Information for Owners Whose Dogs are on NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Overview for Dog Owners

WHAT ARE NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS)?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications used to relieve pain and to reduce inflammation.

• NSAIDs are some of the most commonly used medications in both animals and people.
• NSAIDs are often prescribed by veterinarians for dogs with osteoarthritis – a degeneration of cartilage in the dog’s joints that causes pain, inflammation and lameness.
• Veterinarians often use NSAIDs to manage post-surgical pain in both dogs and cats.
• NSAIDs work to reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting enzymes, called cyclooxygenases (COX). By inhibiting COX, NSAIDs help to prevent and/or reduce pain and inflammation.
• COX enzyme inhibition is also responsible for many of the side effects, some of which are serious, of NSAIDs.
• It is important to be aware of their proper use, dose, and potential side effects.

If your dog needs to start taking NSAIDs, it’s important to get a Client Information Sheet from your veterinarian. This valuable resource will guide you and be handy anytime you need to check instructions or other important details.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF NSAIDS

Some of the most common side effects of NSAIDs in animals reported to FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine are:

• Vomiting
• Decreased to no appetite
• Decreased activity level
• Diarrhea

Other reported side effects in animals include stomach and intestinal ulcers, stomach and intestinal perforations (holes in the wall of the stomach or intestines), kidney failure, liver failure, and death. The side effects of NSAIDs are mainly seen in the digestive tract, kidneys, and liver.

WHAT DOES A CLIENT INFORMATION SHEET (CIS) CONTAIN?

A CIS is not the same as the patient package insert. It’s much more user-friendly and typically contains:

• Detailed information about the drug (name, type, etc.)
• Information about possible side effects and what to watch for
• How to safely, effectively and consistently administer the drug for the best outcome
• What the drug can do for your pet / how it could help
• What to do if you notice possible side effects

In a nutshell: A CIS is a useful reminder that can help you manage your dog’s pain to the best of your ability.

HOW TO MAKE NSAIDS SAFER FOR YOUR DOG

• Take your dog for routine checkups and tests
• Talk to your veterinarian about joint supplements
• Contact your veterinarian if your dog’s stool is dark and/or tarry and/or contains blood
• Don’t give NSAIDs that aren’t prescribed by your veterinarian for your dog
• Don’t use two NSAIDs simultaneously (unless told to do so)
• Don’t use NSAIDs with steroids (unless told to do so)
• Contact your veterinarian if you notice any other side effects
• Always store medications in a safe place

NSAIDS ARE USUALLY ONLY ONE PART OF THE TREATMENT

Dogs suffering from arthritis, osteoarthritis or other conditions usually need more than just NSAIDs to manage pain and improve their quality of life. Additional treatment or combinations of treatments can (but do not always) include:

• Massage therapy
• Customized exercise
• Weight management
• Different types of physical rehab
• Supplements/Nutraceuticals
• Stem cell therapy
• Acupuncture
• Pain medications
• Steroids
• Surgery

FINAL THOUGHTS

Continue to work closely with your veterinarian for the best possible outcome and management of conditions that benefit from NSAID use. It has been found that early and aggressive (i.e. consistent daily) treatment is the best option as only using NSAIDs ‘when needed’ can actually have a negative impact.