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What Can I Give My German Shepherd For Pain

Can I Give My Dog Aspirin Or Other Otc Nsaids

Things to know as a new German Shepherd owner | Mistakes made by new owners

Are human pain meds like aspirin safe for dogs? While its tempting to raid your medicine cabinet for a pup in pain, you should not give your dog aspirin.

Whatever is causing your dog pain, dont put them in unnecessary risk. If given human NSAID pain medications, dogs can develop issues like:

  • Gastrointestinal ulcers
  • Loss of appetite
  • Skin changes like redness or scabs

These are the dangerous side effects your dog could suffer from if given human painkillers. So how are you supposed to treat your dogs pain? The good news is, there are many FDA-approved NSAIDs specifically for pets that are safe to administer under your veterinarians instruction.

Common Pain Medications For Dogs

If your dog is experiencing pain, your vet is likely to prescribe oral pain medication for him. Some of these you can buy from a pharmacy, but its imperative that you do not give your dog any medication without discussing it first with your vet. Pain meds for dogs have to be administered very carefully. This is because giving the wrong dose, or giving a medication when your dog has an underlying condition, could be fatal to your dog.

So if youve been asking yourself what can I give my dog for pain, here are some common pain medications for dogs.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Is In Pain

With obvious injuries or after surgical procedures, it can reasonably be assumed that a dog will experience pain. Although the signs may be subtle, careful observation will often reveal signs of pain in most dogs. Most dogs experiencing pain alter their behavior in some way. A dog may be reluctant to climb stairs, jump into the car, show decreased activity, or resist being handled or picked up. Subtle signs may be our only clue that the dog is hurting.

Arthritic pain is common in older dogs. Anyone who has witnessed an older dog struggle to rise or be unable to stand after lying down can imagine the discomfort these dogs must endure.

Other signs of pain include :

  • whimpering or vocalizing
  • becoming quiet, withdrawn, and anti-social
  • showing uncharacteristic aggressiveness when approached or touched
  • holding the ears flat against the head
  • increased licking of a painful/sensitive area
  • reluctance to walk, run, climb stairs, jump, or play
  • stiffness or limping
  • lagging behind on walks or stopping altogether while on walks
  • changes in personality

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What Can I Give My German Shepherd For Joints

Joint health is very important for German Shepherds. Their joints need plenty of nutrients to stay healthy and function properly. Some of the best sources of joint health for German Shepherds are Sea Kelp, Shark Cartilage, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin Sulfate.

Sea Kelp is rich in nutrients, including 25% protein. This helps to keep the joints healthy and functioning properly. Shark Cartilage is also a great source of nutrients, including high levels of protein and chondroitin. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are both great for helping to keep the joints healthy and pain-free. These supplements can be added to the German Shepherds diet or given as a prescription medication.

What Scientific Studies Have Been Done On Cbd For Pain Management For Dogs

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Two clinical trials have recently concluded with promising results on using CBD for pain management in dogs. Its important to note that the were still in the early stages of understanding how CBD interacts with the body, and much more research needs to be done.

1. Cornell University: Osteoarthritis Pain Reduction in Dogs: Cornell University researchers found CBD increased comfort and the activity of dogs suffering from arthritis, according to a study published in July of 2018. This clinical study suggests that 2 mg/kg of CBD given twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.

2. Liberty Leaf: CBD Research Study on Canine Pain Management: In August of 2018, results from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated that dogs with diagnosed osteoarthritis receiving a daily dose of only 0.3 mg per kg of a CBD-infused oil formulation for 4 weeks showed reduced pain and improved functional performance.

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What Is Hip Dysplasia

The hip joint consists of two parts: the socket on the pelvis and the ball on the femur. In hip dysplasia, a malformed socket doesnt allow the ball to sit deep inside.

This leads to instability, pain, and other symptoms which well cover in more details later.

Early intervention gives dogs with hip dysplasia the best chance at a long, comfortable life. So, if you have a dog breed that is prone to hip dysplasia, you need to look for symptoms to start managing the condition.

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How To Talk To Your Veterinarian About Putting Your Dog On A Pain Reliever

If you suspect your dog is in pain, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian and share your concerns. Be specific in the signs you are noticing, because this will give your veterinarian clues as to where your dog hurts. Your veterinarian will conduct a physical exam, share the findings with you and make recommendations for additional testing and/or pain management.

If your veterinarian recommends testing, then do it. The information always proves valuable. For example, I have seen dogs who were diagnosed with arthritis from the physical exam and no X-rays were taken. After prescribed pain medications offered no improvement, the dogs were brought back for X-rays, only to find a bone tumor.

Veterinarians do not have crystal balls or psychic abilitiesand if they do, consider getting a second opinion. We rely on our diagnostic tools to give you an accurate diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.

Dont be afraid to ask your veterinarian for pain management options, including natural supplements and/or generic formulations of pain meds for dogs. You also can look into online purchase options for convenience and price. Remember, your veterinary care staffs primary job is to help you and your dog.

Also ask about testing requirements for long-term pain medications. Most veterinarians require an annual exam and bloodwork to ensure that the drug is working and not causing any harm to the pets other organs.

