Pain Meds for Dogs: What Can You Give a Dog for Pain?

Several safe pain medications are available for dogs, but the right option depends on the cause and severity of your dog’s pain.

Your veterinarian may recommend prescription medications, supplements, rehabilitation therapies, or a combination of treatments. Human pain relievers should never be given unless specifically directed by your veterinarian.

Here’s how to recognize pain in dogs, which medications are considered safe, and which drugs should be avoided.

Pain Meds for Dogs

Pain meds for dogs may include prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, medications that affect pain signals, supplements, and supportive therapies.

Your veterinarian will develop an individualized pain-management plan based on the type and severity of pain your dog is experiencing.

NSAIDs for Dogs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed pain medications for dogs with inflammation-related conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Several NSAIDs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in dogs.

These medications work by reducing the body's inflammatory response, which helps relieve pain and improve mobility.

Because NSAIDs can affect the stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver, and platelet function, they should only be given under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Some dogs—including those with pre-existing liver or kidney disease—may not be good candidates for NSAID therapy. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work and a urinalysis before starting treatment and periodically afterward to monitor your dog's organ function.

NSAIDs may be prescribed for:

• Short-term pain relief after procedures such as a spay, neuter, or dental procedure
• Long-term management of chronic conditions, including hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis
• Use alongside other treatments, such as gabapentin or joint supplements, when appropriate

Common NSAIDs prescribed for dogs include:

• Grapiprant (Galliprant®): A once-daily prescription chewable tablet that can be used at the earliest signs of osteoarthritis.
• Carprofen (Novox® or Rimadyl®): Available as tablets, caplets, or chewable tablets and typically given once or twice daily.
• Deracoxib (Deramaxx®): A once-daily prescription chewable tablet.

• Firocoxib (Previcox®): A flavored chewable tablet prescribed once daily.
• Meloxicam (Metacam®): Available as a flavored tablet or liquid and typically prescribed once daily.

Although ibuprofen and naproxen are also NSAIDs, they should never be given to your dog. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog a new pain medication.

Monitor your dog closely for side effects or signs of toxicity, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect an overdose or your dog is not tolerating the medication well.

Opioids for Dogs

Opioids are prescription pain medications used to treat moderate to severe pain in dogs, most commonly after surgery, severe injury, or for certain painful medical conditions.

These medications work by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing your dog's perception of pain.

Your veterinarian may prescribe an opioid after surgery or as part of a medication protocol before general anesthesia.

Because opioids are controlled substances regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), they can only be prescribed and dispensed by a veterinarian.

Common side effects of opioids in dogs include:

• Panting or slowed breathing
• Excessive salivation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Barking, howling, or crying
• Lethargy
• Hyperexcitability

Common opioids prescribed for dogs include:

• Morphine: Available as a liquid, extended-release tablet, or extended-release capsule. It's typically used for short-term pain management following orthopedic surgery or severe trauma.
• Buprenorphine: Available as a liquid that's absorbed through the tissues inside the mouth rather than swallowed. It's commonly prescribed for surgical pain, cancer pain, or trauma and is intended for short-term use.
• Codeine: Available as a liquid or tablet. It's commonly prescribed for severe arthritis pain, chronic collapsing trachea cough, or surgical pain and is generally used short to medium term.
• Butorphanol: Available as a liquid or tablet and typically prescribed for short-term surgical pain.
• Fentanyl: Available as an injectable medication or transdermal patch. The patch delivers medication through the skin for short-term surgical pain and is typically applied and removed by your veterinarian to prevent accidental human exposure.

Other Pain Meds for Dogs

In addition to NSAIDs and opioids, your veterinarian may prescribe other medications to help manage your dog's pain, depending on the underlying condition and type of pain.

These medications may include:

• Gabapentin: A prescription medication that affects the nervous system and limits the perception of pain signals.
• Tramadol: A prescription pain medication that may be used in certain dogs as part of a multimodal pain management plan.
• Librela®: A monthly injectable prescription medication commonly used to manage pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
• Amantadine: A prescription medication that affects pain signaling in the nervous system and is often used alongside other pain medications to help manage chronic pain.

