Pain Relief for Dogs: Pain Medication & Natural Options

As a pet parent, there are few things worse than watching your dog suffer in pain. Whether acute pain from a medical procedure or injury or the kind of pain that comes from a disability or chronic condition like cancer. Chances are, you will do everything in your power to keep your pup feeling comfortable and to take away their pain.

According to Dr. Ernst Ward, “Many dogs will instinctively hide their pain as a survival mechanism, which, in the past, led well-meaning experts to presume that dogs don’t feel pain the same way humans do. We now know that dogs have a nervous system very similar to humans, and we know better how to recognize and manage their pain.”

What are the signs my dog is in pain?

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re hurting, but they often show subtle signs of discomfort. Since pain can stem from injuries, arthritis, dental issues, or underlying health conditions, it’s important to recognize the symptoms early and seek appropriate care.

Since your pup may be trying to hide their pain Dr. Ward says pet parents can look out for the following signs of discomfort:

• Whimpering or vocalizing
• Becoming quiet, withdrawn, and inactive
• Showing uncharacteristic aggressiveness when approached
• Holding the ears flat against the head
• Increased licking of a painful/sensitive area
• Decreased appetite
• Reluctance to walk, run, climb stairs, jump, or play
• Stiffness or limping
• Lagging behind on walks
• Unexpected reactions when touched
• Changes in personality

If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. Pain can worsen over time if left untreated, so identifying the cause early can help keep your pup comfortable and improve their quality of life.

What Are the Most Common Pain Medications for Dogs?

When your dog is in pain, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help manage discomfort and improve their quality of life. The type of medication prescribed depends on the cause of pain, whether it’s from an injury, surgery, arthritis, or a chronic condition. Here’s a closer look at some of the most commonly used pain medications for dogs, including their uses, benefits, and potential side effects.

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

NSAIDs are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for managing pain and inflammation in dogs. They work by reducing inflammation, swelling, and discomfort, making them effective for arthritis, joint pain, and post-surgical recovery.

Common NSAIDs for dogs include:

• Carprofen (Rimadyl, Novox, Quellin) – Used for osteoarthritis and post-surgical pain relief.
• Firocoxib (Previcox) – Often prescribed for chronic joint pain and inflammation.
• Grapiprant (Galliprant) – Designed specifically for dogs with osteoarthritis, targeting inflammation with fewer side effects than traditional NSAIDs.
• Deracoxib (Deramaxx) – Helps manage pain from orthopedic surgeries and chronic joint conditions.

Potential Side Effects:

While NSAIDs are generally safe when used as directed, they can cause side effects in some dogs, including:

• Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea, ulcers)
• Loss of appetite
• Liver or kidney damage (with long-term use or overdose)
• Increased thirst or urination

Since NSAIDs can be hard on the stomach and kidneys, it’s important to monitor your dog for any changes in behavior or appetite and have regular vet check-ups while using these medications.

Gapapentin

Gabapentin is a neuropathic pain reliever commonly used for nerve pain, chronic pain, and muscle spasms in dogs. It is often prescribed for conditions like arthritis, spinal issues, and post-surgical nerve discomfort.

How It Works:

Gabapentin affects nerve signaling to reduce pain perception without the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs. It is sometimes used alongside other pain medications for enhanced relief.

Potential Side Effects:

• Sedation or drowsiness
• Loss of coordination (especially at higher doses)
• Mild gastrointestinal upset (less common)

Dogs taking gabapentin often adjust to the medication over time, and side effects like drowsiness typically lessen. If your dog seems overly sedated, your vet may adjust the dosage

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that can provide quick pain relief, especially for arthritis, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and severe inflammation.

Common corticosteroids prescribed for dogs include:

• Prednisone / Prednisolone – Used for arthritis, skin conditions, and immune-related diseases.
• Methylprednisolone – Often prescribed for inflammation and allergic reactions.
• Dexamethasone – A stronger corticosteroid used for severe inflammation or life-threatening conditions.

