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Top 10 Pain Medications for Dogs

Tuesday, May 10th, 2016

Have you been looking for the answer to: “Can I give my dog pain medicine?” or “What kind of pain medicine can I give my dog?” Well, look no further. We’ve spent countless hours researching the top 10 pain medications for dogs in order to help dog owners everywhere. Nothing breaks a pet parent’s heart more than seeing their fur baby in pain. Pain can stop your dog in its tracks, keeping them from enjoying the activities they love the most. Help your dog feel better faster with these pain medicines.

Note: The advice in this blog should not be substituted for the sound medical advice of a veterinarian. If you notice that your dog is in pain and you’re unsure of the cause, call your vet as soon as possible so that they can determine the seriousness of the ailment. Avoid long term use of pain medication unless otherwise instructed to do so by your veterinarian. While medicating your dog, closely monitor their behavior and health and call your vet if your dog isn’t improving.

Top 10 Pain Medications for Dogs

1. Vet’s Best Aches + Pains
According to the label, this medication is formulated to relieve “discomfort associated with regular exercise and normal activity.” The active ingredients include glucosamine, bromelain, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), white willow bark extract, and yucca root, which are great anti-inflammatories that promote joint health. A 50-count bottle is available for $6.79 on Amazon.

2. Nutramax Cosequin DS Maximum Strength
Cosequin DS is one of the highest rated and reviewed joint health medications on the market. In fact, it’s the #1 veterinarian recommended retail joint health supplement brand. It helps with dogs who suffer from arthritis or joint pain due to age or weight. If your dog doesn’t like taking pills, then you’re in luck because it’s also available in a soft chew. A 132-count bottle is available for $34.95 on Amazon.

3. Nutri-Vet® K-9 Aspirin
According to its label, Nutri-Vet K-9 aspirin is for the “temporary relief of pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and joint problems.” The aspirin is available in 300 mg tablets for medium and large dogs and 120 mg tablets for small dogs. The active ingredient is aspirin. A 75-count, 300 mg bottle retails for $11.49 on Amazon.

4. Amazing Turmeric for Dogs Curcumin Pet Antioxidant
In case it wasn’t obvious by the title, the active ingredient in this medication is turmeric. Curcumin, which is the primary compound in turmeric, is known for being a potent anti-inflammatory. Its low risk for side effects and hypoallergenic composition make it a great option for dogs prone to allergies. Turmeric Chews is available on Amazon for $21.97.

5. VETiONX Promaxol
According to VetiONX, this “fuss-free liquid formula can be added undetected to your pet’s water.” This is a plus if your dog is a picky eater or trickster when it comes to taking medications. A bottle of Promaxol retails for $39.00 on Amazon.

6. Ricky Litchfield Topical Gel
Named after the World War II canine war hero, this gel works to relieve hotspot, arthritis, and muscle pain through its use of buchu oil. Buchu oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it an ideal ingredient for pain relief. Ricky Litchfield Topical Gel is available for $19.95.

7. Excel Aspirin for Dogs
According to the label, Excel Aspirin for Dogs “relieves minor aches and pains and inflammation associated with arthritis and joint problems.” The enteric coated pills make it easy on your dog’s digestive system, helping to prevent ulcers. Excel aspirin is available for $5.68 on Amazon.

8. K9 Nature Supplements Nature’s Aches Away
These soft chews are formulated with fish oil, cat’s claw root extract, willow bark extract, and other natural ingredients. The three active ingredients are known to relieve joint pain and arthritis. These chews are an excellent choice if you want to give your dog all natural medicine. You can purchase Nature’s Aches Away for $29.77 on Amazon.

9. NaturVet Senior Aches & Discomfort
This particular medication is engineered specifically for senior dogs. The glucosamine in the tablets works to naturally restore joint health by improving joint lubrication and anti-inflammation. Because it has rare side effects, glucosamine is a safer option for sick or sensitive pets. NaturVet Senior Aches and Discomfort is available for $10.75 on Amazon.

