Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Giving human pain medication to dogs: What you need to know

PawTracks
By

Did your dog have a recent surgery or injury and appears to be in pain? Have you run out of their prescribed pain medication? You might be wondering “What can I give a dog for pain?” or “Can dogs take Advil?” We have the answer to those questions and more in this helpful article. Keep reading to find out about giving human pain medicine to dogs.

Large dog with bandaged paw
mediaphotos/Getty Images

Human prescription painkillers and dogs

First of all, never give your dog your prescription painkillers. Many active ingredients in human pain medicines, such as opiates, are very toxic to dogs and can even kill them. This is because opiates have pronounced effects on the central nervous system and can really slow things down in the body. Only a small dose of opiates is needed to kill a dog.

Recommended Videos

It is a bad idea to share your prescriptions with another human, let alone a dog. Opiates should only be given to a dog as prescribed by and under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Related

Advil, Tylenol, and other over-the-counter medications for dogs

Just like prescriptions for humans, many over-the-counter medicines that humans take are unsafe for dogs. Tylenol (acetaminophen), a fever reducer, along with Advil (ibuprofen) and other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used by humans to treat pain and aches. However, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), both ibuprofen and acetaminophen are in the top 10 leading causes of poisonings in dogs and cats.

To know why this is, it is important to know how drugs similar to ibuprofen, including Aleve (naproxen) and aspirin, work. All of those drugs are NSAIDs, which function in the body by preventing an enzyme called cyclooxygenase from working. Cyclooxygenase is necessary for the production of prostaglandins, which are molecules that contribute to inflammation and pain.

Prostaglandins have other roles in the body, too, including maintaining blood flow to the kidneys and protecting the lining of the digestive tract.

An NSAID overdose usually results in impaired kidney and gastrointestinal functions. In humans, an overdose of an NSAID requires a relatively high dose, but dogs metabolize these drugs differently, so a much lower dose is required for them to overdose. In severe cases, an NSAID overdose can lead to acute renal (kidney) failure, seizures, coma, and death in dogs. So, don’t give your dog an NSAID, acetaminophen, or any other over-the-counter medication unless directed to by your veterinarian.

How to treat pain in dogs

Now you might be curious as to what exactly your dog can take to alleviate pain. While human medications are out of the question, that still leaves many drugs used in veterinary medicine available.

NSAIDs are prescribed to dogs for mild to moderate pain associated with arthritis or a minor injury. Some NSAIDs that are approved for use in dogs have been specially designed just for that, as they leave the non-inflammatory properties of prostaglandins intact. This means that renal and gastrointestinal side effects are less common. These compounds include deracoxib, carprofen, and meloxicam. All of these drugs can only be dispensed under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

So, if your dog is in pain, a trip to the vet may be in order. However, note that even when prescribed, your dog may react to an NSAID negatively. While your dog is taking an NSAID, be sure to look for side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, or lethargy.

If you notice any of these, give your vet a call or visit as soon as possible. To help prevent further injury from an NSAID overdose, always double check the prescription instructions before giving your dog any medication. Your dog should not be taking two NSAIDs at once or an NSAID in combination with a corticosteroid.

For more severe or chronic pain in dogs, non-NSAID drugs may be prescribed. These include gabapentin, which works by soothing damaged nerves; and tramadol, a mild opiate that reduces sensations of pain. Amantadine, which blocks a pain pathway in the nervous system, is another painkiller that is sometimes given to dogs.

Chihuahua being bandaged by owner
filadendron/Getty Images

You should not give Advil, Tylenol, or any other human medication to your dog. Only give them drugs that have been prescribed by and discussed with a veterinarian. Following these guidelines will lead to a happy, pain-free dog and the avoidance of a vet trip for you.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
PawTracks
PawTracks
Do puppies sleep a lot? These are the perfectly normal sleeping habits of a healthy pup
Puppies sleep a lot, but here's what's normal and when to be concerned
puppy sleeping on lap of human with mustard yellow sweater

Do puppies sleep a lot?

Generally, puppies require abundant sleep — about 6 to 10 hours daily. Every pup is different, though. Some puppies sleep 20 hours a day to maintain their high energy levels, but, by about 16 weeks of age, most breeds of dogs will be able to sleep through the night.

Read more
Here’s how to treat a dog with itchy paws, starting with finding the cause of paw discomfort
Causes and solutions for dog paw infections
Husky dog mix licks paw

Whether you're a person or a pup, itching can be distracting, uncomfortable, and downright annoying. That's why it’s easy to relate to your dog's frustration when dealing with itchy paws. Narrowing down what’s causing dog paw infections and itches can be tricky from observation alone, so it may take some trial and error before you find some relief for your buddy. Once you do, though, you’ll be so glad!
Don’t be afraid to call your local veterinarian if you’re having trouble figuring out what’s behind your pup’s paw irritation. They’ll get to the root of the problem before you know it and have plenty of suggestions to get you started. Until then, here’s what you’ll want to know about dogs with itchy paws.

Causes of dogs with itchy paws, from allergies to infections and more
Though itching, licking, and biting are all symptoms of skin discomfort, it’s not always easy to tell what’s going on. Here, we’ll break down a few of the main causes of paw irritation so you can help figure out what’s up with your best bud.

Read more
What is the best food for older dogs? These 6 vet-approved kibbles and canned foods won’t steer you wrong
Try these veterinarian-approved dog food products for your senior dog
Senior golden retriever and Chihuahua sitting in front of food bowls

As your dog gets older, you'll need to make some changes to your home and routine to keep them feeling their best. That includes changing their dog food, too!
Although the best food for older dogs varies depending on your buddy's health, size, and specific needs, there are several guidelines you can follow to help you find a product that does the trick. Of course, your local veterinarian will be your most knowledgeable resource, especially if they have a long history with your pet. They can also recommend and approve a prescription diet for your dog, giving you even more brands, flavors, and nutrients at your disposal. And since nutrition greatly impacts overall health, investing in high-quality food is paramount.
We did some research since it can be tricky to know which kibbles and canned foods make a veterinarian's approved list. Here’s what we found, including a selection of six vet-recommended dog foods you can try with your senior dog.

What's the best food for older dogs? Here are six options and what makes them so good
Though your senior dog may be as energetic as ever, their body will need a different diet as they age. Banfield Pet Hospital’s Dr. KT Boyle, DVM, told NBC News that because older pets have particular nutritional needs, you’ll need to think about a few different factors when choosing their food.
Older dogs need fewer calories and more supplementation than younger pups, for example. This reduced caloric need is because of the way an animal's metabolism slows as they age, though the exact supplements they need depend on the individual. To find out exactly what will benefit them, have a conversation with your veterinarian. It's that easy!
Dr. Boyle notes that even though senior dog foods contain many helpful nutrients — like glucosamine and fatty acids for joint health — you might need to add supplement drops or chews to your pet’s diet. Luckily, there are many to choose from and many ways to get them.
When it comes to wet versus dry food, though, there can be benefits to both. Dogs with dental issues may find wet food easier to eat, but the texture in kibble can help fight plaque and tartar buildup on your pup’s teeth. The pet nutrition pros at Pedigree remind owners that there is no one right answer. When in doubt, ask your vet!
That being said, there are a few senior dog foods that Dr. Boyle recommends over others. These include:

Read more