Pain Relief for Dogs: What Are My Options?

They might show it differently, but dogs experience pain just as their owners do. The old belief that dogs have a higher tolerance for pain or that pain actually helps them heal faster isn’t backed by research and more owners are doing something to control the pain.

Whether it’s from a recent surgery, arthritis, skin problems, injuries from rough play or a toothache, there are medications available for dogs that will make them healthier and happier. Some drugs fall into the class of neutriceuticals, which include glucosamine and chondroitin. These can take up to a month, in some cases, to begin working.

Another common class of medications that are very effective are known as NSAIDs, which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While these medications are very effective means of pain relief for dogs, they pose a danger if misused and have a list of side effects. Most NSAIDs used on dogs include name brands like Metacam, Deramaxx, Rimadyl and Etogesic. If your dog is on any of these drugs, keep an eye on them and discontinue use if they vomit or experience diarrhea.

Some dogs simply don’t respond well to NSAIDs and need something that acts more quickly than the neutriceuticals. In this case, most veterinarians will recommend medications that include amantidine, tramadol or gabapentin.

In many cases, dog owners know when their dog will be in for a round of pain, mostly due to surgery or a veterinary procedure that will cause some lingering discomfort. In this case, have the medication on hand and ready so that you can cut pain off at the pass. Some veterinarians will recommend starting your dog on pain meds a day or two before the procedure.

Under no circumstances should you run to your medicine cabinet to treat bring pain relief for dogs. Advil and Tylenol are in practically every household in the nation, but they are not to be used as pain relief for dogs as they are designed for humans.

There are some holistic methods that you can try if medications don’t seem effective. Acupuncture, has been successful for some pet owners and has been shown to bring pain relief to canines. Chronic pain is especially reduced by acupuncture. Massage and hydrotherapy are other holistic approaches that can bring pain relief for dogs.

For more extreme measures, some pain relief for dogs has been found in using stem cell therapy. Laser therapy has also been used effectively.

Pain relief for dogs can also come in the form of joint health supplements, such as those from ProLabs who specializes in vet-quality products for your pets. FLEX Rx is designed to improve joint health and has been proven to work better than glucosamine-based products.

Your Pet Wants You to be all Ears When it Comes to Dog Ear Care

Fleas, skin problems and regular shots might be among the top reasons for dog owners to get their pets to the veterinarian, but the number one issue prompting vet visits is ear issues.

Dogs’ inner ears are a serious of twists and turns of cartilage that offer yeast, bacteria and parasites an excellent habit to live. Most infections begin with debris that’s gotten trapped, but dogs with allergies will likely see more issues than dogs without allergies.

There are a number of factors that lead to some dogs having more problems with their ears than others. For instance, dogs with an abundance of hair inside their ears will need more dog ear care than those with hairless ears. Dogs with ears that are long and floppy generate more dirt in their ears than dogs with short ears because there is less air circulation.

Veterinarians say the best dog ear care an owner can provide is frequent cleaning of the ear canal. But many dogs dislike having their ears cleaned. Regardless of how much they dislike the routine, it’s essential. Some dogs will require two people – one to hold and the other to clean.

Veterinarians recommend cleaning as much of the ear as can be reached with a cotton ball. Going any farther than what can be reached with a finger and the cotton ball could damage the dog’s ear. Check the cotton ball to see how much dirt it collected. If you see an irregular amount, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, as this could be a sign of more serious issues.

Other issues to look for are accumulations of debris, wax, foul odor coming from the ear, crusty skin, loss of hair, redness, a discharge coming from the ear or an accumulation of wax. These too are indicators of infection. Ear mites are a common ailment. To identify these, look for a build up of what appears to be coffee grounds.

There are a variety of ear cleaners available over-the-counter that won’t be too harsh on the dog’s ear. Don’t use alcohol, as this is not good on the dog’s skin. Some owners will use a vinegar solution that is nine to 10 parts water to one part vinegar, but never pour any cleaner down the dog’s ear canal as this can lead to more dog ear care issues. Check with your veterinarian for advice on which cleaner they recommend.

If you’d rather skip home remedies that may or may not work, it’s a safe bet to consider Clear Ear from ProLabs. Dogs with chronic ear problems get fast relief through Clear Ear’s pH-balanced solution that nourishes and replenishes the ear’s epithelium.

Dogs with Joint Pain: Are Small Breeds Prone to Joint Issues?

