Arthritis Medication for Dogs

The best arthritis medications for dogs depend on the underlying cause and severity of the pain. Many vets prescribe NSAIDs to reduce joint pain and inflammation. It’s important to note that you should never give your dog any human medication for arthritis. Once your vet diagnoses your dog, they’ll be able to devise a medication plan to relieve your dog’s discomfort. Vets may also recommend joint support supplements to support recovery and reduce pain.

NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are a common medication for dogs with arthritis. This type of arthritis medicine for dogs is available by prescription only. NSAIDs used for arthritis and joint pain include:

• Carprofen: Carprofen, also known by the brand name Rimadyl, is an NSAID that’s approved for daily dosing in dogs to relieve pain and inflammation. 
• Galliprant: Galliprant is another common NSAID used for osteoarthritis in dogs and is specifically formulated for the disease. Galliprant targets pain to help dogs remain active and comfortable. 

NSAIDs are prescription drugs, so if you believe your dog has arthritis, you’ll need to have them diagnosed and get a prescription from a vet. You can talk to a Dutch vet online to find out if NSAIDs are the right option to treat your dog’s arthritis.  

Yes, arthritis can be extremely painful for dogs, especially older dogs and those genetically prone to it. Arthritis can affect all aspects of your dog’s daily life, affecting their ability to go for walks, play, and even lie down or get up in the morning. 

There are several factors that can contribute to arthritis in dogs. For example, large dog breeds are prone to arthritis. However, obesity, genetics, improper nutrition, and injuries can cause arthritis. One of the most common causes of arthritis in dogs is old age, as it’s most common in middle-aged to senior dogs. 

If your dog is at risk of developing arthritis, you should discuss it with your vet, who can help you find ways to keep their joints healthy at home. In addition, discussing your dog’s risk factors with your vet will help them catch symptoms early on to give them the proper treatment as soon as possible, preventing severe pain and disruptions to their daily routines later on. 

Unfortunately, you can’t always prevent arthritis in dogs, but you can improve their quality of life by helping to reduce their symptoms when they experience pain. Arthritis medicine for dogs can help prevent pain and reduce inflammation while allowing them to enjoy their favorite activities. However, there are several things you can do as a pet parent to try to prevent arthritis from developing later in life, including the following:

• Feeding your dog a balanced diet
• Taking them to the vet for regular checkups
• Exercising them
• Giving them joint supplements
• Preventing weight gain

If you’re worried your dog has arthritis, talk to a Dutch vet today. We can help diagnose and treat arthritis in dogs to ensure your dog lives a happy, healthy life.