Joint Supplements for Pain in Dogs

Joint supplements can help support joint health and manage mild pain in dogs, especially when used alongside other pain treatments recommended by your veterinarian.

Common joint supplements for dogs include:

• Glucosamine: A naturally occurring substance that helps protect cartilage. It's commonly used to support dogs with mild pain from hip dysplasia and spinal cord injuries. Glucosamine is available over the counter in tablets, chews, and liquid formulations.
• Chondroitin: A natural compound that helps protect cartilage and support joint health. It's often used for mild pain associated with conditions such as hip dysplasia and spinal cord injuries. It's available over the counter in tablets, chews, and liquid formulations.
• Adequan®: A prescription injectable medication used to help manage pain associated with osteoarthritis. It also provides anti-inflammatory benefits and requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
• Fish oil: An over-the-counter supplement with anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit dogs with osteoarthritis, skin disease, kidney disease, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and some types of cancer.

Are Human Pain Meds Safe for Dogs?

No. Most human pain medications are not safe for dogs and should never be given unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.

Although some medications—such as certain heart medications, thyroid medications, and antibiotics—can be used in both people and dogs, the dose, formulation, and inactive ingredients are often different.

Even when the active ingredient is safe, additives or incorrect dosing can be harmful to your dog.

Dogs also metabolize medications differently than people, so some drugs that are safe for humans can be toxic—or even fatal—to dogs.

Never give your dog these common over-the-counter human pain relievers:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
• Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®)
• Naproxen (Aleve®)

These medications can cause serious health problems, including:

• Stomach bleeding
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure

Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any human medication.

How To Tell If Your Dog Is in Pain

Dogs often show pain through changes in their behavior, posture, movement, and vocalizations. Recognizing these signs early can help you seek veterinary care sooner and monitor your dog's response to treatment.

Several animal pain scales, such as the canine acute pain scale, can also help you assess your dog's level of discomfort.

Signs your dog may be in pain include:

• Restlessness or being easily distracted
• Visible discomfort, such as pacing, panting, hiding, or an arched back
• Whimpering, crying, groaning, or howling
• Licking, rubbing, biting, or chewing at a wound or surgical site
• Droopy ears or a worried facial expression, including shifty eyes or raised eyebrows
• Not responding when called
• Not moving all or part of the body
• Avoiding interaction with people
• Shifting weight or limping to protect a painful area
• Growling, flinching, pulling away, crying, biting, or whimpering when touched 

How To Comfort a Dog in Pain

The best way to comfort a dog in pain is to work with your veterinarian to create a pain management plan that combines appropriate treatment with supportive care at home.

Simple changes to your dog's daily routine and environment can improve comfort and are often used alongside pain medications.

Manage Your Dog’s Weight 

Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce stress on the joints and may lower the risk of related conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Work with your veterinarian to adjust your dog's diet and develop an exercise plan they can safely tolerate.

Get Your Dog Moving 

Daily walks, swim therapy, and other low-impact exercises help maintain muscle strength and joint mobility. Regular activity also provides mental stimulation and encourages the release of natural endorphins that help manage pain.

Make Modifications To Your Home 

Support your dog's mobility by making simple modifications, such as:

• Using carpet runners, dog boots, or socks with grips to improve traction.

• Adding pet ramps or using dog gates to reduce the need to climb stairs or navigate difficult areas.
• Providing elevated food and water bowls for dogs with neck or joint pain that makes bending uncomfortable.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies can help manage pain in dogs, especially when used alongside medications or when a dog cannot tolerate certain pain medications.

Ask your veterinarian whether any of these complementary therapies may benefit your dog:

• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapeutic exercises
• Underwater treadmill rehabilitation
• Laser therapy
• Massage
• Passive range-of-motion exercises
• Neuromuscular stimulation
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Acupuncture

These therapies can help enhance pain control and improve mobility as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.

For the best results, supplements and complementary therapies should be used alongside conventional veterinary treatment—not as a replacement for it.

If your dog is showing signs of pain, schedule an examination with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Always give medications and supplements exactly as prescribed.