10. Bayer Low Dose Aspirin, 81mg
Last, but not least, is plain old aspirin. As we’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, the only human pain medicine that is safe to administer to your dog is baby aspirin, also known as a low dose aspirin. Even though low dose aspirin is safe for dogs, you should follow these guidelines to avoid over-medicating your pet. Bayer, the #1 bestseller in aspirin, is available for $10.87 on Amazon.

Further Information
Knowing the cause of your dog’s pain can help when buying pain medication. The active ingredients in the medication are what’s most important and helpful in relieving discomfort. The most common active ingredients in dog pain medication are glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), turmeric, bromelain, and aspirin.

Glucosamine is naturally found in the body and when taken as a supplement appears as either a hydrochloride or sulfate. Glucosamine helps alleviate pain by improving the health of the cartilage found in your dog’s joints. Chondroitin is also found in the body naturally and is frequently paired with glucosamine in order to improve joint health and mobility. MSM is an anti-inflammatory used to treat arthritis and other joint inflammation. The sulfur found in MSM is a key component in the composition of joints, cartilage, and skin. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it ideal for dogs suffering from swelling and stiffness. Similarly, bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples that works against inflammation, especially in the sinus area, which makes it a good choice for dogs with seasonal allergies.

If you’re looking for something to treat a more generalized medication, you may want to consider aspirin but be extremely cautious when using low dose aspirin. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat general pain caused by over exercise. The FDA has approved the following NSAIDs for use in treating dog pain: carprofen, deracoxib, firocoxib, and meloxicam. If you do choose to give your dog medication, we have some tips on how to give your dog medication.

Additional Help
Dealing with a sick pet is no fun, but you don’t have to standby and feel helpless while your dog languishes away in a corner. When used appropriately, pain medication can help your pup feel better faster. That way your little furballs can get back to chasing squirrels, jumping on the couch, doing other things they love. If you’re still not sure which pain medication is right for your dog, call TalkLocal and we’ll connect you with a veterinarian who can help.

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Tags: dog, dog medication, dog pain medication, dog pain medicine, pain medication, pet pain medication, pet pain medicine
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Dog Kennel Installation

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Dog owners that allow their four-legged friends to run free all the time are just asking for trouble. For their own safety, and to ensure they do not get into mischief, dogs must be trained to spend time in a kennel. If you do not already have a kennel, do not worry; the dog kennel installation process is relatively easy. With a little bit of time and money, you could construct a caged-in area for your dog both inside and outside.

Pre-Manufactured Kennels

Dog kennel installation is a cinch if you go to a local pet store and purchase one that is already made. These are generally kennels for the inside of your home, which you can use to put your dog inside while you are away.

Smaller kennels are usually already assembled on the store shelves, too. All you have to do is purchase it and bring it home. For larger kennels, significant assembly may be required. Don’t worry, though, these kennels come with a thorough set of instructions that will guide you through the dog kennel installation process from start to finish.

Outdoor Dog Kennel Installation

To give your dog a safe place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, a kennel is ideal. You can build a very simple kennel by purchasing some chain-link fencing from a local hardware store and constructing a fenced-in area. Just follow these steps:

1. Measure out what will be the perimeter of the dog kennel. Make sure the measurements are precise.

2. If you want the kennel to have a concrete floor, dig out the area, but not too deep. Level out the ground so you can pour and smooth out the concrete. It helps to line the area with boards to contain the concrete as it dries.

3. Next, you must dig appropriate holes for your poles at all four corners of the area. A posthole digger is the most appropriate tool to use for this task.

4. Drop the posts into each respective hole and fill the holes with concrete to secure them.

5. Finally, wrap the chain-link fencing around the posts. You should have ordered the right amount of fencing from the store based on your measurements before the project. It is best to attach a tension rod to one of the posts and start from there. Wrap the fencing around all posts and secure it.

6. Make sure you include gate hardware in your purchase. This will allow you to install a door in the kennel to allow for easy access in and out.

Too Much?

If you are not especially skilled at this, or similar tasks, simply log on to TalkLocal for help. We will put you in touch with professionals in your local area that can help you out with such projects.