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How To Comfort A Dog In Pain

Work closely with your veterinarian to plan for your pets pain management needs. Here are some tips and things you can do to modify your home to help ease your dogs pain. These are often used in conjunction with pain medications to help pets feel most comfortable.

  • Manage your pets weight.

  • Limit excessive strain on joints and risks for concurrent diseases such as diabetes mellitus or heart disease.

  • Work with your vet to modify your pets diet and develop light exercise routines that your pet can tolerate to slowly achieve goals over time.

  • Get your pet moving.

  • Daily walking, swim therapy, or other low-impact exercises keep muscles and joints moving and healthy, and these activities are also great for your dogs mental stimulation. Many forms of exercise release natural endorphins and help control pain.

  • Make modifications to your home.

  • Help your dog maneuver around your home more easily with things like carpet runners, dog boots, or socks with grips.

  • Assess any dog doors, stairs, or areas that are difficult to get up, into, and out of for your dog. Sometimes ramps or limiting access to areas are required to keep your dog comfortable and safe.

  • Some pets can benefit from elevated food and water bowls if they have pain in the neck or joints when bending to eat and drink.

  • Why Do German Shepherds Suffer From Hip Pain

    What I Wish I Knew Before Getting a German Shepherd.

    Just hearing the words hip dysplasia is enough to send shivers down the spines of owners of large to giant breeds of dog, including those who own German Shepherds.

    Unfortunately, this hereditary condition can dramatically impact the quality of a dogs life, especially as it can be quite hard to prevent.

    However, even though there is little an owner can do to totally prevent hip dysplasia from setting in, there are a variety of ways that owners can make sure that their dogs quality of life is maintained, and that their comfort levels are optimal.

    To break it down, hip dysplasia is a very common skeletal condition that can occur in a variety of dog breeds, although it is most commonly found in large to giant breeds of dogs.

    Hip dysplasia can occur in smaller breeds of dogs, although these cases are very rare.

    Continuing on, in healthy dogs, the hip joint is able to function as a ball and socket, with the two separate components working seamlessly together.

    However, in dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia, the ball and socket are unable to fit correctly side by side, which means that instead of maintaining space between them, the ball and socket rub and grind each other down, which will ultimately result in gradual deterioration.

    Additionally, many puppies are often fed food that is specially formulated for large breed puppies, which helps to prevent them from growing too much and potentially causing skeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia to form.

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    Is Bully Max Good For German Shepherds

    When it comes to feeding your German shepherd, you can trust Bully Max to provide the high-quality ingredients that large breed dogs need to meet their nutritional needs and grow healthy and strong. Our USA-made food offers high protein content and vet-trusted formulas designed for dogs just like yours.

    German shepherds are one of the most popular large breed dogs in the world, and for good reason. They are energetic, loyal, and make great family companions. However, like all dogs, German shepherds require a balanced diet to stay healthy and ensure they grow into strong, healthy dogs.

    At Bully Max, we understand that feeding a large breed dog can be challenging. Thats why we offer a variety of high-quality, USA-made foods to meet the nutritional needs of your German shepherd. Our food is made with high-protein content and is tailored to meet the specific needs of large breed dogs.

    Bully Max food is also trusted by veterinarians and dog owners alike. Our products are made with quality ingredients and are free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

    If youre looking for a high-quality food that satisfies the nutritional needs of your German shepherd, look no further than Bully Max. We offer foods designed specifically for large breed dogs, and we know that your dog will love the delicious taste. Give us a call today to order your dogs favorite Bully Max food!

    Your Dogs Body Weight

    Unfortunately, many older dogs are overweight, which predisposes them to osteoarthritis and inflammation in their bodies. Therefore, weight loss is the first step in providing natural pain relief, especially when your dogs joints have osteoarthritis or joint pain.

    Knowing your dogs ideal body weight and how to body condition score your dog will help you get them to an ideal weight if they are overweight. This is important because studies have shown that excess fat on your dog increases the pressure on your dogs joints and can lead to excess inflammation in their body.

    Reducing excess weight has natural anti-inflammatory properties for your dog and can be done by increasing exercise, adding real food like steamed broccoli and leafy greens to your dogs food, and reducing excess treats.

    One of the treats that can be beneficial for your dogs health and provides extra nutrients in a natural way is Wholesome Pride Pumpkin Slices. These single-ingredient natural treats help keep your dog full, help with weight loss, and aid in improving your overall dog health and wellness.

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    Can You Give A Dog Aspirin

    Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, known for decreasing swelling and the irritations associated with it. For humans, aspirin eases the pain of headaches, swollen joints, and fevers.

    Theres a lot of conflicting information out there about giving your dog aspirin.

    The bottom line is this:

    Its okay to give your dog aspirin for short-term pain relief, provided youve okayed it with a veterinarian first.

    Long-term use can cause serious side-effects, including internal bleeding. Coated baby aspirin will be easier on your dogs stomach, and you should always give aspirin to your dog with food.

