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Be Careful Administering Pain Medications to Your Pets

Written by Colleen Sedgwick. Posted in Health and Safety, Pet Nanny news, Pet Products.

When your pet gets sick or has other health ailments that require a visit to the vet, and your vet therefore prescribes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, how do you respond? It is important to know that NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed pain relievers for animals. Why? They work by blocking the production of chemicals produced by the body that play a role in inflammation.

“Scientists consider NSAIDs the cornerstone of osteoarthritis therapy in dogs,” says Melanie McLean, D.V.M., a veterinarian at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some NSAIDS are also used to manage pain after surgery in both dogs and cats. No NSAID has been approved for long-term use in cats.

Like many other prescription medications, there are benefits and risks. To be sure your pet can ingest NSAIDs properly and effectively, they need to undergo a complete physical examination, thorough review of their medical history and for the medication’s side effects and potential and very important to discuss also.

Risks & Side Effects of NSAIDs in Pets

  • Blood tests need to be conducted on a regular basis.
  • vomiting
  • decline in appetite
  • decline in energy level
  • diarrhea
  • blood in feces
  • tar-like stools
  • whites of eyes
  • yellow gums

Call your vet as soon as possible if any of these begin to take effect in your pet, including stomach and intestinal ulcers, intestinal perforation, kidney failure, liver failure and even death. These side effects and risks are increased when your pet is given two NSAIDs at the same time. Gastrointestinal toxicity can become gravely increased. These risks are detailed on the enclosed inserts with the NSAID prescribed medication.

There are several OTC human pain relievers with NSAID that can be harmful, including deadly, in pets. Many pet owners think that they can give their pets the same OTC drugs and sometimes it’s too late. Always check with your veterinarian before you give your pet any OTC human drugs.

What to Chat with your Vet about Before Giving Your Pet an NSAID:

  • Know what your pet is being prescribed, exact dosage and how long to administer.
  • Always discuss side effects and symptoms.
  • Explain your pet’s medical history, especially past intestinal problems, including stomach ulcers or any surgeries in that area.
  • Tell your vet about other medications, vitamins and supplements your pet is currently on.

Source: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm373009.htm

pet care, pet medications