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.

Educate Yourself When it Comes to Finding a Joint Pain Remedy For Your Pet

It’s an unfortunate fact that one in five dog owners are forced to face – at some point you’ll be researching ways to treat joint pain. From hip dysplasia to arthritis, dogs are prone to a number of issues that will affect their health.

Joint issues are bred into small breeds, but larger breeds with more weight dispersed into their joints are prone to developing osteoarthritis. Regardless of the sizes, the pain is probably not much different and it’s up to you to find a joint pain remedy that will bring more health and happiness to your canine.

Some dog lovers have noticed what they believe is an increase in the number of dogs experiencing joint pain, but in reality, veterinarians are become more adept at diagnosing these problems. But sometimes, breeders are looking for certain characteristics in the dogs they are breeding that may bring with it undesirable qualities such as hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.

One of the first courses of action in finding a pain relief remedy is to determine whether or not your dog is in fact experiencing joint issues. Is your dog walking with a strange gait or have a limp? Does it have a hard time negotiating stairs or have trouble standing from a laying position? Does it put more weight on its front legs than its back legs? These are all signs that your dog is experiencing joint issues, whether ligament induced, hip related or from arthritis.

Joint pain remedies run the gamut, from laser surgery to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some forward-thinking owners have even experimented with acupuncture. Stem cell therapy is on the rise as are supplements that include omega-3 fatty acids.

Finding the proper remedy might be as simple as helping your dog lose weight by better regulating its diet. Ask your veterinarian what the proper amount of food intake is for your dog on a daily basis. Being overweight is a problem for dogs with joint problems and is often caused by their obese condition, especially if the weight gain is rapid.

ProLabs Pets is a company with a focus on helping dog and cat owners achieve the best health possible for their pets, and they have a formula that is built to provide better joint health in dogs. Clinical studies of FLEX Rx supplement have shown that it is more effective than the traditional glucosamine hydrochloride method for joint health problems. In fact, FLEX Rx has been shown to be twice as effective than the popular Cosequin DS1. Currently, a $10 discount is being offered by ProLabs Pets to try this vet-quality product.

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.

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.

Caring for German Shepherd Hip Problems

In some areas of the world it’s known as the Alsatian Wolf Dog or the Alsatian. To Americans, we simply call it the German Shepherd.

It didn’t take long for this breed to develop an intense popularity after it was established around 1900. It’s an intelligent breed, dominant, protective and one of the most efficient working dogs in its class. But it also has some health problems that are common to German Shephers.

German Shepherd hip problems are notorious and unfortunate. But those who love the breed know that it’s just one of the unfortunate characteristics that piggyback on the great attributes of the breed. Hip dysplasia is far too often a problem in this breed.

While most working dogs have a fairly normal posture, the German Shepherds you see in dog shows have a lower profile in the hind legs that has led some to call the breed half frog. These show dogs are prone to German Shepherd hip problems more so than those with a more normal build. The practice of breeding them for this lower hip profile has become quite controversial.

Work dog or show dog, German Shepherd hip problems are the most consistent hereditary health issue with this breed. Dogs as young as 24 months will begin to show problems, generally those associated with pain in the hips. Some dogs will experience the same issues in their elbows. Responsible breeders are keeping their dogs with hip problems out of the breeding program in an effort to reduce the stigma associated with German Shepherd hip problems.

If you own a German Shepherd, you might try adding supplements to your dog’s diet. Omega 3 supplements, which are derived from fish oils, aid in better hip health. Flax seed and olive oils are also proving effective.

Just as important as supplements is exercise. Owners are cautioned to keep high-impact exercises out of the routine, but regular walks are definitely encouraged to help keep muscle tone at an optimum level. Conditioned muscles help take pressure off the failing joints, which reduces pain.

German Shepherd hip problems are not unique to that breed alone. Golden Retrievers and other purebred dogs are prone to hip dysplasia. Dogs that weigh more than 60 pounds are also at greater risk. Otterhounds, Neapolitan Mastiffs, St. Bernards, Bloodhounds, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Old English Sheepdogs and Newfoundlands are also breeds that see hip dysplasia issues.

Regardless of the breed or the size of the dog, ProLabs created a formula that ups the level of wellness in dogs by reducing the amount of pain they feel in their joints. FLEX Rx has performed well in clinical tests and is twice as effective as a leading competitor’s formula in relieving pain.

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?

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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.