

PROS:

• Made in the USA
• Liver-flavored tablets to increase palatability
• Each tablet contains 300 mg of aspirin

CONS:

• The chemical smell when opening the bottle

2. Best Value Dog Pain Reliever: Dog Pain Away (DPA) by Dog Pain Away

• Find it on Amazon

Dog Pain Away, or DPA, relieves your pet’s pains by enhancing health in the joints, cartilage, and connective tissues.

It contains natural ingredients, marine extracts, herbs, and natural type II collagen (UC-II) (which reduces inflammation and rebuilds cartilage in joints).

This supplement also strengthens the dog’s immune system and is highly recommended for dogs with decreased mobility and flexibility.

Ingredients are sourced from New Zealand and manufactured into the final product in a certified GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) facility in the USA.

Pets that have been given prescription drugs for their hip and joint pains have also been enduring the accompanying side effects.

They already noticed a great improvement in as short as only 3 days of giving Dog Pain Away (DPA) Dog Pain Reliever.

Not only were their dogs not limping or in pain anymore, but they were also actually more physically agile and playful.

Dogs that suffered from itchy skin and inflammatory issues concurrent to their joint pains also enjoyed an additional benefit: their skin cleared up within days of using DPA.

Best of all, dog owners are confident of the natural content of this pain remedy. They have peace of mind knowing that their dogs’ kidneys or liver suffer no side effects from taking this best dog pain relief solution.

PROS:

• Made with natural ingredients
• Made in the USA
• This recommended dog pain relief also strengthens the immune system
• Positive change in their pet's mobility in as little as 3 days

CONS:

• Concerns about the ingredient Boswellia that is found in this product

3. Best Budget Pain Med for Dogs: Vet's Best Aspirin-Free Aches & Pains Dog Aid by Vet's Best

• Find it on Amazon

Vet’s Best tablets are probably your best bet if you want to do away with aspirin to treat your dog’s pains and aches.

It’s made from glucosamine HCL, MSM, and natural ingredients like white willow bark, bromelain, and yucca.

Willow is the main source of an anti-inflammatory agent called salicin. Bromelain relieves muscle and joint pains.

Yucca eases arthritic pain and boosts the immune system. This great product is made in the USA and prepared in easy-to-chew tablets.

Dog owners attest to how effective and indispensable Vet’s Best Aspirin-Free Aches & Pains Dog Supplements have been to their dogs suffering from painful terminal conditions.

According to them, this supplement has proven to be a very potent painkiller. In conjunction with their dog’s medicines, it has definitely improved the quality of their pet’s remaining days.

Healthy dogs, on the other hand, also got to benefit from the Vet’s Best. They do get muscle stiffness at some point, and getting up becomes an issue.

Sometimes, too, they’d play too rough and start limping the next day. After giving this pill for a day or two, their dogs quickly recovered, picked up their appetite, and started moving about again.

This comes cheap, too, compared to other pain relief medications, so it’s a must-try.

PROS:

• Natural ingredients
• No aspirin
• Made in the USA
• Formulated for all sizes and breeds

CONS:

• Only suitable for dogs over ten months old

4. Best For Large Dogs: Dog Aspirin Pain Relief for Larger Breed Dogs by Essential Pet Products

• Find it on Amazon

This top-rated dog pain relief aid contains 300 mg of aspirin in each tablet. It eases pain due to inflammation and is recommended for arthritic pains.

The tablet is enteric coated, which lessens side effects like stomach upset.

This product was specially made for dogs weighing at least 15 lb and must not be used for other pets or dogs weighing less than the specified weight.

One pill a day seems to work just fine for dogs suffering from minor pain from arthritis, muscle stiffness, and other pains due to inflammation.

Bigger dogs or those with worse conditions, such as hip dysplasia and severe degenerative joint disorders, required two pills a day.

This aspirin for dogs was the perfect choice for dog owners who didn’t want to give their dogs the usual anti-inflammatory drug but didn’t want to experiment with natural remedies.

The pills are small, which makes them easier to swallow. So, dogs tolerate them well because they are enteric-coated.

This seemed to be the help that most senior dogs had been waiting for, especially those that had been living in agonizing pain.

With the Excel aspirin, they get to sleep and take their much-needed rest. So, some dog owners say that their dogs became a lot younger and had more spunk with this aspirin.

PROS:

• Each tablet contains 300 mg of aspirin
• Enteric-coated tablets are gentle on a pet's stomach
• Specifically formulated to help dogs with arthritis and joint problems

CONS:

• You cannot use it in dogs weighing less than 15 pounds
• Did not work for dogs with pain and inflammation that wasn't associated with arthritis

5. MediNatura T-Relief Pet Arthritis Pain Relief Arnica by MediNatura

Manage your furbaby's pain naturally with the power of Amica plus 12 plants and tissue extracts known to alleviate minor arthritis pain and support joint health, flexibility, and lasting relief from impaired mobility or limping.

This tablet combines the pain-relieving power of Arnica with plants and tissue extracts known to alleviate minor arthritis pain.

It provides lasting relief from aches and pains, which helps your dog walk easily and return to doing what he loves.

It has a gentle formula that can be used with your dog's daily glucosamine supplements, vitamins, or medication without known interaction.