While larger breeds of canines are known to be prone to joint issues, dogs with joint pain come in all sizes. Some breeds that are bred for shorter leg lengths, which are generally small dogs, actually have more joint issues than the average breed.

Dogs with joint pain can often be identified at very youthful stages in their lives. Some veterinarians say they’ve witnessed joint issues in puppies as young as four months of age. One hip problem that joint pain sufferers have is called avascular necrosis and it occurs on the head of the femoral bone. Avascular necrosis is when blood supply fails to reach that area. One way you can detect this in your puppy is if you notice that he/she has a difficult time standing up or has difficulty walking.

Smaller dogs can also exhibit problems rooting from their knees. It’s called patellar luxation; patellar after the floating knee bone and luxation, which is the process by which the patellar comes out of alignment. Dogs with this ailment will often hop as their knee will lock up.

Small dogs with joint pain might also have a condition that is brought on over time whereby the cranial cruciate ligament ruptures. This ligament is located around the knees and can be a long-term issue in a dog that is injured through rough play. Veterinarians will refer to this as a disease in dogs that show symptoms after gradual wear and tear on the ligament.

Since most small breeds are genetically predisposed to these joint issues, there isn’t much you can do for your dog, whether it’s a puppy or full-grown to eliminate their joint issues. However, there are some supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine that are widely available and are proven to be effective in addressing some joint issues. Some owners will also try to limit exposure to situations that cause stress on the joints, such as keeping them off slippery floor surfaces or letting them jump down from tall structures.

Some dogs will exhibit a slower pace or stiffness after vigorous exercise, which can mimic joint issues. But dogs that suffer from joint pain which is brought on by more serious issues should be taken to the veterinarian for recommendations on treatment.

Small dog owners are also turning to ProLabs for their veterinarian-quality joint health supplements that are proving to be effective. FLEX Rx is engineered to help small breeds, large breeds and every breed in between with their joint health. It’s actually the first product of its kind that is capable of managing joint health at the metabolic level. ProLabs solution involves using ingredients that are up to five times more effective than vitamin E in treating joint issues, and has been shown to be more effective than glucosamine.

Dog Bad Breath: What to do Besides Brushing

It becomes painfully obvious how spatially unaware dogs are when your “best friend” gets up close and personal, panting in your face with dog bad breath. It’s got a unique aroma all it’s own and in some cases, all the brushing in the world won’t get rid of it. What’s a pet owner to do?

Most of the time we think the odor is emanating from the mouth. But the dog bad breath that seems to never go away is the type that can originate in the gut, lungs, throat or stomach. Even the best toothbrush won’t solve issues this deep.

Most of our dogs get bad breath from tartar and plaque build-up, most often caused by using a lower quality food or allowing your dog to eat off your plate or table scraps too often. Not all dogs are accepting of a toothbrush in the mouth, which means the owner is less likely to brush on a regular basis. If left untreated, this tartar and plaque build-up can get into the gums and cause some serious problems.

Brushing isn’t the only way to keep teeth and gums healthy. Several pet care companies offer dental products that are good at keeping the build-up to a minimum, and your dog probably sees these products as a treat. Dental bones, as most companies label them, not only clean the teeth, they also provide some vital nutrients to keep your dog healthy. Some dental treatments can be a bit harsh on dogs with sensitive stomachs, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you’re new to the dental bone market.

Rawhide bones are also an effective means of keeping your dog bad breath from waking you up at night. A common warning with these rawhide bones is that if swallowed in too large of pieces, it can block your dog’s digestive tract, which can be deadly. It’s best to only allow your dog to enjoy the rawhide while under your supervision.

There are also sprays on the market now that will treat dog bad breath. Some of these treatments are made with all natural ingredients and some come in powder form. Read the ingredients carefully and give your vet a quick call to make sure what you’re putting in your dog’s mouth meets their standard for safety and good health.

Some dog bad breath is a clue to a serious health issue. Sweet or fruity-smelling breath is often a symptom of diabetes. If your dog smells like he’s just taken a gulp of urine, it’s possible that he/she is experiencing an issue with the kidneys. Liver disease often comes with a bit of vomiting, yellowing eyes and skin, and a particularly horrid case of dog bad breath.

ProLabs is one of the companies that veterinarians across the country have recommended for problems like dog bad breath. ProLabs has a line of veterinarian-quality products for many issues that affect your dog – from fleas to joint problems to bad breath.