Tags: dog, dog kennel, pets
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Can You Give A Dog Pain Medicine?

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

You find that your dog is in pain — and your first instinct would be to relieve the pain in the way you know how to do, by giving it human pain medicine — such as an aspirin pill. But by doing this you are making a serious mistake. Dog anatomy and biological traits are different from that of humans’, and human medicine may actually do more harm than good. Learn why the answer to “Can you give a dog pain medicine?” usually can’t be found in your medicine cabinet. Get the highest rated Dog Pain Relievers shipped overnight from Amazon starting at $5.68.

Why Your Pain Medicine Is Bad For Dogs

Ask yourself why you take an aspirin pill in the first place. You are in pain, yes — but you generally have an idea of the source of the pain and would have gone to request a professional’s help if the problem is serious (that is, something that will not go away unless it is treated) but in many cases you do not know the dog’s source of pain.

So by giving it baby aspirin, even it if works, you are just “masking” the problem — you did not actually treat the source of the pain, which is why you should take your dog to a professional for treatment. If left too long, your dog’s pain may become a life-threatening condition.

A chemical found in some aspirins called “acetaminophen” is known to be fatal to dogs and cats alike. This is because of the possible side effects, such as ulceration. Dogs and cats are said to be more sensitive to these side effects than humans, making this chemical potentially fatal to them.

If your dog is pregnant, you should avoid giving it any medication unapproved by professionals. The wrong drugs can cause serious birth defects. If your dog is currently taking other medicines as well, consult a professional, because additional drugs can negatively interact with the other drugs present in the dog’s body.

Before going to a veterinarian it is recommended that you take notes of your dog’s behavior throughout times of the day, the environment in which your dog lives, and your dog’s diet. This information can help the vet identify the issue more quickly, as changes in certain behavior can indicate specific conditions.

Additional Help

Can you give a dog pain medicine? Yes, here’s what kind of medicine you can give them if they’re in pain. Check out these top 10 pain medicines for dogs. Get the highest rated Dog Pain Relievers shipped overnight from Amazon starting at $5.68

If you think your dog is in pain, or has any serious health problems, find a veterinarian right away. Although dog pain relievers are a good short-term solution to keep your pet comfortable while waiting to visit the vet, they are not a long-term solution. Seek out a veterinarian so that they can prescribe medicine, if necessary, to treat your dog’s health issues. TalkLocal can help you find a veterinarian in your area. We will connect you with up to three veterinarians in a matter of minutes, for free!

Tags: dog, dog aspirin, dog pain medicine, hurt dog, pain medicine for pets, sick dog
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Dog Kennel Design Options

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

If you are thinking about getting a dog, or are looking for a way to give your current pooch his or her own space, make sure to look into all dog kennel design options.

Erecting outdoor structures is just one of the many tasks most handymen can do, but first, you will need to purchase the kennel itself. In order to determine which kennel is best for your dog (and your wallet) here are five things to consider.

1. Length of time your dog will be in the kennel: Will the dog only be spending time in the kennel while you are at work or will it be his or her primary home? If the dog will be spending shorter times in the kennel, a smaller structure may be acceptable. If the dog will be spending the majority of its time in the kennel, be sure to purchase the biggest kennel available in order to allow it to have room move.

2. Size of the dog: Dog size will determine the height of the kennel as well as the length and width. The bigger the dog, the larger the kennel needed to ensure the dog cannot escape from the top.

3. Location of the kennel: If it will be located in an area with no shelter, a full or partial roof may be necessary to protect the dog in times of rain or hot sun. Lack of shelter may be considered neglect.

4. Dog temperament: If he/she enjoys digging, you may need to consider adding additional iron under the fence to prevent him or her from escaping.

5. Latch design: The typical latch that one would find on a chain link fence may not work for all dogs. Many are able to quickly figure out how to flip this latch with their snouts and escape.

Hire Someone To Install A Dog Kennel

Your best bet when considering dog kennel design options is to call a professional. TalkLocal can find a qualified handyman in your area that will likely have experience with these structures. The best part is that our service is completely free.

Tags: dog, dog kennel, pet
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