You can give dogs various types of pain relief medications and supplements, but it is crucial to do so under veterinary guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Common Pain Medications for Dogs

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These are the most commonly prescribed pain relievers for dogs and help reduce inflammation and pain. Examples include carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib, firocoxib, galliprant, and robenacoxib. These drugs are FDA-approved for dogs and effective for conditions like arthritis and post-surgery pain

• Opioids: For severe pain, such as post-surgical or cancer-related pain, vets may prescribe opioids like tramadol, buprenorphine, butorphanol, codeine, morphine, or fentanyl. These require careful dosing and monitoring due to potential side effects and dependence risks

• Gabapentin: Often used for chronic nerve pain, gabapentin can improve mobility and reduce pain, especially in cases like arthritis or after surgery. It may cause drowsiness initially

• Corticosteroids: Drugs like prednisone reduce inflammation and pain from allergies or autoimmune diseases but have significant side effects if used long-term, so they must be used cautiously and under vet supervision

• Other Medications: Amantadine (for neural pain), monoclonal antibodies like bedinvetmab (Librela) that target nerve growth factor to reduce arthritis pain, and alpha-2 antagonists for anesthesia and pain relief are also options your vet might consider

Natural Supplements for Pain Relief

Some natural supplements may help with inflammation and joint health, often used alongside medications:

• Glucosamine and chondroitin: May reduce inflammation and support cartilage repair.
• Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids): Helps slow joint degeneration and can reduce the needed dose of NSAIDs.
• Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs): May ease inflammation.
• Green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus): Can boost cartilage and reduce inflammation.
• Undenatured type II collagen (UC II): Prevents cartilage damage and lowers pain.
• Turmeric (curcumin): Has mild anti-inflammatory effects

Important Notes

• Never give human pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to dogs without veterinary advice, as many can be toxic.
• Always consult your veterinarian before starting any pain medication or supplement to determine the cause of pain and the safest, most effective treatment.
• Regular monitoring and follow-up with your vet are important, especially for long-term pain management

In summary, dogs can be given vet-prescribed NSAIDs, opioids, gabapentin, corticosteroids, and some newer treatments like monoclonal antibodies for pain relief. Natural supplements may also support pain management but should be used cautiously and under vet guidance.