Dog Skin Problems: Annoying, But Avoidable

A dog that gets through an entire lifetime without developing some type of problem with their skin is indeed a rare dog. Dog skin problems have many causes, from allergies to parasites to harsh shampoos (human shampoo can cause severe irritation on canines).

Immune responses can cause flare-ups, from underactive to overactive responses. Demodectic mange and bacterial infections are common when the immune system doesn’t handle exposure to these triggers. Some dogs will inherit a chronic skin allergy, which is called canine atopy. Dogs that experience this issue will itch around their ears, feet, muzzle and eyes. Pollen from trees and grass can often trigger a reaction, as can mold and mites.

Some dogs will face autoimmune skin diseases such as pemphigus foliaceus, which presents as blisters on the skin, which form scab-like substances. It usually starts around the head, but can spread over the entire body. Hot spots are also common dog skin problems. Your veterinarian will likely refer to it as it’s official name – actue moist dermatitis. It presents as an irritation on one particularly area of the body. If not treated, it can develop into a staphylococcus infection.

Many dog skin problems can be avoided through proper bathing. This not only makes it easier for you to enjoy your dog’s company (Fido does get stinky) but it can prevent dog skin problems from developing into potential life-threatening diseases. Some owners have a tough time getting their pets into the tub at bath time. Every dog is different, so what works for one owner might not suffice for another, but here are a few tips to consider to get that reluctant pet sudsy.

If you’re not having luck with the garden hose, there is good reason for it – your dog doesn’t like be shot with cold water any more than you do. Consider taking your pet indoors to a non-slippery bathtub where you can bath him/her in warm water. Dogs don’t like hot bathes either, so be mindful of how hot you run the water. A slippery tub adds to the anxiety, so add a rubber mat. Many owners prefer a hand-held shower device over a bathtub full of water.

Entice your pet into the bathing area with treats – make the experience positive. They may never enjoy being soaked with water and shampoo, but taking their favorite toy and some delicious treats will offset the bad. Also, have towels handy, a brush for grooming and the proper shampoo made for canines.

In many cases, dog skin problems need more than the regular bath. ProLabs, a company dedicated to providing your dog with a better quality of life, designed Skin Soothe to heal and aid hot spots, itching, dermatitis, wounds and foot pad injuries among other issues. Unlike similar products out there, Skin Soothe is veterinarian quality.

Will a Canine Joint Supplement Work For Your Dog?

With one in five dogs developing some form of joint problem in their lifetimes, it’s likely that you’ll one day be looking for a supplement to ease your dog’s pain. Canine joint supplement use is becoming more and more common as pet owners seek out a solution to address the pain associated with swelling, tissue and cartilage loss.

There are several issues that dogs face that could cause joint pain, including osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia or injury. Once dogs develop a degenerative joint disease, the cushion of cartilage in their joints deteriorates and bone-on-bone contact occurs, which is painful. You’ll notice your dog becoming less active, avoiding stairs, having difficulty rising from a prone position. Some dogs will develop a strange gait or put more weight on their front legs than their back legs in an effort to ease the pain.

Your veterinarian can determine the cause of the symptoms you’re noticing in your pet and recommend a course of action. Some dog owners will take preventative steps early in the dog’s life by including a supplement to their diet, a supplement that includes glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which are proven to stave off arthritis.


Once arthritis or other joint pain causing ailments set in, most veterinarians will recommend canine joint supplement with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is considered a proper ingredient in intermediate-level joint issues. But once the joint pain and condition become advanced, veterinarians recommend a canine joint supplement with hyaluronic acid as one of the ingredients. This type of acid makes the remaining cartilage more resilient and also helps to bolster tissues in the joint.

Supplements are proven to address joint pain in dogs, but there are other steps you can take to keep your dog’s joints in the best condition possible. Despite their reluctance to stay active, owners are advised to keep up the daily walks. Not all dogs with joint issues are able to or should be made to run, but moderate exercise keeps bones strong and also helps build muscle around the joints, which takes some of the pressure off.

Overweight dogs are also at a much higher risk for developing joint pain. Keeping your dog on the proper foods as it ages will help to deter weight gain, particularly sudden weight gain, which is a major contributor to joint pain.

