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

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

In addition to prescription pain meds for dogs, your veterinarian may recommend over-the-counter supplements, various therapies, or a combination of treatments to help manage pain. 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 include prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and other medications that affect pain signals.  

In addition to pain medications, your vet may also recommend supplements, physical rehabilitation, and other therapies to help manage pain in dogs. 

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

NSAIDs for Dogs 

Veterinary 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. 

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

NSAIDs may be prescribed for: 

• Short-term pain relief after procedures, such as a spay, neuter, or dental procedure 
• Short-term pain relief after an injury 
• 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 pork-flavored chewable tablet indicated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Given once daily, Galliprant can be started at the earliest signs of OA in dogs and used long-term. 

• Carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl): Available as tablets, caplets (capsule-shaped tablets), or chewable tablets and typically given once or twice daily for osteoarthritis, postoperative pain, and other causes of pain and inflammation. 

• Deracoxib (Deramaxx): A once-daily chewable tablet prescribed for postoperative pain and osteoarthritis. 

• Firocoxib (Previcox): A flavored chewable tablet given once daily for postoperative pain and osteoarthritis. It’s sometimes used off-label (meaning in a way that isn’t specified on the medication label) in some types of cancer treatment. 

• Meloxicam (Metacam): Available as a flavored tablet or liquid and typically prescribed once daily for osteoarthritis and other causes of pain and inflammation. 

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

The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite. 

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. 

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. 

Can dogs take human NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen? No, never give human NSAIDs to your dog unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog a new pain medication. 

Opioids for Dogs 

Opioids are prescription pain medications used to treat moderate to severe pain in dogs. Because opioids are controlled substances regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), they can only be prescribed and dispensed by a veterinarian for use in companion animals. 

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

Opioids may be prescribed for: 

• Pain following surgery 
• Serious injury 
• Certain painful medical conditions 
• As part of a medication protocol before general anesthesia 
• Multimodal pain management, in which medications with different mechanisms are used together 

Common opioids prescribed for dogs include: 

• Morphine: Available as an injectable, it's typically used for short-term pain management following orthopedic surgery or severe trauma. 
• Buprenorphine: Available as an injectable or 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. It sometimes comes as a combination product with acetaminophen.  
• Butorphanol: Available as a liquid or tablet and typically used for its sedative effects as part of sedation or anesthesia protocols. It is sometimes prescribed for short-term surgical pain or chronic nonproductive coughs. 
• 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. 
• Tramadol: Available as a liquid or tablet, it may be used in certain dogs as part of a multimodal pain management plan. 

Side effects and safety considerations: Common side effects of opioids in dogs include: 

• Panting or slowed breathing 
• Excessive salivation 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Barking, howling, or crying 
• Sedation or lethargy 
• Hyperexcitability 

Overdoses and severe reactions are possible for dogs taking opioids. Signs include slow or shallow breathing (respiratory depression), extreme lethargy, stumbling or drunken walk (ataxia), and seizures or tremors. Seek emergency care if these signs are noted. 

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. 

How they work: These medications work in different ways depending on the drug. Some affect how pain signals are transmitted or processed by the nervous system, while others target specific pathways involved in chronic pain. 

These medications may be prescribed for: 

• Chronic pain, including osteoarthritis pain 
• Nerve-related pain 
• Pain that isn't adequately controlled by one medication alone 
• Multimodal pain management, in which medications with different mechanisms are used together 

These medications may include: 

• Gabapentin: A prescription medication that affects the nervous system and limits the perception of pain signals. This medication can also have a sedating effect. 
• Bedinvetmab (Librela): A monthly injectable prescription medication commonly used to manage pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. This drug is a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes nerve growth factor, which is a protein important in osteoarthritis pain. 
• Adequan: A prescription injectable medication used to help manage pain associated with osteoarthritis. It also provides anti-inflammatory benefits. 

• 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. 

• Steroids: Medications like prednisone decrease pain and inflammation but may weaken the immune system, inhibit healing, and have undesirable side effects (increased urination and thirst). They’re sometimes used in select cases, such as dogs with cancer pain or autoimmune conditions, like immune-mediated polyarthritis. 

Side effects and safety considerations: Side effects and precautions vary considerably among these medications because they work differently. Your veterinarian will determine which medication or combination of medications is appropriate based on your dog's type of pain, other health conditions, and medications they're already taking. 

Joint Supplements for Pain in Dogs 

Joint supplements can help support joint health in dogs with mild pain, 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 joint health in dogs. Glucosamine is available as a supplement 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 to support joint health in dogs. It's available over the counter in tablets, chews, and liquid formulations. 
• 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.

Other common ingredients in joint supplements for dogs include green-lipped mussel, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), hyaluronic acid, and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU). 

Some studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) may reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and improve movement in dogs, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness, determine appropriate dosing, and better understand its safety.  

Talk to your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplement. 

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 gabapentin or tramadol—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), except in vet-approved combination products 
• 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 (pacing, panting, inability to settle) 
• Hiding 
• Changes to posture or gait,  such as limping, shifting weight, or an arched back 
• Whimpering, crying, yelping, 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 
• 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 pain 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 
• Hydrotherapy, including underwater treadmill rehabilitation 
• Laser therapy 
• Massage 
• 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.