Potential Side Effects:

While corticosteroids are effective, they come with a higher risk of side effects, especially with long-term use. These may include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Weakened immune system (higher infection risk)
• Long-term use can lead to Cushing’s disease or liver damage

If your dog is prescribed corticosteroids for long-term pain management, discuss with your vet how to minimize risks, such as using the lowest effective dose or exploring alternative treatments.

Opioids

Opioids are strong pain relievers typically reserved for severe pain from surgery, major injuries, or chronic conditions like cancer. They are usually prescribed for short-term use due to the risk of dependency and side effects.

Common opioids used for dogs include:

• Morphine – Used for post-surgical pain relief.
• Codeine – Helps manage moderate pain in combination with other medications.
• Fentanyl – A fast-acting opioid used for severe pain, often in hospital settings.
• Buprenorphine – Commonly used for post-surgical and chronic pain relief.
• Hydromorphone – A stronger opioid for severe pain management.

Potential Side Effects:

• Sedation and drowsiness
• Slowed breathing
• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting

Because opioids do not reduce inflammation, they are often combined with NSAIDs or other medications for comprehensive pain management. If your dog is prescribed opioids, your vet will carefully monitor dosage and duration to prevent dependency and minimize side effects.

Natural Pain Relievers for dogs

Turmeric

Although you probably know it as a culinary spice, Turmeric has been proven a powerful anti inflammatory. If your pup has kidney or liver issues or is dealing with unpleasant side effects from other pain medication, talk to your vet or a holistic practitioner about using turmeric to treat your pup’s pain. As with any dietary supplement, do your research to find a reputable brand that produces a high quality product for your pup.

CBD

Over the past few years, CBD has grown tremendously in popularity as a natural treatment for both humans and animals. You’ll find every kind of pet treat under the sun is infused with CBD now. You can even purchase honey sticks and peanut butter that has been infused with this popular ingredient.

According to The AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer,Dr. Jerry Klein, there’s no definitive scientific data on using CBD to treat dogs, there’s anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting it can treat pain, especially neuropathic pain, as well as helping to control seizures.

Dr. Klein goes on to say “CBD is also used because of its anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact, and for possible anti-cancer benefits, although there’s no conclusive data on this use.

Acupuncture

Whole Animal Gym (WAG), in Philadelphia, PA uses acupuncture to treat pet’s pain. They say that “Acupuncture is an extremely safe and effective means of treating or relieving pain associated with joint disease, intervertebral disc disease, inflammatory bowel disease, renal failure, allergies, asthma, chronic pain, respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, muscle spasms and other illnesses your pet may be experiencing.”

The acupuncturist will place very small needles in very specific points in your pup’s body. They will relax for about 20-30 minutes with the needles in. For most pets, the treatments will initially be once or twice a week and taper off as they improve. Many pet owners report seeing improvements in 1-4 visits. Duration and results will vary depending on the reason for treatment and severity.

Massage

Therapeutic massage can be a great pain reliever for your pet too. Both older dogs who are suffering from arthritis or joint pain and younger, athletic dogs who run, hike or compete in dog sports can benefit from this modality.

As with any new treatment be sure to communicate with the provider about your pup’s medical history, any medications they’re on or changes you see after treatment. Before using massage as a pain management tool, it is a good idea to check with your vet to make sure it will adequately help control your dog’s pain. Your vet may recommend pairing massage with other treatments.

Are there medications that I need to avoid giving my dog for pain?

You should not give your dog products containing ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for any type of pain. These can be toxic to dogs.

You also want to avoid acetaminophen (tylenol) unless it is being given under the supervision of a vet.

While aspirin can be safe for short-term use, you do not want to use it as part of your longer-term pain management strategy. If your vet has advised you to give your pup aspirin, discuss when you should discontinue and other options for if your pup is still experiencing pain.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.