ProLabs created a supplement that addresses the swelling, cartilage health and joint lubrication needs of canines. ProLab’s FLEX Rx is designed to affect specific metabolites in your dog, which will slow down joint deterioration. The product isn’t like other over-the-counter supplements and is actually around twice as effective as most other popular choices.

Does Your Dog Have Joint Pain Symptoms

Regardless of how strong our bond is with our pets, the communication we share doesn’t extend to pointing to where the pain is. We notice behavioral changes that are often the warning sign that something is wrong and a visit to the veterinarian is in order.

But there are signs owners can look for when it comes to joint pain. Joint pain symptoms vary from dog to dog, but most will have trouble climbing stairs, limp, favor the front legs, have joint swelling, have difficulty sitting down or standing up, and some will appear to be stiff and slow when they begin walking.

If you notice that your dog recoils when being pet near its joints, this is a clear sign that it is experiencing pain in that area. Some joint pain symptoms are hard to catch because the condition the dog has might progress very slowly and the changed behavior progresses so slowly the owner doesn’t notice the change until the condition is full-blown.

Most dog owners have heard of hip dysplasia, especially owners of the larger breeds like German Shepards and Rottweilers, which are prone to the issue. Small dogs can also develop dysplasia, including the Pug, which has a higher probability of developing dysplasia than most other breeds large or small.

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket has an abnormal formation, which doesn’t allow the ball to sit properly in the socket. This can cause the dog to be lame as well as in some degree of pain and discomfort. The condition is often genetic, but some injuries can lead to hip dysplasia. It is most often the rear joint(s) that become affected, which means the dog will likely put most of its weight on its front legs to compensate. This leads to over development of the muscles in the front and atrophy in the rear.

Arthritis in dogs is also an issue that commonly causes joint pain symptoms. This too can be genetic, but is often caused by obesity. Some dogs simply get poor nutrition, which means they’re not getting the correct amounts of glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate, both of which are supplements prescribed to dogs with joint pain symptoms.

Dogs with joint pain symptoms should still be exercised. Some dogs will only want to walk, and that’s fine. Others will have the energy and ability to run. Physical activity actually helps your dog build muscles, which assists joint health and overall health of your dog.

ProLabs, specializing in animalhealth products, has a product that improves joint health. FLEX Rx is made for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Our clients at ProLab say that where other products failed to show any imporovement in the health of their dog, FLEX
Rx worked as advertised – more than twice as effective as the lucosamine/chondroitin supplements most often prescribed.

What Causes Joint Pain in Dogs?

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Whether it’s from genetics, age or injury, dogs are prone to joint pain. It might start with a limp and obvious signs of pain, such as whimpering and changes in eating habits. But joint pain in dogs is treatable. Hip … Continue reading →

Pain Relief for Dogs Provides a Better Quality of Life

Pain lets us know there is a problem. It’s no different for canines. The behavior associated with pain lets pet owners know that something needs attention. But prolonged pain is not any more appropriate for a dog than it is for humans, and veterinarians are tackling this issue head-on.

Pain relief for dogs was once thought to be antithetical for proper treatment. One previous belief was that pain kept the dog from moving, thus allowing them to heal faster. But pain relief for dogs is now a well-accepted and beneficial practice by veterinarians and pet owners.

You are likely very in tune with the behavior of your dog, and can spot when something is off. For some dogs, the first indicator that they’re experiencing pain is through aggression. Others won’t sleep or eat. Many dogs will lick the area that is hurting or they becoming unusually inactive. Whining and crying, flattening the ears to the head and seeking out attention from the owner are also telltale signs that a dog is experiencing pain.

Like their human counterparts, as dogs age, arthritis becomes an issue and brings with it a chronic pain that should be treated. As aging is a slow process, so it can be also for the onset of pain. Some dogs will learn to deal with it slowly, making it harder for the owner to detect as the changes in the canine are subtle and happen over a long period of time.

The best course of action includes consistent visits to the vet, but this course of action can also start with a vet-quality joint health product available at a specialty pet store, such as Flex Rx. Quality pet products like Flex Rx address both the underlying causes of joint deterioration, while also supporting correct metabolic balance. Also, keep an eye on what your dog is eating and drinking. If you notice any deviation from the norm, it’s time for a visit to the vet.

ProLabs, a cutting-edge pet health company, knows that pets are family members and that they need the same quality health care that all loved-ones expect. Read more about joint health solutions from Pro Labs today.