My arthritic dog is in pain. What can I safely give her until the vet?

Unfortunately there are no over the counter pain medications that I would recommend - while aspirin can be given to dogs it has a high risk for causing stomach ulcers with even a couple of doses and it will limit what your vet might be able to prescribe. While you could consider starting a gluocosamine supplement or fish oil it won't work right away. I think your best bet is to wait until you see your vet. If you feel Rufus is truly painful then you could see an emergency vet. tonight.

There is nothing OTC that can safely be given to your dog. Many OTC medications are toxic or can easily be overdosed. Additionally, our experts are legally prohibited from recommending medications in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). Restrict her activity for the rest of the night and tomorrow. A warm compress can be applied for 10-15 minutes. If the lameness persists or if she is extremely painful, have her physically examined by your veterinarian. Afterwards, an appropriate medication can be administered or dispensed. Never medicate a pet without the advice of your veterinarian.

First off, do not give Sadie aspirin. It can cause internal bleeding and kidney damage, and it is never recommended to give to a dog unless strictly prescribed by a vet. There are no safe OTC pain relievers for dogs. Many are toxic to dogs, and can be fatal if given. I would call around to find another vet who is open and who can see her, as she sounds extremely painful. Until you find a vet who is open, keep her quiet and rested, and do not move her unless it's necessary.

Dogs can experience pain from a variety of health conditions, including [osteoarthritis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/arthritis-1/),[ dental disease](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/dental-disease/), [urinary tract infections](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/utis-in-dogs/) or traumatic injuries, among many others. While it is extremely difficult to see our four-legged friends in pain, there are no safe and effective over-the-counter medications for managing pain in dogs (or cats). Over the counter pain relievers for humans, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and naproxen (Aleve) are all toxic to animals. Aspirin should also not be given to dogs because it causes significant irritation and potential ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract, and it inhibits a dog’s ability to clot blood. If you think that your dog is in pain, your best bet is to take him to your veterinarian. After performing a [physical exam](https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-does-your-veterinarian-look-for-during-a-physical-exam/), your veterinarian will be able to prescribe safe and effective medication. Only give pain medication to the pet for which it was prescribed due to risks with drug interactions, improper doses or contraindications with certain medical conditions. ### Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. Galliprant is a registered trademark of Aratana Therapeutics, Inc.

Unfortunately no. Many human pain medications are toxic to dogs, and can be fatal if given. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe.

Hi there. So sorry to hear that Snowden is limping and in pain. It is not recommended that you give her any over the counter medications at home. The medication may mask the severity of her problem during the vet's exam and it could interfere with the medication your vet will want to prescribe. Dogs are actually very sensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and should really only take the ones made for dogs that you can only get from your vet. Just keep her as calm and quiet as possible and only take her outside on leash to use the bathroom and then right back inside. At her age it is also more likely the medication could upset her stomach. If you are really worried about her pain level you could always get her to the emergency vet this evening or you could look for a clinic that is open tomorrow during the day.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If can only use one, the anti-inflammatory drug would be more useful in this scenario probably. There are no safe over the counter pain control medications that can be used without the guidance of a veterinarian. The pain is likely due to a combination of factors including arthritis and the abnormal bone growth you described. Good luck!