Many dog owners have experienced the heartbreak of watching their dogs struggle to walk after an injury. The best way for you to help your pet through this difficult time is by providing the best care possible until his or her health begins to improve. Below are some steps that you can take if your dog has been injured in order to help them heal faster and avoid further damage:
Injured Dogs May Need More Than A Comfortable Place To Sleep
Any dog that has been injured will need to be kept still, quiet and warm. They also cannot be allowed to lick or chew their wounds, as this could cause infection. If you have an injured dog in your home, you should provide them with a comfortable bed where they can rest without having to move around much. It is important not to let the dog jump up on furniture or run around too much as this could worsen their injuries.
Injured dogs may need more than loving care. If your dog has been injured, you may be tempted to give her all of the attention in the world. But she might also need more than just a comfortable place to sleep and lots of love. If your dog’s injury is severe enough, it may require pain medication or even surgery.
Injured Dogs May Need More Than Just TLC
Some dog injuries require rest and ice, like a human injury. Ice can help reduce swelling, pain, bleeding, and inflammation. Ice is a great way to manage your dog’s pain without using medications that can have side effects. Simply apply an ice pack or towel filled with ice (or even frozen water bottles) to the injured area for 10 minutes at a time until the swelling goes down.
Pain Medications Can Be An Option For Dogs Who Are Injured
It is important to note that human pain medications are not recommended for dogs. This is because dogs and humans have different metabolisms, and so the same dosage of human pain medication may be deadly for your dog. If you give your dog a human pain medication, it could cause heart failure or death.
The signs of pain are similar between dogs and humans: they might appear depressed or lethargic, they may hide or sleep more often than usual, they may refuse food or water, etc. However, the best way to know if your dog is in pain is by observing them closely over time (and knowing how they normally behave). If there’s any doubt about whether or not you should bring your pup to the vet clinic, then always err on the side of caution and make an appointment ASAP.
NSAIDs Can Be Prescribed By Veterinarians For Dogs With Injuries
NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and they are commonly prescribed by veterinarians to help dogs with acute injuries. They work by reducing the inflammatory response in your dog’s body, which can help reduce pain and swelling. Though NSAIDs are often safe for use in dogs, they do have some side effects that you should be aware of.
When it comes to giving your dog NSAIDs, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions as closely as possible when giving them to your dog.
- If you’re using a gel or cream form of an NSAID, apply according to the directions on the package (for example, applying once per day).
- You may need to apply more frequently if bleeding is severe or ongoing; consult with your vet if this is necessary.
Medications for Pain Relief
Previcox for dogs is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which means it treats inflammation and pain caused by injuries, arthritis, and more. It also helps your dog recover from surgery or an injury quicker.
Previcox works best when given with food, so make sure you give it at the same time as your dog’s meals. If you have any questions about dosing or side effects, you can ask your vet or run a quick Google search.
It’s important to talk to your vet before starting Previcox. It might interact with other medications or cause an allergic reaction in your pet. This drug isn’t recommended for pregnant dogs or puppies under six months old.
Other pain relief medications your vet might administer include aspirin, codeine, morphine, etc.
Conclusion
Injured dogs can be a big challenge to deal with, but they do need TLC. If your dog has been hurt in some way, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian and get their advice on how best to help them recover.