What Pain Reliever for Dogs and Cats is Safe?

We can easily access a range of over the counter (OTC) pain relief for a variety of our human pain issues. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin are some of the most common medications we use for pain relief. And, when your dog is in pain, it may be tempting to give them one of these medications. However, giving your pet something from the medicine cabinet is not a good idea at all. Dogs are not little humans. While there are some similar medications for dogs, giving them products made for us may do more harm than good. An incorrect dose can cause all sorts of problems. Also, cats do not tolerate acetaminophen at all. It is highly toxic to them. So, the question remains, What pain reliever for dogs and cats is safe?

Animals instinctively hide their pain. Therefore, it is not always easy to determine whether your pet is suffering. Signs your dog or cat is in pain could include sensitivity to touch. Changes in behavior such as aggressiveness or submissiveness may be signs of pain. If you notice your pet is showing subtle signs of pain or limping, your first course of action should be to contact your veterinarian. OTC pain relievers can endanger your pet’s health. Unless under the direction of a veterinarian, dogs should not be given human medications.

So, what are the risks and side effects of giving your dog OTCs? And, what are safe options to alleviate your pet’s pain? These include treatments such as natural remedies and prescription pain meds for dogs from your vet.

Are NSAIDs a Safe Pain Reliever for Dogs and Cats?

The most common type of OTC for pain relief is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID. These are medications that inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase. This enzyme produces the hormone-like substance prostaglandin that promotes inflammation, fever, and pain. NSAIDs prohibit this production. Examples of OTC NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

If you give human NSAID pain medications to dogs or cats they may have side effects such as:

• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Internal Bleeding
• Kidney failure
• Liver damage
• Loss of appetite
• Skin changes like redness or scabs

These are dangerous side effects your pet could suffer from if given human pain medication. There are many FDA-approved medications for pets that can be safe to administer under a veterinarian’s instruction. However, the recommendation is to give your pet the smallest effective dose for the shortest amount of time to get relief. This is because these medications also have similar long-term adverse side effects.

Natural and Alternative Medications for Pet Pain Relief

If you have a dog or cat struggling with joint pain or arthritis, supplements are essential for pain relief and can increase mobility. The proper glucosamine helps to create molecules that form the cartilage of your pet’s joints. As they age, their bodies produce less glucosamine. This results in stiff and painful joints. Therefore, the need for supplementation later in life.
Pain, Inflammation, and Pet Food

Pain and inflammation often go hand in hand. Inflammation in diseases such as arthritis (which both humans and our pets can get) often result from a malfunction of the immune system. This can trigger an inflammatory response. The inflammation causes pain for us and our pets when we move our joints. What you feed your dog or cat is also an important part of fighting that inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods that are important for us are also important for our pets. Check out our recipe for healthy homemade dog food.

All-Natural Ingredients to Reduce Pain and Inflammation

• Cetyl Myristoleate (CM8) – Similar to the omega-9 fatty acid found in olive oil, CM8 is a natural fatty acid found in certain mammals, such as cows, whales, beavers, and mice – but not dogs (or humans). It is a strong all-natural anti-inflammatory, as well as a pain reliever and immune system modulator.
• Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium – This is the specific type of glucosamine that is necessary for cartilage formation and repair in all mammals. Laboratory tests show that glucosamine sulfate potassium helps protect joint cartilage by limiting breakdown and helping to build up levels of cartilage. Of the various types of glucosamine, only glucosamine sulfate potassium is the effective one for treating arthritic conditions.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (or MSM) – This naturally-occurring, easy to absorb sulfur that is an essential building block for all cell membranes. It is a cell rejuvenator, antioxidant, and joint healer that is highly effective at relieving pain and inflammation.
• Vitamin C – This essential nutrient is also known as L-ascorbic acid. Unlike some animals, dogs are unable to synthesize Vitamin C, so it needs to be an essential part of our diet. is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It is part of many body functions. Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
• Collagen Type II – This is the main component of cartilage in your dog’s body. Type II collagen is what gives cartilage its strength and elasticity, thereby supporting and cushioning joints.

Flexpet Pain Reliever for Dogs and Cats

All of these powerful ingredients are found in our highly effective joint supplement – Flexpet. Our Flexpet supplements are made in the USA with these all-natural human-grade ingredients. They also contain a digestive enzyme to help your pet process these anti-inflammatory ingredients without upsetting pet stomachs.

At Flexpet, we care about you and your pets. We want to help you keep them as healthy as possible. We have a fantastic and knowledgeable customer care team available to answer any of your questions about our joint supplement products and how they may help your dog or cat. If your dog has joint pain issues, we invite you to try Flexpet today and start your dog on the journey to playing like a pup again. Flexpet is so confident it is the best joint supplement for dogs and cats it comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Our Flexpet joint care supplements have excellent reviews on social media. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email, or by phone at 1-800-505-0575.

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