Surprising Facts About NSAIDs Pet Owners Should Know About

Sometimes our pets need medication because they’re sick, for example, they may be experiencing temporary digestive problems. Other times they may need medication for pain caused by injury or a chronic condition. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help with the last-mentioned situation.

Here are some surprising facts we think owners should know about NSAIDs for pets. 

FACT #1

Cats are often given NSAIDs before surgery to manage pain. That’s right, NSAIDs are not only prescribed for treating inflammation and pain in pets caused by health problems or injury.

The Insight Here: Don’t dismiss NSAIDs before discussing the benefits with your veterinarian.

FACT #2

In the past, certain brands were considered the standard choice when it came to offering relief for pets in pain, for example, dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). However, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to prescribing NSAIDs, or at least there shouldn’t be.

One study actually showed a lack of effectiveness of a certain product tested on dogs with chronic OA. Essentially the drug didn’t ease clinical signs of OA because it couldn’t metabolize effectively. 

The Insight Here: You have options. If one NSAID isn’t working for your dog, try another, with your veterinarian’s approval and guidance, of course.

FACT #3

Just because a lowest effective dose exists, doesn’t mean it’ll work. The issue here is concern about safety when it comes to long-term treatment. However, many veterinarians are starting to realize the regular label dose works well and typically doesn’t cause harm.

The Insight Here: Playing it safe isn’t necessarily helpful when it comes to NSAID use in pets.

FACT #4 

Some pet owners are worried about the safety of NSAIDs and safety profiles may be confusing. Fortunately, all NSAIDs need to pass the same safety standards in order to be approved by Health Canada, so the necessary measures have been taken to ensure the drugs are safe, yet still effective.

The Insight Here: Don’t dismiss one or the other NSAID before talking to your veterinarian. You can also look at findings in relevant recent studies.