Anti-inflammatories for dogs are a group of drugs that are commonly used in our pets, for this reason and so that you can get involved in your dog's he alth we are going to explain what they are, how they work and its adverse effects and we will also talk about other more natural alternatives.
All this answers the question Can I give my dog anti-inflammatories?
Anti-inflammatories for dogs: what they are and how they work
Anti-inflammatories are a group of drugs that relieve inflammation and pain, some of which are also useful for lowering fever.
They are divided into two large groups: non-steroidal and steroidal:
- The nonsteroidal are the least harmful and act by cutting the chemical pathway of the inflammatory process, thus reducing inflammation and pain. They have fewer side effects.
- The steroids are cortisone-based anti-inflammatories which have a very negative impact on the he alth of the dog since they suppress the response of its immune system. They have a more aggressive action mechanism since, as we have said, they act on the defense system.
Anti-inflammatories are prescribed in the following cases: inflammation, pain, fever, surgery and diseases such as canine osteoarthritis.
Adverse effects of anti-inflammatories
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, by cutting off the inflammation pathway, also inhibit the synthesis of substances called prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are essential for the dog to protect its stomach mucosa and when these substances are not synthesized sufficiently the gastric mucosa begins to become irritatedand remains unprotected, and may even ulcerate. To avoid this adverse but common effect, it is essential that the dog always take his medication after eating.
It is important that you be alert to your dog's food and make sure that when taking the drug he does so on a full stomach.
On the other hand, when we talk about cortisone-based anti-inflammatories, it is very difficult to prevent adverse effects, which are the following: swelling, fluid retention, weight gain, lowered defenses andopportunistic diseases due to suppression of the immune system. The vet may decide to prescribe your pet some other drug intended to protect the stomach.
Other more natural alternatives
If the treatment with anti-inflammatories is carried out for a short period of time, there should not be any problem, but it is true that the he alth of the dog is compromised when these treatments are given for along or indefinite period.
In the case of osteoarthritis, for example, it is advisable to reduce the anti-inflammatory and supply other products in the form of nutritional supplements, containing vitamins, minerals and substances that strengthen the cartilage of the joints.
Likewise, we must always remember that an anti-inflammatory does not cure, it only serves to control the symptoms. Talk to your veterinarian and try to solve the causes and the focus of the problem instead of providing symptomatic treatment.
Remember that your dog can also benefit from natural therapies such as homeopathy or acupuncture.
