What are NSAIDs for dogs?
NSAIDs stands for “Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs”.
They are one of the most commonly used classes of drugs for reducing both pain and inflammation.
They can help control the symptoms of canine osteoarthritis, including inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain.
Some are also used to help reduce pain during and after surgery.
They have four properties:
- Antipyretic – reduces fever
- Analgesic – reduces pain
- Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation
- Anti-oedematous – reduces swelling
Like any medication, NSAIDs have risks and benefits, but with appropriate monitoring they can be safely used in animals.
They have also been improved over the years to reduce the side effects (for instance stomach ulcerations) and to be used in dogs of all ages, even if the dog does not have healthy kidneys. Some NSAIDs are used for both acute and chronic pain.
Ask your veterinary surgeon for further details.
Information sources
The American Animal Hospital Association/American Association of Feline Practitioners Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs & Cats, 2007
Lemke KA and Creighton CM. Analgesia for anesthetized patients. Top Companion Anim Med 2010;25(2):70-82
Handbook of veterinary pain management. James S. Gaynor, William W. Muir III. Mosby Elsevier, 2nd edition, 2009
Pain management in small animals. A manual for veterinary nurses and technicians. Debbie Grant. Butterworth Heinemann, 2006
