Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
A few years ago, the only NSAID available for dogs with arthritis was aspirin. Now NSAIDs are medications prescribed by your veterinarian and there is a variety for dogs. These drugs work to block pain for your dog and inhibit the production of certain enzymes which lead to tissue inflammation. Unfortunately this may also block the enzyme’s other functions. Because of this, it may not be the best strategy to combat pain for ailments stretching over time like arthritis. There are many hidden dangers if taken over a long period of time.
NSAIDs for pets undergo stringent rules and regulations just as most prescription pain killers do for humans. Something to consider are the side effects associated with taking NSAIDs. Because of the risks associated, different brands of NSAIDs are approved for different durations of use in dogs. If your dog is in pain, discuss with your veterinarian the best pain medications to use and how long they should be used for.
Supplements
Joint supplements are popular alternatives to NSAIDs, and do not require a prescription from your veterinarian. Some supplements use all-natural ingredients to combat pain and inflammation. There are certain ingredients which should be in every joint supplement such as chondroitin and glucosamine. When deciding on which supplement you want to take, be sure you know what to look for in joint supplements for dogs.
Glyde® Mobility Chews is a supplement with a powerful combination of glucosamine and chondroitin and adds Green Lipped Mussel (GLM), one of nature’s best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients help swelling go down to alleviate the pain while also increasing cartilage production and preventing it from breaking down further to support normal joint health and function. Another benefit of Glyde is it can be used long term throughout your dog’s life.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers for People
Sometimes people think giving their dogs ibuprofen or aspirin is not harmful, simply because it is not harmful to humans. This is where we differ from our dogs. Our fur-babies are much smaller than us. As humans, over-the-counter medications may be good for us, but not necessarily for our four-legged friends. The use can cause occasional ulcers, liver and kidney damage. Overall, the safest option is to never give your pets medications intended for people.
The best idea is to always talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog medications. Be sure to ask for a treatment plan on what they recommend so you understand the journey, even after you leave the veterinary clinic. Remember, you may not be able to remove all the pain from your dog.
Are you interested in the results of pet parents who write to us and tell us how Glyde has changed their dogs lives for the better? Read some of our Glyde Success Stories.