Did you know that September is Animal Pain Awareness Month? This is a time where here at PetScript Pharmacy, we are focused on educating people about the different types of pain medications used to treat pets. Each medication has its own unique benefits, and Veterinarians use them to help alleviate pain in animals of all shapes and sizes. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at 10 of the most common pain medications used by vets. We'll discuss what each medication is used for, and how it helps to improve the quality of life for our furry friends!
Top 10 Pain Medications Used to Treat Pets
Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a type of opioid, and it works by blocking pain signals from the brain. Buprenorphine is a particularly good choice for pain relief in pets because it has a long half-life, meaning it stays in the system for a long time and provides sustained pain relief. It is also relatively safe and has few side effects. Buprenorphine can be used to treat pain due to surgery, cancer, and arthritis. It can be taken orally, or injected.
Tramadol: Tramadol is a narcotic analgesic, which means it helps to block the feeling of pain by working on the central nervous system. The benefits include its ability to provide relief for both short and long-term pain, its mild side effects, and its safety when used with other medications. Tramadol is most commonly used to relieve pain from surgery, arthritis, and cancer. Tramadol can be taken orally, rectally, or injected.
Gabapentin: Gabapentin is a medication that is structurally related to the neurotransmitter GABA. It is commonly used to treat pain and seizures in pets. It is most commonly used for chronic pain relief, but can also be used for post-operative pain and pain associated with cancer. Gabapentin can be given to pets orally or via injection.
Amantadine: Amantadine is an antiviral agent that can also be used for pain relief in pets. It is typically administered orally, but can also be given rectally or intravenously in severe cases. The benefits include its ability to reduce inflammation and swelling as well as block nerve signals that cause pain. It is most commonly used to relieve pain associated with arthritis, but can also be used for other conditions such as post-operative pain or pain caused by cancer.
Meloxicam: Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the relief of pain and inflammation in pets. It is a COX-2 inhibitor, which means that it blocks the enzyme that causes inflammation. Meloxicam can be used to relieve pain and inflammation from arthritis, hip dysplasia, and soft tissue injuries. It can be given orally, injected, or applied topically.
Piroxicam: Piroxicam is also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to relieve pain in pets. It is effective for treating conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and ligament or muscle injuries. Piroxicam can be given orally or by injection.
Ketoprofen: Ketoprofen is another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to relieve pain in pets. It can be used for a variety of indications, including pain relief after surgery, arthritis, and for other types of pain. Ketoprofen can be given to pets orally or by injection.
Prednisolone: Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that is used for pain relief in pets. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can be administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly. Prednisolone can be used for a wide range of indications, including pain relief after surgery, chronic pain, and inflammation.
Dexamethasone: Dexamethasone is another corticosteroid that is used for the relief of pain, inflammation, and swelling in pets. It is available as an oral tablet, a suspension, or an injection. Dexamethasone can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis, cancer pain, and pain from surgery.
Glucosamine: Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in the body and is also derived from certain foods. It is known to play a role in joint health and helps to reduce pain. For this reason, it is sometimes used as a treatment for pets who are experiencing pain from conditions such as arthritis as its natural properties help to repair cartilage and joint tissue. Glucosamine can be given to pets orally or by injection, depending on the situation.
Ordering Pain Medication Through PetScript Pharmacy
As you can see, there are many different types of pain medications available to help our furry friends feel their best! If your pet is experiencing pain, talk to your veterinarian about which medication may be right for them. PetScript Pharmacy is happy to help answer any questions you have about these medications and is standing by with a 15% off discount (Use Code: PainFree15) for any of these medication orders for the month of September! Contact Us Today to talk to one of our Pharmacists!