Formulated by a holistic veterinarian, quick-dissolve oil can be easily mixed with water or food instead of disguising medicine in treats and chews that dogs spit out.

Administer directly into the mouth with a little water, preferably between meals. If this is difficult, crushed tablets can be mixed with a small amount of water or food.

PROS:

• Safe for pets
• Safe for pets
• Added 12 natural ingredients

CONS:

• It may constipate your dog

6. Amazing Turmeric Chews for Dogs with Pain by Amazing Nutritionals

• Find it on Amazon

This Amazing Nutritionals product is made from turmeric root processed into bite-sized chews flavored with bacon and beef. Turmeric curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory medicine and also a potent antioxidant.

This medicinal chew also contains chondroitin, glucosamine, MSM, Omega 3 fish oil, probiotics, and vitamins to help restore damaged joints, cartilage, and connective tissues.

This best dog pain relief solution is made in a GMP-certified facility in the USA.

In fact, more and more people use turmeric for its curcumin content, which has powerful healing properties.

They have also used this for their pets and observed the same therapeutic benefits.

It has been particularly helpful in eliminating the pain caused by arthritic inflammation, stiffness, and lethargy in geriatric dogs.

Amazing Nutritionals Turmeric Chews made it possible for dogs to sleep without the pain, naturally recover, and also regain their old self again.

In addition, the advantage of this chew is its antioxidant property. After the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin takes place and eliminates pain and its cause, the antioxidant property takes over.

It hastens recovery, promotes overall wellness, and keeps the dog on track again. Afterward, the effect is quick – significant improvements have been noted in as short as one week.

PROS:

• Made with turmeric curcumin, natural anti-inflammatory medicine, and potent antioxidant
• Enticing bacon-and-beef flavor
• Also contains chondroitin, glucosamine, MSM, Omega 3 fish oil, probiotics, and vitamins.
• Made in the USA

CONS:

• This product did not work for every dog that tried it
• Some complaints that this top-rated dog pain relief has made a few pets sick

Signs of pain in dogs

Because of the playful personality of dogs, they are always prone to injuries and pain, so, they need more care.

However, the pain they might experience depends on the activity they usually do.

For instance, there is pain caused by their disability in genes. So, asking for your vet's help would be necessary.

There are many signs and symptoms that you can observe when your dog is in pain.

For instance, it includes:

• Swelling
• Trembling or shaking
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in behavior like increased barking, yelping, snarling, growling, and also howling
• Excessively licking themselves
• Heavy panting or erratic breathing
• Mobility issues
• Increased sleeping
• Antisocial or aggressive behavior

But if your dog doesn't show any of these symptoms, so you really need to consult your vet. They could surely determine the cause of pain in your dogs.

Natural Pain Relief For Dogs

Aside from taking a pain reliever for dogs, some pet owners prefer to give natural pain meds for dogs. So, below are some natural remedies that you could do at home:

• Acupuncture

It stimulates the dog's body to relieve pain, as well as release anti-inflammatory substances. And, it can help alleviate the trauma of your pet after surgery. In addition, it is safe because it does not have side effects.

• Massage

It can relieve pain, relax muscles, stimulate nerves, and relieve stress in dogs. You can do it daily. And you can also do it if your dog is experiencing anxiety and nervousness.

Aside from this home natural remedy pain reliever for dogs, you can also give them Omega-3 fatty acid and joint supplements. It can reduce inflammation of joints and relieving its chronic pain.

What are the things to avoid when your dog is in pain?

When you saw your dog in pain, you might want to help them by giving them a pain reliever from your kit. But, it could be a threat to your canine.

As mentioned earlier, NSAIDs are safe for your dogs. But, there is a particular product made for them and for humans. So, you should be careful with that.

Can Dogs Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen?

NO! Never give your dog NSAIDs like ibuprofen or Tylenol, nor another form of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

These NSAIDs are not made for them. And also, It might cause bleeding in the stomach and renal failure.

So, if your dog needs pain medicine, your vet will prescribe pain relief for dogs because human medications can be hazardous for them.

FAQs about Pain Relief for Dogs

If you still have questions about pain relief for dogs after reading all of the above, this FAQ should help.

Get concise answers from pain meds that may already be in your medicine cabinet to those specifically for your dog for pain.

What Pain Relief Can I Give My Dog?

If you aren't sure what to give your dog for pain, try starting with natural pain relief. For example, include hot or cold packs, natural dog supplements, and massages.

In chronic pain, you may also want to try hydrotherapy, acupuncture, or other alternative therapies.

Can I Give My Dog Human Painkillers?

Even if your dog is in severe pain, don't give him human painkillers. The only potential exception will be if your vet suggests doing so.

However, this is unlikely. It would also involve a minimal dose. So, always remember that human painkillers can cause a potentially fatal reaction in animals.

6 Best Pain Relief Meds for Dogs: Closing Thoughts

Truly, choosing the best pain relief for your dog is hard, especially if your dog is in pain.

So, checking this article might help you with that.

Mostly, veterinarians might recommend products that offer the best pain reliever for dogs.

It might be from their own company or sold over the counter.

In addition, some owners prefer to use natural pain relief for dogs, for example, massage and acupuncture.

But of course, every dog owner has the right to choose the best pain medication for dogs.

In fact, they need to ensure that the dog pain relief that they choose is safe and was prescribed by their vet.

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