Most all pets will at some time have a minor injury showing signs of pain such as limping, crying, shaking. Pet owners often look for a pet-safe medication from their home pharmacy to help their pet.
Generally speaking, human pain medication should not given to a cat or a dog.
Tylenol (Acetominophen) is highly toxic to cats at any dose.
Ibuprofen has a very low margin of safety in cats and dogs. It can cause gastric ulceration, kidney failure and can be fatal at high doses.
Aspirin also has a very low margin of safety. Tiny doses of aspirin may be prescribed in pets for anti-platelet activity (to prevent blood clots) in pets with certain chronic conditions. Higher doses of aspirin which would be used by a human for pain are not safe for use in dogs or cats.
Cats are especially sensitive to all medications in the NSAID group (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory). Even veterinary specific products such as carprofen, meloxicam, and onsior have potential to be toxic to the kidneys of cats. These medications should never be used at doses other than prescribed by your veterinarian.
If your pet seems painful, safe ways to comfort them may include:
- Cold compress on an injury or area of swelling and tenderness
- Gentle massage of the muscles of a tender leg
- Warming pads or heated blankets for older pets with known arthritis and a progression in stiffness when rising or after activity
- Restricting activity to slow walks only. Limit the pets use of stairs to avoid excess strain
If your pet’s pain is not improving within 24-48 hours or if your pet is also experiencing loss of appetite, lethargy or vomiting, a veterinary visit is recommended right away.
Bay Area Pet Hospital is here for you 24 hours a day. Our veterinarians will discuss with you possible causes of your pets pain and prescribe medications that can provide them comfort.
