Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Dogs: Which Are the Most Effective and Safe?

Anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used in dogs in veterinary medicine. They're used every day in almost every vet clinic. They're extremely helpful for a huge range of conditions and disorders in pets. However, misusing them could lead to serious consequences.

Here at SoyUnPerro we'll cover the most important points and talk about the types of anti-inflammatory drugs available and their effects. Which ones are safest, and how effective they are — let's get started.

What is an anti-inflammatory drug, and when should it be used?

Anti-inflammatory drugs are medications derived from certain plants, aimed at treating inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and in some cases pain, and in others, reducing fever. Anti-inflammatories fall into two groups: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (glucocorticoids or corticosteroids).

These should be used when the vet finds it appropriate, based on any of the conditions explained above or any other they consider suitable for their use.

What are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs generally used for in dogs?

The mechanism of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, allows them to be used as anti-inflammatories, antipyretics (to lower fever), and pain relievers. This can be explained by their ability to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and their ability to reduce the transmission of pain signals.

They're indicated for many conditions, such as:

1. Limping, cracks and/or fractures, or muscle, ligament, or tendon issues from trauma (musculoskeletal pain).
2. Osteoarthritis and arthritis.
3. Reducing fever.
4. In cases of wounds. Along with antibiotics (depending on the wound) and treatment with antiseptics, NSAIDs are usually indicated in these cases.
5. Visceral pain or colic (certain NSAIDs, not all of them).
6. Surgery. Their use is favorably indicated before and after many surgeries.

Side effects in dogs caused by anti-inflammatory drugs

As mentioned earlier, misusing anti-inflammatory drugs can have consequences, so while they're a great ally in most situations, they're also a double-edged sword.

Side effects of NSAIDs in some patients, or if given at the wrong dose or for too long:

• Digestive: damage to the stomach lining, disrupted blood flow there, which can lead to digestive ulcers (to prevent this, combine with a stomach protectant and give after meals).
• Liver-related: raises liver enzymes (transaminases).
• Kidney-related: disrupts kidney blood flow.

Because of this, there are cases where they're contraindicated (shouldn't be given): in kidney or liver failure, dehydration or shock, when there are gastrointestinal ulcers, in pregnant or breeding animals, and if already receiving another NSAID or a steroidal anti-inflammatory (corticosteroid).

Are steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs dangerous for a dog?

Corticosteroids, like NSAIDs, aren't dangerous as such. But it's very important to know when to use them and when not to. They should never be combined with another corticosteroid or NSAID. The effects of this type of anti-inflammatory can be very beneficial, within the appropriate limits set by the vet.

The main pharmacological actions of corticosteroids range from their anti-inflammatory effects to their immunosuppressive and antiallergic action. That said, some of these changes also cause unwanted side effects, especially with prolonged treatment.

They're indicated in several cases, including:

1. Allergic reactions from severe insect bites (or processionary caterpillars), plants, or diet.
2. A wide range of skin disorders such as atopy, dermatitis, or itching.
3. To reduce an abnormal immune system response that's producing antibodies against the body's own tissue.

The side effects of corticosteroids are: immune suppression (dose-dependent), polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia (drinking more water, urinating more, and having a bigger appetite than normal, respectively), and iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (caused by the drugs themselves).

What are the most commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs in dogs?

Some examples of the drugs we've been discussing in this article are:

NSAIDs:

• Meloxicam. The most widely used anti-inflammatory in Europe for treating all the conditions mentioned above. Very safe, given how extensively it's been used and studied.
• Carprofen. Can only be used in dogs.
• Deracoxib. Also used for post-operative pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis.

Corticosteroids: up to a certain dose these have an anti-inflammatory effect, and beyond that, an immunosuppressive one. Prednisone. For long-term treatment in tablet form. It's safe and should be given at a gradually tapering dose — for example, starting twice a day, then after a while once a day, then once every two days, and so on. No corticosteroid treatment should ever be stopped abruptly.

1. Prednisolone.
2. Dexamethasone. Commonly used for specific cases as an injection.
3. Methylprednisolone. Widely used in acute emergency cases, such as an allergic reaction.

Is ibuprofen safe for dogs?

Ibuprofen is not recommended for animals due to its toxicity. It's for human use only. For this reason we have a wide range of anti-inflammatory drugs like those described above.

Natural, effective anti-inflammatory options for dogs

Besides those mentioned above, there are natural anti-inflammatory options that can help, whether combined with the medications above or on their own. These are:

• Local heat-cold therapy: this treatment works as an additional therapy, and is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory approach for dogs. Just like for people, it's very useful for dogs, and it's also one of the safest, most effective treatments.

You can place a warm (not hot enough to burn) seed pack, a warm towel, or a hot water bottle on the inflamed area, which causes blood vessels to dilate.

Then, apply cold in the form of ice wrapped in a cloth (repeating this three times in a row), which causes vessels to constrict. These heat-cold cycles should be applied to the inflamed area three times a day.

• Oily fish: oily fish such as sardines contain large amounts of beneficial fatty acids like Omega 3, which are powerful anti-inflammatories. We can also give our dogs fish oil-based nutritional supplements.
• Marigold (calendula): you can crush marigold leaves and apply them directly to the joints. This helps reduce inflammation. You can also make your own marigold oil.

Generally speaking, anti-inflammatory treatments for dogs, whether natural or not, should always be used under veterinary supervision. You should tell your vet about your plan to give your dog these supplements before doing so, since, as mentioned at the start, they could have serious consequences if given the wrong way.