    Dosage: The recommended aspirin dosage for dogs is 5 mg/lb given by mouth twice daily.

    Is Raw Food Good For German Shepherd

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    My wife and I are huge advocates for the holistic approach to dog food.We believe that feeding our dog a diet that is as close to their natural diet as possible is the best way to ensure their long-term health and happiness.

    In nature, dogs are a carnivorous species and are designed to eat raw meat. Feeding a dog a diet that is mostly raw meat is the best way to mimic their natural diet and help them reach their full potential as a working dog.

    Feeding a dog a diet that is mostly raw meat is an optimal way to provide them with the nutrients they need and to align with their natural diet. Feeding a dog a raw diet will help to improve their overall health and well-being.

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    Cbd May Increase Appetite And Reduces Nausea In Senior German Shepherds

    Food and nutrients are essential for a healthy aging dog, and a good diet is especially important when that dog is battling a serious illness. They need food to give their body the strength to fight back, but many health conditions shut down appetite. When they cant eat, they become weak and are even more vulnerable to whatever kind of damage their illness is causing.

    CBD oil works to counter this effect by stimulating appetite.2 Whether its nausea or a general weariness thats keeping the dog from eating, CBD oil triggers the sensation of hunger. When the dog eats without feeling sick and vomiting the food back up, they absorb much-needed nutrients to help their body stay strong and healthy.

    How Will The Cause Of My Dogs Limping Be Diagnosed

    Your family veterinarian will begin with a thorough exam, which will include a gait evaluation to observe your dogs limping, palpation to localize the pain source, and range of motion manipulations to evaluate joint function. Once she has localized your dogs pain, X-rays will be taken to evaluate the bones, joints, and associated structures that may be involved. If more advanced imaging, such as a computed tomography scan, is required for diagnosis, your veterinarian may refer you to our diagnostic imaging department. VetMEDs emergency, diagnostic imaging, and surgery departments will work with your family veterinarian to diagnose and treat your dogs lameness so he is back on his feet again in no time.

    If you have questions about lameness when your family veterinarian is closed, or if you have been referred to VetMED for more advanced diagnostics or a surgical consult, contact us.

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    Can You Give A German Shepherd A Haircut

    In most cases, a German Shepherd will not need their hair cut Another reason a German Shepherd doesnt need a haircut is because their coat provides important protection. Since German Shepherds have a double-layer coat, shaving them to the skin removes both the outer-coat and undercoat.

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    Can Dogs Have Paracetamol

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    You should never give dogs paracetamol at home as it can be highly toxic if they are given the wrong amount. If your dog is in pain, take them to the vet and let them decide on the best treatment.

    There is a form of paracetamol for dogs which your vet may prescribe in some circumstances and you should always follow their instructions and never give more than the prescribed dose.

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    Natural Relief For Pain

    You can ease your German shepherdâs joint pain to a small extent by supplementing his diet. The two most important supplements for joint support are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. While these supplements wonât cure any damage caused by dysplasia, arthritis or injury, they will help your pupâs body repair damaged tissues in the joints. Natural anti-inflammatory supplements like omega-3s and vitamin E can help, too. If you decide to add a natural supplement to your poochâs diet, talk to a veterinarian or pet nutritionist first to get the right combination and dose of supplements.

    Clinical Signs And Diagnosis Of Hip Dysplasia

    Clinical signs of hip dysplasia begin at a young age and can be subtle. Sometimes the first indication is a bunny-hopping gaitwhich looks exactly like it sounds. In a young dog without arthritis, this may be the extent of symptoms.

    As dogs age, they can develop secondary arthritis, which causes pain and inflammation in the hips. Signs include:

    • difficulty or reluctance to rise
    • stiffness after lying in one position for a long time
    • loss of muscle mass in the rear limbs
    • shifting of weight to the front legs .

    In the image below, the plastic model of a dogs pelvis shows the difference between a normal hip and a dogs hip with dysplasia and arthritis.

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    German Shepherd Hip Problems

    Does your German Shepherd experience any of these hip problems?

    Watching your German Shepherd suffering from hip pain really breaks your heart! Especially when you dont know what to do for your dogs pain.

    Hip pain and German Shepherd hip problems can cause your once active, high-energy dog to suffer from:

    • reluctant to move very much
    • tired and listless

    Even the fittest and most athletic German Shepherd are vulnerable to the same sorts of injuries and accidents as people are. And, just like you, your dog also may experience the downfalls of an aging body that loses its tone and resilience.

    Helping Your Dog Through Pain

    Not only to keep them in â bumpyroadtobubba

    Its tough to see your fur-baby suffer. Regardless of where your dogs pain comes from, consult your veterinarian before giving them medication or beginning a physical therapy plan. Veterinary professionals are the best reference to guide you to the medication and supplements that will best help your dog in a given situation.

    As a reminder, though it may be instinctual to see what you have in that medicine cabinet, do not give your dog human pain killers. Only give your dog pet-specific NSAIDs prescribed by your vet. As long as you have a trusted veterinarian you can contact about your dogs health, you are on the right path to alleviating their pain and making them as comfortable as possible.

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