Dogs that experience pain after surgery or an injury are likely to experience pain and anxiety for a period of time. Fortunately, there are several treatments that can help relieve pain and anxiety in dogs. It is important to identify the source of the pain, and to treat it appropriately. delta 8 gummy cubes pain medications are also a good option in cases of severe discomfort.
Dog-specific products such as hypoallergenic shampoos, pain relievers, and topical meds have been developed to target the needs of canine patients. These products are convenient because they can be taken at home and do not require a prescription.
Some medications are best ingested through a capsule. Considerations for oral medications include the capsule size and number of pills, cost, ease of administration, and potential side effects.
Considerations for Topical Medications
A topical pain reliever should be applied to the painful area and massaged into the skin. Pain relievers commonly available at pet stores are oil-based and can be messy. Some meds are water-soluble and dissolve on the skin, and they can be applied in a liquid form.
There are also topical medications that are bandages that can be worn for a period of time. These meds are usually applied with an adhesive and can be removed and reapplied as necessary.
Medications that Address the Source of Pain
Pain is typically the result of inflammation in the body and is caused by external and internal factors. It can result from infections, injuries, surgeries, emotional stress, and physical stress. When the cause of the inflammation is removed, the pain can decrease.
Medications for Pain and Anxiety
Many of the pain medications available for human use can be used to treat pain in dogs. Medications used for pain and anxiety in dogs can be divided into three categories:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — NSAIDs are a group of medications used to treat pain and inflammation, and they are the most commonly prescribed medications to relieve pain in people and dogs. NSAIDs block pain messages and slow the release of pain hormones in the brain.
Opioids — Opioids are an effective class of pain medications used to reduce pain and are available in tablet, liquid, and injectable formulations.
Antidepressants — Antidepressants are a class of medications that can be used to treat anxiety in people and dogs. Antidepressants are available as pills or liquid solutions.
Neuralgic pain — If a nerve is compressed, a person can develop symptoms similar to those associated with the shingles virus. Neuralgic pain can be particularly difficult to treat and may require painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, heat therapy, and physical therapy.
